Here's an idea...

A couple of weeks ago a friend (Hector) gave us a Bible to give away to "anyone who needs one." Our neighbors, Felipe and Isabel, got that Bible yesterday. Below is a quick video of them thanking him personally. Most people in Paraguay have a "family Bible" but it is not really available to read. Some would like their own personal, readable Bible. If you would like to help us purchase some Bibles to have on hand to give away when needed, please let me know by sending me an email at jlsappia@gmail.com
As always, thank you for your support!

We'd appreciate your prayers...

This week the Paraguayan Pastor, who works and lives at the church plant (Mi Esperanza - MY HOPE) went to check the electric meter for the church. While checking he noticed that something was stuffed in there, by someone?!?

What he found was a clay "vodoo doll" with leather cords tied all around it and little sticks poking out of its body. Here in Paraguay, this is an item of witchcraft to try to intimidate and scare those that receive it. Basically, this means that someone, or group of someones have been praying curses on our church and us, as Pastors of the church.

When we got together, we prayed and destroyed the item. In the midst of prayer the Lord reminded us of what happened to the god Dogan and the people of Ashdod in I Samuel 5. If you remember, these people got more than they were bargained for when they tried to humiliate our LORD.

We have been praying that for God's protection and for those who placed this item that they would turn their lives over to Jesus! Please stand with us in prayer.

If you are not getting and would like to receive our weekly email prayer updates, please send me a note at jlsappia@gmail.com

Throwing Roof Tiles...

A couple of weeks ago we had a terrible storm here in Paraguay. The clouds got dark like any other storm. The temperature dropped a little, like normal. And then it changed. To this day, I am not sure what it was, but the sky went black. You could see the darkness creeping across the sky like so much spilled chocolate pudding moving across a table (I don't know what that means). Anyway, when we saw those clouds forming we all began to run.

For the next 1/2 hour it was DARK. Ominous! The wind beat against everything and the rain fell, very hard. Days later everyone was talking about the Humo Negro (Black smoke) and how they thought Jesus was coming back. Wouldn't that have been the best?!?

But, instead, we had to clean up. We picked up pieces of debris and many of the fallen tiles from the roof. Then a few days later we had to repair everything, including about 15 roof tiles. Below is a video of how we got the tiles on the roof. Not sure why this is the chosen method, but it sure was fun!

Peace!

Happy Birthday Lisa!

Today, is a special DAY

I believe that today is the most important day in our calendar. Now, you can argue for Christmas, New Years Day, Thanksgiving or any of our other holidays. But, I am convinced that today is above them all.

New Years Day has marked the turning of years and decades and centuries and even millenniums. Thanksgiving reminds us to be, well thankful. And Christmas we celebrate the birth of the greatest man that ever lived.

But, only on this day... Resurrection Day ... do we celebrate a miracle that occurred only one time in history and only for one person. Only on this day can we say that Jesus, with His own power, raised from the dead! On this day, we celebrate the fact that Jesus, who was once dead, is now alive! On this day, we rejoice because we know that since He lives, we also do not fear death. Because he lives we know that we will live once more. Because he lives, the payment for our sins has been accepted and we can be forgiven and have Eternal life. Because He lives... all things are possible!

Today, we celebrate! Why? Because He is alive!!!

peace!

Please enjoy this video from youtube, it is one of my favorite songs about the Resurrection:

Good Friday in Paraguay

Today is Good Friday. It is a little surreal. All the stores are closed, the buses are not running, people are off of work, but few are outside. There is no music blaring, there are no children playing and conversations are hushed.

The country is in mourning. Today, as far as I understand the country is mourning for the death of Jesus Christ. Many will not eat anything, some will eat local foods such as Chipa and Sopa Paraguaya.

Good Friday has always been one of my favorite days of the year. I try to put myself in the events of history and constantly ask,"what was happening at this time during THAT day." "What were they thinking at this moment of THEIR Friday."

But, I believe in the end, for me Good Friday is complete only when we consider that, as Tony Compolo once preached, Sunday's a Comin'. You can't understand Friday without Sunday, and you can't appreciate Sunday without Friday.

May God bless you on this day! And remember - Sunday's a Comin'!

Here is a video for you to enjoy, it is one of my favorite songs about Good Friday.

Thank you New Jersey

Last week, two Alliance Churches sent 11 stalwart adventurers to minister here in Paraguay. While the team only spent 8 days on the ground, what they accomplished will last a very long time. Between laying the foundation for Pastor Fermin's house, fixing up a local playground, giving basic dental instruction, creating a stage, playing soccer, and sharing the gospel with everyone they could, (and even, eating ice cream) there is no doubt that the affects of the team's ministry will endure.

Thank you so much for coming, for working so hard and for being such an encouragement to all of us in Paraguay! We can't wait to see you all again.

Check out some of the photos: