Tag Archives: faith

February 2025

“Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.”

Psalm 111:1

As the month of February was approaching, we greatly anticipated all of the church body being back from vacation to be under the roof together again, worshiping our God! This summer break (December-Januaray) gave me a real appreciation for the unity of the body. Back at home it is normal for people to travel during the summer season, but having over 80% of the church missing from Sunday services was a real change. We are thankful now that school is started back up to have the church body back together starting another new year.

With a new year comes new opportunities. Before Pastor Juan Carlos left for vacation he asked if I would consider getting my Biblical Counseling Certificate with the long-term goal of being able to help Pastors in Paraguay learn to counsel their flocks Biblically. With this in mind I began doing some research and have already started doing some reading toward a certificate in Biblical Counseling. We think that this will be a great tool to be used in two direct forms. First off in discipling men and women for future ministry. Helping them develop the mindset of the sufficiency of Scripture will go a long way in preparing for future ministry. Secondly, we think this will be a great tool to connect and aid other pastors in Paraguay as they tend their flocks.

The kids got a few weeks off for Summer but most of them were antsy to get back to it again. They surpassed day 100 and are all doing well in their studies. Now that we have established a routine it is easier to keep up with each of them and their needs as the continue to study. Also, this week they started tutoring again. Their tutor Noelia took some time off to spend Christmas with family but then also to help out at a Christian camp for a month. We look forward to hearing all her fun stories as we have time.

They kids are also doing a great job making friends. They have all made connections with at least one kid their age. It is great to see them use their Spanish in communicating, but an added blessing is that many of the kids in the church speak English. While we would like to see the kids continue advancing and using Spanish, it is a blessing to see them have connections in the church.

February always brings us to remember the road God used to bring us to Paraguay. Those of you who have followed the journey remember that we sold our home in February 2020 that would allow us to pay off all our debts and prepare for the mission field.

You also recall that LuVerna was born just two weeks before we had to move out of our home. While we take time this month to reflect on all that God has done, it was a great joy to take time to celebrate our LuVerna too. She just loves a little extra attention!

With most of the church family back and schools starting back up we will be ready to kick off into another year of ministry. This year we are hoping to continue being part of some previous ministry projects, but also to start working more focused on leadership development. After meeting with Pastor Juan Carlos and Pastor Sergio and seeing their vision for the church body, we can start to map out some goals for this year and maybe even the following year. But as we know Proverbs 16:9 states, “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” and we put our full confidence in this truth.

Once again, we want to thank you all for your faithfulness in Love and Support. God has truly blessed us with a great cloud of support around us in the ministry and we are blessed. Now how can we pray for you?

Jaha Paraguay Pe!

The Loucks Family

November 2024, Giving Thanks

“Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.

Psalm 96:1-2

What is it like to be in November approaching the heat of summer? Our minds are all a little confused. We have the Air Conditioner running while we have apple pie in the oven and are preparing to cook turkey for Thanksgiving. In all of this we give thanks. We sing praise to the Lord and tell of His salvation from day to day. We reflect on the goodness and grace and have reason to praise him in song. Frederick M. Lehman Put it wonderfully in his song, Oh Love of God…

“Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.”

November has been a busy month of serving in different ministries. Many of you know that we have been asked to help with the kids club and it has been a blast getting to know the kids from the community. The end of November ministries close down for the summer and will begin again in February. Will you please continue to pray for the kids that attend the club? We will miss our Saturday mornings with them! Also, I have been asked to help out on the occasional Friday night passing out tracks and cocido at the hospital. This has been a great way to work with fellow missionary Felix and many of the young adults from the church. Please pray for continued relationships with hospital staff.

This month we were also asked to help fill different teaching rolls at the church. Kathleen did a great job giving a devotion to the ladies group for a baby shower. The theme was changed last minute but we have received great feedback from the devotional both on her speaking and the message that was given. I was also asked to help fill in with the youth and young adults for several ministries. We praise the Lord for opportunities to serve, connect and share the truth from God’s word.

