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Missionary Newsletter from Sue Givens

GRADUATION OF THE SEMINARY

This year we had 14 men and women from throughout Paraguay who graduated in April from the Bible Institute. This is the largest graduating class. Each of these individuals will serve under pastors as assistant pastors or they be given the responsibility of a church with supervision usually for two years before they are officially ordained. What a blessing to have such a fine group of servants who love the Lord. Our church had two graduates, Jorge Aquino and Joel Cañete. We also have two others currently studying in the Institute. Please pray for them and their spiritual walks. Also, pray that God will touch others to answer the call to be pastors.

SPONSORSHIPS OR SCHOLARSHIPS

What is a sponsorship? While I was in the US, I heard reports of different world aid organization providing care for $20 to $25 per month and indicating any organization charging more was a fraud. In examining their comments, there are many variables that need to be considered: the cost of living of a particular country, the level of care and what quality of education are the children receiving. As I thought about our school, our "sponsorship" program is really a scholarship program to give the children not just an education in the local school but a quality education based on Christian values. We have all certified teachers and use part of the Abeka Book Curriculum.

WHY DO THE FAMILIES NEED HELP? Many families in our barrio live at or below the level of poverty. When we did an analysis of the finances of the families with four year olds, we learned the majority live on less than $2 a day per person…many on less than a $1 per day. What was shocking about this statistic for me was that this level of poverty existed even when one or both of the parents were working. Even more alarming, is the level of corruption that exists in Paraguay and how education is not a priority for the children from low income areas. With the help of sponsors, these families have hope that their children will receive a quality education and prayerfully our students will be able to make a difference for Paraguay's tomorrow.

HOW MANY CHILDREN NEED SPONSORS? Each year we are adding another grade level to our school so that now we are serving 405 children from four year olds through sixth grade. This means each year we must find at least 54 new sponsors along with renewing all the other sponsorships. We have many faithful sponsors who are now in their 5th, 6th, or 7th year with some of the children. However, sometimes for various reasons sponsors can not continue from year to year. Currently this year “2007”, we still have 36 children who are not sponsored.

WHAT DOES A SPONSORSHIP INVOLVE? It means making a commitment to provide the financial resources to help a Paraguayan child from our barrio attend Nuevo Horizonte (New Horizon School). The cost for one year (from January through December) is $360. This can be divided into monthly payments of $30 or less than $1 a day. This payment provides the child with a quality Christian Education including the children’s school books, some materials, snacks for the younger children and other services as needed.

WHO CAN SPONSOR A CHILD? Individuals, families, extended families, churches, Sunday school classes, Bible school groups, men and women's clubs, etc.

CAN YOU COMMUICATE WITH YOUR CHILD? Yes! The children love getting notes and photos from their sponsors. Also, with additional donations placed in a special fund all the children receive gifts from his or her sponsor during the year. Also, sponsors can also send gift. The children communicate at least twice a year plus the sponsors receive photos of their children. As long as the sponsor wants and the child remains in the school, they are paired together.

TO SPONSOR A CHILD OR PROVIDE A SCHOLARSHIP PLEASE CONTACT?
mclovebrown@charter.net
or
Mable Love Brown
Samaritan Hands Paraguay School
% Fairview United Methodist Church
2508 Old Niles Ferry Rd.
Maryville, TN 37803

The goal of the school is to share Christ with the children and their families. Our vision is help raise up the next generation of leaders for Paraguay…individuals who love the Lord, will lead with honesty and moral integrity and who will seek the Holy Spirit for wisdom and discernment.

DÍA DE DULCE

The sixth graders as part of their health, math, and social studies class hosted a "Día de Dulce" or "Sugar Day" The children with the help of their teacher and parents learned to prepare a banana-grapefruit jelly and with powdered milk and sugar, they prepared a caramel treat called "dulce de leche". The children then sold their products to other families in the school. With their funds they are planning to go a class field trip.

DENGUE EPIDEMIC

Starting in Nov. 2006 until a severe cold spell, Paraguayans battled mosquitoes. Dengue is a disease passed by mosquitoes spreading the disease to humans. The symptoms are a high fever, body aches, severe headache, diarrhea, and vomiting. It can cause hemorrhages, shock and even death. According to the statistics in April, over 25,000 people were confirmed by medical personnel as having Dengue although some health professionals believed as many as 100,000 to 300,000 were infected. There were at least 20 confirmed deaths.

The Ministerial of Health and Education organized a national campaign to clean vacant lots and to empty or eliminates all mosquito breeding grounds. Schools were commission to help educate their communities and organize clean up campaigns. Our school organized days to clean up the various empty lots around our school. Also, our children and teachers prepared posters and programs to inform the community. Our fifth graders marched around the barrio carrying information signs and a symbolic victim of Dengue.

