Passion for Paraguay

A year with thousands of miles As 2023 was wrapping up we were working on plans for a motorcycle trip that would take us from the USA to Paraguay, in approximately two months.   We began riding January 24th in Orlando FL and arrived March 12th in Encarnacion Paraguay where we take residency. The stories and experiences would fill pages and could even become a book. (some day) In a nutshell, we learned so much about each other (Marcos my son and I) as we took on the challenge and helped each other out on this long journey. We discovered the beauty of Latin America, its people, cultures and tastes. We experienced God in a new way. For me (Norberto) this journey, indirectly became a retreat and gave me much time to reflect about my faith and how to connect the dots of ministry, family and life altogether.  We are in debt with many people. Those who supported us financially, those who gave us gifts and everything that's needed for a trip this size. We are in debt with God for...

It is better to give than to receive. That became true again this week, when we prayed and sent three families home with their bran new Honda motorcycle.  Every year since 2004 we have been giving motorcycles away to Christian leaders involved in teaching, preaching, and working in all related Christian ministries.  These gifts are made possible thanks to CMA USA and Missionary Ventures International. Seeing people who never owned a motorcycle finally have their own wheels to do what they have been called to do is priceless.  These three families love the Lord, and are serving with their gifts of music, leadership, speaking, teaching and the love of God with a new generation of Paraguayns

This month Paraguay was blessed again with a visit from CMA (Christian Motorcycles), an organization that has been coming to Paraguay since 2003. Fifteen CMA members came to spend a week traveling the country. We started out in Asuncion, where we were hosted by the local CMA chapter, a thriving chapter in operation since last year, with new members who are excited to take this ministry into new places in this country.  We also visited the Colonias Unidas (where CMA Paraguay officially began back in 2006), spent one day painting the Alternative Radio Station (established in 1999 and until recently the only Christian broadcasting ministry in southern Paraguay), and traveled to see the waterfalls at Iguazu (one of the seven natural wonders of the world). I love hosting CMA teams. Their excitement and passion fill you up. This year CMA Paraguay became an officially chartered nation with CMA International. This recognition has encouraged and blessed the w...

This past year we were able to help six ministries with 8 motorcycles (or trikes)!  Enrique in Bella Vista  German in Carlos Antonio Lopez  Motorcycle for Cerro Moroti  Marcio in Caaguazu  First impression of Marcio's new motorcycle- pure joy!  Indigenous people near Carayaó.  Marcio rides on rough dirt roads to visit the tribes.  Pastor Mario in Jesus  Feeding center and children's ministry in Botanical Gardens in Asuncion Bible translation project to the Ach é people. Here are a few of the thank you letters that show how God is using these bikes: CMA motorcycles for Paraguay From Letra Bible translation CMA donates motorcycles to Paraguay 2 From Alma ministry in Caaguazu We are delighted to be the bridge for these deserving ministries to receive a more effective means to reach Paraguay with the love of Jesus Christ.  Please pray for their safety on the road and for grace as they spread the message of hope each and every...

Usually we are so busy translating or driving or making logistical decisions, we don't have time to take some shots during a team trip.  I am adding some great pics that the group gave us...so you can see things from their perspective.  The group with the Ache  blessing a motorcycle in Naranjal blessing a tricycle in Jesus blessing a motorcycle in Triunfo 43 blessing a motorcycle in Hohenau CMA Paraguay with the team  visiting the Jesuit Ruins in Trinidad visiting a school in Cerro Cora a monkey in the town of Jesus  animal life at the falls We were blessed in 2011 by the CMA group.  We can't thank you enough for all you did here and we pray that God will continue to use you to spread the vision for evangelism worldwide!

This week we have some of the greatest folks on earth visiting us.  They have two things in common...they love Jesus and they love to ride.  Yes, our long-awaited CMA team has arrived.  They arrived 9 hours late due to their flight being cancelled and having to take a 6 hour bus ride instead.  However, they still got to dedicate the motorcycle that is destined to the Bible translation project for the Ache people. Then they headed down south to help us with painting the radio station. As you can see, the radio desperately needed some paint.  The "after" results are amazing!    We had a really nice time of food and fellowship with the CMA Paraguay chapter, which invited several interested people to attend.   They showed pictures of their bikes and made jokes about each other's motorcycle model, all in good fun of course.   They even fixed a motorcycle owned by the radio that was broken!  I guess we shouldn't be surprised by the man...

