A Newborn Child Reminds Us

Dear Family and Friends:

Pastor Eligio and his wife, Cynthia, endured three miscarriages and the death of one newborn child prior to the birth of their son, Elías Josue (for whom many of you prayed) last week.  In a sad, yet, faith-filled message, Pastor Eligio informed us of Elías’ death, stating “He is now in a better place.  He accomplished his mission, but we who remain haven’t.  Continue praying for those who remain.”  Please pray for Pastor Eligio and Cynthia as they mourn the loss of their fifth child.

Eligio and Cynthia:  Two of the strongest people we know

Even though infant mortality in Paraguay has been cut in half in recent decades, the nation still holds the second-highest rate in South America (Ultima Hora, 2015).  UNICEF (2013) reported that 65% of Paraguayan newborn deaths are preventable.  Lack of access to and maintenance of well-equipped, sanitary facilities providing pre-natal and neonatal care by well-trained, available personnel stands among the chief contributing factors.  The insidious issue of corruption is also undoubtedly connected.  Margarita and I know too many families that have endured preventable newborn tragedies.  In fact, problematic childbirths contributed to many of the learning disabilities among the students with whom Margarita works.  Pray that Paraguay’s leaders will care for mothers and newborns, especially in poor urban areas and among rural native populations.

The New Horizon School students continue to show remarkable talent.  One of Tim’s former students now teaches elementary English at the school and regularly serves as a translator for visiting short-term missionaries.  Another former student will enter Grace College in Indiana next fall on a scholarship. Tim’s current students received high scores on their interviews with native English speakers.  English is a skill that will open educational and employment doors for them.  Furthermore, through chaplaincy, Tim provides spiritual support for them as they endure many challenges at home.  Please keep the students as well as their families in your prayers.   

Tim and Ana

Earlier this month we carried out the third outreach event at the Siloe Church.  About thirty youth showed up for fun activities and music.  They heard the testimony from a youth leader who remained strong in a struggling church.  They also heard the gospel along with the challenges to pray more for their community and serve more faithfully in their local church.  Last week we visited a church in the city of Luque, where we saw the need for a new round of outreach events, perhaps starting next month.  Pray for us as we visit churches to form teams to serve in needy areas.  

Elías Josue reminded a mourning congregation last week of Jesus’ teaching that the kingdom of God belongs not only to the little children, but also to anyone who believes in him with the faith of a child.  Right before the service’s invitation was given, a young man, for whom the church had been long praying, walked in.  We’re not sure how he responded, but we know that tragedy and death can strangely bring salvation and freedom.  Fallen soldiers remind us of this on Memorial Day, as does Jesus’ death and resurrection.  

Happy Memorial Day!

Tim, Margarita, Ana and Antoine

Margarita and Antoine