Doris teaches in church.

SIM’s focus in Latin America says, "Your local church sends you and we help you get there." SIM wants to walk alongside the Church as it plays its God-given role in missions.

The local church played a key part in the process that Ecuadorian Doris Estevez entered three years ago with SIM mobilizers Carlos and Evelyn Ruiz. "SIM wants to help the local church send, so besides SIM requirements for membership, the church requirements also need to be fulfilled," Evelyn said.

According to Evelyn, Doris' church has seen the difference it makes to send a candidate through a solid organization. Doris is the fifth missionary they've sent, but it's the first time they've worked with SIM. They've considered the direct communication they've had with SIM to be very positive.

"Sending Latinos is not just accepting filled-in applications," said Evelyn. "It's a process of mentoring. We have walked alongside Doris in her calling and have seen her faith grow … and our faith has grown too."

Just like family

"SIM has played a very important role in my life," said Doris. "I appreciate especially Carlos and Evelyn Ruiz—I consider them to be my missionary parents. They have always guided me and supported me in prayer and have been there for me, not only representing SIM, but also just being my friends. They have worked together with my pastor to help me evaluate my calling."

Doris was part of the SIM-UK volunteer program for nine months, and met many missionaries from all parts of the world. She also did an exploratory trip to Pakistan that helped her understand more about missions.

"The SIM missionaries that I have met have been very warm and open to me and very committed to their call," she said. "They’ve taken care of me and have made me feel like family."

She would like to be in Ethiopia by early 2009, but is waiting on God’s timing in support raising and in getting her visa. She will be working especially with women in the area of micro-business, in making and selling products.

"The team she will join plans to develop a project around her skills in micro-finance," said Renee Cole, Personnel Director for SIM Ethiopia. "Because Latinos are so relational, as are Ethiopians, Doris will find the transition into this culture easy," Cole added.

Doris and the SIM Ethiopia team understand that some adjustments will need to be made, especially to policies and procedures, since she is coming from Ecuador, a country where SIM has not traditionally sent out missionaries. Today, even though they may not have an official SIM sending office, all countries can grant SIM membership. And, as more non-Western countries begin sending out missionaries, SIM will partner increasingly with national churches and local sending agencies in the developing world.

"I know that the team will be open and available to help me in the orientation and adaptation process," Doris said. "I believe that there is nothing better or more exciting in the world than fulfilling the purpose for which God has called us."

Read Doris' story in "Dreaming the Dreams of God"