Reflections On Our Annual Report
We Need Each Other: Joel Delp, Executive Director of the Santiago Partnership, reflects on a year of firsts with the Santiago Partnership
Recently, during my quiet time with God, I found myself lingering over a passage in Ephesians. Paul, writing from prison, urges the church toward unity — toward partnership — reminding them that every part of the body matters. That word partnership stirred something in me, bringing back a moment I’ve replayed in my mind many times over the past few months.
It happened on November 8th at our first-ever Celebration Dinner — or Fiesta del Ecuador — hosted at Trinity Christian School in Shorewood, Illinois. Supporters traveled from across the United States to join us, and a team of six Ecuadorian staff members flew up to celebrate and share about the five ministries that make up the Santiago Partnership’s work in Cayambe.
After their presentations, we paused to pray. But before Pastor Jake Bradley began, I asked everyone in the room to reflect on something: how often we long to do more for the poor, the marginalized, the overlooked — yet feel limited by time, resources, or capacity. Meanwhile, our Ecuadorian staff serve tirelessly every single day. So I asked the room to say aloud to our Ecuadorian friends: “We need you.”
Then I turned to the staff and reminded them of the people who had traveled so far to be there. Even though miles separate us most days, the support, encouragement, and prayers of our partners remain constant. I asked the staff to repeat after me: “Nosotros les necesitamos.” We need you.
That moment captured the essence of who we are. We need each other. The ministry in Ecuador cannot flourish without the faithful support of those called to give, pray, and encourage. And those of us outside Ecuador cannot live out James 2 — a faith in action — without our Ecuadorian partners who serve on the front lines every day.
This is what true partnership looks like. And if the Santiago Partnership is known for anything, it’s this: cross‑cultural collaboration is at the heart of who we are.
A Year of Firsts in Ecuador
Last year brought milestone after milestone - many of them historic.
First full year without the Delp family living in Ecuador
The staff didn’t miss a beat. Their leadership, resilience, and commitment proved that the ministry is strong, sustainable, and not dependent on missionary presence.
First-ever adoption from the Santiago Children’s Home
Two siblings were adopted by a loving Ecuadorian Christian couple - a groundbreaking moment in a country where adoption is rare and often international.
First trip to the Ecuadorian jungle
Many of our children - and even staff - had never seen the jungle before. The trip was eye-opening, joy-filled, and unforgettable.
Our first Celebration Dinner
After years of dreaming, praying, and planning, we finally held our first gala. Eighty-three people from seven states joined us. It was deeply meaningful and personally unforgettable.
Our first Reverse Mission Trip
For years, we longed to bring Ecuadorians to the U.S. to teach, encourage, and minister. This year, it finally happened - and it was powerful. Workshops and panels on God’s justice and community development were explored.
Financial Health: Our Strongest Year Yet
By God’s grace and the generosity of our supporters, 2025 was our healthiest financial year ever.
Total revenue: $297,230
Expenses: $232,000
Budget: $269,000
New donors: 68
Monthly committed giving: $9,900
Annual committed giving: $179,000
FACE, our Ecuadorian partner organization, operated on a significantly reduced budget - and despite government delays, they managed remarkably well. For 2026, FACE will operate at 70% self-sustainability, an all-time high.
Looking Ahead: Growth in 2026
Our 2026 budget reflects international, healthy growth, especially in areas long overdue for support:
Strengthening the Intervention Program
Creating a Christian library for discipleship
Providing specialized training for staff serving children with special needs
Expanding Life Skills programming
Launching a new embroidery entrepreneurship initiative
Addressing key technology and construction needs.
We are also forecasting a year ahead, into 2027, for the first time.
Our end of year initiative, Dreaming Big with Sonia, raised an incredible $118,208. Combined with multiple successful initiatives throughout the year, 2025 was a standout year for development.
We keep returning to the moment when a room full of people shared the words -We need you. Nosotros les necesitamos.
This is who we are.
This is how God designed His body to function.
This is the heart of the Santiago Partnership.
We need each other - and together, God is doing beautiful things.
