About Us
The Encuentro radio program began in 1994 when Winnipeg pastor Ernesto Pinto partnered with Neil Klassen at Square One World Media (then Mennonite Brethren Communications). The new program first aired only in Winnipeg, but soon radio stations from across Latin America were requesting it.
The reach of the initial radio program grew to include a television program (180 Grados) in 2008, and then a second radio program (Encuentro Familiar) hosted by Ernesto’s wife, Marina, in 2016. Today, the Encuentro name represents a variety of projects for radio, television and online platforms, as well as live events for evangelism and spiritual growth.
PROGRAMS
MEETING
It is a radio program and podcast that was previously hosted by its founder Ernesto Pinto and currently by Heriberto Ayala. Its content focuses on interviews with people whose stories reflect how they have found hope and restoration through their faith in Christ Jesus. Broadcast on thousands of radio stations around the world, Encuentro reaches global audiences with inspiring stories and testimonies of transformation.
FAMILY MEETING
A radio talk show, hosted by Marina Pinto, that uses an interview and discussion format to offer counsel, prayer and encouragement to women who seek a personal encounter with Jesus Christ for themselves and their families. “It’s not about telling people what to do,” explains Marina. “But about listening and encouraging and blessing. Whatever their struggle, if we show love to people, God can work in their lives.”
180 DEGREES
A TV and online video program, hosted by Ernesto Pinto, that features testimonies of guests whose lives are being transformed—turned 180 degrees—through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
TEAM
HERIBERTO AYALA
Director & Producer
Heriberto has always been fascinated with the radio and loves being able to use it to reach people for Jesus. Growing up in rural Paraguay, he remembers listening to Encuentro and then meeting Ernesto at a conference of Christian communicators in Argentina in 2009. Since June 2024, Heriberto has served as coordinator and producer of the Encuentro Ministry, in addition to editing the Encuentro Familiar programs. He also manages social media, and loves to advise and accompany listeners who need help.
MARINA PINTO
Media Producer
Marina accompanied Ernesto on his ministry trips, finding joy in talking and praying with the people they met along the way. In 2007, she formalized her commitment to the ministry by offering counseling to listeners who reached out for support. In 2016, she went one step further by launching Encuentro Familiar. Marina trusts in the wisdom and compassion that God provides her for each situation, whether advising individually or sharing her message through the radio.
DAVID PINTO
Assistant Producer
David, son of Ernesto and Marina, has grown up immersed in Encuentro's projects, being an integral part of their daily life. In 2002, while pursuing his university studies, he began collaborating with the ministry part-time, a decision motivated by his deep conviction in God's work through programs. Today, he continues dedicated to this work, convinced of the positive impact that these media have on people's lives. As editor, he is in charge of polishing the interviews and harmonizing the narrative with music. For him, the testimonies that the guests share are a fundamental pillar that strengthens his faith daily.
ERNESTO PINTO
Founder of Encuentro Ministry
Ernesto Pinto, originally from Honduras, studied in Chicago and later moved to Winnipeg to pastor the Hispanic community. Recognizing the power of the media as an effective tool to reach people, in 1994 Ernesto began the production of the radio program Encuentro, and in 2008 he started the television program 180 Grados. Today, Ernesto delivers messages at live events and leads retreats throughout Latin America, thus staying relevant and effective in his mission of bringing hope and restoration through faith.
VIOLA AYALA
Administrator
Viola, originally from Paraguay, is fluent in German, Low German, Spanish and English. Accepting Jesus into her heart marked a turning point in her life. From a young age, while helping her father with office work, she discovered a taste for accounting, writing and organization. She began sharing her passion for office work by joining the Encuentro team in 2022.
GRANT HOEPPNER
Production Manager
When Grant was young, he had the opportunity to hear a missionary share about the transformative impact that radio could have in bringing the Gospel to the most remote regions. This experience ignited in Grant a passion for transmission engineering and technology. Today, as a technical producer and videographer for Encuentro Ministry, Grant says, "Our speakers have the vision and knowledge necessary to connect deeply with their own community. That is the key to the effectiveness of our programs."
ELI MELSNESS
Media Production Assistant
Eli was focused on his Communications and Media major at Canada Mennonite University when he had the opportunity to intern at Square One World Media, the parent organization of Encuentro Ministry. After graduating in spring 2021, he was hired full-time. Eli enjoys field work, filming interviews and capturing additional footage in various locations. “I enjoy observing the diverse perspectives on how people experience their faith and how they perceive God's work in their lives,” Eli shares enthusiastically.