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Looking back - 2024

A year with thousands of miles As 2023 was wrapping up we were working on plans for a motorcycle trip that would take us from the USA to Paraguay, in approximately two months.   We began riding January 24th in Orlando FL and arrived March 12th in Encarnacion Paraguay where we take residency. The stories and experiences would fill pages and could even become a book. (some day) In a nutshell, we learned so much about each other (Marcos my son and I) as we took on the challenge and helped each other out on this long journey. We discovered the beauty of Latin America, its people, cultures and tastes. We experienced God in a new way. For me (Norberto) this journey, indirectly became a retreat and gave me much time to reflect about my faith and how to connect the dots of ministry, family and life altogether.  We are in debt with many people. Those who supported us financially, those who gave us gifts and everything that's needed for a trip this size. We are in debt with God for...
Recent posts

new CMA bikes into action

We began the month of December delivering motorcycles on behalf of CMA and Missionary Ventures.  Pastor Alan and Susana with their family  have received one of the motorcyckes. they came from Venezuela five years ago escaping the Maduro regime. while in Venezuela, they served as leaders and pastors in a congregation. Paraguay has welcomed venezuelan immigrants over the past years as have other countries in Latin America.  A few weeks before, just in time for Christmas their motorcycle was approved and now they will have wheels to go farther and reach new locations as they minister.  They love the church and the kingdom of God. They have embraced Paraguay as their new country and place for ministry.  please keep this family in your prayers as they live out their calling to reach the lost. 

Honoring Martin and Tabitha Kurrle, for their missionary work

During the Latin American conference of the Church of God my dear parents Martin and Tabita Kurrle were honored in Jardin América, Argentina for their 52 years of ministry as missionaries and pastors. My dad gave a short speech as he usually does when on stage. After battling stage IV cancer a few years ago, he bounced back and miraculously is still among us. My dad is a living testimony that God can heal someone even when the situation seems impossible for medicine.  My mother on the other hand has been slowly fading. She is dealing with stage two dementia. Mom continues loving those that come in contact and giving out christian literature. She has kept my dad on the road and been his faithful companion for over half a century.  Both have lived a life worth a book and then some. They committed at a young age to each other and their calling was to share Jesus. They have lived out this calling overcoming hurdles of all sorts.  They are enjoying the fruit of their labor and...

Empty nest

Marcos and Paola are now a family of two. They got married past month and moved out. After almost 25 years in the life of Marcos and a few years in the life of Paola they are now on their own. We are excited but at the same time miss not having Marco’s in our home.  Marcos majored in business and Paola environmental studies. Both are working and have the tools to begin their journey.  We are excited to see them take off, married and now begining to establish themselves.  Like any marriage these days, they will face headwinds and often wonder, where  the feeling went when they just met. There - suddenly be seasons when the loving becomes intentional - perhaps more mature.  Any study about love, points out clearly how love is such an elusive feeling. Thats why so many married couples leave their spouses, because they think they have fallen out of love - and no longer have the same feelings towards each other.   This is a good moment to remember the words of o...

Tying the knot

It's been almost 22 years since I set foot back on Paraguay soil, to become a full time missionary. During those early days, I did not know how long I would stay or last - well I kind of knew it was a life calling. Many events have shaped our journey these past decades. Let me tell you about a family event that's rocking our house.  I want to announce that our son Marcos, our oldest, is getting married next month to a wonderful woman. Her name is Paola. They have been dating for a couple years and are ready for the next step. They will tie the knot September 14th.  Marcos and I have bonded over this past year, especially during our long motorcycle trip between the USA and Paraguay at the beginning of 2024. We have learned more about unconditional love and about working together on difficult tasks. I believe Marcos is ready to tackle life and move into the next season of his life as a husband to Paola. Marriage is beautiful, but growing deeper and becoming one in mind...

President Maduro, it's time to let go

We have been watching how the Venezuelans are struggling. Over the past two years, many venezuelan families have immigrated into Paraguay. Although the main countries that have seen an influx of venezuelan migrants are Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and the United States, Paraguay has also been a destination.  Just to get some context. Paraguay is 2000 + miles away by plane. It would take 15 days driving to go from Paraguay to Venezuela.  The people that arrived in Paraguay and now attend our church say, that it was impossible to continue living in that country. There is no hope and no future. They have done well in Paraguay. Most people that have come are very good hard working families.  I have been watching the elections in Venezuela on July 28th, and my hope for a better Venezuela have dissipated. It's such a debilitating situation. I live far away, but I feel the pain and despair of the venezuelan people in the distance.  So much pride, so much hate and so much desire ...

Bikes on a Mission - Stage 1

Amid intense planning and many small steps of faith, we launched out in a trip of a lifetime. We left Orlando FL on a sunny day January 24th. We arrived in Encarnacion Paraguay in the heat of a summer day March 12th. All Together, 50 days packed with emotions worth a book. Maybe one day . . .                                                     Prayers at MVI headquarters before taking off. Left, Bill Snell MVI director.  T he HoneyMoon - Orlando Fl - San Antonio TX (USA) 1,800 miles During stage one, we were riding, I believe, in the honeymoon stage. Nothing could stop us. We had all this build up stamina-anticipation after months of preparation behind us. It was surreal. I had to pinch myself several times over these first days. My inner voice was talking and asking my real self? Are you really going to do this epic trip? Will y...