Tumultuous
October is a heavy month for us. Tumultuous. Besides responsibilities with the church and the mission, Scott is teaching a seminary class every evening from 7-10pm. This particular Bible Institute actually goes to churches where the members want to study and holds classes for a week in a three year cycle. Scott was given the topic of “The Spiritual Life” which of course is so broad that it is nearly impossible to do it justice in just one week of class.
The fascinating clash between cultures always makes for lively discussion. Scott presented radical ideas like actually doing evangelism outside the church building and that the church building itself is not sacred—two basic ideas that are a stretch for many traditionalists. Perhaps the longest and attentive discussion centered on building genuine fellowship in the church. You would think that in a friendly culture like that of Paraguay, real relationships within the church would be automatic. Yet, as the conversation unfolded, few have found the church to be a breeding ground for genuine friendships. That phenomenon may not just be a Paraguayan trait.
Please continue to pray for us. The first 9 weeks of the new school year have passed and Danielle (and the kids) is counting the days until summer break (our summer break is December-January). Between studies, preaching, and speaking at retreats, Scott is more than busy enough. Yet ministry is about relationships. Please pray for Pastor Blas Baez and Pastor Cesar Rodriquez. These two faithful pastors are leading two separate churches and are in need of large doses of wisdom. Danielle spent time with Nancy on Sunday, who is caught in a riptide of hopelessness on many levels including debilitating poverty. Ethel and Alfredo are an engaged couple leading the youth ministry at our church and we are gearing up with them for a complete philosophical overhaul next year. The mission has an important meeting on October 24 to redefine the direction of the camp program. We have invited a number of Christian leaders and pastors to a think-tank mini-retreat to hammer out ideas and dreams for the camp’s future. Please continue to pray with us. We appreciate your prayers and interest on behalf of the ministry in Paraguay.
Love reading your blog, Scott & Danielle! We are on the Missions Committee and Patterson Park Church in Dayton, OH and as we gear up for our Missions Conference the next 2 weekends, just wanted you to know we’re thinking of you and praying for you as you work hard to spread the love and truth of Jesus with the people of Paraguay. Look forward to worshiping with you again in person when God allows that again
Love reading your blog, Scott & Danielle! We are on the Missions Committee and Patterson Park Church in Dayton, OH. As we gear up for our Missions Conference over the next 2 weekends, just wanted to let you know that we are thinking of you and praying for you as you share Jesus’ love and truth with the people of Paraguay. Look forward to worshiping with you in person again, when God allows it. Have a great week in Him!
Mike & Dawn Bouchard