January 1, 2024 - Thanks-Giving

I love new beginnings. I love new things. There is a buzz-an emotion that comes when you get something new or start of a new venture. On Sunday Dec 31st, while visiting the Altar Church of God in Tampa, FL we were challenged to enter into the new year with thanksgiving. Its the password and the attitude God so much enjoys hearing from you and me.

But before getting myself ahead and move into 2024 I want to take a few moments, to look back and say Thank You.

My amazing family: I have an been blessed with a family that God has gifted me. They each have their personalities and are on different stages in their relationship with the Lord and each other. Family is the small community that God gives us to work on our pride, greed, patience and selflessness. There are moments that I need some space - I have to admit - to catch up emotionally, but I having Nancy, Marcos, Nicole, Anahi and Dominick in my life is the best gift. They have thought me so much about God and unconditional love.

Opportunity to serve: I have been blessed with serving pastors and leaders in Paraguay. Nancy and I count it a great privilege's walking alongside some incredible leaders who love the Lord and are doing so much good in Paraguay.

Health and Resources: God has been good in giving us two very important assets. Health is one. Without good health we could not travel, visit and serve. And second, without financial resources, we could not cover the needs of a roof, a monthly income, a car and the tools, like a computer, office space to do ministry.

Hopes and Dreams: I believe the best is yet to come. After twenty years of service in Paraguay, we are just scratching the surface of what can be done in the heart of South America. There are more people that need Jesus, need hope and need to be lifted out of extreme poverty. Extreme poverty is an impediment to embrace the gospel.

One of the sad images I have seen over the years is the lack of hope and dreams for the future. There are men and women who once upon a time had passionate ideas on how to live and tackle the world. They had dreams and projects. But as life hit them hard, they let go of those dreams to start a slow death.

I might be too positive about the future. But at every season of life God gives us new opportunities.

Your church needs your gift - something only you have been equipped to do.
Your community needs your ideas and touch to become better.
You need yourself. We are often our worst enemies. Our own negativity and insecurities.
Your family needs you. Be the best father, mother, daughter, son, cousin, grandpa.
I think Its about having the right attitude and outlook. That makes the difference.

My mercies are new every morning says the Lord. The sun shines anew everyday. May 2024 be one of those good years for you. Go get them, chase that dream, goal. Don't bury your God given treasure.

Please come back often to this blog as we will continue sharing what takes place in the months and years to come. We are passionate about Paraguay and the people of that land.

Christmas in Paraguay!

If you're wondering what Paraguayans do at Christmastime, they have some great traditions , including the " noche buena " meal on Christmas Eve at midnight. They eat lots chipa guasu (a type of corn casserole, stay tuned for a recipe), asado or grilled meat (some eat it cold), salads, especially fruit salad, watermelon and drink mucho terere . Families travel from all over the country, many even return from working in other countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Spain, to celebrate with loved ones. This is us at last year's Kurrle celebration in Asuncion. Festivities are anything but a silent night with fireworks, loud music and drinking cidra (hard cider). Most Paraguayans do not decorate Christmas trees (we decorate ours in shorts!) or emphasize Santa Claus. Instead, they put beautiful nativities " pesebres " in their yards and in store fronts. Kind of novel to focus on Christ at Christmas, isn't it! To beat the heat, many Paraguayans g...

Paraguayan Weddings

On Valentine’s Day, we had the joy of attending the wedding of Sandra and Anastacio, young leaders in the church. Sandra is my assistant with Children of Promise and Anastacio, apart from his carpentry job, has a popular youth-focused radio program every night at 8:00 on our station. We’ve been to quite a few weddings, and these are some of the uniquenesses of southern Paraguayan wedding celebrations from our North American culture: 1. Nothing is fancy. Emphasis is placed on the act of marriage and not on the decorations or food. 2. It is not an expectation that parents help pay for expenses. Most families just make it each month with regular expenses and cannot afford to pay for eleborate feasts. Most couples have to spend months saving for their own wedding. 3. Borrow as much as possible. Many times wedding dresses are borrowed 5-10 times, because few women can afford their own. Flowers, decorations, shoes and ties (Norb loans out his ties often...since he never wears them!...

How to make Rosella (Roselle) Juice and Tea

This is rosella (not to be confused with grosella, which is gooseberry). Rosella is from the hibiscus family. It's harvest time here, and we use the rosella to make juice and tea. It's properties are absolutely tremendous. It helps sooth colds, coughs, helps digestion, promotes healthy kidney function, is a treatment for cancer, and reduces a fever and that's just a few of its benefits! To make rosella juice, first de-pit the fruit and wash the skin thoroughly. Put the fruit into boiling water until the water is bright red (about 15 minutes). The color is so vibrant, Roselle is sold to make dyes. Strain the fruit (which can be used to make a delicious jam) and refrigerate the juice. Add a few squirts of Stevia for a healthy drink. The finished product looks exactly like red Kool-aid, but is entirely full of nutrients. We can't get enough of it. We dehydrated the petals for hot tea. All you need is two dried flowers to infus...

Passion for Paraguay

Search This Blog