Patricio and Andrea Leon Moeller

We live at the edge of the high jungle near Macas, Ecuador. We work in numerous small villages surrounding the city and further into the jungle among the Shuar, Achuar, and Quichua people. Most of our work is among the Shuar, who were known as “Jivaros” or “savage” because of their vicious cycle of revenge killings and their custom of shrinking their enemies’ heads.

Although most of this is in the past, they fear demons in the form of wild animals, turn to witch doctors for healing, and struggle to break free from the cycle of poverty, broken families, and abuse.

We are trying to plant self-sustaining, missionary-sending churches in the villages with indigenous leadership that will reproduce themselves deeper into the jungle. We also help struggling churches get back on their feet. We partner with other groups in pastoral and leadership training, and we help mobilize local believers into long-term ministry. We are also in the process of beginning a radio ministry to help reach these goals.