Alto, Paraguay is 600 km from the capital city, Asuncion. It is about the size of South Carolina with a population of 15,000 people – it does not have one paved road in the whole department (district). Most of the electricity in Alto, Paraguay is produced by generators, which occasionally run out of fuel when tanker trucks cannot deliver due to
inclement weather.  According to an article I read recently, 80% of Paraguay’s roads are not paved.

Why am I telling y’all this? It’s because our truck finally has arrived! Thank you to everyone who made this possible! We have worked in the Interior for years and have been blessed with vehicles that allow us to enter the Interior regardless of weather conditions. Unfortunately, our vehicles are not very dependable or comfortable. A lot of “quality” time has been spent on the side of the road, at times, with some of y’all. We now feel equipped to go a little further in. 

To be honest, we don’t know really what is out there in the isolated departments of Northern Paraguay. Only on a few occasions, have I had the opportunity to meet people who live in these departments. We would like to explore the opportunity to work with youth in these isolated communities.

Returning the Favor

Wouldn’t it be best if American Christians just focused their time, energy, and funds on the abundant problems we have in the U.S.? I have learned (because sometimes I really do listen to Angelica) that we Americans do have something unique to offer the world. What Americans provide to Paraguay, and really the whole world, is something that is not and cannot be provided by any other country. Funds and organizational skills are an important part of any social or evangelical project and, our hope is to combine the financial support and other skills provided by our American friends with the Paraguayan nationals to achieve our goals.

I have also learned from Angelica that we North America Christians would be well advised to accept a few pointers from the Paraguayans. I believe someday the Paraguayan Christians will be in a position to offer their unique skills to the people of The United States. In fact, that is a goal of ours.

Missions is Changing

We are in a unique situation because Angelica speaks Guarani and we work with scores of talented youth who are called and equipped for missions. We don’t want to change the culture of the people who live in rural Paraguay; we just want them to know Christ. We don’t need North America missionaries, just a little help getting the Paraguayan Christians mobilized.
Y’all have enabled Angelica and me to do that for years. Paraguayans always say everything is a little better with sugar. You don’t change anything – you just add a little something sweet. Knowing Christ can be like that.  Life just tastes a little better but healthier with Him.

Over the years, we have dedicated a lot of time helping the Paraguayan youth realize their potential and know their responsibilities as believers in Christ. This past year we have dedicated more time to leadership training and feel that the youth are a vital part of our team.  We want to work together with these youth, who y’all have helped us train, in
taking a little sugar to the interior.

Paraguayan Fact:

There is confusion in Paraguay regarding whether Captain America is America or British.