Traffic Accident in Ecuador Leaves 2 Christian Television Staff Dead

May 18, 2012

Traffic Accident in Ecuador Leaves 2 Christian Television Staff Dead

May 18, 2012

(May 18, 2012 - by Ralph Kurtenbach) Two staff members from a Christian television network died and a third was injured in a two-vehicle accident on Thursday, May 17, west of the city of Cuenca, Ecuador.

Their vehicle, a Vitara, collided with a Hino truck at a curve in the highway between the Andean highlands city of Cuenca and the port city of Guayaquil. Following the crash, sometime between 4 and 6 p.m., cameraman Pedro Jara Ávila, 24, died in an ambulance en route to a hospital at Naranjal, and television program host Fabiola Ampuero Hunter, 32, died at the hospital.

The newspaper Hoy cited police reports as saying that the driver of the car was Johannes Herrera, 34, who is hospitalized in critical condition in Cuenca. The truck driver, José Reyes, initially fled the scene but reported to police later, according to the newspaper. "The sector where the accident occurred is San José de Guarumales, an area characterized by permanent fog," reported the Guayaquil newspaper El Universo.

Fabiola Ampuero in the studio.

Co-workers at the television station confirmed the deaths via their Twitter accounts, and the station temporarily suspended programming Thursday evening to mourn the loss. A black ribbon appears on the station's website to announce the deaths of Ampuero and Jara, accompanied by the phrase, "Our prayers are that God might fill the families with peace and hope."

Ampuero, who had an 11-year-old daughter, hosted the En Familia (In Family) program on Televisión Unsión (anointed television) in Cuenca. Interviewed by El Tiempo in November 2011, she said that "Unsión allows the balance between family and work. I've worked eight years on En Familia doing interviews. I also serve as a master of ceremonies, and I participated in an episode of the soap opera Fanatikda."

Cameraman Pedro Jara

She had emceed an event in Guayaquil and had plans to travel with Jara to Cuenca by plane, but they missed their flight. Instead, they were returning to Cuenca with Herrera, said to be Ampuero's boyfriend, when the accident occurred.

Unsión had leased the offices, studios and satellite space segment at HCJB Global's television production ministry, Televozandes, in Quito for several years before moving to Cuenca. Facing challenges several years ago when fire destroyed the studio and editing suites, the network continued broadcasting family-oriented and Christian programming despite the adversities.

A year ago Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa used Unsión's facilities to deliver his weekly national radio address. Despite his high-profile tangles with many of Ecuador's private media, Correa praised Unsión as "a television station of values, ethics and transparency. Other stations should follow the example of Unsión." Station Manager Bill McDonald presented Correa and his wife with New Testaments.

Ampuero (front left) at last year's
anniversary celebration of Televisión
Unsión in Quito.

"Fabiola won the heart of Unsión and of Cuenca," said Eduardo González, the television channel's executive president. She began as a reporter on En Familia but soon was asked to join in as one of four regular hosts on the morning show. McDonald, also a pastor and president of the Unsión Foundation, characterized Ampuero as "a person of faith, the joy of the channel, very funny and committed to people."

In the late 2011 newspaper interview by El Tiempo, Ampuero was asked what advice she would offer people. "My best advice would be to cling to God," the young television program host responded. "He will never fail. People are passing, but He is always there."

Sources: HCJB Global, Unsión, El Tiempo. El Universo, Hoy
Photo credit: El Comercio (used by permission)

Director of Church & Donor Partnerships

Position Summary: The Director of Church & Donor Partnerships strengthens Reach Beyond’s ministry by cultivating purposeful, trust-based relationships with churches, pastors, donors, and mission-minded individuals. Serving as a storyteller, encourager, and connector, this role invites the Body of Christ to join in God’s mission to reach those with little or no access to the Gospel.

Working closely with the Mobilization and Development teams, this person helps raise up new workers, strengthen church partnerships, and resource strategic ministry initiatives—always with a posture of discernment, prayer, and long-term stewardship.

Location: Colorado Springs or remote

Employment Type: Full time with employer-paid benefits, including medical coverage, retirement plan, and paid time off.

What This Role Does (Core Responsibilities)

1. Church Partnership Development

This role serves as a relational bridge between Reach Beyond, churches, and missionaries.

The Director:

Maintains strong relationships with existing partner churches and develops 2–4 new church partnerships annually
Shares the vision of Reach Beyond, helping churches understand and engage with the needs of the unreached
Equips churches with resources that support missionaries and foster long-term, healthy partnerships
Collaborates closely with missionaries as they engage their sending and supporting churches

2. Donor Ministry & Stewardship

This role views donor relationships as ministry and discipleship, not transactions.

The Director:

Manages relationships with approximately 12 key donor accounts
Walks alongside donors with discernment—guiding them through education, cultivation, solicitation, and appreciation
Communicates clearly about ministry priorities, impact opportunities, and project funding goals
Maintains accurate, timely records in the donor management system to ensure thoughtful follow-up and accountability

3. Representation & Engagement

This role serves as a public voice and relational presence for Reach Beyond.

The Director:

Represents Reach Beyond at 3–5 regional or national events annually, with intentional follow-up for every connection
Communicates the story of God’s work in Reach Beyond through stage presentations, small groups, and media opportunities
Participates fully in staff meetings, chapels, retreats, and organizational prayer rhythms

4. Reporting, Collaboration & Administration

This role balances relational ministry with faithful stewardship and teamwork.

The Director:

Provides quarterly written reports tracking progress toward mobilization and development goals
Works closely with the Mobilization and Development Directors to align efforts and communicate organizational priorities
Upholds organizational policies and maintains healthy, proactive communication across teams

You must be authorized to work in the United States.

We participate in the federal E-Verify program. See more information at:

https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-right-to-work.pdf
https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-participation.pdf

Why Join Reach Beyond? At Reach Beyond, we cultivate a culture rooted in relationship, collaboration, and dependence on God. Our mission is to see unreached people transformed in Christ through media, healthcare, and community development. As the Director of Church & Donor Partnerships, you’ll play a vital role in advancing God's mission and have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally while making a lasting global impact.

All applicants must be able to sign the Reach Beyond Statement of Faith.

Apply Now: Join us in fulfilling God’s calling to bring hope and transformation to the unreached. Complete the application here. Contact [email protected] if you have questions.