|
Look Here for Updated Journal Entries, During the Trip!
July 18, Sunday: July 7, Wednesday: July 6, Tuesday: At the falls we had a guide, who took us to two different locations- below the falls and above them. The falls were absolutely incredible. They were so powerful and beautiful. Even their surroundings (a sub-tropical rain forest) was gorgeous, we were even able to see monkeys. From above the falls you could see multiple falls and the land surrounding them, and from below the falls you could see their awesome power and feel the mist, or drenching spray (as some of us chose to experience). Our guide said that the lIguacu Falls are about 3 times as high as Niagara. This was definitetly a sight worth the long bus ride, and it will not be easily forgotten. An attempt to shop in Paraguay near the Brazilian border came up short since the merchants closed up shop earlier than expected. However, a local shopping mall (comparible to some ritzy shopping downtown in Mpls.) remained open after hours especially for the Chile Soccer Team who was staying nearby the city. Security also let us in to walk around. No one could hardly afford anything, but we got some autographs and pictures with some soccer players. The girls were particularily thrilled. Anywho, it was fun to be were the crowd outside the mall couldn't be. Around 6 PM we walked a half an hour through the city (Ciudad Del Este) to the bus depot where we loaded up on junk food and pop to prepare for our journey back to Mision Betania. After the long bus ride we were able to sleep in today. This mourning we had our devotions and watched a tape that Benides had of the beginning of the mission here. It was amazing to see what they started with and what they have now, and how we were able to help them make their facilities ever better for the future. After the video we had a debriefing meeting, in which we talked about our experiences and prepared for the return home. Although we are excited to go home to loved ones, we will definitely miss the people and culture we have come to know and love here in Paraguay. July 5, Monday: July 4, Sunday: We decided to spice things up and so we had game night in the Chapel. We bought everyone a round of Cokes and popped some popcorn. We played games until midnight and listened to music. One of the pastors here and his brother-in-law hung out with us. They don't speak an ounce of English, but we were able to learn a new bent on checkers. Happy 4th by the way! The graduates are planning a church service for our team this morning. We're planning to spend a focussed time praying for our families. Today, there are 2 games in town so we will be spending a lot of time at the fair. What exactly we will be doing remains to be seen, but no matter. The team morale is very high and we're having a joyous time letting God be bigger than we often make Him out to be. I know what you're thinking...80's party, game night, smiles everywhere...where's the suffering for Jesus? Believe me the stories you will hear upon our arrival will encourage your hearts. Put it this way we may have some future missionaries on this team. At the very least many of us have had an increased sensitivity to God's prompting to His will in ways we may not have considered before now. Pastor Eduardo is grilling chicken for lunch and the line out the door is because we have even more people staying here from Brazil...check out the photos. Click one of the following to select a picture: July 3, Saturday: This morning, as we do every morning, we had group time together singing, praying and hearing devotionals from the 2 servants of the day. The life lesson we have come to grips with or are coming to grips with is that God is bigger than the box in which we put Him. Since our involvement in the Copa Games evangelism and outreach the team has lacked purpose and a sense of valid contribution to the overall efforts. Realizing that our agenda is not more important than what God might use us for (even when we do not understand it) has been a challenging but refreshing lesson. Should we or anyone be so proud as to think that the administration of a prepared task be the end-all? Lest we reduce ministry to a "check list" this team is learning to trust God in very deep and significant ways. Be encouraged because this lesson is not exclusive to our time in Paraguay, but valid for all Christians anywhere. Our prayer this morning (among other things) was "less of us and more of you, Lord. For the glory of God only." AMEN. The physical health of us all has been tremendous. A few upset stomachs here and there and a cramp or headache, but nothing we didn't expect. Praise God for that. It's raining, now (1PM), but so far we're planning to go to town for more evangelism. The only pictures we have to send this time is a couple shots from the guys dorm. These are our roommates from Brazil who are missionary students here. Click one of the following to select a picture: July 2, Friday: After an hour and half of waiting for our bus to arrive we again made it back safely and hopped into bed. There are more and more people from the Brazil and the U.S. staying here to do ministry during the Copa Americana Games. Paraguay won last night 4 - 0 against Japan. There was a lot of celebrating. Sorry, no pictures from the fair. No, I'm not trying to keep you from seeing things which might make you all nervous...I just forgot the camera back at the campus. Ooops! July 1, Thursday: This AM we did another program for a school. Their smiles are contagious. Tonight was our first taste of the Soccer hype. It was exciting. We waited 6 hours to do a ministry program but eventually the red tape pulled the rug out from under us. It was a frustrating time, but we're gonna try it again tomorrow night. Pray that people would see the Jesus Film being shown and that the Paraguayans would be receptive to the Gospel. June 30, Wednesday: Last night was our coolest night yet...upper 40's and no heat in the "dorms!" It was a great night for sleeping. Today is beautiful! It's about 65 and sunny. The humidity has gone way down, too. Oh, yah, we got ambitious and strutted our walkmans and side pony tails and rolled socks to celebrate an ugly but fun decade! The 80's flashback party was totally tubular and when the girls saw spiders they were like "Gag me with a spoon." Click one of the following to select a picture: June 29, Tuesday: Today the group went shopping at the market and purchased locally made merchandise. The students had a fun time bartering their prices. We then went to a shopping mall much like Southdale only a lot smaller. We had lunch in the food court (Burger King, Pizza