Back to the Roots, Reflecting on a Legacy

If we really want to get back to the root of “why” Ecuador and why the Santiago Partnership is in Ecuador, we have two words, Paul Thompson. It seems only fitting as we wrap up our donor appreciation month that we would highlight one of the original founding members of the Santiago Partnership, but he was so much more than that. He was forever the cheerleader for our team and specifically, Joel and Kim. He could always be counted on for prayer, encouragement, support or just a quick walk down memory lane to make us laugh and face another day together in ministry.

The idea of Ecuador, the encouragement behind it and helping dream big to make it happen was almost part in parcel, Paul. He loved Ecuador and loved serving here. It was through an initial trip that Kim and Joel Delp took with the church Paul was pastoring, Northwest Covenant as well as members Jeff and Kristi Lundblad (also found board members of the Santiago Partnership) that brought Ecuador in as a possibility to dream about future possibilities here.

Paul will always be known to us as one of our biggest cheeleaders, encouragers, leaders and dreamers of the Santiago Partnership. He never thought anything was impossible. He lived that example in his own life and encouraged those around him to do the same. We are so grateful for Paul and his presence in our lives and in the life of the Santiago Partnership is a whole that is felt almost daily. We are grateful for His presence in the creation of the Santiago Partnership and how it continues on, dreaming as He did that nothing was impossible!

We did a lot of work together. Paul taught us many MANY things before getting to Ecuador, life in ministry, struggles, difficulties and how to face them. The biggest thing we learned was that we weren’t alone, that we always had someone cheering from the sidelines, cheering us in our successes and our most difficult days. We feel the loss of Paul, but we know that the legacy he left in us continues and we will forever be grateful for his presence in our lives!

Here are few select pictures from the vision trip where the Santiago Partnership was created.