February 2010: A Soccer Gang Attack Survivor Speaks

February 2010

Dear Friends and Family:

By the time a Paraguayan child reaches pre-school-age, he or she will probably be a fan of one of two soccer teams:  Cerro Porteño or Olimpia.  While the rivalry between the two teams is mostly manifested in lighthearted ways, occasionally the fanaticism turns violent, especially on the day of the game when the two teams play each other—the Clasico.  About a year ago, I got caught in a soccer fanatic crossfire on a public bus filled with Olimpia fans.  Cerro fans bombarded the bus with rocks and other objects, and attempted to board to attack the Olimpia fans.  The bus escaped the fight with windows broken, children crying and passengers huddled on the floor, a few bloodied from broken glass.  Sometimes the rivalry leads to homicide.  In one extreme case, a fan of one team killed his brother, who was a fan of the other team, when he gloated over his team’s victory in last year’s Clasico.

But Jesus called for them, saying, “Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them…”  (Luke 18:16a).

Paraguayan soccer hooligans usually are teenage boys or young men who share similarities with those in the U.S. who choose to join gangs:  disconnected from positive adult influences, searching for identity and selecting bad social circles.  The faculty at the Nuevo Horizonte School counterbalances the soccer hooligans’ influence in the neighborhood, and strives towards helping the students pursue a Jesus-centered life.  The school now has a young chaplain, Pastor Alcides, who works well with the students.  He and I will together host the breakfast devotionals with the 9^th grade boys.  Moreover, the men teachers may organize periodic soccer tournaments this year for times of fellowship with the middle and high school boys.  We had our first tournament last Friday.  The boys played well.  There were no fights or arguments.  Pastor Alcides delivered a captivating half-time message.  It was a very enjoyable time of communion.

Praise God for the successful soccer fellowship time, and pray for me and the Nuevo Horizonte faculty in reaching out to all students at the school.  In addition, pray for Miguel Angel of the ministry “No Más Violencia” (No More Violence), who addresses the soccer violence issue with youth, and may speak at Nuevo Horizonte later this year.   

In January, I visited my friend Thiago in Brazil and spoke in churches about Nuevo Horizonte.  A few congregations showed interest in sponsoring students, and one might even organize a mission trip.  Please pray for the Brazilian Church to support their Paraguayan brothers and sisters in whatever ways the Lord leads.  Soon after I returned from Brazil, Nuevo Horizonte started its 10^th year of classes.  February has been busy with school year preparations, but has also gone by very smoothly.  Praise God for giving the school 10 great years, and pray that 2010 will be a year filled with victories for the students and teachers.  Furthermore, in April, I will begin teaching a weekly study on the Book of Mark for the Christian inmate leaders at the Tacumbu Penitentiary.  Ask for the Lord to bless and grow the ministry inside the prison.

When you have a moment, let me know how life is for you and your loved ones.  I pray that in all life situations you may trust in Christ with a childlike faith, “…for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Luke 18: 16b).

For His glory always,