It was interesting one rainy day within five minutes after we finished cleaning several vacant lots of tall weeds and trash; a number of families moved onto the land as squatters. Many are desperate for living space and will jump at whatever opportunity for free land.

Please pray because since it has gotten cold, people are again throwing their trash everywhere and the authorities are not being conscientious about garbage collections.

CHURCH CAMP

In February, approximately 100 individuals from our Villa Zulma Church enjoyed a weekend at Camp Jack Norment. The theme for the weekend was interior healing and Pastor Andres and Felicia held sessions and prayer times to allow the Holy Spirit to minister to individuals with past emotional traumas and relationships. Everyone was encouraged to turn over their hurts to Jesus and to forgive those who had hurt them. It was a wonderful weekend of emotional and spiritual healing for many. In the free hours, we played many games, spent times chatting, drinking terere, and swimming.

COST OF PROGRAMMING INCREASING

With the declining rate of the dollar and projections for it to drop in value even more and the ever increasing inflation rate (last year was approximately 16%) we are trying to stretch our funds like "chicle" (chewing gum) as they say here. The dollar in December of 2002 was valued at 7.104 mil guaranies. In December of 2006, it had dropped to approximately 5.323mil guaranies. In April of 2007, the dollar dropped to 4.920 and it has been projected to drop maybe as low as 4.1 yet this year. (Thankfully, in recent weeks, the dollar has been increasing slightly.)

The lower rate of the dollar to guaranies means our school has lost significant buying power! For example, last year, I was able to fill my vehicle with approximately $45 worth of diesel. The other day it cost me approximately $70 and if the diesel remains constant and the dollar drops to 4.100, a tank of diesel will cost me $88…almost double in a little more than a year! This impacts not only the cost of diesel but all products and services have increased in value! We are cutting in every area possible and then some. Please pray for our school's administration so we can be good stewards of God's provisions and the school's resources.

CASA DE ELIAS (ELIAS' HOME)

One stormy day in February, one of our school moms came running into the school to report a fire just a few blocks away. The home of Elias, one of our pre-schoolers, was destroyed by an explosion in the home. The fire spread quickly throughout their small wooden home attached to his grandparents' brick one bedroom home. Within moments, two other neighboring homes were severely damaged and the fire destroyed most of the personal belongings of 24 people.

We quickly visited the homes and began praying for God to help these families who normally had very little and now had practically nothing. I told the parents, we are going to trust God to help you rebuild. We quickly sent out notes to our school families and to friends in the US who have a heart for Paraguay. Within moments, donations began coming from neighbors and friends: dry clothes, a fork, a toy, a small bag of food, a carton of milk, a bed, and places to stay for everyone! What a blessing to see so many who have so little donating whatever they could to help.

From the US, several people donated sums of money and with that Pastor Andres; we met with the family and began planning what construction supplies would be needed to rebuild. Within just a couple days, the families (many who worked as construction workers) began rebuilding! God was at work building also. He was helping us not only share physically with the family of Elias and his neighbors but also spiritually. When the new construction and repairs were made to all three homes, we even had enough funds to buy some appliances and furniture for the families.

When we dedicated the homes to the Lord in a service open to the community, both of Elias's parents officially dedicated their lives to Jesus and are faithfully coming to church. Now his grandmother is beginning to attend. Many times we need to step out in faith and watch how God can use whatever situation for His glory!!!!

NEWS FROM THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

One of our desires is that when the children graduate from New Horizon School that they will have at least conversational English and be able to read basic texts. One would think if a child has English every year, this would be an easy goal to achieve, but it isn't. First, because the limited time we have in our daily schedules, there is not much time for English. Second, in order to truly learn a language, it is helpful to be immersed in it. That means the teacher should only speak English in class and the children should have lots of opportunities to use their skills in and out of the Classroom.

This year we have had to make several adjustments due to some missionaries leaving the field. Currently, we have missionaries Alicia Grey helping part time with the younger children. She had been teaching our community classes then felt the Lord was calling her to other ministry areas. But she some our need and God touched her heart to continue with us. Also, we have a "retired" missionary teacher, Betty Baxter donating her time and many resources with our first and second graders on an experimental language and reading program. We are already seeing some wonderful results.

For our older grades, we currently have a Paraguayan, Aldofo teaching the classes. I prefer native speakers teaching, but he has many years of experience teaching English and has even written a workbook on how to teach English. Please pray that next year, we can develop an official English curriculum. We are praying for a young man named Tim to return to Paraguay and help us in this endeavor.

