Friday, April 18, 2014

April 2014: New Life in Paraguay


Dear Friends and Family:

One of my 7th grade students recently wrote me the following prayer request:

Pray that I can go live with my mother and that there would be no more shouting.

Most New Horizon School students live with serious domestic problems.  Their families have been separated by infidelity, domestic violence, death and migrant labor.  There have been cases of sexual abuse and suicide attempts.  Many students have experienced physical abuse and neglect.  Additionally, some students face pressure to give up school and start working.

As Margarita works with the pre-school and kindergarten students trying to detect early onset of learning difficulties, she witnesses students behaving aggressively in one moment and then overly sensitive in the next.  For example, one student was not completing his assignment.  When the teacher called him over to help him, he broke out in tears.  While such behaviors are being seen in the classroom, at home more than half of these students’ parents are separated or going through divorce.  How can Margarita and I, along with the rest of the New Horizon School faculty, help these children—Paraguay’s very plentiful and most valuable resource?

For most students, the 4-6 hours that they spend at school are the most nurturing moments of their day.  They receive attention.  They are prayed for and encouraged to achieve.  Their education not only supports them now, but also supports the hope for them and a future generation to not have to endure similar situations.  Moreover, as the faculty delivers a comprehensive education, we do so with our eyes fixed on Christ, who promises that he will make all things new, even the corrupted world in which our students live.

Please pray for the students at the New Horizon School.  Likewise, pray for the faculty, that we would be renewed daily in our work with the students and their families.

Margarita and I greatly appreciate your prayers during the previous month.  The Fuente de Vida youth ministry grows, and this month we are launching mid-week meetings in homes and at empanada stands. Regarding the Missions and Evangelism Ministry, many people attended the evangelism workshop.  Most returned the following night to help the host church with an outreach event, during which a few visitors accepted Jesus’ invitation to new life.

Give thanks to God for his work in Paraguay.  Please pray that my two former prison discipleship students, “Ignacio” and “Gustavo,” live out their new lives after their release.

Symbols of new life surround us all during Easter season.  This Sunday, as we contemplate Jesus’ resurrection, let’s also give thanks to God, who, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, will raise up with Christ anyone who believes in him.

Happy Easter!

Tim, Margarita and Ana Revett


P.S.:  Speaking of new life, Margarita and I are expecting our second child in November! Please pray for Margarita and the baby’s health.