Stories
Scroll below to read inspiring stories about people like you who are fulfilling their purpose by empowering the poor. Subscribe to our ER Newsletter, via the link in our footer.
The Ripple Effect of an Abundant Life
Once, Jaque could barely take care of herself as a recycler in the Quito Dump. After the shocking death of her sister-in-law, she and her husband now are providing life-giving sanctuary for three young boys. What changed? Grab a drink and read her inspiring story to...
Another Ripple: Thanks to You, Theresa’s Life is Changed Forever
Theresa is a remarkable woman who lives in the deep south of South Africa. Originally from Zimbabwe, Theresa works as a nanny in Fish Hoek. As a single mom with two sets of twins ages 13 and 6, Theresa has spent many days stressing over how to support them. In 2018,...
Another Ripple: Thanks to You, Kilroy Found Joy in His Journey
Kilroy once had a bright future as a college student, but at age 20, his life took a downward turn when he fell into drugs. That same year, he became a father to two children. His battle with addiction led to the breakup of his relationship. Heartbroken, Kilroy sank...
Another Ripple: Thanks to You, Anita Is No Longer Alone
Recently, Jaque shared her uplifting story for our Make Your Ripple year-end fundraiser. Below, you’ll be by inspired Anita, also a member of the Quito Recycling Community. Four months ago, Anita Gaucho dragged herself to a workshop at the Quito Women’s Program. She...
Woodside Follows the Multi-colored Brick Road to San Carlos
Tim and Mallory O'Day were part of a 30-person short-term team from Michigan-based Woodside Bible Church that volunteered with ER in Ecuador last month. Below, they share their personal highlights. "While we both have served individually on mission trips to Ecuador,...
Lena: From Home Alone to Hopeful & Confident
Lena (privacy name) is seven, charismatic, sociable, and very curious to learn how things in her environment work. Her family emigrated two years ago to Quito from another province in Ecuador in search of job opportunities. Lena is an only child who has attended the...
Dream Centers Give New Life to Families
Maggie Shifts from Fighter to Student Leader When Maggie's (privacy name) joined the Cavite Dream Center, she was a typical kid from the streets of Metro Manila. She fought with the other kids and used foul language. After a few months, we saw a big change. She...
In His Image…Christmas Pictures Matter
By Dawn Carnill, Christmas Outreach Director It’s just a picture. A small, slightly blurry Polaroid picture. If you’re like me, you have hundreds, if not thousands of pictures of yourself in old photo albums or saved digitally. I even have a few of me on the day I was...
Compassion Helps Shy Kufara Boldly Pursue Her Dreams
“On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul.” – Psalm 138:3 (NASV) Do you remember the moment you conquered a fear? When you went from terrified and unsure to bold and confident? Maybe it was when you first joined a competitive...
Bridge Church Serves with Passion in South Africa
The Bridge Church of Miramar, FL continues to serve vulnerable people living in Ecuador and South Africa via short-term mission teams. This team poured into the kids at the Fish Hoek Dream Center by helping them with homework, doing crafts, and serving fun food. Carol...
Victor Experiences Dramatic Life Change
Victor (privacy name) came to the Fish Hoek Dream Center like most kids -- a bit broken. He had potential written all over him, but struggled in school and faced chaos at home. How would he find a path forward? Fortunately, Victor leaned into tutoring and mentoring....
Wayne and Chloe Join ER in South Africa
We have exciting news. We just welcomed two additions to our team in South Africa: Wayne Ferreira and Chloe de Bruin (scroll below to read more on Cloe). Wayne was born in South Africa and grew up in Mozambique from age seven, where his parents are missionaries. He...
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My Childhood Buddy Never Left Me
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. - Ecclesiastes 4:9 By Raymond Sumaya, iBIKE Director Ryan and I grew up in the same impoverished area of Metro Manila. We were best friends and playmates. I was seven years old and he was nine...
Dream With Us…
Together We Dream… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvpU0i_9uB0 What is your dream for improving our world? We’ve been thinking about this all year! Watch the video and be inspired. Dream with us as we fight to improve our world. Here are three dreams shared by our...
Grandmother’s Advocacy Rescues Aziza
Today we revisit the story of a student whose future once appeared hopeless. Because of some unfortunate circumstances, her mother could not care for Aziza, who was suffering poor emotional and physical health. Fortunately, Aziza's grandmother took her in and started...
Move Over, Coco, Ralph and Vera, You’ve Got Competition
Meet the Philippines' newest fashion designer...ER'S Anne Benavidez! Anne trained for nine long years to accomplish this designation. It required countless hours and many sleepless nights. As a wife, mom, leader in the church, and as the head of Golden Hands...
University Nurses Provide Health Screenings to Dream Center Kids
The people who volunteer to help at-risk families are awesome. We're thankful for such volunteers, like a team from the University of South Carolina (USC) that traveled to Fish Hoek, South Africa. The nursing students brought joy and excitement to the Dream Center....