The world is a big and beautiful place. Perhaps you have had the privilege of traveling, which certainly confirms that!
As you may have heard, last month I was part of a team that took a ten-day media mission trip to Paraguay, a country known as the heart of South America. God clearly prepared the way for us and guided our steps along the journey. I would love to share a few highlights of His work during our time there.
Brian McIntyre, our station manager and cohost of the Afternoon Adventure, led our group of seven, along with Sarah Roberts, Director of Concerts & Events here at Shine.FM. Four undergraduate students from Olivet Nazarene University accompanied us, along with the prayers of the saints from our families, churches, and communities.
It was a blessing to witness God’s work in another place. Not only did our group bond with one another, we also built relationships with local believers, experiencing their culture and country. We stayed at a church with a missionary family, hosted a media camp for young people and church leaders, and filmed for a community outreach program and Nazarene church.
About fifty eager students attended the media workshops we prepared on photography, audio, video, social media, podcasting, and theater. We got to know them through wacky games, worship nights, and soccer, all of which they were very enthusiastic about! I personally found value in equipping others to utilize resources they already have to share the good news of Jesus.
Throughout the trip, we interviewed multiple individuals, capturing hearts and stories on film. Missionaries Juan and Cintia humbly pastor a church in Asunción and love their neighbors through Cristo Rey. This program offers soccer practices and dance lessons for children and discipleship for their parents, working toward spiritual and social development. One participant accepted Christ three months ago amidst marital trials. Now Celeste joyfully learns about Jesus as her daughter thrives in soccer. Melisa, who comes to watch her boyfriend José coach, feels supported at Cristo Rey despite medical and family complications in her personal life.
Juan and Cintia graciously showed us around the capital, where we explored artisan shops, visited the river, and observed the president’s headquarters. In our travels, we were astounded by the Iguazú Waterfalls where Brazil and Paraguay meet Argentina.
Our God is at work on an eternal, global level. It is quite something to catch a sliver of a glimpse as God moves among brothers and sisters worldwide!
“Come and see what God has done: He is awesome in His deeds toward the children of man … Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what He has done.”
– Psalm 66:5, 16
God’s Provision: God kept us safe and (mostly) healthy, Brian and I not getting sick until the very end of the trip. Our Father is indeed merciful toward us!
Word of the Week: Mate. A type of tea shared by Paraguayans. According to Juan, “it solves everything!”
Abby
