Tragedy, Graduation and Great Expectations

Dear Friends and Family:

“Vicente” and his classmates marched in their city’s festive parade, with his father proudly watching.  A hit-man took advantage of his father’s attention on Vicente to attack, leaving him lifeless on the street only a few yards from where his son was marching.  Vicente’s family had been and continues to be involved in drug-trafficking, which not only led to this tragedy, but also mars his potential for a future without violence.  Vicente attends one of the city’s two Christian schools.  His teachers are the only adults close to him trying to guide him on the path that leads to life.  Pray for the Christian schools and churches in Pedro Juan Caballero, who work tirelessly to end the city’s legacy as the most violent in Paraguay.

Seminary Graduation in Pedro Juan

Vicente’s Christian education teacher was one of the 23 graduates from New Orleans Seminary’s pastoral ministry program last month.  After a week of teaching, Gil and Mary Lain, Ted and Sue Gross and Fredy Pavez participated in the wonderful graduation ceremony that included an orchestra, dance performances and words of encouragement to celebrate God’s faithfulness over the two-years of studies.  Thank you for your prayers for this event and for the graduates.

While I was helping with the classes in Pedro Juan Caballero, a former student of mine was teaching my English classes in Lambaré.  It has been great to see her and other former students use their English for professional advancement.  Pray for my past and current students, to whom doors are opening due to the education they’ve received.

Likewise, Margarita and I appreciate your prayers over our household.  The day before I left for Pedro Juan Caballero, Gabrielli turned 6-months-old.  We thank God for her life, as well as for Antoine and Ana, who are growing rapidly.  We are also grateful for your generous donations to help finish building our family’s new living space.  Please pray for a timely completion of the construction and for the builders’ well-being.

The House is Coming Along!

October is turning out to be a busy month.  In addition to our weekly educational and discipleship activities, I am teaching at two upcoming camps, a local Bible institute and at least three different churches.  We’re investigating the possibility of doing an outreach event in a city on the Paraguay-Argentina border.  Also, last week we visited an un-reached, native community near the Asuncion metro-area to ascertain openness to an educational ministry project, and we were invited back by the community leaders.  On our next visit there I’ll follow up with a very talented young man named “Enrique,” with whom I made a good connection. Please pray for our ministry activities this month.

Through your support and prayers for our work in Paraguay, you assist in training leaders to change the landscape of ravaged communities like Pedro Juan Caballero.  You provide education that translates into upward social mobility for poor families.  Furthermore, you help introduce many youth, who do not know the way they should go, to Jesus, who says that he is the way and the truth and the life.  We thank God for your partnership.

Sincerely,

Tim, Margarita, Ana, Antoine and Gabrielli

Gabrielli's Debut in the Backpack