We are getting close to the end of the auctions to help us buy a desperately needed generator for the radio station. We have received no new donations for our generator project this year. We know that times are difficult all over the globe, but we believe that God's work must continue regardless of the economy! Your bids are helping us spread God's word 24 hours a day!
Auctions will end on Saturday, May 9 at 12:00 p.m. EST. Winners will be announced on May 10. The winning bidder will receive tax credit for their donation! We will either hand deliver or ship (if you live somewhere we won't be visiting) this item to you when we head to the U.S. in just a few short weeks, on May 15.
Brazilian Coffee (17.6 oz ground) $20.00/each. Hurry and email us your bids! All proceeds will go to help us raise money for our much needed generator at the radio station! Your bids are helping us spread God's word without interruption!
What would you do if you wanted a job but didn't have the tools you needed? Here in Paraguay day wagers don't know if they have work for the day until early each morning. They wait to see if a "patron" or general contractor comes honking near their wood shack. Sometimes the boss provides tools for his workers, but many times they don't. You helped us make sure that when a job comes around for these men, they wouldn't miss out because they lacked the resources.
As part of the Christmas projects, this week we've been able to distribute the following tools to farmers and day laborers. We gave out: 10 machetes, 3 hoes, 4 mason’s trowels, and two saws.
These men have 3-6 children to provide for and make $8-10/day. That's just enough to keep food on the table. We prayed with each family and told them that "friends from afar" would also lift them up in prayer. Thanks so much for helping these Paraguayan men provide for their families by keeping them employed! Your investment is making a difference in these lives: Pablino Roberto Rafael
And more happy blanket recipients: Ermie Susana (in white) is my age and is already a grandmother to the children on the right. Her one room home gives shelter to eleven people! Nimfa. She is crippled and walks on her hands using those black flip flops as cushion. She will be one of our closest neighbors when we move in 2 weeks.
Ruth. This beautiful girl's father committed suicide when she was one. Abuela Riveros cried when she received her blanket, she was so overjoyed that someone would think of her with such a "treasure"!
Since you could not be here to see the look of joy in the faces of these humbled recipients, we wanted to bring their smiling faces to you. No one expects this type of generosity and it has allowed us to share God's love when they ask us, "Why me?" Thank you again for reaching out beyond your context to help people you most likely will never meet, but people that God loves.
The Paraguayan news (and international press) has been buzzing with the latest scandal. Our president, Fernando Lugo, who is the first ex-Catholic bishop to become a nation's president, is a father. Actually, he has children! He fathered these children while still a bishop and has not officially recognized them until a court ordered DNA testing to be done. He has not only broken the moral code of Catholicism, he has been an absent father who doesn't pay child support for the children he has brought into this world.
This news has not only paralyzed our government, it has made Paraguay the brunt of jokes, criticisms and only works to support Paraguay as a corrupt country. There are shirts being sold in the streets, "I'm not Lugo's child" and the opposition is ridiculing the president by calling him the "father of all Paraguayans". While jokes are flying, the issue is very serious. The opposition is asking him to step down, (which is unlikely), but Lugo has brought shame and an unhealthy distraction upon a poor, struggling nation that doesn't need any more bad press.
The goal in mentioning this situation is not to blast Lugo; it only emphasizes how crucial character is to leadership. The training we participated in two weeks ago emphasized that character is even more important than abilities and knowledge in leadership. Lugo has lost credibility and respect among the people he represents and that presents a huge problem for the four years that remain in his tenure as Paraguay's leader.
Our desire, as we transition more of our time in leadership development, is to spend ample time in character formation and personal integrity of young Paraguayans. We can only impact lives to the degree that we are living out the change we want to see in our cultural environment. Because leadership is influence, our actions will always speak louder than our words.
"Character is the firm foundation stone upon which one must build to win respect. Just as no worthy building can be erected on a weak foundation, so no lasting reputation worthy of respect can be built on a weak character." -R.C. Samsel
We pray that God will give us the wisdom, strength, patience and humility to build up a new generation of Paraguayan leaders; with character and sound ethics. Because we see such a lack of leaders with character, the need is urgent to present a new example: Christ-like leaders, who are willing to be forged in the potter's workshop.
