That Which Comes to Destroy a Home

Dear Friends and Family:

Moments before Margarita and I began last Thursday’s home group meeting, one of the participants discovered that her husband was cheating on her.  We obviously couldn’t go on with the meeting after such a traumatic discovery.  All we could do is pray, mourn with our sister as she poured out her destroyed heart, and then pray some more.  Please keep “Leonardo,”  “Daniela,” and their two young children in your prayers.  Also, pray for us and the local church as we try to support them during this difficult season.

A 2016 El Tiempo survey in a South American country reported that 80% of men confessed to have been unfaithful at least on one occasion.  A renowned Paraguayan psychologist says that 75% of his patients come to him for issues related to extra-marital affairs.  Marital infidelity contributes to the dysfunction in the homes of many of the children and teens with whom Margarita and I work.  We have also seen that if not curbed, this destructive habit can become a cycle repeated in the next generation.  Through your prayers and support for us, you support hundreds of Paraguayan youth with Christ-centered teaching, which is a light that will guide them and their families along the path to life, and not to destruction.

In mid-April, another volunteer team worked on the Siloe Church.  During an outreach event that evening, about 20 youth prayed to accept Christ.

As we celebrate Teachers’ Day in Paraguay this weekend, Margarita and I recognize our coworkers’ hard labor in letting their lights shine in their classrooms.  Give thanks to God for the New Horizon School faculty, and please pray that his blessings be upon them and their families.  Margarita and I also give thanks for our missionary colleague, Sue Givens, who stepped down as principal of New Horizon.  Her persistent invitations played a role in me coming to Paraguay in 2008.  Even though her position changes, Sue will still work with children and students in Paraguay.  Pray for her during this time of transition. 

Ana and her classmates presented a country dance at a celebration for Sue’s 17 years of service.

When I’m not teaching in the classroom, I sit down with New Horizon School students to hear how their year is going and how their families are doing.  One student’s father died shortly after classes started.  Some students’ parents have life-threatening sicknesses.  There is at least one incarcerated parent.  A few homes have been recently torn apart by extra-marital relationships.  Jesus came so that these students, their families, as well as anyone who listens to his voice may have life, and have it abundantly.  Please pray that many more people in Paraguay will experience abundant life in Christ.

Sincerely,                    

Tim, Margarita, Ana and Antoine 

*60 Reina-Valera Bibles (1995, 1977, or 1960 translations) are needed for the Tacumbu Prison inmates who will complete this year’s “¿Quién es Jesús?” courses.  If you want to donate a Bible, please contact us.