Serving the Lord in Ecuador

Doug was born and raised in Gibson City, Illinois. After completing a master’s degree in technology education, Doug married Cindy and began a career in engineering for a major powerboat company in Florida. In 1990, he began to feel that something was missing from his life. One evening while home alone and watching the movie “Jesus of Nazareth,” he gave his heart and life to Christ. His Christian boss introduced him to short-term missions, and after his first (of several) trips to Guatemala, he felt called to serve in full-time missions.

Cindy became a Christian when she was 17, but due to a lack of discipleship and nurturing, she did not grow, and gradually, she fell away from the Lord. She majored in elementary education and met Doug in college. She was slowly beginning her journey back to God and seeking spiritual growth when Doug accepted Christ. This began a new chapter in their lives as they jointly began to serve the Lord in various capacities within the churches they attended. During a missions conference in 2004, Cindy answered God’s call on her life to serve Him in full-time missions.

Serving in their local church helped to provide them with a deeply-rooted passion for missions. They were involved in mission conferences, supporting missionaries, leading and participating in short-term mission trips and developing a mission program for kids K-5.

OMS International accepted Doug and Cindy as missionary candidates to Ecuador in November 2004. In March of 2005, they traveled to Ecuador, serving on a short-term prayer trip. It was during this trip that the Lord confirmed their call to Ecuador. They saw firsthand the hopelessness and needs among the people within the areas they visited. They consider themselves blessed to have the privilege of serving the Lord in Ecuador, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Together, they have grown and have had God’s calling on their lives confirmed. They, along with their two sons, David (15) and Jonathan (12), live in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, with 2.5 million people. Cindy teaches first grade at the Alliance Academy, an international Christian school. Doug serves as a district liaison to 14 national churches located within the central zone of Ecuador, supporting and encouraging their pastors and congregations.

Missionary #802314