March 2015: After the Resurrection comes the Commission

Dear Friends and Family:

One church recently closed.  Two pastor colleagues resigned.  Out of necessity, Pastor Carlos now oversees three congregations, whose combined membership doesn’t exceed fifty.  He feels alone.  He traveled 5 hours to Asunción on March 13^th to pour his heart out at the missions night about the difficulties faced by churches in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, and asked for help.   The theme verse for the night was Matthew 9: 35-36, in which we read about Jesus having compassion for the harassed and helpless masses, who were like sheep without a shepherd, and commenting to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.”  Ironically, the attendees that night were few; thus, sadly, Pastor Carlos’ plea was barely heard.

Praying for Pastor Carlos

The Missions and Evangelism Ministry started visiting other churches to share about Pastor Carlos’ S.O.S.  Last week we spoke in the Chaco region of Northwest Paraguay and soon will be in the San Pedro province in the north.  Meanwhile, we’re speaking to churches in the Asunción-metro area.  Despite the discouraging turn out on March 13^th, a few churches plan to send short term mission teams to Ciudad del Este this year.  Please continue to pray that churches throughout Paraguay will catch the vision to support the struggling congregations in their nation’s second largest city.

Another place where harassed and helpless masses can be found is in Paraguay’s schools.  A young teacher named Nico and I present in different public schools across the city of Lambaré about various issues that afflict today’s youth.  At the end of each presentation we invite the students to place their trust in Christ, and have already seen dozens of decisions made. The school principals eagerly open the doors to us and always invite us to return.  Please pray for Nico and me as we present in public schools two Thursdays each month.

In addition to 22 elementary students with learning disabilities, Margarita now also works with the sophomores and juniors at the New Horizon School.  Due to staffing needs, the principal asked her to be the “grade chair,” which involves acting as a mini-administrator over those grades as well as teaching a class about current social issues and personal development.  Many of Margarita’s students are going through serious life situations.  Please pray for them to make wise decisions and for Margarita as she ministers to them.  

At home, Ana began weekly dance classes, which she really enjoys.  She also “helps” take care of Antoine, who is now rolling over with ease and teething. 

On the first day of Passion Week, as Jesus approached Jerusalem, he saw the city and wept over it.  His heartbreak soon turned into action because after the resurrection, Jesus sent his disciples to teach to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem, that a total life-change through forgiveness of any wrongdoing is found in him.  Margarita and I thank God for your partnership in teaching this in Paraguay.

Happy Easter!

Tim, Margarita, Ana and Antoine Revett