Will you join me in helping a wonderful man who has dedicated his life to helping others?

BACKGROUND

Michael Armijos surrendered his life to God in his teenage years, but after college, he pursued secular work and found success in business. However, many years ago, he had something unexplainable tugging at him. Against the advice of his friends and father, but with his wife Jenny's support, he decided to stop pursuing the world's definition of success and begin serving his community and God.

He already had a gift for music—Michael plays violin, guitar, piano, drums, and other instruments—but he also found he was really good at teaching, preaching, counseling, and encouraging. After completing a seminary degree and serving for several years in various churches, Michael again felt a nudge from God to head in a direction that felt counterintuitive and risky.

A LEAP OF FAITH

There is a neighborhood in his city of Loja, Ecuador, that is home to many people who are profoundly struggling. It is called Colinas Lojanas, and it has been well acquainted with alcoholism, drug addiction, family abuse, poverty... brokenness. After spending many months ministering to the neighborhood in their doorways and at their kitchen tables, Michael decided Colinas Lojanas needed a permanent light. So, with the support of friends and his church, he rented a tiny house for $120 a month, put a sign out front, and invited the neighbors to come on Sunday mornings for a hug, a smile, a bite to eat, and some good news. Kellie and I learned about Michael's church and decided to join the effort two years ago. Since Michael’s arrival, the tide is turning against the many struggles of Colinas Lojanas’ residents.

The transition from a well-paying career to a job with no salary required an obvious leap of faith. Three years after planting that church, the congregants are now able to muster enough in the offering plate for Michael to receive a $250 monthly stipend and to pay the church's rent. He does his best to balance the family books by teaching English classes online—he is self-taught and fluent—and repairing small electronic devices.

Many months ago, members of a church in Scotland heard about Michael through a missionary serving in Loja. They were so taken by Michael’s story and dedication that they bought him a motorcycle to get around town. It wasn't ideal transportation for his family of five, but it was quite helpful for his ministry work.

THE ACCIDENT

Several months ago, he and his wife were on the bike on a Sunday evening after visiting a family for a counseling session. Sitting at a stoplight, they were rear-ended by a severely drunk off-duty cop. Michael and Jenny were badly injured, and he was unable to work for nearly three months. Not surprisingly, they had no chance of holding the cop accountable. Michael is now completely healed, but Jenny is dealing with a lot of chronic pain.

WHY A CAR IS SO NEEDED

Which brings us to the purpose of this funding campaign. Michael really needs a car. His kids are 18, 15, and 12 years old, and one has special needs. Cramming five people into four taxi seats doesn't work well, the buses don't run to many of the places he goes, and the thought of owning another motorcycle isn't a desirable proposition.

With our collective help, Michael would be able to purchase a used, reliable car for about $7000. He has already saved $2500. Kellie and I will also get the fundraising started by directly contributing the first $250, to avoid fees. Thus, our fundraising goal is $4,250 ($7,000-2500-250).

With some wheels, Mike will be able to conduct his community service and ministry work without incurring taxi costs. He will be able to drive people in need to appointments, give rides to the many young people he is mentoring, and go places with his family.

Whether you see it as good karma or the power of God working in the world, this hand up to Michael Armijos will enable your gift to be paid forward hundreds of times over. Even if you can only give $5 or $10, the gift would be so much more than that because of the encouragement it would bring to someone who is striving to do right in the world.

Thank you for your kind consideration of this request. I will ensure the funds are spent prudently and will provide updates throughout the effort.