Greetings from Asuncion, Paraguay

Paraguay is sometimes called "the heart of South America" because of its geographical position in the center of the continent.  I love being here with missions pastor, Koki Nowada and his wife, Mari. 

(Pictured: Asuncion Thursday night dinner and discipleship group. Tonight!)



Pastor Koki and Mari sensei are faithfully serving the Nikkei community here despite many challenges.  It is an opportunity for me to hear how God is working in their church, and how JEMS can support and partner in their ministry. 


The past week has gone by quickly.  We departed LAX surrounded by friends and family and arrived just last Thursday. 

The ministry started right off at Camp Shalom, joining the Okada family and Greg Oda in the youth program.  Camp Shalom is an extremely rustic version of Mount Hermon.  But how great to be able to be in Brazil with one of my long-time friends, Mark Okada.

After an overnight stay at Shalom, we traveled to the city of Sao Paulo and began preparations for the JEMS basketball ministry.  We estimate that in the two days of competition, almost 300 either came to watch the games or participated directly.  Many new contacts were made on behalf of the local churches here.  And the team was blessed with new friendships.  They continue their ministry this week in Londrina and next week in Pompeia, Brazil.




On a personal level, it was wonderful to connect again with long-time friends.  Many of them now married and with children.  Several I spoke to are now involved in church planting ministries and other ways that enlarge the kingdom of God.




Sunday morning began early for team member, Daichi Tsuruta and me as we were paired to serve at the Liberdade Holiness Church in Sao Paulo.  Daichi was able to lead the congregation in worship. 

Following Daichi, I preached the morning message in Portuguese!  Thank you for all your prayers. I think that it was well received.

(Above):  PJ pictured with Pr Key Yuasa of the Liberdade Holiness Church.  Below, PJ preaching with interpreter (to Japanese).


A very special blessing came after the worship service as Pr Key Yuasa invited the leadership of the church to join together in the laying on of hands and prayer for me.

Also following the service, Daichi graciously responded to a last minute invitation to share with the college and professional Sunday School class of over 70.

Tuesday evening, I met with Margaretha Adiwardana (pictured below, right), the president of AME (Associacao Missionaria Esperanca - Hope Missionary Association) to discuss possible future ministry partnerships with JEMS.  Much appreciation to long-time friend, Ullisses Shimizu for setting up this meeting.

In reviewing this post, I noticed that I wrote "long-time friend" many times.  It is a measure of how ministry is cultivated in South America, through the relationships that have been formed over the years.  Thanks to God for these relationships and lasting contacts that form a basis for ongoing ministry.


Blessings to you,
Pr John