Anniversary Celebration

On our first Sunday night in Paraguay, we had the honor to attend the 36th anniversary of Emanuel Assembly in Barrio Republicano (a neighborhood called Republican). I say it was an honor because we were invited to attend and be a part of the celebration. On the far left is the pastor's wife, then Pastor Fleitas, the worship leader and his wife. I don't know all their names, but I am learning. 

Less than four months ago, they almost shut the church down because there were only four people in the church (two of them the pastor and his wife). Now, the General Secretary of the Assemblies of God in Paraguay is pastoring the church. They had about fifty people there that night for the celebration. It was nice to be a part of it.

Chaz made a new friend in the pastor. His name is Carlos Fleitas, and he is really nice (short, but nice). Chaz watched as he was drinking some tereré. This is the country where this herb drink was found and first started. They love Yerba (the herb that is in the drink), and they claim that it helps them through the heat. Anyway, the pastor asked Chaz if he wanted some, and Chaz said yes. In fact, Chaz loves the stuff. So, the pastor was curious and asked us if it was okay to give Chaz some. We said it was okay, and Chaz drank a couple of glasses. Now, Carlos and Chaz are friends. They are known as Carlos and Carlitos. He always asks about Chaz when we see him. I need to take Chaz up to the General Council's office and let them visit one day. 

We are learning more and more each day about Spanish, life in Paraguay, customs and culture, and many other things. Every Sunday, for at least a while, we will be attending different churches to meet more pastors. The more relationships we build, the more effective our ministry will be. Please pray for God's continued protection and help. Right now, there is an outbreak of Yellow Fever across the entire country. They are vaccinated as many people as they can, as quick as they can. The government hospitals have been given about 5 million doses of the vaccine from the U.S, France, Brazil, Venezuela, and other countries, but they don't have anywhere near 5 million new needles. We talked about getting the vaccination, but we don't want to run the risk of them re-using a needle on one of us. We might end up getting an incurable disease. Yellow Fever can be deadly, but I would rather take my chances with that than other diseases.

God is good, and He has brought us here for a purpose. We are learning every day about His unfailing love and patience with us. He has helped us with so many things that we feel so blessed to be a part of the ongoing work of the Gospel in Paraguay.

Blessings to all,

Charley