"Good character is more to be praised than outstanding talent. Most talents are to some extent a gift. Good character, by contrast, is not given to us. We have to build it piece by piece: by thought, choice, courage and determination." - John Luther
During Easter week I was preparing to give a special lesson to the children at church on the Easter Story, so I borrowed a friend's flannelboard set and was practicing at home. I told the story to our son for the first time and this was his understanding response:Now, he reminds us almost daily that Jesus got nails "here and here" and points to his hands and feet. He tells us and anyone who will listen that they put Jesus on the cross and then when he died he went into a cave and then came alive again!
It's such an incredible privilege to raise up a child in God's path and we pray he stays on it!
It continues to amaze us how Paraguayans live with so little. In fact, it challenges us to live more simply and less selfishly as well. However, blankets are a matter of life or death for some Paraguayans. They don’t have heated homes and it gets into the 30s at winter (May-August). It’s a wet, freezing cold that chills me to the bone. We usually bundle up with three or four blankets at night. Because of your gifts to the MV Christmas Projects, we were able to buy 30 warm blankets to keep people (mainly children and shut ins) cozy this winter. Here are the first of the joyful recipients of the blankets:MirtaManuelBetty
We know each of these folks personally and know that they did not have blankets before this week. Since 2 are not Christians, we are using this gift to try and "warm" their hearts to the Gospel message. When they ask why we chose them, we tell them that "Jesus loves them".
As you are probably aware, we are fundraising for our generator project. Here are the current EVER-CHANGING bids.
Just for fun, we're going to add another item into the mix: Brazilian coffee! 500 grams of rich ground South American goodness! Doesn't that make you want to grab a cup of joe right now! I can get these in large quantities, so let me know how many you want. Bidding starts at only $0.99!
If you're new to auctions, you can go here to check out the other beautiful items we're auctioning off.
Here are the latest bids:
Macá Indian rainbow purse: $30 Macá Blue/white purse: $25
Leather thermos set: $200
Ñanduti handwoven lace doilies: $20 each
Thanks everyone so much for your bids! Bidding will continue until May 9 at 12:00 p.m. We will announce all the winners on May 10. The winning bidder will receive tax credit for their donation. We will either hand deliver or ship (if you live somewhere we won't be visiting) this item to you when we head to the U.S. on May 15.
All proceeds will go to help us raise money for our much needed generator at the radio station! Your bids are helping us reach our goal!
After spending most of last week near the capital for a leadership conference, we are back home! We wanted to share with you a few of the beautiful children that have recently been added into the Children of Promise program and are needing sponsors.
This is Rodrigo. He is 5 years old and lives with his mother. His father is now living in Spain and has abandoned the family. His mother is about ready to give birth to his brother. The family cooks over fire outside their home (pictured). Rodrigo loves to ride bikes and play "futbol" but he doesn't have a ball or a bike! He loves to go to church with his neighbor.
Scheila (shAY-la) is nine years old and lives with her grandmother and mother. Her father abandoned the family before she was born. She loves to dance and sing, has a sweet spirit and is a good helper in the house.
Sebastian is going to be 5 years old in May. His father committed suicide in December and his mother is working in Buenos Aires, so he lives with his grandmother Luisa, who is a faithful Christian.
If you are interested in sponsoring one of these precious Paraguayan children, please contact Children of Promise. Sponsorship is $25/month and helps provide food, clothing, the opportunity to attend school and spiritual support.
Please pray for these children and their difficult situations. The majority of the 40 children in the program come from broken homes like these kids. Please pray for all the volunteers who visit these children and encourage them spiritually and emotionally each month. We are so grateful for their sponsors' sacrifice.
Children in the program are leaders in church and at school. They have good grades and are healthier than their peers. Children of Promise is making a difference in Paraguay!
If you're new to this, you can go here to check out the beautiful items we're auctioning off.
Here are the latest bids:
Macá Indian purses: $25/each
Leather thermos set: $50
Ñanduti handwoven lace doilies: $10 each
Thanks everyone so much for your bids! Bidding will continue until May 9 at 12:00 p.m. We will announce all the winners on May 10. The winning bidder will receive tax credit for their donation. We will either hand deliver or ship (if you live somewhere we won't be visiting) this item to you when we head to the U.S. on May 15.
