Passion for Paraguay

  One River, 101 Stories of Faith This week, I had the privilege of being part of a baptism where 101 people took a step of faith and publicly committed their lives to God . The baptism took place in the Paraná River, in front of a large crowd of family members, friends, and supporters who had come to witness this important moment. It was an incredible sight—more than one hundred people entering the waters to declare their faith. Baptism is much more than simply entering a river or being immersed in water. It is a public expression of an inward decision to follow Christ. The Apostle Paul describes it beautifully in Romans 6:4: “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life .” Those words took on special meaning as I watched each person enter the water. Baptism represents leaving behind an old way of life and identifying with Christ in His death and resur...

For the past few weeks, we have been watching 48 nations from all over the world pour their hearts out for a spot in a dream that unites entire countries—the FIFA World Cup . This incredible event only happens every four years. In this historic 23rd edition, the Paraguayan national team is determined to make history and drive their country's name as high as possible in the world rankings. The road so far has been full of faith, grit, and perseverance. Here is how our track record looks in this tournament: USA 4 – Paraguay 1 (A tough opening loss) Turkey 0 – Paraguay 1 (Our first crucial victory) Australia 0 – Paraguay 0 (A hard-fought tie) Germany 1 (3) – Paraguay 1 (4) (A historic penalty shootout win against a global giant!) France vs. Paraguay (The massive Round of 16 match ahead of us!) Millions of people are watching these games, experiencing firsthand the tension, the pain, and the ultimate joy of every single play. Soccer is truly a beautiful metaphor for life. Our rec...

Nothing changes a person quite like a real encounter with the living God. This past weekend, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how a man in his late 50s made the firm decision to completely turn his life around. There were exaclty 51 men at this retreat. His wife gave him eight children, but the list didn't end there. Occasional encounters during his travels through Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina brought more children into the world, to the point where he lost track of them. Eventually, his wife drew a definitive line: "Enough, please leave us alone." In the blink of an eye, he lost everything: his house, car, property, inheritance, job, his relationship with his children, and, most painfully, his dignity. He was completely broken. Two weeks ago, we happened to be in the right place at the right time. It all started with a casual conversation around my motorcycle. He was at the end of his rope. I told him about a men's event—a space where he could return to...

Every year on May 14 and 15, the people of Paraguay celebrate one of the most important moments in the nation’s history: Independence Day. These dates commemorate Paraguay’s peaceful declaration of independence from Spain in 1811, making it one of the first countries in South America to gain freedom during the wave of independence movements across the continent. What makes Paraguay’s independence story unique is that it happened with very little bloodshed. Influential leaders such as Fulgencio Yegros , Pedro Juan Caballero , and Dr. José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia played key roles in shaping the young nation’s future and protecting its sovereignty. Today, Independence Day is celebrated with patriotic pride throughout the country. Streets are decorated with the red, white, and blue colors of the Paraguayan flag, while families gather to enjoy traditional foods such as sopa paraguaya, chipa, and asado. Schools, communities, and cities host parades, concerts, cultural events, and firew...

A Legacy of Faith: The Story of Sergio and Margarita Sergio and Margarita are my in-laws. They are easy to love and be with; both are down-to-earth, hardworking, and fully devoted to God and family. Sergio works as a blacksmith during the week and serves as a pastor on weekends. As a couple, they have begun several churches and served the poor with true intent. Their story is truly special. After getting married, they struggled with infertility and prayed for years until, finally, it happened. First came one, then two (Nancy, my wife), and then three girls. They decided to try for a boy, but guess what? Another girl arrived. In their continued search for a son, they went for another round, and finally, the boy came—fifth in line. You would think they might stop there, but they decided to pray for one more boy. That is when twin sisters said, "Hello, we are here!" Almost like Jacob in his old age, they reached out for "one more" until the seventh girl appeared. All a...

Almost three years ago I launched a book titled "One Border at a time". I am working on translating it into Spanish this year.  Click here for direct access on Amazon https://a.co/d/0awp2shT It’s the story of an epic trip we took with our Chevy Suburban 1988 diesel 6.2 L engine (a beast) or blue cruiser. We left the USA in September 2002, and pulled into the driveway of a small rental home, in the town of Obligado Paraguay November 2002 (three months later). So much has transpired over these past years. Other trips followed and other mission projects ensued. With the passing of years we all have new borders to clear. There is one issue though; we get comfortable and often stop crossing new borders.  The excuses often sound like:          I don't have the energy anymore     I am too old for this     I don't have the time     I would rather let somewhere else do it.     I have been bur...

