Iglesia Evangélica Metodista Unida del Ecuador

This week, our prayer journey takes us to the “middle of the world” as we highlight the Iglesia Evangélica Metodista Unida del Ecuador (IEMUE).

The Methodist presence in Ecuador is a story of perseverance and transformation. Founded in 1964 through the work of missionaries from the United States, the church has grown into a vibrant, autonomous body. Today, under the leadership of Bishop Silvio Cevallos, the IEMUE consists of approximately 1,500 members across 20 congregations, with its heart beating strongest in cities like Quito, Guayaquil, and the rural highland communities.

The IEMUE partners with other Methodist bodies such as the Free Methodist Church and focuses much of its work on education and rural mission work. They don’t just preach the Gospel; they live it out through an Integral Mission that focuses on the most vulnerable. Key pillars of their work include:

• Community Education: Providing resources and support for children in marginalized areas.
• Health and Nutrition: Leading projects that address child malnutrition and provide medical aid in rural Andean villages.
• Empowerment: Training lay leaders to be agents of change in their local neighborhoods.

In Ecuador, the Methodist Church is a “small but mighty” voice, advocating for the rights of indigenous people and working tirelessly to bring the “warmed heart” of Jesus to every corner of the nation. WME was honored to be able to hold an evangelism seminar at the Nazarene Theological Seminary in Quito, Ecuador in 2023 in partnership with the IEMUE and the Church of the Nazarene.

A Prayer for Ecuador

Gracious God, we thank You for the faithful witness of our brothers and sisters in Ecuador. We praise You for their commitment to the poor and their passion for Your Word. Bless their 20 congregations; may they be lighthouses of Your grace. Strengthen their hands for the work of mercy and open doors for the message of Your love to reach every heart. Bless Bishop Silvio Cevallos with wisdom and joy as he leads the church into a new season of growth. Be with the pastors and lay leaders serving in the highland communities, often navigating challenging terrain and limited resources —and may Your presence be felt in every family and every corner of Ecuador. Amen.