Philosophy of ministry
But what makes Quito Quest different from other short-term mission programs? The Quito Quest ministry has been guided by two foundational principles for more than 20 years: fruit and reciprocal partnership.
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As stated in John 15, we will be known as disciples of Jesus by the fruit that we bear. International short-term missions are incredible settings for anyone to be exposed to new cultures, people, and experiences that often bring out parts of our faith or character that we never knew were there. A short-term mission is truly successful when the experience forever changes participants, and that change produces fruit that looks different for everyone who comes through the program.
Reciprocal partnership is the opposite of mutual using. Mutual using is when someone only comes to check another country off their travel lists and feel good about helping a poor child in a third world country. This also happens when a site only receives a team so that they can get more resources, labor, and donations without wanting to invest in relationships. At Quito Quest, we always say, "people over projects." The partnership between an arriving team and a receiving site should be a reciprocal giving and receiving where the relationship is always prioritized over the projects being done.
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Through orientations, devotionals, and daily debriefs, we will intentionally walk with each and every team member and intern to ensure that they experience the blessings of reciprocal partnership and discover the fruit that they will bear, "fruit that will last." (John 15:16)
