We returned this past Saturday at 9:00 AM from our short-term mission trip to Asuncion, Paraguay. Asuncion is the capital city of Paraguay. I thought I'd be able to email more than I did because I thought there would be internet cafes, Starbucks, etc. But no. No such things there. Fast food, yes. Starbucks, no.
I was 40 years in preparation for this trip. I studied Spanish for 6 years back then because it fascinated me, came easily to me, and lit a fire in my heart. I never understood why until our latino church plant last year and my trip to Paraguay last week. Moses prepared 40 years also, on the backside of the desert, so I'm in good company. The Lord told me that He doesn't pick His fruit until it's ripe.
Just a few words now (and no pictures yet - we're still working on that). I've never experienced such power in the Spirit as there was in Paraguay. I could attribute that to God going with us or His being already there or the prayer support that so many people gave - and it's probably all of that.
The paraguayos are a very genuine/open/sincere people - no hidden agendas, very willing to share their lives and hearts with you. This is a poor country but the people are rich in things that we need.
We worked on the church building alongside the paraguayos painting, carrying bricks, and doing construction. Those were times of bonding (that's become a trite word, but that's what happened) with the guys there that God used for His purposes in opening our hearts to each other.
The worship was fantastic. I raised money to bring them 2 guitars, and they started using them right away. I was supposed to preach Wednesday night but the power of God was so strong I could only weep and cry out to God for His goodness, love and mercy.
I saw hermanos (brothers) living out the Christian life together, arm in arm, shoulder to shoulder. These guys are coming up from real poverty, and their struggle has given them strength. They are wide open to the Spirit, and receive ministry the was a baby bird receives food. Would that we had such desire and openness here in our country.
More later. Thanks for praying - couldn't have done it without you.
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4 comments:
When are you going back?
First chance I get.
So when do we address our letters to you as:
Nick and Pat Bowen
Acencion, Paraguay
???? :-)
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