Today Marks a New Stage in Paraguay's History

Three historic "firsts" occurred yesterday in the heart of South America:

*
After 61 years in power, the longest run of a single party in a Latin American nation, the Colorado (ANR) party has been dethroned!
* It is the first time in world history that an ex-bishop has been elected president of any nation
* This is the first time in Paraguay’s history that there has been a pacific transfer of power. Blanca Ovelar, the ANR candidate, conceded her loss in a very diplomatic and respectful speech last night at around 9:00 p.m.

Yesterday, the nation went to the polls and decided it’s time for a change. Lugo took 41% of the vote, which is significant for a four+ candidate election. He is a Liberation theologian who desires to lift Paraguay out of poverty and put an end to corruption. Paraguay, a country of 6.5 million people, is among the poorest countries in South America. The current president, President Nicanor Duarte Frutos, has been in office since 2003. The new president will take office in August.

We thank you for your prayers for Paraguay and we give thanks to God for FIRSTS!!! We have already begun praying for Fernando Lugo and his yet-to-be-decided cabinet.

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