Summer Missions 2026 Week 2: Paraguay
We have been in Paraguay for thirteen days now, and it’s pretty awesome. Right now we are at Fundación Unidos Por Cristo, a children's home where God is so obviously present we are in awe. He has done and is doing so much good here, and every new story they tell of how God has provided makes me realize how little faith I have. I want to trust God in the ways that these people do, even for their daily bread.
Going back to where the last update left off, we spent last Wednesday visiting this place, going back to prepare supplies and pack, and returned the next day to work. We stayed the night between Thursday and Friday. They started us off with caring for the chickens, building out rows in their garden, and planting seedlings. Then we had to head back to Asunción a bit early in the afternoon before the soccer game traffic started.
This gave us time for some much needed rest, before we got going early to see the Fundación Con Una Sonrisa, Foundation with a Smile (with a smile, you live better). It was started about 26 years ago by a bunch of pastors when they began having events to wash children’s feet and give them shoes. Those events have expanded into a permanent building that brings free medical services and a school to an area that would otherwise go without. We helped as best we could with the English class, sat in on the Bible classes, danced in worship, and helped serve lunch to the kids. But most importantly, we were able to love on the kids. These are kids who would never hear about Jesus in their home, and they may not know affection, even in something as simple as a hug. We only visited for a morning so far, but we are excited to return next week.
Afterwards we were shown the church that our contact Devonna started many years ago, and heard how it grew, and why it was planted. It was built nearby Cerro Lambaré, and while I don't understand all of the history, it is a monument that started for a curse on the land. Devonna and her late husband planned the church nearby to be a light in an area that, first of all, had no churches at the time, and second was standing in defiance of the monument.
Sunday, we went to a church. There were many pastors from across South America there after a conference, and there was a great celebration as two pastors were ordained. In the afternoon we had the best açai ever; it was quite awesome.
And then we came back to the children's home! This time we would stay for four days, staying in some of the dorms with the older children. To give a little more background on Fundación Unidos Por Cristo, it was started by one woman, who had almost 200 kids in her house before they were miraculously provided the property they have now. There are 70 kids living in the houses today, and it is primarily run by people who grew up here and stayed.
There is so much laughter. It's not exactly what we expected when we came, considering how much pain there must be here. But here, kids are able to be kids. To be loved. To go to the school, with other local kids joining them during the day for the academics. There is a huge garden and a bunch of farm animals that the kids maintain. The first day we walked in on the baking class, and were treated to some absolutely delightful empanadas. They are learning so much.
On a small tangent, it's kind of crazy that almost the entirety of the Paraguayan population is bilingual. They speak both Spanish and Guaraní, so it's crazy that some of the students here have learned English on top of those two.
God has given us joy and humility in service at the children’s home. From shoveling manure to being stomped in soccer, we are learning how to serve and laugh with others.
This is such a good place, with so many wonderful kids. We are glad to be able to get even the little time we have with them.
The whole team has had such a great time here and in Paraguay in general. We can’t wait to see what else God will show us. Thank you so much for keeping up with our updates!
Until next time,
CJ and the Paraguay Mission Team
