Passion for Paraguay

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 ...