Passion for Paraguay

We have been watching how the Venezuelans are struggling. Over the past two years, many venezuelan families have immigrated into Paraguay. Although the main countries that have seen an influx of venezuelan migrants are Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and the United States, Paraguay has also been a destination.  Just to get some context. Paraguay is 2000 + miles away by plane. It would take 15 days driving to go from Paraguay to Venezuela.  The people that arrived in Paraguay and now attend our church say, that it was impossible to continue living in that country. There is no hope and no future. They have done well in Paraguay. Most people that have come are very good hard working families.  I have been watching the elections in Venezuela on July 28th, and my hope for a better Venezuela have dissipated. It's such a debilitating situation. I live far away, but I feel the pain and despair of the venezuelan people in the distance.  So much pride, so much hate and so much desire for power will

Amid intense planning and many small steps of faith, we launched out in a trip of a lifetime. We left Orlando FL on a sunny day January 24th. We arrived in Encarnacion Paraguay in the heat of a summer day March 12th. All Together, 50 days packed with emotions worth a book. Maybe one day . . .                                                     Prayers at MVI headquarters before taking off. Left, Bill Snell MVI director.  T he HoneyMoon - Orlando Fl - San Antonio TX (USA) 1,800 miles During stage one, we were riding, I believe, in the honeymoon stage. Nothing could stop us. We had all this build up stamina-anticipation after months of preparation behind us. It was surreal. I had to pinch myself several times over these first days. My inner voice was talking and asking my real self? Are you really going to do this epic trip? Will you make it down to Paraguay in one piece? My conservative, worrisome voice would question my adventurous spirit: Did you plan everything out? Do you have enoug

I have been thinking about sharing with you a bit more of our recent travels and the adventures with my son Marcos with you in the next weeks. Please stay tuned and join in. Each of the following stages represents about 10 days and/or 2500+- miles covered. My hope is that you can feel a bit of the emotions we experienced and above all that your faith in the God we serve will be enhanced.   Total distance 12,000 miles Total countries crossed 15 Total days traveled 50 For the next weeks I will be highlighting one of the following stages of our epic trip: Stage 1 - Orlando Fl - San Antonio TX (USA) Stage 2 - San Antonio TX - Guatemala City (Central America) Stage 3 - Guatemala City - San Jose Costa Rica (Central America) Stage 4 - San Jose Costa Rica - Lima Peru (Central and South America) Stage 5 - Lima Peru - Encarnacion Paraguay (South America) Let's take a look back and see how the trip unfolded in some detail

It was the first South American CMA leadership training and rally. Between April 3-7th in San Lorenzo,  outbound a of Asuncion over 200 men and women from CMA gathered.  USA, Mexico, Chile, Peru, Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. From Paraguay we had 6 chapters represent five states with CMA presence.  The theme for this year was; " Servants of God on the roads"  We had a full house at Rancho Alegre. Some bikers from neighboring countries rode over 1000 miles to be at this year’s event.  Goods spirit was present in the services, kitchen, games, and the moments of informal fellowship.  The training with Holly Ogden (USA) and Cassidy (MX) was another key part of this years event. Both of these committed ladies to CMA share a passion for the Lord and the way this ministry can reach the lost. How to better reach the biker world and live out our calling were themes during this training.  Oscar Klassen and his family are national directors of CMA. They are leading CMA Paraguay with g

We arrived safely in Paraguay. We were welcomed by our family and friends. Nothing beats sleeping in my own bed and eating stuff that is familiar. 50 days on the road 14 countries/borders crossed 12,000 miles - 20.000 km covered 75 individuals prayed upon  10 churches in 7 visited and preached 7 CMA chapters in 3 countries visited 3 mechanical interventions for the Harley Many interactions/decisions made with my son Many new friends made for life Miracle stories of provision and protection I believe we have enough stories to write a book. My faith has grown and my appreciation for Gods people in Latin America.  

Over the last year we have been flirting with the idea of traveling from the USA to Paraguay by  motorcycle.  Guess what. We are on this epic trip that began 40 days ago with my son Marcos in Orlando FL. After crossing 12 countries and experiencing the extremes of heat, ice, rain, fog, hi winds, mountains we have come to appreciate a warm dinner and a place to lay down our heads.  As of this writing we are in Asia Peru. Yes Asia-not typo. We had some motorcycle problems and are trying to repair before continuing tomorrow.  This trip has three main intentions Connect as father son - family Connect with people in varios churches and ministries  Connect with the Lord and hear a fresh word for this season in ministry.  As we make our way south, we are so thankfull for everyone that has supported and kept us going. Help hasta come their prayers, hospitality,  More updates coming soon.