Lee students play a traditional Ecuadorian game with local children in the Pan de Vida courtyard before Bible class begins
oices of Lee member Logan Kerley is shown holding a child during worship time
oices of Lee lead worship during a packed service in Quito, with more than 900 in attendance from various congregations
The Lee team is shown shortly after arriving in Quito, pictured with their interpreter, Pastor Leo
Voices of Lee take in the view at the Pululahua volcanic crater
Voices of Lee, the a cappella ensemble from Lee University, recently returned from a weeklong ministry trip to Quito, Ecuador, where students engaged in music outreach, evangelism, and cultural immersion, in partnership with Pan de Vida, a local ministry serving children in vulnerable communities, and Far-Flung Tin Can, a nonprofit missions organization founded by Lee alumnus Kyle Philippi.
During the week, the ensemble led worship services, distributed meals, engaged with children and families through games and crafts, and assisted with light construction projects in the Atucucho neighborhood. Voices of Lee performed at several churches and public venues throughout the city, using music to connect with local residents and demonstrate God’s love and care.
“This experience reminded us that music is a universal language,” said Danny Murray, director of Voices of Lee. “Our students didn’t just sing — they listened, they served, and they connected with people whose lives and faith deeply inspired us all.”
Student participants on the trip included Jakub Belko, Gary Curry, Gentry Dayton, Andrew Foster, Isabella Guyton, Abigail Jeter, Logan Kerley, Sheridan Kyle, Maxwell Murray, Elizabeth Owens, Paige Parmelee, Cameron Poe, Jacob Smestad, Allannah Smith, McKayla Stacey, and Maleah Wright. Joining them on the trip were Danny Murray, his wife and Lee Provost Debbie Murray, and worship leader Jonathan Sawyer.
The group brought their music ministry into public spaces and churches across Quito and the surrounding areas. Each evening, Voices of Lee led worship services at local Church of God congregations, including Bethel Church, New Life Church, and Ebenezer Church in Pintag. The students also sang in local venues, including city hall and various town centers, using music as a bridge to connect with the community and share the message of Christ.
Voices of Lee also participated in street evangelism, prayed with local families, and conducted interviews to learn more about daily life in Quito. Students explored Ecuador’s religious and historical heritage through visits to landmarks such as the Equator line, the Pululahua volcanic crater, and the Basilica del Voto Nacional.
“My time in Ecuador was blessed with the opportunity to help lead worship with children at the Pan de Vida feeding ministry,” said Logan Kerley, a sophomore business administration major from Ooltewah, Tennessee. “Their heart of worship, in spite of their circumstances, showed me that our faith in God should never be dependent on our situations.”
Pan de Vida, led by Angela “Laly” Mendoza, serves more than 350 children daily through its feeding program and educational efforts. What began as an after-school meal for eight children has grown into a robust ministry that now includes Bible classes, parent workshops, and home construction assistance.
“Being able to speak the language allowed me to connect deeply with the kids and people in Ecuador. I saw how God could use even small conversations to show His love,” said Elizabeth Owens, as sophomore business administration major from Cleveland, Tn. “This trip opened my heart to missions, and I believe God may be guiding me toward that calling.”
Far-Flung Tin Can has worked in Ecuador since 2010, when it took its first international ministry trip to support Pan de Vida. Philippi, who traveled to Ecuador as a student in 2008, launched the organization after witnessing the long-term impact of local faith-based ministries.
This summer’s trip was designed not only to share the gospel but to provide students with cross-cultural ministry experience. Leaders emphasized that spiritual outreach and cultural understanding go hand-in-hand. Through conversations with local families, time in worship, and daily activities in the community, students gained perspective on the global church and their role within it.
The team also visited local markets, rode the TelefériQo sky tram, and explored the city’s architecture and cuisine, offering further insight into Ecuadorian traditions and everyday life. This immersive experience not only provided opportunities for evangelism but also promoted personal growth and cultural awareness.
“Our goal was to create a space where students could grow spiritually, develop cultural competency, and experience the power of cross-cultural ministry,” said Danny Murray. “We saw our students come alive as they worshiped in new places, served with compassion, and embraced the rhythms of life in Quito.”
Far-Flung Tin Can is a nonprofit missions organization that partners with ministries around the world through creative storytelling, worship and hands-on service. Founded in 2010, the organization has a long-standing relationship with Pan de Vida in Quito, Ecuador, and continues to support its efforts through media, fundraising and missions trips. Far-Flung’s work is centered around connecting people to the heart of God through cross-cultural ministry.
The Voices of Lee is a 15-member a cappella ensemble from Lee University, founded in 1994. Known for its vocal excellence and ministry focus, the group gained national acclaim as finalists on NBC’s The Sing-Off and has performed at major venues including Good Morning America, the White House, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, and the Shanghai International Music Festival. The ensemble has received numerous accolades, including multiple International A Cappella Music Awards.
For more information about Far-Flung Tin Can, visit www.farflungtincan.com.
For more information about Voices of Lee, visit www.voicesoflee.com.