Dear friends,
As Britain tightens in a wintry grip so Paraguay melts in the sticky heat! Life
is on the fast track as the school term draws to a close, the Christmas
activities begin and the summer holiday season is about to commence.
The nation of Paraguay is as volatile as ever and economic growth just not
there. The new tax laws are beginning to bring some order but corruption is
very deep rooted. The increased violence has meant a much greater police
presence on the streets and armed guards abound, from outside hairdressing
salons, to schools, bakers, supermarkets and more obvious public buildings. We
remember an old “Yes Prime Minister” series which commented on the fact that a
large amount of unconnected armed guards didn’t necessarily add to the security
of the people!
We still yearn to see more of our church leaders taking greater responsibility
in the diocese and are grateful to God for auxiliary bishop Andres and his wife
Estela. At present however Andres does not believe that he is the right person
to be a diocesan bishop and we are continuing the process of looking for the man
of God’s choice through prayer and discussion. Meanwhile John celebrates his 65th
birthday on Christmas Eve and we commit the future year to God’s control. We
are thankful to have good health, apart from the obvious creaks and tiredness
and grateful to God that through so much travelling he has kept us safe.
It has been a pleasure to have many visitors this year and the links with
congregations in the UK are growing steadily. Judie feels somewhat inadequate
to the task of communication given the many other responsibilities that come her
way so we ask for your understanding and patience when emails are not responded
to as quickly as you would hope. It is a very complex diocese!
Another heartfelt desire is to see more young people study the Scriptures and
equip themselves for ministry in the church with all its diversity. The
Anglican Theological Seminary in Chile has given us open doors but it is not
easy for our Paraguayan brethren to spend several years abroad given their
family responsibilities. We have had two excellent teaching visits from the
Director of the Seminary, César Guzman, which have stimulated us and opened our
vision. We are also grateful to SAMS Ireland for sponsoring Raquel Greco for
studies in the Belfast Bible Institute & parish work this year and look forward
to her arrival back in January.
Our family continues to grow. We can hardly wait to meet our newest grandson
Matias (9 months) in a few weeks time! Liz and Hugh and the family are
travelling directly to Brazil on the 22nd to meet up with us and the
Butlers in Armaçao. The travelling time is the same for their transatlantic
flights as our bus journey due east from Asuncion to our nearest bit of
coastline! Returning to Asuncion will be even more “exciting” with 6
grandchildren in the bus!
Richard and his girlfriend Zosia arrive on the 23rd so it will be a
wonderful family Christmas this year and hopefully, most of it spent on the
beach. Strangely, even after 29 years in South America, it still doesn’t feel
quite right to combine Christmas with the summer holidays!
As Patrick comments, the impact of Johnny’s arrival on Butler family life
cannot be overstated! A difficult first year with health problems and sleepless
nights, but now at 20 months he is a lively, very sociable and determined little
lad. Fortunately he loves music of any form, even our singing, so it is still
possible to distract him. He enthusiastically claps to the songs in church and
his perseverance in learning to jump and actually get his feet off the ground,
is quite admirable. He receives so much love and attention from Luke and Jess
which he now has to share with a mischievous black “almost” Labrador puppy.
Luke (12) is into iPods and all things computer, plus a continuing love and
ability at football and other sports. Jess (nearly 9) is into clothes, ballet,
jazz dance, art and friends. Non stop activity! In a very nonchalant way she
gets through her school work and amazingly passes her exams. She leaves a trail
of exasperated parents & brother and reckons that only Granny has the patience
to help her revise! However when it comes to Guarani, she can teach her
grandparents!!
As we review the year we are again impacted by God’s grace and faithfulness to
us and we look to Him for 2006. Amongst other things we shall be celebrating
the centenary of the indigenous work in Makxawaya with many visitors expected.
Project Paraguay and the teams of volunteers also continue to come and bring us
help with practical needs in Concepcion, Asuncion and the Chaco.
Before we close we want to thank you for your support of the Bishop’s
Discretionary Fund which enables us to meet so many diverse needs including
treatment of eye cataracts and support for TB patients, to cancer treatment,
surgery, medicines, fares and food for patients and family members, repairs to
storm damaged houses, mosquito nets and blankets, and help with educational
needs. It is always awe inspiring to see how God stretches our “cruise of
oil”! We have also been thrilled to see the seriousness with which those helped
with small grants have studied this year, both young people and adults alike.
All have persevered and got good results despite very few resources in their
homes. We would so much like to continue these grants next year and leave it
with you to pray and consider the need.