Every year, for the past four decades, softball teams from Churches in over 20 states come and play in the Interstate Church of God softball tournament. The tournament came into being after two radical women, upon graduation from Anderson College, decided to serve the Lord.  Twila Briscoe spent her life loving God and family, while serving the local church and running a daycare Center in Roanoke VA. Tabita Kurrle married a pastor in South America, and become a missionary to Paraguay. Both women were radical for their time. Both followed their heart, faith and calling. Both continue impacting and touching lives on both side of the Equator.  The softball tournament began as a sport which the Briscoes were passionate about. At the same time the Kurrles were starting a school in a rural community in the town of Raul Pena Paraguay.  In 1984 the players from the First Church in Hickory North Carolina challenged the other teams to raise the support for scholarships for the stude...

We recently visited Costa Rica . Nancy spoke at the first latin american gathering of women of the Church of God . Fellowship was rich. Nancy loved every minute of it.  With representation from some 18 countries, Paraguay was represented by five female pastors and leaders.    The country is a sought destination for hikers, bird watchers, retirees, and people who want to step into a country that offers security, beauty, entertainment and only a few hours by air from the USA.  Pura Vida slogan - Costa Ricans use this phrase everyday when saying goodbye or wishing you a good day.   After the conference, Nancy and I were able to share in two congregations of the church of God in this beautiful country.  I connected the Costa Rica slogan with the words of Jesus . I asked those present  How do we attain fullness of life?   The thief enters only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came so that they could have life—indeed, so that they could live life ...

Every day contains crossroads moments. These decisions may not always be life changing and eternal, but every choice we make in our words, thoughts, and deeds takes us either one step closer to God, or one step farther away from Him.  When Ruth was faced with either going back to her town and her people, she chose to support Naomi on her journey back to Bethlehem. It was a simple, and yet epic decision. The ripple effect of Ruth's choice would change not only her life but also the course of history, as we will see later.  Here is the challenge!! How am I doing? Am I drawing closer to God today, or am I slowly drifting away into slippery territory? Are my choices building up myself, (health, emotional and spiritual well being) or are they slowing killing my relationships, my body and/or my soul (this one is the most important one).  During our growing up years our parents, and the educational system served to guide us and steer our life’s; but as we come of age we hav...

Over the weekend of September 6th and 7th hundreds came to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Church of God in Obligado Paraguay .  Who would have taught or imagined a growing church established in four states and in the move against all odds.  Several schools have been established, one radio station and one cable tv station.  Missionaries have come and gone. Missionaries are even sent out of Paraguay. So much good is happening.  The next and final event will be in Encarnacion on the weekend of October 31st and November 1st . A lot has been planned for the last celebration of the year. 

  🌿 50 Years of God’s Faithfulness: Celebrating the Church of God (Anderson) in Paraguay Fifty years ago, in Paraguay, the Church of God (Anderson) was planted, not as a fleeting movement but as a persistent testament to God’s enduring faithfulness. What began with courageous pioneers trusting in the Lord has grown into a vibrant community of believers, grounded in sacrifice and steadfast devotion. Waldemar and Emi Oberman were sent by the Argentinean Church of God to officially celebrate and pioneer this beginning. Two years later, Martin and Tabita Kurrle (my parents) followed. What began as a mission outpost with no promises of succeeding, is now a testament of Gods goodness. ' From left to right. Marcos (my brother) my parents, Nilah and Priscila (sisters) A Foundation of Sacrifice and Vision The early years demanded costly sacrifice. Founders and early members endured long journeys, linguistic barriers, and cultural adjustment—all sustained by a singular vision: to preach ...

I got to fly back to the US this month for a short visit to be present at my dear aunt Charlene at the memorial service in Anderson IN. She was very close to me and my family in Paraguay. Over the years Charlene thought me a bunch about being a servant. She did not preach much, but she practiced her faith in action.  Charlene Frances (Roberts) Meier, 86, of Anderson, died Saturday, May 31, 2025 after a lengthy illness while visiting her son and grandson in North Carolina. She was born on April 7, 1939 in Charleston, WV to the late Charles Roberts and Mildred (Shanklin) Roberts Hensley. She played collegiate basketball for Anderson University in Anderson, IN and was also an avid softball and tennis player. She was a science teacher at East Side Middle School in Anderson, IN for decades where she coached basketball and volleyball. She met Paul David Meier at Anderson University and married in 1964 in South Charleston, WV.  She is survived by her son, David Timothy (wife Lisa) Me...

Bella Vista means, beautiful view. Town entrance pin the pic. Community of 14,500 inhabitants. Today the capital of Yerba Mate, our national tea which many of you know how it works. If you have not seen this unique tea and a traditional cup It is in this community that a few families from Brazil and Germans began establishing in 1918 when the region was a dense rainforest. During those days, things were getting rough in Europe with WW1 looming.   We were invited by local pastors Omar and Mariel Borque to come and visit the congregation. The Borques immigrated from Argentina and are now leading this congregation which has great potential.  Honoring mothers with a gift, words and prayer. Our sermon was directed to women of God who had an influence in history and today. It's always a joy to visit a new place and share with people we have never met and with leaders (which is our calling). We want to encourage and support those who are in active ministry. O...

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...