Rachel Anderson
  After
26 hours of traveling, our team finally arrived at Asunción,
Paraguay. What in the world were we doing here? Culture shock kind of
overtook us, especially when the scorching heat soaked all nine of us
“yankees” from the cold state of Kentucky. We were tired, excited, hot, and
hungry, but we were on a mission!
Vacation?!
From March 17-25, I had the privilege of joining a team of 10 Asbury College
students and friends. We all felt called to minister to the missionaries,
churches, and citizens of Paraguay through World Gospel Mission. It was amazing
to see God’s hand work as he chose each one of us, with different gifts and
talents, to form part of a team that shared prayer and encouragement.
One of our main tasks
was to help build a church in one of the poorest neighborhoods outside Asunción.
We got up very early each morning to beat the strong heat and headed out to our
work site. We moved tons of bricks and red clay, put up the wooden walls of the
church, dug part of a 3-m. deep septic tank, built an outhouse, and even had
time to wet each other with the hose. But the greatest part was working with the
native Christians who joked with us in Spanish, taught us how to drink tereré
(a cold drink like tea), and showed
us the great love of Christ. God used these moments to build hope and unity in
each one of us.
Although the church
was not completely finished, we were part of the first service in that building.
Children whom we had previously invited, promising animal balloons, candy,
puppets, and skits swamped us. They came, accompanied by their parents, and the
church “El Renuevo” (the Renewal) was full of light and hope for people who
had none. I am blessed by knowing that the Holy Spirit planted many seeds that
night. However, they need our prayer.
My favorite part of
the trip was talking to the missionaries. As an MK, I know the kind of
frustration and pain that missionaries go through. I took it on as my ministry
to speak to these wonderful people, showing interest and support. I don’t
think I’ve ever asked so many questions in my life, but God brought joy and
refreshment to all of us through this time of communion.
What
did I learn?
·
God can use me when I am
weak and tired because he then is strong and mighty.
·
I now have a stronger burden
for missions that is personal rather than connected to my parents.
·
I have some of the greatest
prayer warriors and supporters ever! I thank each one of you for being so
faithful and for sacrificing some time and money so that I could be an
instrument in God’s hands in Paraguay. You have been an incredible blessing to
me as well as to the ministry in Paraguay as many lives were touched. Trust me,
I could not have survived without your prayer and support.
May God bless you as
you continue to walk in His light,
Rachel
Anderson
 
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