August Ministry Update from Paraguay

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.”

Psalm 34:8

As July started we were excited for what the Lord had prepared for us. Everyone was excited to see family and to make memories. We had lists of things we wanted to do and were eager to see their faces. There was also the opportunity for me (Jared) to make a trip to Paraguay and I couldn’t wait. It had been 8 years since our last trip, the trip that God used to call our family to the ministry. For this update I want to share a little bit about what God did while I was in Paraguay and things we are looking forward to.

Tuesday would start out at Hope Christian School seeing students, sharing my testimony, and answering some questions. It was a great way to start off my time in Ciudad del Este and to connect with some of the students. Following that Pastor J.C. Escobar picked me up and we began discussing what our family is looking for in a house in Paraguay. We drove around several neighborhoods and took notes and got ideas. We are not picky, but we also want to be in an area where we can be comfortable and with space for all of us.

In Paraguay the best conversations are held around the table. We had been praying for good communication while on this trip. It was important for me to share what was in my head, but also to listen to what they have going on. We had a lot of meals, which meant we did a lot of talking and I am really really full.

There were several things on the radar in going down to Paraguay this summer. One of which was connecting with Pastor Sergio Escobar. Both Pastor J.C. Escobar and Pastor S. Escobar have a great vision “Paraguay para Cristo!” They have a strong desire to raise up men in the local church and to send them out into the ministry as Pastors and Church Planters. I love this vision and the more we sat and talked the more I realized that God was up to something great. Their passion, vision, and projection are spot on with where I feel God calling us to serve and this turned us from simply being brothers in Christ to friends for the ministry. We are very excited for the path that lies ahead.

Saturday I had the opportunity to go and see a new area for ministry. I will share more about Missionary Felix and his family later, but God has opened a really great opportunity for them. Minga Guazú is about 15km from Ciudad del Este and it is wide open for the gospel message of Jesus Christ. Please pray for Pastor Felix and his family as they begin to make connections and build relationships. Much needs to be done, but the Lord has planned a way and they are trusting as He leads them.

That’s Pastor J.C. Escobar to your left and Missionary Felix on the Right.

I left Paraguay very blessed! Having made great connections, had great communication and lots of enthusiasm for the future we are ready to finish second semester strong. I was encouraged to keep focused and ministry will be there when we arrive.

How can you pray for what lies ahead: First off pray for us while we finish language school. We have several other things to accomplish while taking classes to make sure we are ready for the move. Please pray we do all this faithfully. Secondly please pray for our ministry partners. They have their work cut out for them! They are looking into homes and have funds to get one furnished prayerfully prior to our arrival. We have been praying about renting for our first year, but have now opened to the idea of purchasing. The market is a little different in Paraguay, would you join us in prayer about this. Thirdly, pray that above all the name of the Lord Jesus Christ would shine bright in the country of Paraguay!