September 2009: Celebrating Day of the Child [Soldier]

September 2009

To My Family and Friends:

Schools across Paraguay celebrated the Day of the Child on August 14^th with dances, performances, treats, and presents.  I participated in the festivities at the Nuevo Horizonte School, and gave gifts to my two godchildren, Gloria and Jeremias.  Dismal weather cut the joyful event short, leaving me to ponder the significance of this holiday, which is said to honor the heroism of the child martyrs of the Battle of Acosta Ñu.  In 1869, 3,500 boys—some as young as six-years-old—were sent by Paraguayan generals to be massacred by 20,000 Brazilian soldiers.  The celebratory veneer of the Day of the Child shrouds the tragedy of the use of child soldiers in warfare, which is a reality today in many countries.  Children certainly deserve celebration and affection, and I admire Paraguay for having a special day to emphasize that; however, I feel the lesson of Acosta Ñu would better serve as an impetus to actively seek the end of modern-day crimes against children.  

For every boot of the booted warrior in the battle tumult, and cloak rolled in blood, will be burning, fuel for the fire.  For a child will born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:5, 6).

The atrocities committed against Paraguayan children don’t stop with Acosta Ñu, but continue today.  Child labor, physical abuse and neglect are commonplace.  Public education still bears the effects of the Stroessner Dictatorship’s policies, which strove to keep the populace ignorant during its 35-year rule.  Poor education is particularly devastating due to the implications on the country’s future.  Despite all this, there is great hope:  God loves Paraguay and desires to illuminate this nation through the lives of people who have been redeemed by His Son.

Dr. Gil Lain, the pastor of Paramount Baptist Church in Amarillo, Texas, visited Paraguay with a team last month and made the comment, “I've never seen so much potential for God to work as I have in Paraguay.”  I, too, believe this because Paraguayans are generally open to the gospel, and among the population there are some very dedicated Christ-followers.  The Paramount team spent a week presenting in schools and churches across the Asunción metro-area.  Thousands of people heard the message of Christ, and hundreds gave their lives to Him.  A few days after Paramount left, Brenda, Michelle, and Shelea came from “The Well” church in Portland, Oregon, to present at Nuevo Horizonte and to the community on the topics of abuse and domestic violence.  They also ministered in the women’s prison, Buen Pastor, and in the “Zona Roja” (one of Asuncion’s not-so-glamorous red light districts).  Thank you for your prayers.  Praise the Lord for blessing countless people through these two groups and the Paraguayan volunteers who worked alongside them.  Pray for each individual who was ministered to by these groups and that the new believers in Christ will find good churches.    

Before the two groups came, my mother visited Paraguay for almost two weeks.  We cruised around Asunción and Lambaré, visited Mennonite colonies and indigenous villages in the Paraguayan Chaco, and saw Iguazu Falls in Brazil.  It was a great time hosting her.  I thank God for all the visits this winter, and now return to my regular activities energized and encouraged. I am back teaching at the school.  In addition, I continue working with the Puerta Abierta youth, the men at Tacumbu prison, and in a variety of home groups around Lambaré.  Please pray for these activities as well as for revival all across this beautiful country.

Yours truly,

Tim Revett

Email:  trevett@latinamericamission.org                                                

Address:  CC 24078, Lambaré, Paraguay