EM012: Caring for Orphans in Ecuador with Denise Pineiros
Denise and Oswaldo Piñeiros are missionaries to the over 200,000 orphans in Ecuador. They provide resources to orphanages. They also provide support and pastoral care for adoptive families and advocacy with the government.
I connected with them through Autumn Kerr of Visiting Orphans, who we heard from in Episode 3. I'm really thankful for this connection.
As we talked, Denise shared how God called them to this ministry. They've walked through some challenges. Now they are working on some things that should really set them up to minister more freely.
Key Scripture
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
James 1:27
As Denise shared her heart, she also shared how she and Oswaldo are trying to focus on the often-forgotten part of that verse. As they've started caring for orphans, it's shaped how they approach ministry in and to orphanages.
Challenge
Often missionaries leave family and friends behind. When they do, they can miss out on significant life events. Last year Denise had one of those experiences but God did something special that gave her an overwhelming sense of His affection for her.
Revelation
As Denise and Oswaldo were just learning about orphan care, God began to birth a desire to see the kind of ministry that they now have. Still, they were uncertain whether they were supposed to be the ones to do it.
One day, Denise had a “mirror” experience that sealed the deal in her heart”
[bctt tweet="I said, 'God, you have to raise up someone to do this.' Then I knew that person was looking back at me in the mirror." username="engagingmission"]
Current Ministry
Through Visiting Orphans, they have seen volunteers coming down for longer assignments, sometimes up to six months. And they are working on changing the legal status of their ministry in ways that will open more doors.
Level Up
Denise reminded us that being a missionary can be lonely sometimes. Often the best thing we can do to “level up” our support of a missionary is just to be a friend. Send that letter. Make that call. Connect via Skype. Focus on being fully active in their lives and building a long-term relationship.
[bctt tweet="Be fully active in their life." username="engagingmission"]
Speed Round
Hindsight
Denise wishes she would have known how long things can take to accomplish.
Best Advice
[bctt tweet="H.A.L.T. Never make a decision when you are hungry, angry, lonely, or tired." via="no"]
Support and Encouragement
[bctt tweet="Be loyal, connected, and committed." via="no"]
Personal Success Habit
Denise has built some key relationships that allow her to learn from those who are more experienced.
Internet Resource
Denise gave us three:
Book Recommendation
Love Does by Bob Goff
New Place
[bctt tweet="Walk the streets and pray." via="no"]
Parting Advice
[bctt tweet="Always jump when God says, 'jump.' Never take an opportunity He gives you and waste it." via="no"]
Contact Info
denisefjohnson@gmail.com
Resources
- Book: Love Does by Bob Goff: Audible, Amazon
, iTunes
- Resources:Constant Contact, Donor Tools, Messenger Fellowship
- Contact: denisefjohnson@gmail.com
- Ratings: Pinterest, Engaging Missions Website
- Feedback: feedback@engagingmissions.com
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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