War with other countries (at about the same time of our Civil War) left
Paraguay with very few people and even fewer men. Since then, it has been
common (and often encouraged) for men to father children with 3 or more
women and they rarely provide support. It is still a practice today. As
a result, it is a 'young' country with 70% of the population under the age
of 30. Also as a result of the war, the area of the country is now smaller
(now about the same size as California) and they were left will little
natural resources, generally poor farmlands and a lot of desert called
the Great Chaco. About 90% of the 5 million people live in the east and south
portions (non-desert areas) of the country with over 1 million in Asunción.
In that area it tends to be quite warm and humid.
With over 40 years of a dictatorship with significant oppression and corruption
the economics are in a sad state. Economics are improving but well below the
average for third-world countries. Recent years have enabled a new president
to be elected (who is privately Christian). His wife is openly Christian and
a key secretary position has been filled with a Christian from Chile that was
planted in an Asunción church! ˇGloria a Dios! The new leadership has made
great strides but has a great deal to improve in the country. Trade has improved
with Brazil, Argentina and other countries. They now have river access to the
Atlantic enabling better trade by sea.
The official languages of the country are Spanish (~70%) and Guarani (over 90%)
from the native tribe. There is little to no English being learned. Currency is
the Guarani and is traded at over 5000:$1 (>5000 Guarani's to one US dollar -
$200US will make you a millionaire!). Food & crafts are very inexpensive. Gas is
about $4/gal.
Predominantly Catholic (~90% but significantly fewer active/practicing like most
of Latin America) there have been some recent examples of persecution/discrimination
of other Christian leaders. It used to be that the Catholic Church and the Government
were tied - a recent change to the country's constitution allows for separation and
for other religions to exist. There is still prejudice, however. It has been 'spun'
(origin believed to be by the Catholic church) that evangelistic Christian churches
just want money (tithe) while the Catholic churches do not: "it is cheaper to be Catholic."
Regardless, the country is seeing a significant growth of evangelistic Christians with
the share growing from ~4% to ~9% in the last two years. The time is now to get busy
with church growth and new church plants!
La Viña (The Vineyard Church in Asunción):
The church is about 10 years old, started by a Chilean Pastor (now in the US) as a new
plant. Pascal Monjeloz is the second pastor and is 29 years old, married (Patti) with one
<2 year old daughter (Abigail). He has done a fantastic job growing the church and building
the chapel. It is 'young' congregation (about 75 regular attendees) with only three married
couples. They have an excellent worship leader and band. There is excellent support from
the Vineyard churches in Chile and a lot of interest by the people to go there
(part-time and perhaps longer if support could be garnered).
La Viña is centrally located in the city with access to over 300,000 people within reasonable
walk/ride distance. The chapel is very nice, has a baptism, lights, a roof now (a recent
addition!) and can seat over 150 people (they do not have that many chairs, however). There
are construction plans to expand the chapel and even add a balcony for a capacity over nearly 500.
There is a desire to purchase adjacent buildings for future expansion if the opportunity and funds
present themselves. There is also a desire and a great opportunity to plant other Vineyard
Churches in neighboring towns that make-up Asunción.
Top needs:
1. Leaders, leaders and more leaders. Leadership training will be of great value to the
church. He has a few people (3) that he regularly relies upon. Training materials
(work-books) and training for children's ministry, VBS, and other ministries would be welcomed.
2. Pasqual's Kia, diesel, mini-van is in dire need of significant mechanical work and/or
total replacement. He spends significant time keeping it running, and is needed often for the
work of the church. The Vineyard churches in Chile are willing to assist with their own
fund-raising effort - we need to do the same - quickly.
3. A dental clinic is, perhaps the greatest service needed by the community. Dental
work is very expensive there and a free clinic would be easily supported by the city officials
and the government. Of course, this would be an excellent lead-in to the church!
4. Prayer and inner-healing is necessary. There are many broken people and many women with
children that have been hurt and are worn-down from the daily struggle of their reality.
In addition, we (Boise VCF) need to continue to work with the Chili Connection
(partnership) to enable them to better support La Viña in Asunción, Paraguay.
Greg & Kathy Hite
