When I met Angelica, Camila was only four-years-old. She was a typical little Paraguayan girl, living in a typical Paraguayan household. Although Angelica only made about $375 a month, and she supported her mother and brother, she still found sufficient funds to send Camila to a Christian school. Their living conditions were normal for Paraguayan standards, though they would be considered unsettling to most of us.

Like all mothers, Angelica had great plans for Camila’s future; but she could never have imagined all she would accomplish and how she has been blessed.

We are so proud of Camila in the way she has flourished in school both academically and as a leader and she is not only a leader in school but also in the church. Her work with young girls and in other areas is a vital part of our ministry. We will really miss her when she leaves for school.

The other day I was talking to Camila about her future and she told me she wants to return to Paraguay when she completes her education. She hopes she can come back and make a difference in the country.

What’s in it for you? Maybe nothing, but your support for us and our ministries in Paraguay has dramatically affected Camila’s life and she hopes she can do the same for her country.

Taking Inventory

Lately, I have been looking back on the time I have been in Paraguay and what we have to show for these 14 years. I know that each day, y’all go to work (and do whatever you do), then each month you take a little of what you earn and share it with Paraguay. Sometimes your generosity surprises us and the Paraguayans are amazed that take interest in them.

In our job, Angelica and I don’t make anything. What we have to show for our efforts are faces and lives. When I think about some of the kids/youth we have worked with over the years and what they have become, what they are doing now, it makes me smile.

I wish all of y’all could come down here and spend time with these young people.

They may not have the opportunity to help people around the world, like many Americans, but they are positively affecting their communities.

Again, what’s in it for you? Maybe nothing but, in the end, there are people down here who can say they are the way they are because a stranger 6000 miles away invested in them. Our hope is that, at the end of the day, y’all can sit back and say, “You know, I can’t see it, and I really don’t even feel it, but I am making a difference in someone’s life.”

I am going to step out on a limb and say none of us are perfect Christians, but if you are reading this newsletter, chances are you got something right.

Paraguayan Fact:

We pose some tough questions at the Youth camp.