Dear Friends and Family:
You might recall me using such adjectives as “scary” and “spiritually dark” to describe a Paraguayan prison I visited last August. A week ago, I revisited that same prison—Tacumbú—with a team to help show a movie. Tacumbú appears on a human rights watch list for issues like violence, unsanitary conditions, and overcrowding. The inmates, sent there for all kinds of serious crimes, roam freely alongside the visitors. When the steel gate closed behind us upon our entry and we caught the stares of many inmates, we felt a little uneasy. However, we were warmly met and led by brothers from the prison church. Viewing the movie with them was a blessing. They laughed at every joke and applauded at the protagonist’s victory. One team member, Joel, preached and a few inmates accepted Christ. After the movie, they invited us to return. The prison pastors said they need Bible studies. I’m considering going back to help. Please pray for guidance for me, but more so for the Lord to bring true rehabilitation to the inmates of Tacumbú.
Some of you faithfully prayed for me the day of my visit to the prison. Likewise, many of you prayed the following day for Paraguay during its presidential election. One reporter described that day as the first peaceful shift of power in Paraguayan history. Praise God! The Liberal Party candidate, Fernando Lugo, defeated the Colorado Party, who controlled the country for 60 years. There are mixed reviews of Lugo, but almost everyone is glad for the change. Another nationwide change involves an organization called Transforming Paraguay, which launched a two-year campaign with the goal to see a million Paraguayans put their faith in Jesus. Churches nationwide, including my church (Puerta Abierta), are working together in this campaign. Pray for the leadership and efforts of Transforming Paraguay, and that people across this country would have a real encounter with the Lord. Also, pray for President Lugo and the nation’s leaders.
The presidential election and my visit to the prison are only a couple of my many experiences outside of teaching. I spend most days at Nuevo Horizonte School, where much has changed since February. The pre-schoolers long ago stopped crying for their parents and can now recite three Bible verses in English. The seventh graders have definitely entered adolescence and recently completed interviews with native English speakers. There continue to be many health and family issues affecting the students of the school. Please pray for Rodrigo and the Aquino family. The mothers of two of my students, Cesar and Cindy, recently lost babies. Please pray for them as well as for those who are expecting, including one teacher, Sonia. Also, keep Sandra Noemi, a teenager suffering from a terminal disease, and her family in your prayers.
As always, the stories and photos exceed the capacity of this letter. Please feel free to contact me at any time to learn more. I miss you all and “do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers” (Ephesians 1:16).
Yours truly,
Tim
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