The Republic of Ecuador is the eighth largest country in Latin America and one of the most biologically diverse. It consists of four main geographic regions: the coastal region along the Pacific Ocean, west of the Andes; the central mountain region, including a number of volcanoes and snow-capped peaks; the jungle region in the southern and eastern part of the country, where many Amerindian tribes still live today; and the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean, about 600 miles off the coast.
Prior to the Spanish conquest and colonization, Ecuador was home to several Amerindian groups, most of which had been absorbed into the northern Inca Empire by the 15th century. Ecuador was colonized by Spain during the 16th century and existed as a Spanish colony for nearly two centuries before eventually gaining its independence, first in 1820 as part of the federation known as Gran Colombia along with Colombia and Venezuela, and later as its own nation in 1830. Its history has been marred by a degree of instability, demonstrated by the fact that in 2008 it adopted a new constitution for the 20th time since its beginning as a nation.
Like most countries in Latin America, Ecuador is predominantly Roman Catholic. In certain parts of the country, especially the more rural areas, much of the Catholic religion is syncretized with indigenous beliefs. Despite the false teaching of the Roman Catholic Church and the influence of indigenous Amerindian beliefs, the true gospel is continuing to spread and the church of Christ is growing in Ecuador.
In addition to supporting pastors in Ecuador for the establishment of biblical churches, HeartCry also supports the Spanish translation ministry of Legado Bautista Confesional (LBC). LBC is committed to publishing biblically sound and historically reformed baptist books and resources aimed primarily at equipping pastors, as well as edifying congregations.