This weekend is the International Viajeros Motocycle Rally.  It is being held in our town and our CMA chapter is heavily involved with the event.  Bikers have come from neighboring countries Brazil, Argentina, Chile and as far as Europe.  There was a biker parade today and Norberto registered the bikers and was asked to give the opening prayer.  I handed out flags and Timmy was the cute biker kid.  These events are ALWAYS interesting to meet people!!  There were over 250 bikers present for the parade. That guy in front of the caravan is from Germany and is biking from Argentina to Alaska!! Right before the caravan has about to start, a drunk guy's bike tipped over on ours.  Then two bikes down, a guy jumps off his bike as it goes up in flames.  Thankfully, we were able to put out the fire.  Never a dull moment with bikers!   We're hoping to have more opportunities to talk with them tomorrow and use opportunities to share abou...

Tomorrow is the annual CMA Run for the Son fundraiser to send motorcycles and bikes all over the world.  Last year we received 10 motorcycles that were distributed to pastors/evangelists all over Paraguay. Asuncion G. has planted two more churches since he received his motorcycle last year! Here's a letter we recently received from pastor Justo D.: April 8, 2011 Bella Vista, Itapua Greetings in Jesus’ name.  I am so thankful for my motorcycle, KH 200 BR.  It has been used for evangelism and various meetings.  Also, we are using it for our services on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday that I drive to 10 km each way.  The motorcycle has been such a blessing.  It’s my work companion and my ministry partner.  With her, I’ve been able to win souls for the Lord and encourage the saints. Only God can repay you.  I care for my motorcycle like a baby and I am the only one who drives it.  Brothers, I want you to know that we are praying ...

Only God could orchestrate that.  Plamen came to know the Lord in an underground church during the communist regime.  Shortly after the fall of communism, he founded this church in Bulgaria (which is one of the largest in the nation). He is passionate about God and motorcycles.  His dream was to bike through South America and he made it happen after months of planning and preparation.  However at the last minute his two riding partners backed out and he did the trip solo! He started in Texas and arrived at our house yesterday after 45 days on the open road.  He found us through the CMA website and we are so honored to have him stay with us!  Last night he spoke at our CMA meeting about his amazing adventures. Today he, Roland (CMA Paraguay president) and Norberto are out on a day ride to show him the beautiful region of the country in which we live.   Plamen flies to the US tomorrow and back to Bulgaria later in the week.  What crazy and abs...

As we mentioned a few months ago, this has been a record year for us!  We have been able to give away TEN motorcycles to different pastors/evangelists serving in Paraguay.  Here we highlighted the first five ministries.  Now, here are the rest of the 2010 motorcycles recipients:  Pastor Asuncion serving in General Delgado and surrounding towns, two hours southwest.  Pastor Carlos serving in Hohenau, the next town over.  Pastor Pedro in Ita.  His motorcycle was stolen last year so he received a new one this year.  Bi-vocational minister Mario in Jesus, twenty minutes west. Chaplain Abdo ministering in Guaira, eight hours north.  (Sorry, this picture is absolutely horrible.) Thanks again to CMA for the incredible gift you have given each of these pastors!  You have given them wheels to move the Gospel forward and we are so grateful.

Tune into:  http://www.livestream.com/cmarally   tomorrow morning (Sat) at 10:00 a.m. EDT to watch Norberto and Roland share live about CMA in Paraguay at the 35th anniversary Changing of the Colors Rally in Hatfield, Arkansas! Don't miss it!

No, we are not giving away a trip!  But we are giving away a cool prize, which I'll explain in just a sec. About the trip....Norberto is heading out to the CMA international rally in Hatfield, Arkansas on Monday with the Paraguay CMA Chapter President, Roland (pictured right).  Here is Roland inducting a new member of CMA Paraguay at the ceremony last week. Roland is terrified of flying.  He told us a few years ago that he would NEVER step foot on an airplane.  Never say never.  Roland is flying to the rally, folks!  The only reason he agreed to the trip is that he believes that God has told him he needs to be there .  Please pray for Roland as he is taking a leap flight of faith.    Norberto is representing Missionary Ventures at the 35th anniversary of CMA changing of the Colors and will be sharing about how the gift of motorcycles to indigenous pastors has had such a profound effect on the spreading of God's word here. If you are ...