All proceeds will go to help us raise money for our much needed generator at the radio station! You can see that we still have a ways to go to reach our goal.
We are so excited to share with you that Norberto has a published book! It is entitled: "A History of the Church of God in Paraguay: Beginnings, Growth and Establishment of the Church of God in Paraguay." It is available here on www.amazon.com. A German publishing company, approached Norberto about turning his graduate thesis into a published work and we just heard back that it was accepted! Perhaps someone in the publishing world can explain to us why the price is extraordinarily high??
The book is full of stories and testimonies of how God has brought so many people together for His Kingdomwork. Our only desire is that God be glorified and we give HIM all the credit for what He has done here.
All proceeds of the book will help our ministry in Paraguay.
Last night we had a footwashing service at church. For churches that recognize the ordinance, it's usually done on Maunday Thursday, when Jesus washed his disciples' feet at the Last Supper. In our church the women wash each other's feet in one circle and men in another in observance of Jesus' words in John 13:14-17,
"Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
This year, our son Timothy (3 years), who was watching the process intently, asked us, "What are they doing?" "Are her feet dirty?" We explained to our toddler that we are doing what Jesus would do, we wash feet to show that we will help others.
He said immediately, "Mommy, I want to help others too. I want to wash your feet!"
He jumped down from the chair and washed my feet along with the lady at my side. I was so touched, the tears started streaming down my face. The other ladies started crying too. Lord, help me to serve without question. I want to answer "Here I am, Lord" when I see needs around me instead of pretending they're not there or making excuses why I'm not the one to assist. Give me faith like a little child.
Our first Good Friday in Paraguay is distinctly engraved in my mind. The normally noisy "barrio" was completely silent and no one left their homes. There was not one motorcycle on the streets that day. I thought I had missed the rapture!
Traditionally, Paraguayans do not cook on Good Friday, so on Ash Wednesday and Maunday Thursday, they work hard grinding corn to make sopa paraguaya, prepare the pig, chicken or beef for the grill and most commonly, elaborate the chipá. Most Paraguayans observe a type of "fast" by only eating chipá in representation of the Passover, (since it contains no yeast). They are silent in respect of Christ's suffering and death on the cross and do not leave their homes. I have grown to really enjoy this reverent observance of Christ's sacrifice and we join in with the cultural festivities. There are 70 wonderful variations of chipá, including meat or corn filled versions. Here's the recipe for chipá that I'll be making today:
2.2 lbs (1 kilo) of almidón (yucca flour) 2 sticks of butter 4 cups of grated cheese (preferably white or mild cheese) 4 eggs 2 egg yolks 1 T anis 1/2 T salt 1 cup milk
Preheat oven to 425 F. Mix all liquid ingredients together, and mix all dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Slowly add dry mix to the liquid ingredients. Mix dough by hand until firm and roll into balls. Bake 20-25 minutes, until golden brown on top.
How do you celebrate Easter? Do you observe Good Friday in any special way?
The last time we were in the States we bought a hair trimmer. We have long since paid for the machine and now we've opened up our own barber shop. The neighborhood kids have been asking us to cut their hair because a haircut costs $2.50 and they just don't have that kind of extra money.
So, we've been perfecting our hair cutting abilities and we take turns cutting hair during siesta! Paraguayans have very thick hair and it takes twice as long for us to cut their hair as it does our own. While we won't quit our day job to become stylists, we are booming with business!
We are fundraising for our generator project. Here are the current bids. We'd love to see them double or triple! Current bid on the Paraguayan purses made by the Maca Indians: $15.00 each Ñanduti lace. It measures 12 inches in diameter; is beige and is hand-woven. This elegant lace makes a perfect centerpiece or can be framed! Current bid: $0.99 This one is vibrant orange (2 tones). It is the same size as the beige, but with a different lace design. Current bid: $10.00A close up of the delicate handiwork. This is an authentic Paraguayan tereré set. See this post for a better explanation of this traditional Paraguayan pasttime. This is a genuine 100% leather thermos with matching guampa (cup). It includes a bombilla (straw) as well. You can see that it is very well made with extra strong stitching. These incredibly talented artisans are Christians and are friends of ours. This hand-painted, matching set says Jesús and is brand new. Current Bid: $25 Please continue to email us your bids. We will update weekly with the current bid on each item. Bidding will continue until May 9 at 12:00 p.m. We will announce all the winners on May 10. The winning bidder will receive tax credit for their donation. We will either hand deliver or ship (if you live somewhere we won't be visiting) this item to you when we head to the U.S. on May 15.