Jorge and Zuny are doing teacher training; Raquel and Primitiva, dressmaking;
Nelson - Business studies; Eligio - Marketing; Sandra and Mirian - English
language; Javier medical studies; Rut, Noelia and Saul completing their
secondary studies; Sonia and another Sonia doing entrance courses for university
and Victor completing Primary. Oscar and Raquel are others who need to complete
secondary studies before being able to do any further study. None of these
folk could manage to pay the monthly fees, even if it is only 10 or 20 pounds.
They live on very small family incomes.
Don’t forget to let us know if you would like to receive the monthly Prayer
Calendar which keeps you up to date with church life in Paraguay, as we fear our
newsletters are not very frequent. It goes out by email and post. It is so
good to keep in touch with you all and we do appreciate your letters and photos.
May you have a very blessed and happy Christmas.
With our love and greetings as always,
John and Judie.
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Prayer Calendar - Iglesia Anglicana Paraguaya
- December 2005
“Every
good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly
lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” “If any..lack wisdom...ask
God, who gives generously to all…”
James 1: 17 & 5.
1
Give
thanks for all the end of term activities at St. Andrew’s & the Annexe
schools. Pray for the final Primary School Christingle service tomorrow &
for the Secondary Leaver’s Service & supper on Monday 5th
when each student is individually prayed for & given a candle to light from the
main candle to symbolize Christ’s command to be light in the world. We also
rejoice that Sam Parsons’ father has given his life to Christ –continue
to pray for Sam & her family.
2
Give
thanks for the 8 indigenous students who have completed their basic
Primary course 1-9th grades in El Estribo. Pray for wisdom as
they seek further study possibilities & for their spiritual well being &
protection & that of their families. For pastors Lucio & Remigio & the
pastoral assistants & for the local churches in the different villages in
El Estribo. Pray too for God’s strength & wisdom for Beryl Baker
on holiday in England as she accompanies her brothers who both have serious
health problems.
3
Pray for
Murray & Penny Metcalfe leading the Christmas service in St.
Andrew’s Church tomorrow evening & for Stephen & Eileen Trew who have
returned to Northern Ireland earlier than planned due to the poor health of
Eileen’s mother. Pray for the whole family at this time. Give thanks for
little Luciana in process of adoption by the Metcalfes & for them
& their two boys, Alber & Jack at this time of adaptation. For a swift
completion of documentation.
4
Give
thanks for the blessing received in the main Roque Alonso church & in
Remansito from the studies in “A purpose driven Life” & pray for the follow
up in the many housegroups in the area. For wisdom & vision for pastors
Cefe & Ana, Luis & Regina & their families.
5
Pray for
SAMS Mission Partners, pastor Tony & Chris Somervell & Linn
Tedman as they return now on Home Ministry Leave. For safety in travel &
good re-encounters with family & link churches. For times of relaxation &
spiritual refreshment. For Ed & Mari Brice already in the UK &
their eldest sons in Asuncion. Give thanks for our inter-dependence
in the church & pray for vision & new steps forward for UK Mission agencies
& the worldwide church.
6
Give
thanks for the openness of discussion & prayer at the diocesan leaders’ retreat
last month & pray for the continuing process of reflection on future
episcopal leadership. Pray also for the diocesan Family Day tomorrow
for the city pastors, diocesan staff workers & mission partners & their
families. For a good time of fellowship & relaxation together at the end of the
year.
7
Give
thanks for linguistic & historical studies for Tim Curtis & the Enxet
Bible translators in the workshops in Lima last month. Pray for
their Old Testament translation work & the preparation of Sunday
School materials in Enxet for both teachers & children, coordinated
by Mari Brice. Pray for the visit this week of Bible Society
consultants to the centre in Rio Verde. For safety in travel & good functioning
of the computers in our very hot, humid climate. Pray too for Andy & Jo
Persson & family as they travel to the UK on Home Ministry leave
today.
8
Pray for
the childrens’ meetings in Concepcion today (a national Bank
holiday dedicated to the Virgin of Caacupe) & for Claire & her team of
helpers. Give thanks for so many children who are hearing the gospel message &
pray too for contacts with their families. Pray for strength & grace for
bishop Andres & Estela in their busy ministry & for pastor
Guillermo & Rossi. For all the Christmas activities in the city & in
outlying areas. Pray for Caroline Gilmour White as she travels to the
UK today to visit family and link churches.
9
Pray for
bishop John as he visits El Estribo today and shares in a
Confirmation service in San Carlos. For the young people from two
or three different villages who want to confirm their faith in the Lord. For
God to raise up leaders to work amongst the indigenous young people. Pray for
Mauro Caballero to overcome his rebellious attitudes & for wisdom for his
parents.
