“It is hard to escape the conclusion that today, one of the greatest roadblocks to the gospel of Jesus Christ is the institutional church. The student protester who held up a placard “Jesus Yes! Christianity No!” was expressing a sentiment widely felt: The institutional church too often represents something radicallyRead More →
Reentry Into Familiar Territory As I was preparing to move to Ecuador to serve as a missionary more than five years ago, I wrote blogs like “Leap of Faith”, “Preparing to Launch” and “Taking Flight”. In early July, I moved back to the U.S., so this blog post will reflectRead More →
News from David Batcheller – June 2025 Greetings again from Ecuador. I hope this letter finds you and your family are doing well. I’m overdue in sending out an update, so here goes. Over the past year, my involvement with the Arco church here in Machala has decreased asRead More →
Merry Christmas from Ecuador! Update from David Batcheller – Dec. 2024 Greetings from Ecuador to all my family and friends. It’s the time of year when many of us reflect upon the good times we have had together and look forward to a new year of fresh possibilities. It hasRead More →
To all my dear friends and family, I wanted to give you another update on how I am doing here in Ecuador. I have tried to keep in touch by writing blogs, sending a newsletter earlier this year, and posting on social media. I really appreciate all of yourRead More →
Hello again from “Bananaland,” My adventure in Ecuador continues and in the process, I am getting a real education in cross-cultural ministry. At times it is difficult to not only speak or understand the language but also to comprehend the reasons for customs and traditions. Let me give you aRead More →
Today I would like to tell you a story. It’s a true story about a young man whose life was completely and radically transformed exactly fifty years ago. It is a heart-warming story of hope for anyone who may be struggling to find true meaning and purpose in life, orRead More →
Now that the dust is apparently settling from the most contentious presidential election in our lifetimes, I have been reflecting on my past political involvement and the new course I have chosen for my life. In reality, this is not really a new course, but one that I felt calledRead More →