Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Day 6 Quito Update

Our group of faith leaders that has gathered here in Quito, Ecuador as part of the Urban Shalom Project is making a significant impact in many different areas of Habitat III and the New Urban Agenda. We are making a difference individually and collectively with urban planning, architecture, urban children and youth, academia, community development, migration and refugees, grass roots organizing, data involving cities, and faith-based implementation of goals that will impact billions of people around the world. We're accessing power, and we're working toward urban transformation. This is an amazing group of leaders, and it's an exciting time to be doing advocacy work with so many delegates and leaders from around the world who are shaping life in cities for decades to come.

Here's a little photo journey of our time in Quito today:


I'm pictured here with the fearless leaders of the Urban Shalom Project here at Habitat III... Dr. Chris Elisara from the World Evangelical Alliance and Dr. Ash Barker from Micah Global and the International Society for Urban Mission. Chris has been dreaming about having a Christian presence at Habitat III for the past three years, and Ash has been leading the way with Chris in making those dreams into reality. It's been a privilege to serve with these guys over the past week.


The Christian Community Development Association leaders played a huge role in our global advocacy efforts this week. CCDA board members Mary Nelson and John Liotti are pictured here with Chris and Ash, and board member Dr. Michael Mata (not pictured) also played a huge role in shaping our voice and direction this week. I'm thankful for these passionate and gifted leaders, in addition to many other gifted Christian leaders who participated in our work!


I'm pictured here in front of the United States booth in the huge exhibit hall that featured exhibitions from many different countries and organizations around the world. The U.S. booth at Habitat III wasn't as decked out as many of the booths that other countries had at this event, but I'm sure that will all change at Habitat 4 twenty years from now after the advocacy work that the U.S. members of our team did here this week. Watch out world!



Quito has some amazing churches and other architectural gems. Our team with the Urban Shalom Project has been fascinated by all of the unique buildings and streets that we have been navigating. Quito is really showing off for the world this week!


This photo was taken right before sunset when the city was just starting to come alive. What a view! Quito is such a beautiful place. Thousands of Quito residents have been making their way to this part of the town to watch light shows each evening. This city has embraced the events associated with Habitat III in so many ways. We're going to be sad to leave this place.

Please continue to pray for our team of leaders connected with the Urban Shalom Project as we prepare a press release, a statement from Evangelical leaders to the world about a call to action with implementing the new urban agenda, and other advocacy opportunities that emerge through our remaining time at Habitat III and beyond. We need strength from the Lord to see these advocacy efforts through to fruition. Thank you for praying! 

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