Family time has continued to be filled with many wonderful opportunities to make memories. Hard to believe that we have been in Paraguay for 5 months, but it has been a great joy each step of the way. As a family I can say we are adjusting well. The kids are learning Spanish, making friends and becoming involved. This warms our hearts as we see the Lord working in their lives. If only I could be a fly on the wall of conversations to hear them using their Spanish, but we have heard great things. We have also hired a tutor to work with the kids on being confident in speaking. It has also helped Kathleen and I learn some more common phrases in Guarani!

As summer sets in and the school year comes to a close here in Paraguay, we have been warned about how quiet the city gets. Major stores will remain open, but the family-owned places will be scarce. People start to travel and thus ministries slow down. The Saturday kids club will continue just at a very relaxed pace, the same with youth and young adults. While things will slow down for ministries, we ask that you pray for continued connections into the lives of youth and young adults in the church and community.

As we prepare for our Thanksgiving Day, we want to take a moment to express our thanks for you! We are thankful for you and your part in serving the people of Paraguay. Your prayers, your love and support continue to allow us to serve the Lord in this great country and we know we could not do it without you. We give thanks to the Lord for the great cloud he has placed around us in this ministry.

We pray that your Thanksgiving is filled with a time of reflection on the goodness and greatness of our God. His love has been poured out upon us giving believers in Jesus Christ a true reason to give thanks. Psalm 100:3 “Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” Praise the Lord for these great truths!

Prayer requests and praises: 1) for opportunity to share Christ with the young lady at the ice-cream shop (Luana) 2) for continued relationship building with people in the community 3) that God would continue to be glorified. Praise the Lord for continued growth in our language and opportunities to serve. Now how can we pray for you!

Jaha Paraguay Pe/ Let’s go to Paraguay!

The Loucks Family

Kids corner:

This month one of the workers at Hope Christian School was wanting a cup of coffee but wasn’t able to leave work to get one. No problem we said, Lulu and I packed up and went and made coffee for all the teachers. It was a great way to show our willingness to serve and be part. Lulu got to surprise some of her favorite people and bring a little light to a crazy morning.

October 2024

OCTOBER 2024

“It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High”

Psalm 92:1

Over the weeks I usually choose one Psalm to reflect upon and to pray through for the week. Recently Psalm 92 has been playing through my mind as I have had the opportunity to study. Our reason to give thanks is not always found in the ease of situations, but in the God of those situations. We live in a world where wickedness often seems to prevail, but the truth of God’s word remains the same. These truths from the Psalms reminding me of the greatness of the works of God is a true encouragement and motivation to keep focused and moving in faithfulness.

At the end of September we were given the opportunity to get away for a couple days and just enjoy some time together. We went about 20km away to a nice quiet piece of property with some cabins and a swimming pool. It was a great time to just be away and soak up the outdoors. We are very thankful for family who invites us along to outings like this. It was good for all of us! The kids got an extra day off from school so that they could enjoy hours of time in the swimming pool. This was a treat much needed!

Many of you have been praying for us in regards to the completion of our documents and obtaining a vehicle. Our documents have arrived, and we were able to purchase a vehicle! We thank the Lord for providing this for us and for how He worked all the details together. We had someone approach us with the desire to help us in the process and it was greatly appreciated as the market in Paraguay can be tricky to navigate. I have my international driving permit but am working toward my licenses and hope to have that by the end of next month. We want to thank you for your part in praying and giving toward this. We pray that our vehicle is tool used to honor the name of Jesus Christ here in Paraguay and wherever else He might take us in it.

The second week of October we were able to host our first guests from the United States. Many of you are aware that Jaha Paraguay Pe was our theme and our desire in it was that people would consider coming to see the ministry here in Paraguay. Our guests are in training for missionary work and on the recommendation of their pastor they were sent to learn what it looks like to be new on the field. They brough with them a list of questions about ourselves, our family life and the process of adjustment. It was a great time for us to reflect on all that the Lord has done in our lives to bring us to the field and what He has used us for on the field in just these first four months.

We would love to be part in helping others get to the mission field and so if you have anyone that is interested in missions, please let us know. If we can answer any questions you may have or be used as a tool and resource, we are glad to share.

