Mark's Notebook

Update: Paraguay

My brother in law and his wife are missionaries in Paraguay. Here is their latest newsletter.

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Paraguay
October 2004

October 17 we finished our 40 Days of Purpose campaign at the San Lorenzo church. We want to share some of the exciting things that happened during our journey.

Ramon and Teresa belong to a large, organized religious group in the city. They began attending a small group for the 40 Days and faithfully read their book, A Purpose Driven Life, each day. As the 40 days progressed, they came to realize that the group they belonged to was not teaching the Bible. They were told by their leaders that the Bible is a mystical book, and only their leaders can interpret it. Through the 40 Days, Ramon and Teresa learned "...because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven..." Matthew 13:11 They now know that they can read the Bible and understand it for themselves.

Macumba is Brazilian black magic commonly practiced here in Paraguay. Another couple that began attending the 40 Days were victims of this, their neighbors were constantly leaving dead animals, and other evidences of curses in front of their home. They could not sleep at night and lived with a constant feeling of anxiety. When they began attending the 40 Days, they accepted Christ and were taught how to resist the powers of the black magic. Since then they rest better and live in Christ's victory.

A 17 year old exchange student began attending the church a week before the 40 Days. We had a book in English which we loaned to her. the first week she accepted Christ and is now being discipled by Melanie. She works with our children's programs and is active in the youth group.

Felipe and his son Alberto bravely opened their home for the 40 Days. Friends and neighbors began attending and the group grew each week. As a result of this outreach, they will be having regular meetings each week in their home, 2 groups for men and one for women.

Jorge and Rosa struggled to make a decision to open their home. In the end, Jorge lead 2 groups, one at his house and another at Rosas sisters home. Now Jorge and Rosa will continue with their groups.

8 small groups were meeting regularly before the 40 Days. 21 small groups are regularly meeting now. Over 70 people accepted Christ for the first time during these meetings and many others were exposed to the gospel.

At a ladies tea after the 40 Days, 8 women accepted Christ. Evidence that the people are understanding the importance of our mission here on earth.

Continue to pray for all of the people mentioned above. Especially for the new believers, that they would continue to baptism and serve the Lord faithfully.

Our next big event is a national missions conference to be held at the San Lorenzo on November 13th. The purpose is to encourage Paraguayans to complete the work of evangelizing Paraguay and to support Latin missions in other countries.

Thanks for all of your prayers and for your faithfulness in giving towards the Great Commission Fund, from which we receive our support. We are working towards finishing construction on the San Lorenzo church before our returning to California in May of 2005. At the moment we are at a standstill because of lack of funds. We need $1000.00 to finish the 3rd floor roof. You can support this effort by giving to our Work Special.

Your servants in Christ,

Bob and Brenda Boston

CC 13173
Shopping del Sol
Asuncion, Paraguay
(595-21-605-648)

The Christian and Missionary Alliance
P.O. Box 35000
Colorado Springs, CO 80935-3500

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Last updated Tuesday 13 May 2008