By Joe Proulx
In a time of change, it's important to remember how God has been with us, is with us now and will be with us as we continue to move forward; even when those changes are significant ones.
At Square One, it is a time of celebration and looking back on God's blessings as long-time Spanish media director and producer, Ernesto Pinto, has announced that he will be retiring as of May 31, 2024.
Ernesto’s extensive work and reach as both a speaker and broadcaster during his 30 years with the organization have left a legacy of spreading the life-changing message of Jesus. His hard work on Encuentro (Encounter) will continue to live on and flourish through his mentorship of Heriberto Ayala, who will take over as producer and host of the program.
Growing up in the Paraguayan Chaco, Heriberto recalls hearing Encuentro on his radio from a young age, but of course had no idea he would be working with Ernesto later in life.
"I didn't think I would ever work here, but I just see how God puts things into place when He calls us," Heriberto says.
Square One hosted a celebration of Ernesto's work and ministry at McIvor Church on April 23rd, which was attended by many co-workers and friends of Ernesto from throughout his time with Square One. It was a wonderful night of sharing stories and appreciation for Ernesto's work and candor over his robust career.
“We are so happy the way everything was done,” Ernesto and his wife Marina wrote in a thank you letter to all the staff and guests that attended. “We felt appreciated and loved by each one of you there. It has been wonderful to work with an amazing team for God’s Kingdom.”
Ernesto began working with Square One in 1994, when the ministry was known as Mennonite Brethren Communications (MBC). However, the radio program Encuentro had been a project
Ernesto started in 1991 before he joined MBC.
Encuentro has always focused on interviewing and telling the stories of people who have found hope and restoration in Jesus Christ. The program went from airing on one local radio station in Winnipeg to over 1,850 stations around the world today. To this day, Square One has never had to buy airtime for the program.
In 2008, Ernesto saw a need to expand to television programming and created 180 Grados (180 Degrees). The 30-minute show focuses on testimonies of people whose lives have been transformed through their relationship with Jesus and has aired on hundreds of stations across Latin America.
Please join us in wishing Ernesto all the best in his retirement and in praying for Heriberto as he moves into this new role.
To learn more about Encuentro, visit the website here.
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