{"id":29317,"date":"2025-11-18T14:22:04","date_gmt":"2025-11-18T12:22:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/clone\/?p=29317"},"modified":"2025-11-18T16:59:31","modified_gmt":"2025-11-18T14:59:31","slug":"the-hopeww-ecuador-worthy-bathroom-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/the-hopeww-ecuador-worthy-bathroom-program\/","title":{"rendered":"The HOPEww Ecuador Worthy Bathroom Program"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Imagine living in a cold, rainy, mountainous region near the equator, with very limited income, and a bathroom that’s an outdoor hole surrounded by a tarp. Each day is a struggle to maintain dignity and privacy, particularly for women living in such conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In August 2024, 15 volunteers from the JAX Church<\/a> in Jacksonville, FL, serving in partnership with HOPE worldwide<\/em> Ecuador<\/a>, along with brothers and sisters from the Orlando<\/a> and Broward<\/a> (South Florida) churches, participated in the HOPE worldwide<\/em> Ecuador Worthy Bathroom Program. The team served in the mountainous region of Cuyuacu, located three hours south of Quito and one hour south of Ambato. During the trip, they completed several bathrooms and spent time with the indigenous families of the community. Earlier that summer, a HOPEww Volunteer Corps <\/a>team served many families and children by constructing a greenhouse to help grow food.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Volunteers served in a difficult climate and at high altitude alongside the local community to construct bathrooms that connect directly to the homes. Trenches were dug by hand, concrete was sifted by hand, block walls were built and painted, roofs and doors were added, and plumbing was connected to a septic system away from the home. Each bathroom has lighting, a new toilet, sink, and shower. Hygiene instructions were posted on the wall, and volunteers taught safe handwashing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

HOPE worldwide<\/em> Ecuador, which is based in Quito, maintains a strong ongoing relationship with this community and models \u201cdoing with\u201d rather than \u201cdoing for.\u201d They also partner with a small group of disciples in nearby Ambato, a church planted in 2022. Disciples worshiped together in both Quito and Ambato, which has been very encouraging. Fellowship among disciples, worship, bus ride devotionals, shared meals, morning coffee runs, and a little tourism all help the volunteers grow spiritually and build strong relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2024, the HOPE worldwide<\/em> JAX chapter contributed $6,000 to help provide construction materials, scholarships, and supplies for volunteers from Quito and the United States. We also received $1,500 in employee volunteer assistance grants from Bank of America for the service of three of our volunteers who are Bank of America employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From August 8-18, 2025, another group of volunteers returned to construct additional bathrooms for families in the region. For that trip, the HOPE worldwide<\/em> JAX chapter helped raise funds to purchase construction materials, reaching a goal of $6,500 through an MLK Day Fun Run in January, volunteering at the GATE River Run, and through personal and corporate donations. This past fall, we received an additional $13,500 for construction materials, tools, and to provide scholarships to offset participation fees in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To date, 57 bathrooms have been completed, and the goal is to complete 80 or more. The cost to build one bathroom is about $350. Tax-deductible donations may be made to HOPE worldwide<\/em> Ecuador. We keep a separate fund for construction materials and have raised nearly $26,000 total for scholarship assistance and for purchasing construction materials locally, which also supports the Ecuadorian economy.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Consider joining us from July 31 \u2013 August 9, 2026. Full details will be available in December 2025. The application fee covers meals, housing, and transportation in-country. Volunteers are responsible for airfare and personal medical\/travel insurance. The total cost is approximately $2,000, and scholarship assistance is available. If you cannot travel but want to support the work, you can make a tax-deductible donation to HOPE worldwide<\/em> Ecuador. We are also looking for medical professionals to serve the community during our time there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Participant Reflections<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Keith Davis, minister at the JAX church, shared that this experience \u201cis a crash course in empathy. When you leave, your hearts are always full because of the seeds you have exchanged in each other\u2019s hearts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HOPE worldwide <\/em>Ecuador country director Edwin said, \u201cFor all the team, for me it has been an experience to be able to share so much with each one. Seeing your love for God and your compassion has helped me understand what Jesus\u2019 example is like. I aspire to achieve that. Thank you for everything you have done for the community to meet their needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another volunteer said \u201cIt is not just about building bathrooms. It is about building relationships, not only with the Cuyuacu community, but also growing spiritually with our brothers and sisters.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In John 13:4\u20135, Jesus teaches us the lesson of the towel when he washed his disciples\u2019 feet. When we serve others in this way, we become more like him and our hearts are purified. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For questions and more information, email Jim Mackie, jdmackie@comcast.net<\/a>. If you cannot go but would like to support this effort, you can make a tax-deductible donation to HOPE worldwide<\/em> Ecuador.