Linaje Del Rey Church was established in 2010 as a non-denominational church, with the hope of reaching a broad group of people and calling them to a better way of life. The church is located in the city, Portoviejo in the Manabi province of Ecuador and currently has 100 – 120 members. Despite the church’s relatively modest size, Pastor Ruben, his wife and their congregation have started several ministries and outreach programs over the years.
The church body performs baptisms, provides assistance for families in need, and witnesses to the surrounding community. Linaje Del Rey is also a church rooted strongly in the traditions of fellowship and breaking bread. The church has lively worship services and has a strong focus on helping the community and especially children.
In 2016, Pastor Ruben and his church started holding an Awana program. Awana is an international youth focused Christian ministry, which teaches both adults and children to become life-long diciples of Jesus Christ. Awana programs often include Bible study, games, team exercises, crafts, music, and many other group activities to teach children and youths about Christ and how to live life with Him as their focal point. This is a program that Pastor Ruben’s church feels very strongly about and prays to continue in the upcoming years.
Linaje Del Rey Church also holds an annual Christmas & Hanukka party for both the children within the congregation and children in the community who are less fortunate. These parties include worship songs, food, and small gifts each child. Everyone in the church looks forward to these parties and the chance to spread a little extra holiday joy to many kids in need.
Pastor Ruben’s Vision Called “ABBA” (Father’s Love)
Pastor Ruben and his church seek to help the people in both their community and their church, who find themselves in poor economic situations. The main point of his vision is not to give these people the fish but instead to teach them how to fish so that they can maintain healthy economic lives and plan for their futures. Pastor Ruben’s hope is that his church will be able to receive monthly financial donations that can then be given as loans to people who are trying to start their own businesses and improve their economic situations. He believes that for these people to value the loans they are given, it is important that they pay part of the loan on a monthly basis. This would also allow the funds donated to continue circulating which will in turn help provide more financial aid to other members of the community as the need arises. The people receiving these loans will not pay any interest and will be able to make payments in comfortable installments.
This project is also to help people who do not have homes or comfortable places to sleep. Pastor Ruben would like to have sufficient funds available to his church so that they will be able to provide financial help when they find people struggling in such situations. In Los Arenales, a place on the beach, there is a very poor community where there are many people in need of help. Many do not have decent places to live and there are many sick children who even have sores on their skin because conditions are so harsh. Pastor Ruben says “This is the reason why God has put this project in my heart, not only to give momentary help to people, but also to continuously illustrate the permanent love of the Father.
