Journal Entry for July 6, 2002

Visit to the "Interior"

(Continued)

Santaní or San Estanislao

 We stayed the last night in the small town of San Estanislao, or Santaní, which is what the locals call it in the Guaraní language.  We are learning that the language of this country is really Guaraní, rather than Spanish.  We are gradually picking up bits of the language here and there, and Linda is actually taking classes, but it will be a challenge.  But - with God's help we will learn it.  Back to Santaní - this is the city where we are most likely going to start our drilling ministry.  There are about a dozen wells that need to be drilled at Methodist churches and Pastors houses in the region, and the Methodist Church of Paraguay owns a lot in the area on which we plan to start a church.  So - we may get a chance to be water well drillers as well as "Church Planters".

Sign honoring Sr. Christian de Yegros, founder of the town of Santaní	Street vendor in the Santaní market
View of the downtown market where everyone shops - no supermarkets here!

Other Activities Since our Last Update

During the month of May, we had a chance to take Spanish classes 3 times a week for 1 1/2 hours per class.  We were able to fill in some gaps in our language learning.  As time permits, we hope to be able to take more classes in Spanish and Guaraní.  The second week of May we attended CHE (Community Health Evangelism) training here in Asuncion.  We've taken the class before, but this time it was taught in Spanish.  It was a good time to reinforce our previous training as well as learn new Spanish vocabulary.  May 15th is Mother's Day here in Paraguay.  We celebrated the day at our church in Santa Rosa on Sunday, May 12th.  For us, it was the normal US Mother's Day.  We had nearly 100 attending services that night!  What a blessing!  The kindergarten located at our church performed and as in the US - parents come out to see their kids sing & dance.  The local church members performed a skit and asked Ed to be a performer.  Fun for all on Mother's Day 2002.  Also in May, we had the Santa Rosa leadership team (8 folks) over to our house for a true Southern US meal.  They enjoyed every bite!

More June Praises

Besides our trip "Up North" in June, we had many other blessings.  The first week of June, The United Methodist Renewal Services Fellowship, Inc., brought the Aldersgate Renewal team here with the seminar "Life in the Spirit".  We held the seminar for 4 nights at the Central church in Asuncion.  The team then traveled to Ciudad del Estes for another seminar.  We had 100 attendees each night in Asuncion.  Each night after the initial sessions, the team divided into groups of 2 to pray for individual attendees.  The American missionaries helped to translate.  What an experience!  Here in a Methodist Church in Paraguay, we had "slaying in the spirit" and "speaking in tongues"!  If you ever have a chance to attend a Life in the Spirit Seminar, you will be greatly blessed.

The second week of June we had a team from the good ole' south, Montgomery, Alabama.  The Frazier UMC came to work on the Methodist school in Lambaré.  This school was started by other MSUM missionaries, Mark & Johanna Waltz.  When finished, the school will be the 1st Methodist school for grades 1-12 in Paraguay!  Mark & Jo have also built a church & another kindergarten here in Paraguay.  What a blessing it is just to know these 2 strong Christian folks.  The school is named Nuevo Horizonte Escuela Metodista; which means New Horizon Methodist School (click here for their web site).  The students are able to attend only through the help of scholarships.  If you are interested in helping by providing building funds, or supporting a student, please check out their web site.

During June, Ed did double duty.  He helped with the seminar and the work team, and also was the "project manager" for a small construction project in Santa Rosa.  Our church has a "parsonage" which was anything but private.  It desperately needed a wall to border our property and to make the house not as accessible by the public.  This project was completed and we now have somewhat of a court yard effect at the little house.

Prayer Requests

1. Thanks to all for your prayers during the recent political unrest.  The previous "State of Exception" (limiting civil liberties) has been lifted.  However,  the persons who support the exiled former general and president are still active.  We are under no personal threat or harm.  But we ask for your prayers for protection of all the people in Paraguay.

2. The economic situation in Paraguay.  When we arrived in January, 2002, the exchange rate was G4,870 to US$1.  Today, the rate is G6,300 to US$1.  Also, a local bank has closed.  This has effected many of the people we know who had money deposited in this bank. 

3. We ask that you continue to pray for our adult Sunday school class in Santa Rosa.  We also ask that you especially keep Ed in your prayers as he prepares and delivers sermons in a foreign language.

4. We ask for your prayers that we will BOLDLY proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ at all opportunities.

5. Pray for the health and safety of all the missionaries here in Paraguay and abroad - especially those witnessing to Muslims.

6. Pray for the peace of Jesus Christ to be poured out upon Paraguay and the United States and all of her allies around the world.

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