December, 2014
Dear
Family and Friends:
Imagine the
Acosta family’s joy over their child’s birth a week ago. Imagine the urgency the family felt when the
doctors ordered an immediate hospital transfer due to the baby’s critical
condition. Imagine their grief as the
child passed away after almost ten hours of waiting for the transfer to be processed. This particular hospital, one of Paraguay’s
largest, has been condemned for an excessively-bureaucratic administration, rampant
infections, infrequent nurse visits, malpractice and a lack of basic
medications. Margarita and I, along with
her family, might spend part of Christmas Eve at this hospital.
Paraguayan families eat a big meal together late on Christmas Eve. At exactly midnight, everybody wishes each other a “Merry Christmas” and exchanges hugs, handshakes or double-cheek kisses. Then, the sky lights up with fireworks. In order to include my father-in-law, Santiago, in this celebration, some relatives have mentioned going together to the hospital. Last Friday night we checked him in due to an infection. Regardless of where we spend Christmas Eve, we ask for prayer for the many families and patients, like Santiago, who will be in hospitals on that special night. Also, please pray for the Acosta family.
Nativity
scenes appearing in front of homes and stores, increasing sounds of
firecrackers and intensifying heat mark the coming of Christmas in Paraguay. These elements also indicate that the year
will soon conclude, which causes Margarita and I to reflect on our ministry
activities in 2014. This year we literally witnessed thousands of youth make
decisions for Christ and weekly walked alongside hundreds of children and teens
through discipleship and education. All of this was possible through the support
and prayers of people like you, for whom we give thanks to God.
December started off nicely as 4 of our youth were baptized. With classes out of session, we have been able to do more activities with the youth group like outings, sports events and a movie night. Additionally, another prison discipleship course is coming to a close. We’re also meeting with different ministry leaders to plan activities for 2015. Since Antoine prefers to be more active after midnight, our summer vacation enables us to get in needed sleep. He is growing quickly and was baby Jesus in a Christmas play. Praise God for the Fuente de Vida youth group and for Antoine, who is our biggest gift of 2014.
The birth of a child is a joyful
event. For all people, especially those
who are facing injustice, battling sickness or depression, or grieving the
absence of loved ones, Christmas reminds us that there is good news of great joy because a
Savior has been born…he is Christ the Lord.
Just as Ana knows that she will soon receive her presents under our
Christmas tree, may all of you likewise put your trust in our Savior, who is able to do immeasurably more than all
we ask or imagine.
Merry
Christmas and Happy New Year!
Tim, Margarita, Ana and Antoine
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