Answers to your questions!

What is Pan de Vida?

Quito is a city of 1.5million people, many of whom do not have sufficient income to meet basic needs. Pan de Vida is a Non-for-profit Christian Organization that offers an immediate relief to those that lack the resources to buy food, clothes, school supplies and basic medicine in our city.

Additionally, along with the help we offer we share the message of salvation and the Gospel of Jesus Christ through intentional activities and the personal testimonies of the helpers. We believe that our ministry is having a great evangelistic impact on the lives of the people we serve. We are continuously touched by the way God is shaping the lives of the children and adults who attend.

We are a legal non-profit organization in Ecuador and are currently in the application process of obtaining non-profit status (501c3) in the U.S. The ministry works based on volunteer work, donations, and financial gifts from individuals and organizations that share the desire to serve God and the poor.

In what areas can I serve?

We are always looking for short-term or long-term volunteers. Opportunities to serve include any of the projects listed on our weekly schedule in addition to special projects such as construction work, leading vacation Bible school, assisting with the health fair, etc. Spanish knowledge is helpful but not necessary. We can assist you in finding housing options and Spanish classes at your own cost. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Extreme Response and request an application for volunteering for the Pan de Vida Project in Quito, Ecuador.

In what ways does Pan de Vida minister to people in Quito?

The ministry supplies Bible teaching, nourishing meals, clothes, booster classes, vocational training and occasional medical services for people that cannot afford those items.

Do you accept short term teams?

Yes! Please see "In What Areas Can I Serve?"

Can I be a summer missionary at Pan De Vida?

Yes, you just need to apply through the Extreme Response website. Request an application for volunteering for the Pan de Vida Project in Quito, Ecuador.

How can I support the ministry of Pan de Vida?

Financial Support: our annual budget runs around $60,000 to keep our program up and running. Please consider sending a donation.

Prayer support: detailed prayer requests are sent with each newsletter on a quarterly basis. Sign up for our newsletter to receive more information.

Do I have to be able to speak Spanish to help?

No, you don’t need to speak Spanish to help at Pan de Vida. A diligent and servant heart is all is needed

Can I donate items such as clothing, etc.?

We do take donated items such as clothing, shoes, toys, children’s books in Spanish, school supplies and limited medical supplies (please see list below). However, Ecuadorian laws severely restrict what we can ship down here. Shipping used items is extremely difficult and there is no guarantee that customs will accept the items, even if you follow the correct procedures. Shipment of medical items for use in foundations or businesses is prohibited as items must be purchased in Ecuador. As of now, the only way that we can get your donated items is if you bring them down in your suitcases to us.

If you would like to donate, but can’t send a suitcase down please consider donating in a monetary form so that we can purchase the items locally. Medical supplies that we will accept: children’s Tylenol (liquid, drops, or syrup), adult Tylenol, triple antibiotic cream, hydrocortisone cream, folic acid, adult ibuprofen, bandaids, latex gloves, gauze, medical tape, digital themometers, used glasses (especially for reading), sun glasses, toothbrushes, toothpaste, fluoride, etc. Please do not send prescription medications.