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Volunteers from Florida have created an ongoing partnership with HOPEww Ecuador to build bathrooms in Cuyuacu, a cold, mountainous region…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":29318,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ghostkit_customizer_options":"","ghostkit_custom_css":"","ghostkit_custom_js_head":"","ghostkit_custom_js_foot":"","ghostkit_typography":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[71],"tags":[62,55],"post_folder":[151],"class_list":["post-29317","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-hopeww","tag-south-america"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Group-Eucador.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1","author_info":{"display_name":"Vida Li Sik","author_link":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/author\/vlsik\/"},"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/phsvEw-7CR","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1542,"url":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/hope-benevolence-service-team-report-march-2017\/","url_meta":{"origin":29317,"position":0},"title":"HOPEww Benevolence Service Team Report March 2017","author":"Sunday Awolowo","date":"March 31, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"The Benevolence committee has recently been reformed and restarted working closely with the HOPEww leadership and HOPEww disaster relief team.","rel":"","context":"In "Leadership"","block_context":{"text":"Leadership","link":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/category\/leadership\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Sri_Lanka_two_brothers_with_kids.jpg?fit=960%2C540&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Sri_Lanka_two_brothers_with_kids.jpg?fit=960%2C540&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Sri_Lanka_two_brothers_with_kids.jpg?fit=960%2C540&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Sri_Lanka_two_brothers_with_kids.jpg?fit=960%2C540&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":860,"url":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/february-2016-hopeww-and-benevolence-service-team-report\/","url_meta":{"origin":29317,"position":1},"title":"February 2016 HOPEww and Benevolence Service Team Report","author":"Sunday Awolowo","date":"March 2, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"The Service Team continues to thank God, the churches and all the saints for the spiritual growth that has taken place in our ministry to the poor. We are inspired by the tireless efforts put forth by each disciple on behalf of those in need. Of special note was the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/machu-picchu-group-2-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C862&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/machu-picchu-group-2-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C862&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/machu-picchu-group-2-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C862&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/machu-picchu-group-2-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C862&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/machu-picchu-group-2-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C862&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":30157,"url":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/envolve-icoc-cares-with-hopeww\/","url_meta":{"origin":29317,"position":2},"title":"Envolve ICOC Cares With HOPEww","author":"Vida Li Sik","date":"April 15, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Envolve ICOC Cares shows faith through action, partnering with HOPEww Philippines to serve 188 children in Payatas and Baseco communities.","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HOPE-story-from-PHilippines.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HOPE-story-from-PHilippines.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HOPE-story-from-PHilippines.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HOPE-story-from-PHilippines.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/HOPE-story-from-PHilippines.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4152,"url":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/robert-carrillo-steps-down-as-hope-worldwide-ceo\/","url_meta":{"origin":29317,"position":3},"title":"Robert Carrillo Steps Down as HOPE worldwide CEO","author":"dtadmin","date":"August 15, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"After several months of consideration, many prayers, advice and fasting, I have come to the conclusion that it is time for me to resign my post with HOPE worldwide. I am excited to return to my passion of preaching Jesus and the gospel as well as finishing my doctorate.","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/ScreenShot2019-08-15at2.55.53PM.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/ScreenShot2019-08-15at2.55.53PM.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/ScreenShot2019-08-15at2.55.53PM.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/ScreenShot2019-08-15at2.55.53PM.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":25416,"url":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/urgent-l-a-fires-update-volunteers-needed-in-pasadena\/","url_meta":{"origin":29317,"position":4},"title":"Urgent L.A. 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Here's an update on how our churches are doing and how HOPEww is responding.","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Typhoon-Rolly28129.png?fit=821%2C462&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Typhoon-Rolly28129.png?fit=821%2C462&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Typhoon-Rolly28129.png?fit=821%2C462&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Typhoon-Rolly28129.png?fit=821%2C462&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Group-Eucador.jpg?fit=640%2C480&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29317","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29317"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29317\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29333,"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29317\/revisions\/29333"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29318"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29317"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29317"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29317"},{"taxonomy":"post_folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_folder?post=29317"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}