Young people are leaving Paraguay by the droves. There are few available jobs and the brightest young people are frustrated as they have no place to use their skills. Young Christians in our region are also frustrated because they don't have a place to study for ministry and Christian service.
Something has to change.
We desire to raise up a new generation of Paraguayan leaders. Many young people want to serve God here in Paraguay, but they don't know where and how to begin. They are lacking the tools and the structure to learn about their gifts and how to apply them practically in the world.
Enter ICI: Integral Christian Institute.
This holistic training will focus on character development, leadership skills and Biblical training. Young people who are at least 18 years of age will be a part of enriching classes such as New Testament, personal finances and time management.
Since so many Paraguayans are unemployed it is crucial for students to learn a vocational trade such as carpentry, communications, agriculture and animal husbandry. Students will spend 50% of their time in the classroom and 50% getting hands-on training in "the shop".
Close your eyes and think about what could happen in the lives of students at ICI:
Imagine with us for a minute, thirty young people sitting around a campfire laughing and drinking mate while sharing about their two week winter internship serving in a church.
Imagine with us a young man named Freddy who is the middle of five children. He never knew his dad. He's learning to be a welder with Hugo, a godly man from the church. He's learning about being a real man too.
We believe in the young people that will change Paraguay with the hope of Christ. God is preparing us for this season of training up leaders, but we need your help.
There are several items we need on site before we launch ICI in March 2011. They are, in order of importance:
Do we serve a God who can move mountains? Absolutely.
Can YOU make a difference? You bet.
Join us on the exciting journey to shape the lives of Paraguay's upcoming leaders. You can give online to the help change Paraguay here. Please earmark your gift "Paraguay Bible School."
Something has to change.
We desire to raise up a new generation of Paraguayan leaders. Many young people want to serve God here in Paraguay, but they don't know where and how to begin. They are lacking the tools and the structure to learn about their gifts and how to apply them practically in the world.
Since so many Paraguayans are unemployed it is crucial for students to learn a vocational trade such as carpentry, communications, agriculture and animal husbandry. Students will spend 50% of their time in the classroom and 50% getting hands-on training in "the shop".
Close your eyes and think about what could happen in the lives of students at ICI:
Imagine with us for a minute, thirty young people sitting around a campfire laughing and drinking mate while sharing about their two week winter internship serving in a church.
We believe in the young people that will change Paraguay with the hope of Christ. God is preparing us for this season of training up leaders, but we need your help.
There are several items we need on site before we launch ICI in March 2011. They are, in order of importance:
- 16 bunk beds with 32 mattresses
- 1 video projector
- 5 computers
- 15 computer monitors
- 30 desks
- 1 door/1 glass window for comp. lab
- 1 Toshiba photocopier
- AV equipment for distance learners
- Pots, pans and cooking utensils
- Dinnerware (silverware/mugs/glasses)
- 20 plastic chairs
- 2 refrigerators
- 1 industrial oven
- 4 computer tables
- Reference books for library
- 4 book shelves
- 4 metal stands for kitchen
- 1 solar panel
Do we serve a God who can move mountains? Absolutely.
Can YOU make a difference? You bet.
Join us on the exciting journey to shape the lives of Paraguay's upcoming leaders. You can give online to the help change Paraguay here. Please earmark your gift "Paraguay Bible School."
They will be forever changed because of your investment.
HOW EXCITING! This is so dead-on what we've been talking about as a need here. We've been trying to figure out how to do something like this on a smaller scale than what you're describing, here in Carapegua. We'd love to pick your brains someday... :) For now, we're definitely praying for the realization of this vision there where you are. Let us know if we can do anything to help! (I do have a contact who made our bunkbeds, which are VERY, VERY solid.)
ReplyDeletewow! yes, i'm in!
ReplyDeleteJulie and Norb- Your project is so exciting! I know that God has amazing plans for the future of Paraguay- working through this country's young people. We have recently met several other Christians that have a shared vision for Paraguay's youth and children and it is so encouraging that God is moving all across this country! May the Lord bless your efforts there and supply every need!
ReplyDelete