Hut, & Subway). It was a nice time to relax. The 2 "servants of the day" concept has gone over really well. You recall their responsibilities are to prepare devotions in the AM & PM and do extra housekeeping chores. I am very impressed with how serious the students take this privilege. Yes, you read me correctly..."privilege." The devotional times have been well thought out and very applicable. Students read Scripture and draw practical application to our time together in Paraguay...you would all be proud! Each day we also have the 2 servants of the day sit in the middle of the whole group. We all lay a hand on them and pray for God's special blessing on them. Yah, it's really cool...and the students look forward to it. It's no wonder why God is moving to motivate these students to "want" to serve and give for the sake of others. (Sorry, we don't have any pictures of our day out shopping:) June 28, Monday: It has only rained for about 5 minutes in 7 days, but it is down pouring as we write (4:50PM). The group is looking forward to shopping all day tomorrow. A well deserved break! The culture is very friendly and hospitable. Even the national police were cordial and calm during the fender bender. There's a Fair in the town of Luque they have annually and the festivities are very exciting with all this soccer stuff going on. Fans with local and team colors are displayed everywhere. The atmosphere is hopping, but not threatening. Many families with young children enjoy themselves at the fair just like in Minnesota. I doubt they have cheese curds, but lots of good food! Click one of the following to select a picture: June 27, Sunday: Talk about adventure! This morning was really cool. We went to big church in Ascuncion and we were welcomed with hugs and applause. We sang "Lord I Lift Your Name On High" in front of the congregation at the Christian Community Church of Paraguay. It was about 2.5 hours of singing and preaching...the students really appreciated it. Then we treated the group to a buffet style lunch in town. It was very good! Cold pops and lots of red meat, pasta, and all kinds of salads. It was a special treat. On the way back our bus driver crunched a little car (of the ford fiesta type i.e. very small). After about an hour of bickering and trading "who done its" we were back on our way to church again here at the mission. The drama team performed and we did programs for the children. A little boy about 2 years old had insect bites on his legs and was too sore to walk. The group paid for medicine from a private clinic and the family was very moved. They came to the church service this evening having never attended before since they've lived in this neighborhood. God is cool, eh? The group's attitude has been very good...knock on wood! Please remember to pray for us. Click one of the following to select a picture:
June 26, Saturday:
This morning we split off into groups of about 6 and went into the neighborhood to invite the children to a program. During the program the Drama Team dramatized, the Puppet Team puppeteered, and the Dental Team organized games, handed out popcorn...then gave them each a toothbrush. About 120 children and their parents came. We got to present to them a gospel message. It was a very good day of ministry and very tiring. Tomorrow we will be going to Asuncion to participate in Sunday morning worship. At 4 PM, which according to Paraguayan time is more like 4:30 PM, we will assist with another church service here at Mision de Betania. Anywho, all is well. Please spread the word that we will do our best to update the web site daily and the voice journal less and less. Click one of the following to select a picture: June 25, Friday: Each day we have 2 students as "servants of the day." They are responsible for leading devotions in the morning and evening, extra cleaning of the kitchen and bathrooms, and anything else I want them to do! They love it! Many of us did laundry by hand this afternoon. Clothes are hanging everywhere! We just got back from a bumpy bus tour of Asuncion (the capital city). We're writing this as we recover from the exhaust fumes... The group is bonding well and has embraced a servant's heart. The Copa de Americas is coming in 3 days! Soccer games will be played for the tournament in various cities. We're half an hour from Luque (Lookay) in which we will meet up with many Paraguayan Christians who have prepared to evangelize during the soccer festivities. We wait anxiously and eagerly. Breakfast is at 7:30AM, Group Time is at 8:15 AM, Personal God Time is from 9-9:30AM and then we've been working very hard at the mission 'til noon. We resume working from 1PM until dinner at 6PM. Group time again is at 7:30PM and then we're in bed by 11PM. So far this has been typical. Tomorrow we will spend more time preparing and presenting programs for children from the neighborhood. We'll let you know how it goes... P.S. Since this web thing is working better than we ever hoped, I will be updating the "voice journal" less frequently. Since we can get a local connection to the service provider it is extremely less expensive to update you all on Paraguay '99 through this web site than the voice call. Thanks for your prayers...diarrhea has not crept into camp as of yet... P.P.S. The group would like to send a special message to all their moms back home..."Hi Mom!" Okay that's enough... Click one of the following to select a picture: June 24, Thursday: The food has been wonderful! Not much different than home. We worked this morning, again. This afternoon some of us will accompany the younger students at the mission and visit some of the local residents. Evenings have been warmer than expected (mid 60's) and very humid! The missionaries names are Benides and Annie. They are great hosts. Click one of the following to select a picture: June 23, Wednesday: We received our luggage about 8 PM last night. After a good night's rest in the "college dorms" we briefed in the morning and began some work projects at the college/mission. Tonight we had a significant time together praying and singing as we carefully consider our roles in God's work. It is quite humbling. Click one of the following to select a picture: June 22, Tuesday: Sorry 'bout the glitches, folks. Here's a picture of some of us waiting in the Miami airport. We're now En Route to Brazil. Kyle & I have attempted to send you this entry from the plane! Keep praying for good health. Nothing major so far, but we all need to be at the top of our game. We've met up with Susan and Philemon, our STEM leaders. They're very nice. They will love our team...hope to update you soon.
|
