Paraguay

South America

Year opened: 1988

Paraguay has been ravaged by two centuries of war and governmental strife that continue to impact this nation. The War of the Triple Alliance from 1865-1870 caused the demise of two-thirds of the nation’s adult males. Paraguay also endured a military dictatorship from 1954-1989. Due to these and other elements, 32% of the population lives below the poverty line.

From the beginning, the team of missionaries and nationals in Paraguay has been wonderfully diverse. Initially led by a Brazilian lawyer, the missionaries have come from Brazil, the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Netherlands. Servants of Christ from Chile and Argentina were also among the earliest pastors who led the growing number of churches.

Strong in both evangelism and ministries of compassion, The Mission Society's work in Paraguay is illustrative of the agency’s emphasis on holistic ministry. Ministries today includes vocational training, elementary and secondary education, a day care center, evangelism and church-planting, a Bible school, well-drilling, medical care, and a variety of other endeavors. There are also outreach ministries to the Toba Indians, an Indian minority people-group that is largely unreached. The Mission Society has ministered in Paraguay since 1988. “The whole Gospel for the whole person” could well be the motto of this field.

Today, approximately 30 (mostly rural) congregations make up the Evangelical Methodist Community of Paraguay. Scores of partner churches in Brazil and the United States send hundreds of short-term volunteers on mission teams to Paraguay, aiding the missionaries and national workers in a variety of ministries.

 

• Pray for hope.
• Pray for effective communication despite language barriers.
• Pray that the missionary team would stay focused on what God would have us do here in Paraguay and not let our own ambitions get in the way.
• Pray for the preparation of the new missionaries who are preparing to serve here in Paraguay.
• Pray that we would continue to develop Paraguayan church leaders and pastors.
• Pray that the Methodist Church in Paraguay would work toward becoming self-supportive in the near future.

Prayer Requests