Passion for Paraguay

Yesterday wrapped up our national Youth Convention Weekend here at our church. The theme was "Heroes in 3D". Every session dealt with Heroes of the faith and what it takes to be a hero in today's culture (our testimony, our decisions, our willingness to be set part and be courageous and prepare for what's next).  Our speaker was Youth Specialties Paraguay director, Paulo Lacota  Here is our youth ministry leadership team The worship team was incredible! Praising with all their hearts  Games at the river Norberto was in charge of rappelling Sat. afternoon.  So much fun!  Terere time! Concert with Christian rock band "Extremo" on Sat. night These are the young people who feel that God is calling them into ministry!  We talked to them about ICCI and pray that they continue to take steps of obedience toward preparing for their calling.  These are the young heroes that will change Paraguay!

This week we are so privileged to receive visitors from Spread The Word , (STW) a dynamic ministry of the Church of God .  The goal of STW is to pump up giving to missions among teenagers.  Young people are challenged to give to the Lord and His Kingdomwork by sacrificing a fast food meal or a music purchase.  STW started around 2002 and this year, normal teens surpassed the $500,000 mark of giving worldwide!   With these funds, they give evangelistic tools to national pastors such as bicycles, projectors and even a boat to reach island villagers! Paraguay has been blessed most recently with musical instruments, a projector and laptops to give talks in public schools and share The Jesus Film in remote areas (like Barrio Milagros, pictured below). The team is here sharing 5 Principles of Leadership in different cities and encouraging our pastors and youth and loving on people (including us!). Here's the group with the spectacular Paraguayan Youth Minis...

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 stu...

Thank you so much for your prayers and heart-felt comments about our last post and current frustrations.  We feel like the cloud is lifting and we are really, really grateful for God's love and grace and faithfulness even when life is hard. Here's a glimpse into our recent happenings...   We received an incredible donation from our CMA Son Rider friends in middle GA, a complete flannelgraph set with over 180 Bible stories and cut outs!  What a huge blessing.  The kids have never been more attentive!  I'm already loaning it out to other churches. Our two interns, David and Zach , helped us in numerous ways this week.  Here they are opening peanuts and staying connected (we have had internet ALL week...woohoo!).  Thanks for keeping them in your prayers as they use their gifts, serve others and love God in new ways. The last leaf on our sweet gum tree.  She's hanging on for dear life and doesn't want to admit that winter is here! Our CMA ch...

"The ultimate adventure that I've experienced in my entire life!"   That's how 10 year old Oscar described his day on Saturday.  The Explorers had a special rappelling session, led by extreme adventurer, Norberto.  71 kids braved the experience by rappelling the three story radio building. Norberto explained that when you rappel, you have to trust in the harness, in the strength of the rope and trust in those that are belaying (holding the rope) down below.  As followers of God, we have to trust that he will hold us up, even when we can't see him; he is with us. The hardest part is taking that first step off the platform and putting your faith into practice!  The kids can't stopping talking about the "awesome adventures" they had rappeling.  We'll keep you posted as to what the next ultimate experience will be!  In the meantime, pray that the faith of these little ones would grow leaps and bounds!

Here's a recap of this week's highlights: This past weekend was the Exploradores campout!  The kids had to make their own campsite, food, group name and song.  They had such a great time they can't stop talking about it.  Tonight is the award's ceremony at church. Norberto was in charge of the campfire; it was just a little one, not anything that would singe our avocado tree or anything.    The troop    Commander Hugo loves the kids!   Norberto's family from Asuncion came to visit so Timmy got to play with his cousin Mateo.   The newest Kurrle cousin, isn't she so sweet!    David (our intern) putting the finishing touches on our portable chicken coop.  The only problem is that our lone chicken is so social he prefers sleeping with us and tries hard to get into our house whenever the front door is open!  He was last spotted under the kitchen sink.    Making yummy sugar cookies with Erin, who i...

Did you grow up participating in Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts?  We were all about that in my family.  I remember the Pinewood Derby races each year, the campouts and the thin mints.  Oh, what I wouldn't give for a box of those right now...sigh.  Those were great memories in my childhood and I'm so thankful for the adults that invested in us.  I still remember my troop leader; she was kind, impartial, creative and she had a contagious positive attitude.   One of the couples that came to know the Lord through the radio station has taken the initiative to bring that kind of experience to boys and girls in our town.  For the last year our church has organized a troop of Royal Rangers , (Exploradores del Rey) very similar to Boy Scouts , but with a Christian emphasis.  Last week, we participated in a special training near the capital to learn how to be commanders (troop leaders).  We had to go through the same rigors that the rangers go through ...