Dear Family and Friends:
I never planned to be involved in a heavy metal ministry. Almost every week for the last month, I and a few others have been visiting and facilitating Bible studies with members of the Paraguayan heavy metal subculture. It began when two young men responded to an invitation during an outreach event in October. Through them we’ve made contact with five others. At least one has given his life to Christ and another will be joining Margarita and I in attending a Christmas service this weekend. Please pray that the true Light which…enlightens every man would shine brightly in the lives of Guillermo, Edgar, Nilsa, Claudio, Griselda, Alexander and Nando.
Christmas commemorates the arrival of the Light that shines in the darkness. Even nature here in Paraguay Coco flowers exhale their refreshing scent throughout the city. The people are ready for Christmas too. Firecrackers explode every minute. Long lines fill the stores and families begin to prepare for their feasts. Many homes display manger scenes and decorative lights. People are outside at night, taking walks and talking with neighbors. There is a festive spirit in the air.
Unfortunately, like in other countries, for many Paraguayans economic and relational pressures increase at this time of year and create emotionally dark situations. A week ago I physically stopped a young man from hanging himself. The other day, during a visit to the Tacumbu prison, an inmate told me about a saying they have: “Fatten the calf to be killed for Christmas.” In other words, it’s common for a few inmates who’ve tried the patience of others inside the jail to be murdered on Christmas Day. What a contrast to what the Apostle John wrote of Jesus, who’s the focus of this holiday and the Light of the world: “In Him was life…”!
On this Christmas Day, pray for and consider calling anyone you know who might be alone or going through a rough time. Additionally, ask the Lord to move strongly in the life of Ariel*, who refuses to get help after his suicide attempt. Please pray for peace inside the Tacumbu prison and for the inmates of the Remar Christian pavilion who will be distributing chicken dinners to all prisoners.
The past month has been one of celebration for the Nuevo Horizonte School. The school held ceremonies to recognize God’s faithfulness and the students’ achievements. One fourth of the elementary students made the honor roll. All 27 ninth graders graduated the primary level and will be moving on to high school. These numbers are noteworthy considering most Paraguayan adults have a 6th grade education or less. Furthermore, over a quarter of the whole school had perfect attendance. This is pretty amazing in a society where all activity frequently stops for soccer games, numerous unofficial holidays, or the mere threat of rain.
Margarita also graduated this month. For over a year she’s been researching and writing her bachelor’s thesis. Two weeks ago she defended it and received straight A’s. Next week she receives her degree as a diagnostician and specialist in learning disabilities. On our first Christmas as a married couple, we thank God for His faithfulness to Margarita all throughout her college studies, as well as for three wonderful months of marriage.
2010 has been one of the greatest years for us, and we are eager to see what 2011 will hold. We thank each of you for your encouragement, support and prayers all throughout this year. We also thank the Lord for His constant presence in all moments—high or low—and His many blessings. Most importantly, we are grateful for the right to become children of God…which is not earned by religious rituals, but rather is a gift to anyone who chooses to believe in His name (John 1:12).
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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