Summary: <br> <a href="http://engagingmissions.com/em012-caring-for-orphans-ecuador-denise-pineiros/caring-for-orphans-in-ecuador/" rel="attachment wp-att-841"></a>Denise and Oswaldo Piñeiros are missionaries to the over 200,000 orphans in Ecuador. They povide resources to orphanages. They also provide support and pastoral care for adoptive families and advocacy with the government.<br> I connected with them through Autumn Kerr of <a href="http://visitingorphans.org">Visiting Orphans</a>, who we heard from in <a href="http://engagingmissions.com/autumnkerr">Episode 3</a>. I'm really thankful for this connection.<br> 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.<br> Key Scripture<br> <a href="https://twitter.com/home?status=...Look%20after%20orphans%20and%20widows%20in%20their%20distress%20and%20to%20keep%20oneself%20from%20being%20polluted%20by%20the%20world.%20http://engagingmissions.com/12" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">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</a>.<br> James 1:27<br> 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.<br> <a href="http://engagingmissions.com/?attachment_id=825" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a><br> Challenge<br> 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.<br> Revelation<br> 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.<br> One day, Denise had a “mirror” experience that sealed the deal in her heart”<br> Current Ministry<br> Through <a href="http://visitingorphans.org">Visiting Orphans</a>, 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.<br> Level Up<br> 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.<br> Speed Round<br> Hindsight<br> Denise wishes she would have known how long things can take to accomplish.<br> Best Advice<br> Support and Encouragement<br> Personal Success Habit<br> Denise has built some key relationships that allow her to learn from those who are more experienced.<br> Internet Resource<br> Denise gave us three:<br> <br> * <a href="http://constantcontact.com">Constant Contact</a><br> * <a href="http://donortools.com">Donor Tools</a><br> * <a href="http://messengerfellowship.com">Messenger Fellowship</a><br> <br> Book Recommendation<br> Love Does by Bob Goff<br> <br> * <a href="http://engagingmissions.com/audible">Audible</a> – available free for trying their service<br> * <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0078FA8HU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0078FA8HU&linkCode=as2&tag=emrs-20&linkId=75RJBW3GKIXTG6MK">Amazon</a><br> * <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/love-does/id614809188?mt=11&uo=4">iTunes</a><br> <br> New Place<br> Parting Advice<br> Contact Info<br>
