February 2013: Hope for Paraguay

Dear Family and Friends:

2013 holds great hope for Paraguay.  The World Bank praises the prospects across Latin America of continued growth of the middle class, which has increased by 50% in the last ten years.  Paraguay’s National Bank predicts a boost in agricultural production that could contribute to a 9.5-10.5% increase in gross domestic product.  Paraguay might earn first place in the region for economic growth.

Unfortunately, Paraguay also earns a high spot in a not-so-glamorous category.  Transparency International recently reported the nation to be the second-most corrupt in South America.  Corruption threatens a just distribution and effective use of the potential economic blessings of 2013.  Crucial to Paraguay’s choice to continue or end this negative trend is the upcoming presidential election.  I attended a prayer meeting where a pastor poured his heart out, asking that the presidency be given to the candidate who will most truly love the Paraguayan people.  Please join him in this prayer, and pray for a peaceful election.   

In order for the new president to lead with integrity and for the projected economic growth to benefit all Paraguayans, policies need to embody principles like “love your neighbor as yourself.”  Developing future leaders who will lead their families, communities and nation guided by such biblical principles is the vision of the New Horizon School.  There is hope for a great destiny for Paraguay when its leaders humble themselves before God and turn from corruption.  Through your support and prayers for us as we work with the students and other youth, you are investing in this hope.

Margarita, Ana and I are very grateful for the generosity you have shown us in recent months.  Your donations and faithful contributions sustain us in our work.  An English book for every New Horizon student has been paid for.  Margarita will be able to purchase her learning disability diagnostic test.  And the cups, plates and silverware were provided for the Saturday Bible lesson-lunch time.  Thank you.

We also thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement for Margarita during her trial with dengue.  She’s almost fully recovered.   Please keep her and the more than 21,000 dengue patients in the Asunción-metro area in your prayers. 

Since the New Year, 15 inmates in the Tacumbu Prison graduated from the “Who is Jesus?” discipleship and we began the next course with 40 participants.  Furthermore, Margarita and I were asked to be youth leaders for the Fuente de Vida Church.  It was difficult to leave the Puerta Abierta Church, however, we still maintain a good relationship with them.  Fuente de Vida is across the street from the New Horizon School, and our involvement at the church better enables us to reach out to the school’s students and their families.  Please pray for us as new youth ministers. 

We have two final prayer requests: 

• For the New Horizon School administrators, teachers and students as the school year begins
• For the Lord to use the March 15^th missions conference, organized by the Ministry of Missions and Evangelism, to encourage local churches in their outreach effort.

Margarita and I stand alongside our colleagues here in the hope of the blessings and peace that Paraguay could experience this year.  More so, we hope that many spiritually hungry people throughout Paraguay—as well as many where you and your loved ones live—will embrace the peace with God offered to everyone through our Lord Jesus.  We pray for this unsurpassable peace to guard your hearts and your minds.

Yours truly,                             Margarita, Ana and Tim Revett

trevett@latinamericamission.org /margaritacohene@hotmail.com/Skype: timothy.revett