As October comes to an end we are looking forward to several ministry opportunities. Pastor J.C. Escobar and Alejandra have gone to Chile to be with her mom in her last few days. The Lord called her to glory about two weeks after they arrived and now they are helping the family in Chile through this time of adjustment. Please pray for the family and many are unsaved and lacking the hope found in Jesus Christ. While they are away, I will be helping fill vacant spots as I am asked, and Kathleen has also been asked to teach a devotional to the ladies group. Lots of opportunities to practice and be used.

Kids Corner:

This month the kids want to say a huge thank you to the churches that have sent packages for us. This month was almost like Christmas in October and the kids got to enjoy an evening with American snacks and lots of activities!

Yes! We have a mailing address and it has been updated on the contact portion of our website.

Now how can we pray for you?

We want to stay connected and part of being connected is knowing what is going on in your lives. Please, send us an email or a message and let us know how we can pray for what God is doing in your lives!

Thank you for your faithfulness in joining us on this journey. We are beyond blessed to serve the Lord in this way!

Jaha Paraguay Pe,

The Loucks Family

June 2024, We made it!

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:7

Paul writes this letter to the church at Phillipi and in many ways it is a very encouraging letter. However, when he gets to the end of the letter he is led to write about the need for unity among the whole body and the responsibility of the church to aid in relationships. In the midst of dealing with complicated issues, we are to bath them in prayer, casting our cares unto the Lord and finding the peace of God to guard our hearts and minds. We have not been dealing with any interpersonal conflicts, but each season of change can bring its own anxiety and as we bath the newness in prayer God has been very faithful in providing an amazing peace in our lives.

POR FIN! POR FIN! POR FIN!

These words were said over and over again as we exited the bus and gave hugs entering our new hometown of Ciudad del Este. Words that express the long-awaited arrival as missionaries. Words that express their anticipation of our coming and their faithfulness in praying for us as we prepared for this step in our lives. Words that will forever be etched in our brains. Finally! POR FIN!

We left the Pasco, Washington at 5:30am on Monday the 10th and arrived in Asuncion, Paraguay on Tuesday afternoon/evening. After getting our visas and hulling all of our luggage through security (this is a story for a different day) we were greeted by a great brother in Christ, Jim Showers. They allowed us to call their place home for the two nights while we were in Asuncion. Wednesday, we got up and at it with getting to the immigration office to begin our temporary residency process. Things went smoothly as we have hired a great team to help us with the process. Until it got to my (Jared’s) paperwork. We left that day with everyone else’s papers being sent off for residency and a peace knowing that it was God who had brought us this far and it would be God who would sustain us here. After looking into several options, we submitted some papers and finally got approval to move forward with the residency process! Praise the Lord for all of you who have been praying for this. I will head back to the capital and meet up again at immigration and move forward for my temporary residency.

After 4 airplanes, and two bus rides, we were ready to be home! In all we slept one night on a plane, two nights in the capital and one night at a hotel. After all of that we were excited to just be home. Our family and friends at Iglesia Bautista Jerovia have done an amazing job in seeking a home for us, getting it cleaned up, and setting up furniture for our arrival! We cannot thank them enough for all of their hard work! We have a beautiful home, with lots of space and only need a few more things to make it complete.

As we are getting settled in, we are also getting to work. Thats right the ministry moves forward and we are excited for that. We have friends to meet up with, lessons to write and memories to make. July is a very busy month for the ministry here and we would ask for prayer as we get busy with serving the Lord. There will be a group coming from Vista Mission to do a vision clinic as well as preparing for the missions training camp. I have been asked to teach a few lessons during the camp and am blessed by the opportunity.

We continue in confidence knowing that it is the Lord who has prepared the work for us and that it is God’s people who send us into the field. Your prayers have been such a great encouragement to us as we make the adjustment onto the foreign field. It is a blessing to report that aside from a little sickness the kids have been adjusting well and are making great connections and strides in relationships. While the language barrier may seem like a big one, their ability to communicate has been such a great encouragement. We pray that our kids would not only make good friends but that they would be good friends to those in the church.