We hope you take advantage of these great auctions which will help us fund the generator we so desperately need. We are trying to raise $5,500 so Radio Alternativa can GENERATE hope 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We had just sat down for lunch after an extremely hectic morning when we got the call. Someone from our church had died in a car accident and we were needed. Sigh. We were just talking about how we needed a few hours to unwind from all our activities and sleep. It wouldn't happen this afternoon.
We gathered together songs for the funeral service and hastily made our way out the door. It was raining hard and the sky was dark, almost perfect conditions for the moment. Where we live, viewings are held in people's homes, since there are no funeral parlors. We moved through the crowds of people who came to pay their respects. There were at least 30 people crammed into the small living room. I could feel myself starting to suffocate, not only because of my tight space, but because of the stench. Almost no one embalms bodies here because of the expense. Bodies must be buried as soon as possible to avoid odors. But, sometimes relatives have to travel great distances to arrive and the body waits. We were asked to lead the music and Norberto began to strum "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" as the people mourned and wailed loudly around us. I looked up at the sky blue painted walls and asked God to open hearts as our pastor shared. We only had four songs on our sheet and with one great hymn of the faith we were inventing a new melody with every verse!
As we were singing our unrehearsed hymns, Timmy fell asleep in my arms. He had no idea of the turmoil and ache of those around him. He was at peace with God and the world. Somehow, he became the center of attention and everyone in the room had their eyes fixed on the innocence of this sleeping boy next to the casket. Peace. Perfect peace. Yes, Father; you give peace in the midst of pain. I was reminded of John 14:27, Peace I leave you, my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
On our way home, we talked about not fearing death and we shared about what we want to leave as our legacy at our own funerals. Norberto said, "I want to tribute a life of service and obedience." Yes, indeed that was my desire too. I added, "I want my death to bring more people to the mission field and to bring people to the cross." We both yearn to be faithful to the end and we pray God's strength to continue to "fight the good fight".
What about you? What is the legacy you want to leave? How do you intend to do that?
Last night we had the group Judá (Judah) from Asuncion present for our big 10th anniversary fiesta concert series. Opening groups included "One to One" and Alas de fuego (Wings of Fire) from Argentina.
Norberto discovered a new talent as our emcee. He gave away fun prizes and his lighthearted spirit warmed up the crowd. I worked at the Christian bookstore and counseling at the end of the concert. We showed powerful video clips during the concertTwo people came forward and since this young girl, Lilianna became a Christian we gave her a Bible (from the Bible project!), her first. We thank God for bringing people to Him and using different musicians and styles to reach folks.
Since most of the musicians have never been to our area, Norberto is taking them on a tour of the Jesuit ruins, the best preserved in the country and tomorrow we're going to the Paraná river for a cookout! We're so grateful for all the volunteers and the Alternativa team and especially to Jesus Christ who deserves the praise for making this outreach event a success!
Usually when we think of God's transformation, we think of a powerful salvation experience or an incredible testimony of someone leaving drugs and alcohol to follow Christ. However, Jorge's story is different. When he was 18 months old, a severe case of meningitis almost took his life. Fortunately, he lived, but he lost his ability to hear and for almost eleven years he lived in silence.
That is, until today. This intelligent, handsome boy who comes from a very poor home, got his first hearing aid. But, it has been an amazing, winding ride to get to this point. I told a quick version here, but now here's the rest of the story.
