TrueNorth Church, thank you for your patience as progress on the church plant in Ecuador has been delayed. The church plant, Iglesia del Nazareno Taisha, is located in a remote jungle community, which has added some complications, in addition to the pandemic. We will send an updated reporting schedule as soon as firm details are available.
Construction Status
Some processes with local authorities took longer than expected and legal permissions were delayed. Construction was not permitted during the pandemic. Currently, there are strict local regulations regarding construction. The church hopes to resume work within the next month and complete construction by July of 2021.
The COVID-19 Crisis in Ecuador
Ecuador has confirmed 153,000 positive cases of COVID-19 and more than 12,390 related deaths, with the epicenter of the virus in Quito. As of October 22, eight months after the onset, the rate of new infections is decreasing. The country’s commerce, industry, tourism, transport and health sectors have been badly affected by the economic slowdown, and experts believe a surge in lost jobs will push many families into extreme poverty. Indigenous groups in Ecuador have been hit hard by the virus; many who live in remote areas have little access to testing or hospitals. Masks and social distancing are encouraged. Testing remains extremely limited, however, and death tolls indicate that the number of positive cases is higher than reported.
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- Caregivers wait in line at a Compassion center in Ecuador to receive food and hygiene supplies.
Compassion Ecuador’s Response to the Pandemic
All Compassion frontline church partners and Compassion centers are closed to group activities. Church staff members continue to provide emotional and spiritual support by making regular phone calls to families. The Compassion Ecuador national office has helped to provide more than 2,500 pastors and more than 2,200 partner church staff with counseling and emotional care. Center workers have been able to deliver 372,586 food packs and 96,123 hygiene kits and have provided medical support to 14,746 individuals since the pandemic began, including helping families access telehealth services. Some partner churches have been able to hold online worship services, prayer meetings and training in child protection.
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- Thiago attends a Compassion center in Ecuador. His teacher delivered food to Thiago’s family.
COVID-19 has caused a rapid increase in unemployment rates throughout Ecuador. Compassion’s church partners know that thousands of people have lost their jobs. In response, Compassion is distributing food to thousands of children and their families. Thiago (shown above) is registered with Compassion in Ecuador. Thiago shares, “Because of the virus, my dad lost his job and we didn’t have money to buy food. My church teacher came to my house and left us a lot of food.”
TrueNorth Church, your support makes it possible for families in remote communities, like Taisha, to receive holistic care. Thank you for partnering with Compassion International.
