Pilar 2026/ August update

As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

1st Peter 4:10

The last several weeks have been a whirlwind of prepping for a mission trip to Pilar. Through this time, we were reminded of just how great our God is in bringing together a church body to work in unity. As we served the people we could see how each person used what gifts God has given them to be put to the task and we are very thankful to have been a small part in the team.

We set out Thursday, August 13th, for the small town of Pilar. This was not my first time to Pilar, but it would be the first time going as a family and with a team. We had organized activities, work, and ministries to be completed while there all in hopes to bless the church and the missionaries as they serve in this community. From raising funds for a construction project, to collecting medications to take for a clinic there was a lot of work put into this trip. All hands were on deck, and we set off in four teams from two different churches.

The route most known takes about 8 hours to arrive in Pilar from Ciudad del Este. Leaving at 13:00 meant we would arrive late and for safety we took the long route. Arriving in Pilar with enough time to unload, sleep a little, and get to work! We were asked to lead the outreach portion of the trip and to partner with others to organize a kids activity.

Pilar is unlike any other area that I have visited in Paraguay. They are not as open and accepting of people from outside their circle. We saw even others from our team struggle in communicating and forming relationships because they are from different parts of Paraguay, so imagen our difficulty as Americans. It was difficult to see as we walked down some of the streets to invite people to the free medical clinic, but before we could get close to their homes, they were shutting their doors and would not answer. This didn’t keep us from trying, even if it meant going back to the same neighborhood 4 times.

The medical clinic was able to help around 20 people all who sat and heard the gospel one-on-one with a member of the team before they could receive a consult. The construction team finished with the frame of the awning that they were building but fell short of putting the roof on top. Lord willing we can raise the rest of the funds necessary for this project. The kids club was a hit! In all we had roughly 40 in attendance (kids, moms, dads and grandparents). They got to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ through a skit, as well as through small group times. They played some games and got some treats to celebrate Kid’s Day in Paraguay before they went on their way home.

More than just helping out a church in another town, this was a training opportunity for the team at Iglesia Bautista Biblica Jerovia. Many from our team had never visited this part of Paraguay. They know the name Pilar because it is one of the oldest cities in Paraguay, but they had never experienced a cold Paraguayan. This was eye opening and great to see and hear the testimony of how the Lord has worked on hearts from those in the team. We ask that you continue to pray for this team that went, pray as they have a new burden to serve and reach more of these smaller communities. Pray as we continue to disciple some of these young lives for the glory of God. Please also pray for the work in Pilar and the Missionaries Victor and Mercedes as they work to be a light in a dark place.

If you have a moment you can see the video we made showing some of the work and things that went on in Pilar. We were greatly blessed as a family to be part of this team. We thank you all for allowing us to serve the people of Paraguay in this way. We know that we do not do it alone. God has brought along a great support system for us to help carry the ship along as we row below in the ministry.