Passion for Paraguay

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...