Thank you for Offering Freedom

Dear Family and Friends:

Last Thursday, a freshman at Grace College in Indiana captivated the attention of a classroom packed with my 8^th and 9^th graders about the importance of studying English.  What was particularly special about his visit was that he had been my student in that same classroom 7 years ago.  He, as well as other former students who now work in education, aviation and information technology, testify how English contributes to freedom from the poverty that their families once lived in.  Thank you for offering freedom to over 500 past and present students through your generous support and faithful prayers for our work in Paraguay.

One of Our Students was recently Baptized

Not only have New Horizon School students experienced opportunities for freedom from poverty, but also from unpromising legacies.  Another former student,“Alex,” came to the school from a household characterized by broken relationships, substance abuse and distance from God.  Through the school Alex learned about Scripture and placed his faith in Christ.  He now faithfully attends a local church’s college group, serves in children’s ministry, and is completing a law degree.  Please give thanks for Alex and the other New Horizon graduates, the majority of whom attend college and are active in churches.  Pray that more Paraguayan youth will approach God through our weekly educational ministry activities like school chaplaincy and youth ministry at a local church.

Sharing a Message of Hope with the People of Luque

Thank you for your prayers for our last outreach event in the city of Luque.  A household decided to trust in Christ, and a number of connections were made for future follow-up.  This Friday Margarita, Ana, Antoine, Gabrielli and I will travel to northern Paraguay for two strategic meetings.  First, we’ll plan the last seminary course for church leaders in the infamous border-town of Pedro Juan Caballero.  Then, we’ll meet with pastors in the rural Yrybucua District to organize evangelism.  We will also spend a week translating there for a medical mission team from Illinois.  After returning from the north, we’ll drive to Ciudad del Este on July 16^th to partner with a ministry that connects with the city’s large Middle Eastern immigrant community.  Please pray for great fellowship, safety and health as we travel this month.  

One of the highlights from June was Ana’s graduation from kindergarten.  Margarita and I delight in watching her grow and flourish through her education at Asunción Christian Academy.  Fortunately, my mom was able to attend her graduation.  She also tested my students’ conversational English and helped with a few ministry activities during her visit.  On two occasions she shared with the families of addicts at the support group hosted by the church that helps me with prison ministry.  Give thanks for healthy growth, family and encouraging visits. 

Ana's (Top Left) Kindergarten Graduation 

Independence Day reminds us of a hard-fought victory over despotism.  Today in Paraguay and all throughout the world, countless people—each of them endowed by their Creator with rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness—live under the despots of poverty, addiction and unpromising direction.  Your prayers and partnership fuel the fight for many to be released from such oppression and enable a new season of God’s favor to be proclaimed.      

Happy July 4th!

Tim, Margarita, Ana, Antoine and Gabrielli