It's awesome how God uses many people to bless and touch one life. I met Jorge five years ago. I was able to visit his rural home and see how he and his family were struggling financially. He was enrolled in Children of Promise, a child sponsorship program I direct here in Paraguay. I felt like God would help him hear, but I didn't have the resources or the contacts to make it happen. God took care of that. Two years later, a work camp from First Church of God in St. Joe, Michigan came to build a new church building where Jorge and his family worshiped, two years later. After meeting Jorge, a skilled contractor on the team mentioned that he had build the office for an audiologist in town on an earlier trip. Hmm, good to know. Then, last year another family from the same church decided they wanted to bless Paraguayan children. So instead of receiving gifts for his 40th birthday, the father [or husband] asked friends to give to Children of Promise. We received over $1,000!
Since Jorge had never received a diagnosis in his infancy, we used the special donation money to get him tested in Encarnacion, an hour away. We made four different trips and after much anxiety, disappointment and immense joy (you can read all of that HERE and HERE) we were told that Jorge would benefit from a hearing aid!
With this new hope, the Lord reminded me about our contractor friend's comment regarding the audiologist. Our friend gladly got in touch with the doctor. She immediately agreed to donate the hearing aid, valued at over $1,100! Three weeks later I received the hearing aid in the mail. My heart sunk when I received it as the box was completely open. Our mail had been open on three previous occasions and every time whatever was sent to us had been stolen. Unbelievable it was still there. God had protected it!
Because God's people have come together from different places, with different gifts and adding different pieces to the puzzle, Jorge today can hear. Just to add meaning to this transformation, here's Jorge's reaction when he received his "new ears" this morning. It brought tears to my eyes. I couldn't stop thinking of what Paul said, "Faith comes through hearing." Although he was talking about spiritual hearing, I don't believe that's too far off for this young lad who experienced such great love and blessing from people that barely know him. I told him today that God gave him new ears because he loves him so much and cares for his life.
Here's a glimpse of the sounds Jorge made, the same day he was fitted. He's going to need a lot of special help and attention, so please keep him in your prayers.
Just look at that boy beaming! God, we give you all the glory. Here's Jorge giving his mom a hug as they leave the doctor's office today. This is the best day of his life!
Thank you Father for bringing together so many lives to touch this young boy's life and transform him. Thank you that he will finally be able to hear the guitar, his favorite instrument and thank you that with your help, he'll be able to speak one day too. We give you praise that you make the blind see and the deaf hear. You hold the poor and abandoned in the palm of your hand and we know that because of your love, Jorge is a changed person.
It's been a while since we wrote with some prayer requests. We're feeling the crunch of wrapping up activities, projects and our home construction before we leave for the States on May 15.
Here's some current matters for prayer: Our big concert on Friday night. It is an evangelistic youth concert with four different groups. Pray that hearts would be opened to hear the message of God's hope, love and forgiveness.
Have you ever seen Grumpy Old Men? We have a neighbor who's an older German who fits that description perfectly. He needs the Lord and we have a burden to love Him into the Kingdom. Please pray for our cantankerous next door neighbor and for opportunities to show him love and grace.
Our truck sale. It is in God's hands. We're now to the point where we're praying God's will and not our will. That's what God wants from us, obviously. We'll wait for His timing...so maybe we need more patience!
Julie's Bible study. It's going well and we had three new people come last night that don't know the Lord. We pray that God will bring the ladies that need to be there and that the Holy Spirit would penetrate hearts and minds. Wrapping Up Well. Two weeks ago we sat down and wrote out all that needs to be accomplished before we leave. The list was overwhelming. But, we've been able to cross off a few items so far and we trust that God will give us wisdom and strength to continue to do what needs to get done and let go what we can't do. So, if you're not tired yet, here are more things to pray about:
finish at least 3 rooms of our new home, so we can move in distribute the remaining 1,000 Bibles from our Bible project purchase 800 chicks for our micro enterprise project and build chicken houses buy and distribute warm blankets, mosquito nets, farm tools, seeds and other supplies to the poor in our area finish firming up our itinerary buy the generator for the radio sell our Suburban (we are praying hard!) secure a loaner vehicle while in the States buy our plane tickets go to Asuncion and get Hubby's new residency card (his is lost) pack up and move out of our home finish video to show in churches buy gifts for donors get Jorge his hearing aid fitted-tomorrow hire a new operator attend leadership conference in San Bernardino solicit motorcycles for pastors in need delegate all ministry tasks
We echo the words of Paul to Corinth, "On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers." 2 Cor. 1:10-11a