10
Pray for
Alison in her ministry amongst young people in Concepcion & for
the preparations for their Youth Camp in January. For the Sunday
evening youth service and the Saturday evening drop-in centre “El
Puente”.
11
Give
thanks for the new multi purpose room in Zeballos Cue and promised help
towards using it as a base to provide dental care in the area. Pray for the
completion of the facilities inside & for the provision of overhead fans. Also
for the feeding programme for children to start next year. For pastor
Alberto & Ester & their family & all the Christmas activities.
12
Pray for
the 5 little girls in the Esperanza Foster Home & for Juana, her
son and her team of helpers. For Penny & Murray as they
coordinate the ministry & for the right homes for the babies in the future.
13
Tonight
there is a service of thanksgiving for ex pupils of St. Andrew’s School
who left the school 10 years or 20 years ago. Pray for each one
in their spiritual development. Pray too for good rest for all the teaching
staff who now start their summer break.
14
Give
thanks for the improvement in health of the children in Quyquyho
receiving regular lunches. For Jose Ramon & his siblings whose parents
are both alcohol dependent. Give thanks for his improved behaviour & pray for
all the children as they hear the gospel message. For María Luisa & María
as they cook & serve the food.
15
Pray for
the congregation in Villa Guarani in the absence of pastor Tony &
Chris. For Jorge Caceres & Coto Martinez as they lead & preach & for
a growth in commitment to the Lord & to each other amongst the church members.
Give thanks for the Somervell’s counselling ministry & pray for all those
who are continuing to work through particular difficulties & challenges in their
lives.
16
Pray for
Oscar Fernandez y a group of Enxet readers who have been meeting
once a week in Rio Verde to read the biblical text in their own language.
That the younger people may learn to read more fluently & understand the message
for their own lives. For other groups to be formed.
17
Pray for
the main Christmas services taking place tomorrow in each of the churches
& for good fellowship & sharing in the suppers taking place afterwards.
18
Give
thanks for Pat Chapman’s sabbatical time here in Asuncion,
particularly working in St. Andrew’s school. Pray for her as she travels
to the UK tomorrow & also for teacher Babs Owen as she departs on
the same flight, along with Claire Holmes & Alison Crawford. Give thanks
for their ministries within the Paraguayan church & pray for rest over
Christmas & the New Year.
19
Pray too
for God’s grace & guidance for Molly Cooper as she adjusts to a new life
in Ireland after so many years service in Paraguay. Also
for Eileen Murphy as she & Molly participate in prayer for Ireland
within the Rostrevor community.
20
Pray for
bishop John & Judie as they share in a holiday with all their immediate
family ( 14 people ) and celebrate John’s 65th birthday. For rest &
relaxation & safety in travel for each one.
21
Pray for
all the indigenous communities as many people working on ranches come
together for the Christmas period. For wisdom to control the sale of
alcohol in the villages & for genuine celebration & joy amongst the families.
For each of the pastors & their pastoral assistants.
22
Pray for
God’s protection over Tim Curtis, Genaro & Clorinda & their family, &
also the buildings & equipment in the Anglican Centre in Rio Verde
during the summer period. Also for the 3 translators & their families as
they return home to their different communities.
23
Give
thanks for the good academic year at FEISA this year & pray for all the
staff during the summer period. For Fiona Cooper as she prepares to join
the staff next month under the auspices of SIM UK.
24
On this
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day may we all experience in a new way the
depth and
25
wonder of
God’s love expressed to us in the coming of the Lord Jesus to this world.
26
Give
thanks for the work amongst young people through EJE & pray for those who
are beginning to draw closer to God. For the Holy Spirit’s strength & guidance
in their lives especially during the summer months with a pause in follow up
meetings and Bible studies.
27
Pray for
Donald & Caroline as they commit to each other in marriage, giving thanks
for Donald’s support in the San Andres Sunday evening services.
28
Pray too
for the San Andres morning congregation & pastor Agustin & Teresa
& their family.
29
For God’s
hand on the congregation in Luque/San Lorenzo. For the plans to extend
the work in San Lorenzo next year & for Teo & Lidia & their team.
30
Thank God
for Chris Hawksbee’s work in the indigenous communities – pray for him &
Alison & the family & for the community leaders as they try to use their
land wisely for the benefit of all. We also thank God for the abundant rain
which has fallen recently.
31
Give
thanks for all the blessings received from the Lord this year. Pray that we
may look more and more to Jesus, “the author and perfecter of our faith”,
with grateful hearts & renewed faith as we approach the New Year. To
God be the glory!
