By: Hannah Braly
About 250 people live in the small, remote village of Mashumarentza in Ecuador. A group of siblings from the village recently became orphaned: three girls and one boy.
Their mother was sick and bedridden for several years. After she passed, the father left, and other family members were left to take responsibility. The three girls now live with their grandfather, while an uncle agreed to care for the brother.
Mashumarentza is isolated due to the thick jungle terrain surrounding it, and many in the community are experiencing poverty. There is no healthcare, no clean water, and for many, no knowledge of the gospel.
Despite limited resources and the loss of their parents, all four children finished the school year and are now helping harvest food to sell for income.
Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) frequently flies into a nearby community about an hour’s walk from Mashumarentza. When the MAF team heard of the family’s situation, they felt called to come alongside them to show compassion and the hope of Jesus.
After collecting food to bring, a few members of the team made the flight to Mashumarentza.
The pilot, Danny Correa, said that they were welcomed warmly by the community.
“We brought food for everyone while we waited for the girls to arrive,” said Danny. “Once they got there, you could see the deep sadness in their eyes from losing their mother.”
After distributing supplies to the grandfather and uncle and praying over the children, the team headed home—but immediately began planning a return.
MAF’s chaplain in the program, Marcelo Mayak, said the team started collecting school supplies and other items to bring, but their priority is to help them learn about Jesus and develop a relationship with Him.
The next flight is planned for the end of September.
Please pray for the children, their family, and the team in Ecuador who are trying to show them the love of Christ.
