An opportunity to give of yourself to those who have so little will be yours as part of this year’s Ministry Team serving in Ecuador. Leaving on Saturday morning February 16, 2008 and returning the following Sunday evening February 24, 2008, the nine days are packed full of memorable experiences. It all begins with our flights from Milwaukee to Quito, Ecuador that will take us over the Panama Canal on our way to our destination. Arriving on Quito, 9200 feet high in the Andes Mountains, we will be taken to our home away from home, the HCJB Guest House.

Our projects will be two fold – Camp Hope and the Alliance Youth Camp. Camp Hope is a facility that cares for very poor and needy children some of which have special needs. We will be assisting and helping as needed which may include painting, gardening, construction, cleaning, or hands on activities with the children. This outstanding program is led by committed, Christian Ecuadorians who love and care for God’s "little ones" who have been discarded, left to fend for themselves, or forgotten.

The Alliance Youth Camp is located about an hour outside of Quito almost directly on the Equator. This camp is in the developing stages as a place to get children outside of the city environment. We may be asked to build, paint, clean, etc. What we do will be directed by Don Schuler (an Alliance Academy employee originally from Elkhart Lake).

Whether young or old, vibrant child with sparkling eyes or a granny stooped with age and blind, you will understand, see and hear the joy we bring to those for whom Christ died. In both cases we are supporting and assisting missionaries and Christian workers in that country who are there to serve. Whatever we do (paint, construction materials, etc.), we pay for. We are not a burden in anyway to those with whom we work.

Since 1993, Campus Life has had 17 Mission Trips to Ecuador with 259 team members, both teens and adults. Missions or organizations which we have helped include Gospel Missionary Union, H.C.J.B., Missionary Aviation Fellowship, Camp Hope, the Old Folks Home, and others. Medical and dental supplies, educational materials, and items needed by Missionaries are taken on each trip. This happens as one 50# suitcase (of the 2 that are permitted by the airline) is reserved for Campus Life to fill with donations. Tens of thousands of dollars of needed supplies have been taken in this manner since ’93.

In addition to the work and blessing in serving, we will hear firsthand from missionaries as they share their heart and ministry. We also will have opportunity to tour the Alliance Academy, Hospital Vozandes – Quito and the HCJB South American Headquarters, all within walking distance of the Guest House. Another short educational side trip will be a visit to Mitad del Mundo (the Middle of the World) also known as the Equator.

The final day of our stay will take us by bus to Otavalo. There you can barter in a huge open air market for gifts and souvenirs such as alpaca rugs, wool sweaters and blankets, leather goods, jewelry, dolls and much more. The trip will be led by Dave Justice who has led each previous trip.

The total cost for the trip is $1,445 which includes $100 for work supplies. This includes all lodging, transportation, meals (while in Ecuador), airport security taxes, and the Quito Airport exit tax. Your only additional cost would be your passport, spending money, and shots (tetanus and Hepatitis A) However, the cost could change depending on prevailing air fares although a change isn’t

expected.

Fund can be raised through your family, friends and Church in addition to your own savings. In order to obtain a tax deduction for your contribution, checks (personal or cashier’s) or money orders should be made payable to Campus Life. Checks made payable to team members are not tax deductible. Because of IRS rules, all funds donated to Campus Life are non-refundable and non-transferable. In the event a person cancels from the trip or raises contribution in excess of expenses for his/her trip, the funds will be used for the Ecuador Missions project.

Applications must be filled out and returned to the Campus Life Family Center with a refundable $100 fee by Friday, September 7. Notification of those chosen for the Missions Trip will follow. For those going, the balance of $1,345 will be needed as stated. Three informational meetings which are mandatory will be held for all participants to help prepare for this trip of a lifetime!

Campus Life is sponsoring this Mission Trip to give teens and adults a glimpse of what it is like serving Christ in a foreign culture. In addition to the educational benefits, it fills a void for those wanting to go a Missions Trip but are not able to give an extended time to do it. Any questions should be directed to Jim Green at the Campus Life Family Center (457-2381) or at home (564-3309).

September 7 Deadline of Application & $100 refundable registration fee.

September 14 Groups chosen to participate in the Missions Trip 2008. Apply for Passport is you don’t already have one. I could take about 4-5 weeks.

October 20 $745 due

December 2 final $600.00 needed