Passion for Paraguay

Katuete  a word in the guarani language that means “for sure” - “for certain”. The name is attributes to Dr. Alejandro Marin. He said  this is the ideal place for the establishment of a city in the language of Guarani. ( « katueté  voi, ko ape oî porâta») For years our church has been present in Katuete. The church began in the mid 80s when brazilian farmers migrated into Paraguay. A number of the initial families came from Rondon and Mercedes Brazil. During those years, Wilson Wild, a pastor and great man of God, along with his wife began crossing from Brazil into Paraguay and doing house services with the farmers. Pastor Wilson continues serving in Rondon and leading a strong congregation in that region. He is not thinking about retirement any time soon.  As I have observed, Churches in rural settings often struggle to grow and expand. Its also hard to find leadership willing to move to remote area. The reasons are obvious - school for their children, lack of instr...

Pedro Juan Caballero , town, northeastern  Paraguay , founded in 1899. It lies in the Amambay Mountains at 2,296 feet (700 m) above  sea level , opposite Ponta Pora, Braz. Pedro Juan Caballero is the region’s largest town and principal trade centre. The  hinterland  is utilized primarily for cattle ranching and coffee growing. (Britannica) It was a first for us to visit this bustling community. There is much talked about this city and its drug trade and its violence, but we found the city to be really peaceful and the people were very welcoming.  There are a number of churches located in this city. Some are small, some are larger. We were invited by Esdras and Yolanda Gomez to be a part of a women's retreat and a general service. The church has been established four years ago by this couple who left their professional job in well paying company to embrace the task of starting a church with a focus on restoring the families in their community.  There are man...

This past weekend Nancy and I got to share a devotional during out 8th national rally - this is CMA (Christian Motorcycle's Association) People from Paraguay, Brazil, Peru, Argentina had representation. Did you know that CMA international will celebrate big time this year in Mena AR. CMA is turning 50 this year. If you want to find out more about this incredible organization with a kingdom of God mentality, check:   https://cmausa.org/Resources/ CMAInternational CMA continues to bless pastors and leaders with motorcycles every year across denominations in Paraguay. It’s so rewarding to see how these motorcycles are being used to bless men and women across denominations. I have myself growing to appreciate the power of motorcycles to get around. My trip last year on the Pan-American Highway proved that people still value the agility of traveling on motorcycles. CMA just went up a notch - we share Jesus with those we encounter. This makes every trip an opportunity to share ...

Fall in Paraguay : Daily high temperatures decrease by 16°F, from 90°F to 74°F, rarely falling below 63°F or exceeding 97°F. Daily low temperatures decrease by 14°F, from 72°F to 59°F, rarely falling below 46°F or exceeding 77°F. We welcomed the fall this week. My friends in the northern hemisphere are celebrating the spring. It's amazing how in one part of the world we can be experiencing such different seasons at the same time.  It's a testimony that we have a God who is outstandingly creative and not-dull.  The same goes for our emotional seasons. Some of us are welcoming the spring in our life's. Things are blooming, kids are growing, we move up on the career ladder, we pay off the house mortgage or we just get to enjoy a season of stability and low stress.  Same can be said for others in a tough season, who are fighting an illness, trying to work on their relationship and or recovering from a loss.  We all get to go thru the seasons. May this season find you exp...

I had ceviche for lunch. It was amazing. In case you wonder.  The classic Peruvian ceviche is composed o f  chunks of raw fish, marinated in freshly squeezed key lime, with sliced onions, chili peppers, salt and pepper The food in Peru is really great, I guess if you are open in trying new ways of eating rice, beans, chicken and fish.  National Geographic ranks Peru as one of the best gastronomic destinations in the world. Peru is internationally known and recognized for many aspects, and one of them is undoubtedly its delicious and diverse gastronomy.. Food aside, the purpose for coming to Peru was to speak at the 56th national assembly of the Church of God in the city of Pucallpa. We had the chance to speak at various meetings with the idea of learning and making each experience mutually beneficial.  We invited our dear missionary friend from the Dominican Republic, Yaser Montero. He is actually already in Paraguay for seven years. God is raising this young man and...

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...