CLM Ecuador: Families carry out missions in the community of Aguas Verdes
A group of families in Ecuador carried out a mission day in the rural community of Aguas Verdes. The initiative, led by parents, children, and other members of the Christian Life Movement and guests, included construction work and evangelization activities to provide material and spiritual aid to this needy community.
Missionaries and locals after Holy Mass.
Planting a “seed of giving”
The idea arose when Pilar Gallegos de Cobo, inspired by the desire to show her children and their friends the importance of helping others, proposed organizing a mission. “I always thought that my children lived in a kind of bubble and needed to see other realities up close to appreciate more what they have,” she commented.
“Doing a mission and, especially, seeing that their family—their dad, their mom—are willing to help and give themselves to others, will give them humility and make them appreciate more what God has given us,” she added.
Although unable to attend in person, Pilar commented on the satisfaction of having planted a “seed” in her children and in the participating families: “It was an enriching experience that both adults and children enjoyed. I believe that this way we planted the seed of giving in all those who went.”
Regarding this, Kelly Mendoza, head of the MVC missions in Ecuador, explained: “Our mission is to serve the Church in the Movement of Christian Life and to create spaces for evangelizing encounters. Every opportunity we have to contribute to this, we will do so gladly. Additionally, there are many communities that need to be attended to both materially and spiritually.”
Missionary families.
A day of building and faith
The families collaborated to raise funds, which allowed them to build a bathroom in the community center of Aguas Verdes, a much-needed project for the community. Throughout the day, parents and children worked together to restore this space. In addition to the construction work, participants visited families in the community, prayed, and shared the Gospel, providing comfort and spiritual support.
A meaningful encounter for the community
One of the most emotional moments of the day was the celebration of Holy Mass, presided over by our brother, Fr. Luis Troya. For the Aguas Verdes community, which does not regularly have Mass, it was a deeply meaningful experience.
“They expressed great gratitude to the families for reaching out to them. They recognize that their community is very geographically isolated, and for them, the fact that we came not only to provide economic support but to be with them was very special,” shared Kelly.