PLANNING FOR OUR MULTI-PURPOSE SPORTS BUILDING

This year we are hoping to begin construction on our much needed multipurpose-sports building. After much prayer and many revisions of the type of architectural structure we need for our many school functions, classes, church and community activities, we are trying to finalize our architectural plans. We hope to have the plans approved within the next few months.

This project is going to cost around $300,000. We currently have over $100,000. While in the US, I met with a friend, Linda Keller who has been to Paraguay. She is a professional grant writer and we worked on developing a core grant proposal. Helping with this project as part of a learning experience is Mark Miller. Please pray that we will be able to secure the funds necessary for this building along with a number of other projects we are planning in the next couple of years: constructing a church, adding additional classrooms, updating the computer lab, securing additional library resources, and furnishing our science laboratory.

CAMPING FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN BRAZIL

Two years ago, while at a Latin America Mission conference, I met two couples who direct the Christian Camping International program in Brazil, the Association of Evangelical Camping. When they learned that I had previous experience working with individuals with special needs and had been a camp director, they asked if I would be willing to present at their national conference. Finally, this year, we arranged my return trip to Paraguay with a stop in Brazil for the conference. Since it was an introductory presentation, shared from the Bible text: I Samuel 16:7- where God does not look at appearance, but at the heart. We discussed different types of handicapping conditions, the importance of communications, and Person-First Language suggestions. Also, we covered the staff needed, basic behavioral issues and factors to consider when planning activities. I provided resources for where they could learn more about camping programs serving individuals with different types of disabilities and I shared about the general areas of regulations as outlined by the American Camping Association (ACA). It was interesting; the same day I presented the Brazilian organization of ACA was attending the conference.

In closing I shared we have a responsibility to share the gospel (Matthew 28:16) and that all people need the opportunity to hear the gospel (Romans 10:17). I challenged the participants to open their programs to individuals with disabilities and to remember that "Everything is possible with God."

Please pray as God has been working on my heart about the needs of individuals with special needs here in Paraguay. I have been asked to help a clinic and school about an hour away from Asuncion. It helps individuals of all ages. Interesting, this new program is beginning like Ohio's County Boards' of MRDD (Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities) began in the early 50's. It is being born out parents' desperations to provide services and a better quality of life for their individuals with disabilities because there are practically no services. Please pray that if I am to coordinate special training for the staff and families or can arrange for help for this group that God will show me the way just as He guided me several years earlier to be able to help Jose every month with his special schooling.

SCHOOL ART

Our children and staff are very creative and talented in the areas of arts: arts and crafts, dancing, drama, singing, and music. I often wonder where they develop such talents. Here is an example of a poster done by one of our sixth graders, Jordan Marcos. Currently, the children are submitting designs for an official school flag. Some of the designs are extremely creative and in a future newsletter, you will see our flying colors.

HOSPITAL AND JAIL MINISTRIES

An area that has been heavy on my heart since first coming to Paraguay has been developing a hospital ministry. It began six years ago, when we first visited in the national hospital with our Women's group from the church. I left so emotionally saddened from the conditions and became the unofficial guardian angel for Baby Abel. (Abel was a month old baby who was near death.) During the weeks that I visited Baby Abel and others, I found many people in great need and desiring prayer. Over the years, we have prayed that such a ministry could be started and finally we have one. Missionary Alicia Grey did a special training with the ladies from our intercessory prayer group and a few interested youth. Now some are regularly visiting hospitals, a nursing home for men and a local jail for women.

In each area the conditions are sad and way below US standards but even more than the physical conditions we see many with spiritual needs. I am pleased to see how our group ministers to the individuals they encounter with a loving spirit and their willingness to freely share Christ.

In one visit, one lady prayed for different ones especially two persons who were the point of death. God placed on her heart not to pray for physical healing but to lead these individuals in the prayer of salvation along with their family members. Both people died that very night peacefully and their families although sad had the joy of knowing they would see their loved ones again someday in heaven.

We are learning more and more each day, that we can not save the world from all the diseases, starvation, and disasters but we can share Jesus and give people an opportunity to know the truth of Jesus and they can receive eternal life.

VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES

For part of April and May, I spent my time crossing the country sharing our vision for the school and ministry in Paraguay. I met with family, friends, church congregations, missionaries, ex-co workers and others. The time was such a blessing for me and for our school. Thanks to everyone who helped me and who prayed for this opportunity to share.

