February Report

Hello everyone! Our time here in Paraguay is flying by. We only have two weeks left before we make our way back. Below is a picture of downtown Asuncion by the river.

The Church in Paraguay

Imagine living in a country the size of California and there are only three congregations of the Lord’s church in one county of that state. Still more, that county has a population of almost two million people yet the combined total of all the members isn’t more than a hundred souls. You and your family are the ones responsible for preaching, teaching, evangelizing, and reaching out. All the while still maintaining full-time jobs and your familial responsibilities. That is the reality of the church in Paraguay. It is challenging to say the least.

There are no American missionaries of the Lord’s church living in Paraguay. There is a couple from Nicaragua (Cesar and Sonia) working with the new congregation in Mariano Roque Alonso. They are supported by the Sacramento congregation and a congregation from Teaxas. The Sunday attendance consists of those from the other congregations that make the trip to help with worship and a recent convert. There is also a congregation in the town of San Lorenzo. It was seeded by the Sacramento congregation while Cara and I were still living in Paraguay. Eliézer Pérez and his wife Raquel have been working there for many years with some support from the United States. It is a small congregation but they are faithfully serving the Lord. The Mariano, Sacramento, and San Lorenzo congregations are all doing what they can with limited resources. It is a difficult landscape for these small bodies of believers trying to get the attention of lost souls when they are distracted by a growing modern society, the tradition of the Catholic church, and afluent Mega churches.

The situation is not without hope. The members recognize that the Lord’s church has greatest pure message of truth. Ground is being won with those that the members have contact with. Souls are won slowly and one at a time. There is a large group of kids in the Sacramento congregation that are growing up in Christian homes. Please pray for the strength, endurance, and future of the church in Paraguay.

This is the building that the church in San Lorenzo rents.

Eliézer, Raquel, and their daughter.

This is the location of the church in Mariano Roque Alonso. This bottom corner is what is being rented.

Preparing the Next Generation

One of the privileges of working with a group of people for many years is being a part of generational growth. Seeing those that were once youth and young adults mature and have families of their own is a great blessing. Being able to work with them is even better.

In the Sacramento congregation there are thirteen kids between the ages of 0 and 10. For a congregation with an average attendance of fifty, that is a lot of kids. With the help of the parents, we have started a kids club that is like a mini VBS twice a month. This is to promote Bible education, family study, and healthy relationships amongst the kids.

The plan is for the parents to keep it going when we leave. It has been well received by the parents and kids. *Pictures used with permission from parents.

Some Other Events and Work

Part of what we do while here is meet with members for studies and encouragement. We talk about our lives, the church, and our faith. There is something very important about the practice of “breaking bread” together. Here are a few pictures from our time shared with various members.

The ladies here put together a Ladies Tea. These used to be a common occurrence when we were here. There would be a Bible study as part of the event and Cara was able to lead that study.

Here is a picture of us waiting for our ride. We have been using Bolt, it’s a cheaper form of Uber, and has been our main mode of transportation.

Looking Forward

We will be returning to the states on March 13. From there we will be making our way to Glendive, Montana. Please pray for safe travels.