Children's Ministry Transforms Community in Ecuador

Those who know Keren Chuiza know that she has a passion for children's discipleship that is contagious. Her influence ignited the passion in others for the ministry to children in Cuenca, Ecuador.

The Start

The journey started in 2013, when Keren Chuiza felt the Lord call her to disciple others. She learned about a group of children who wanted to attend church but couldn't because the location of the church was too far away from the community. The answer to the dilemma came from a friend who challenged her to go where the kids lived and minister to them on the street. “Discipleship is not limited by a structure,” the friend said. “It can happen anywhere.”

The discipleship ministry started with one 8-year-old boy who invited six of his friends. The first meeting was so successful that the six kids from the first meeting invited their friends to the second meeting. The result was a gathering of 15 kids learning about God’s love and hope for their lives. And it continued to grow.

Challenging Others

Chuiza, who is now the district NDI coordinator, launched a challenge in 2019 to the whole district. She called for the district to be more intentional in reaching out to children. Many stepped up, including Jessenia Albán.

As a result, Jessenia, with the help of others, began the work in La feria libre, which is one of the largest marketplaces in Cuenca. Most of the children in that area are immigrants from Venezuela and many of the children have to work selling goods in the marketplace to help their families generate income.

The first discipleship event took place in February 2019 with 11 kids in attendance. Afterwards the church leaders approached the neighborhood president and asked if they could gather in a community open space to play games and share the gospel with the kids. Permission given, the group continued to grow even more.

Creative Adjustments

Chuiza appreciates the work of many volunteers like Albán who are carrying out the discipleship ministry among the children, especially to those children living in impoverished areas.

One of the continuing challenges churches face in Cuenca is the high price of real estate. However, that hasn’t stopped Chuiza and her volunteers. Her team has opted to use tents in open spaces to carry out their activities, rain or shine.

From Generation to Generation

Over the years, many children have been impacted by the discipleship efforts of Chuiza and Albán. One of those kids was Mariana*, age 15.

When Albán asked Mariana why she had come to the children’s activity, she said she heard some music and saw many children, which sparked her curiosity. That day, Mariana received an evangelistic pamphlet, which she took home.

She and her cousin have returned every week since. As a result, Mariana and her whole family received Christ and are growing in their faith.

Not long after, Albán was praying for the Lord to provide someone to help her set up for the kids’ activities. Also, Mariana came and asked if she could be a volunteer. Shen now helps prepare for the children’s event every week. God is continuing to bless by raising up the next generation to present the good news of the gospel to their friends. God is so faithful when we are willing to serve others by serving Him. 

*Name changed for privacy