BIRTH OF ANA BELEN

Everyone likes love stories. We are seeing one playing out every day in our midst. Six years ago, we began computer classes in the school after receiving some used computers. Angelica, a young Paraguayan teacher who was volunteering in our school became our first computer teacher. One night we prayed together that God would provide her a faithful husband who had a heart for missions so that she could serve in the interior of Paraguay. A short time later, during the construction of our larger, second school building; God sent us a missionary from Georgia named Christian Dickson and he helped Mark Waltz supervise and complete the construction. During that time, Christian and Angelica met, dated, and then were married in 2005. This February, God blessed them with little Ana Belen. Both Christian and Angelica are serving as missionaries here in Paraguay in a variety of capacities. God answered another of our prayer: to have a committed, knowledgeable Christian to head up the Susana Wesley School. You guess it!!! Angelica is now the Director of Susana Wesley. Isn't our God awesome!!!!!!!!!!

EASTER EVANGELISTIC PROGRAMS

For Easter, our church under the direction of one of our high school students, Andi Prieto, provided a two night theatre production of "The Book of Life". This evangelistic drama was open to the entire community. Throughout both evenings there were different scenarios affecting people's everyday lives and their choices: to follow Jesus and have their name written in the Book of Life or the choice to live in the world with the consequence of an eternity living in hell tormented by Satan and this demons. At the end both evenings, altar calls were given and many adolescents and youth gave their lives to Jesus.

Also, as in past years, Pastor Andres, Andi, and Sue showed the film "The Passion". We went one night to a remote area in Ñemby. It was a very cold night with a terrible thunder storm. We were surprised by the number people who huddled under small pavilion and a makeshift protection of leaking tarps. The weather did not seem to bother anyone as they moved around to dodge the drops and an umbrella was held the entire evening over the projector to keep it dry. When Jesus was on the cross, we paused the movie and did an altar call. Several people gave their lives to Jesus. Praise God!

WHEN A CHURCH DIVISION IS A BLESSINGS OF MULTIPLICATION

Seven years ago when I moved to Lambaré, Paraguay, along with Missionaries Mark and Johanna, we helped Pastor Andres and Felicia in the church, Open Door (Puerta Abierta). Working together as a church and seeking the Holy Spirit's help through prayer and fasting; our church began to grow through evangelisitic programs, home visits, and inviting our families of the school that had personal and family challenges. Also, we focused on the children and youth providing Sunday School and various programs. After a time, many of the people traveling to Puerta Abierta (approximately 1.5 miles or so from the school) lived closer to the school. Thus, we started the annex church of Villa Zulma in the small youth center next to the school. We held services in both areas and the leaders served both areas as one church. Soon, we grew too large for the Villa Zulma "church" building and after we completed the school, we began holding services in the school's salon area.

Over two years ago, we began planning and praying that Villa Zulma would become a separate church independent from Puera Abierta. Finally in January of 2007, it became a reality. Pastor Pedro, a missionary from Brazil was assigned as the pastor of Puerta Abierta and Pastor Andres would continue at Villa Zulma. Each family was able to select which church they could as their fellowship.

It was sad to know that we would not all be of the same church congregation anymore but it was a time of rejoicing because we were dividing because of muplication and not division. Another blessings was as the people chose which church they would serve, each church received many members who were well-prepared as Sunday School and various Bible teachers, youth leaders, evangelistic and mission workers, intercessory prayer warriors, music ministry, and seminary students. Since January, both congregrations are continuing to grow.

TALI IS GROWING

I introduced little Tali (Talita) in my last newsletter. She is Pastor Andres and Felicia's six month old daughter. She has captured everyone's hearts especially the heart of her "madrina"…me. She has already developed quite a personality. She is very healthy and we are so thankful for that especially since Felicia had such a rough pregnancy. Whenever I am around Tali, she wants me to hold her. I have not been able to determine what it is that captive her: my glasses, blue eyes or my manner of talk. Another baby in the church cries every time I am around her. I often talk to Tali in English and she just laughs…. I have nicknamed her chubby cheeks!!!! Praise God for this precious life.

VISITING THE NEIGHBORHOOD

One day as I was walking in the barrio, some of the children noticed I had my camera. That began an hour photo-opt session of the kids, dogs, cats, parents, and grandparents. Thank you Lord for a digital camera because everyone wanted me to take pictures!!!

Sue Givens
Latin America Mission
The Paraguayan Outreach/Sue Givens
P.O. Box 52-7900
Miami Florida 33152-7900

or

High Mill Church of the Resurrection
Earmarked for: The Paraguayan Outreach
1920 Schneider St. NE
North Canton, Ohio 44721

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13.

Email Sue: sue@paraguayschools.org

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