Elijah can make friends just about anywhere He goes. And it was one of the things he was most excited about in coming to Paraguay. He is off to a great start! These boys have been waiting to meet each other and we are excited for the friendship that has already begun!

There are so many stories we could share already but for now we will leave it at this. We look forward to sharing all the fun and exciting things along the journey!

Please continue to pray as we get settled in. I will travel to the capital the beginning of the next week to continue my residency process. Please also pray as we look at vehicles, we have one on our minds, but we can only pull a little cash out every day and we are praying it will be available when the time comes. Thirdly, please pray for our health. Adjusting to a new culture can be tough on the body. Fourth, pray that we are found faithful.

Now how can we pray for you? It encourages us to pray for others! Let us know by sending an email to jared.loucks@hotmail.com

Jaha Paraguay Pe!

The Loucks Family

March and April 2024

“…Arise, and anoint him, for this is he. Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brother. And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward…”

1 Samuel 16:12b-13a

Samuel had been given the responsibility of anointing the king who would lead over the nation of Israel. This came with the great responsibility of walking close to God and listening when He called. Saul had failed and in chapter 15 we see where he sinned in fearing the People rather than the Lord. It was now time for a new king and Samuel had to be listening for God’s instructions. When studying how God appoints men for service it is humbling to know that He desires to use all of us in ministry. We all have a crucial role that God has appointed us to, and we are responsible to respond to that calling in our lives.

The month of March flew by and gave us many wonderful opportunities to make memories. We began the month with an overnight get away and had a great time of fellowship With Pastor Fodge and First Baptist Church of Quincy. Following that we began preparing for the kid’s pine car derby. I am not much of a woodworker, but it is always a joy to sit and envision with the kids and to attempt to create their idea.

A huge thank you goes out to Mr. Young! He has been part of the Loucks family pine car making since I (Jared) was a kid. Always fun to have the kids work with him on shaping their cars. Temperance made a globe and added an airplane from Washington to Paraguay. Adara-Dasha said she wanted her car to be the “Salt of the Earth” and so we had fun adding a saltshaker to the top of it. Jedidiah wanted a red-white-and blue car to represent both the United State and Paraguay.

As mentioned in our last update, we were also blessed in March to have Pastor Juan Carlos Escobar and Alejandra visit for a week. It is always a blessing to have Pastor J.C. at Grace Baptist Church and to hear what the Lord is doing in life and ministry. It was also great to have them around and to share some time together. We even got to celebrate Abuela Alejandra’s birthday with a special dinner and dessert.

One of the things that was on the agenda of conversations was when do we depart for Paraguay. We are excited to announce that we have purchased tickets and fly out to Paraguay on June 10th. A few things that we ask for you to pray for us concerning are one for housing in Paraguay. We were informed there are options for housing, but they are waiting for something more ideal to arise. Please pray that we can find a home near Pastor Sergio Escobar and his family. This would put us close to fellow laborers as well as to the local church. Another thing is that we are in the process of getting our Apostils on our background checks. Pray that these would get returned quickly in the mail so that we will be ready for the residency process.

The Kids made a short video answering some questions about what lies ahead for them. If you have a few minutes we think you will enjoy it.

The things the kids will miss most about going to Paraguay is their family and friends. It has been a journey through deputation and language school but being home around the people that for lack of a better term, “smell like you” just feels right. Temperance grew up with some of these gals, and others she has gotten to know over the last few months. She will begin youth group the beginning of May and move to Paraguay a month later. One of the things that keeps her excited about the next step in our lives is the encouragement that these girls are to her.

Prayer Requests:

  1. Pray for housing to be secured in Paraguay.
  2. Pray as I (Jared) finish classes at Rio Grande Bible Institute
  3. Pray as we pack our bags and prepare to say our goodbyes.

Thank you for taking a moment to follow us along this journey. We serve a great God and understand that we cannot do it alone. Your prayers have truly encouraged us along the way! Now, how can we pray for you?

Jaha Paraguay Pe!

The Loucks Family