Dear friends and family,

With a focus on Thanksgiving, we echo the words of Paul in Ephesians 1:15-16 when he said, “Wherefore I also … cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.”  We are so thankful for each of you as you support us with your prayers and financial sacrifice.

We actually celebrated Thanksgiving twice last week.  On Thursday, we had the opportunity to travel two hours away to celebrate with two other missionary families.  What a sweet time of fellowship as we reflected on God’s goodness in our lives and the many things for which we are thankful.  Then Saturday, we hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for several of our Paraguayan friends.  They have come to enjoy celebrating Thanksgiving although it is not a Paraguayan holiday.  Kari prepared all of the traditional American dishes, including two small turkeys.  As this is Jim’s favorite meal of the year, he is especially thankful that turkey can be found here when many missionaries cannot get turkey in their country.  The largest ones to be found are about 10 lbs. and cost $2.55/lb.  No “pre-Thanksgiving” sale prices on turkeys here in Paraguay.

For the last four months, our family has had the opportunity to serve in a Baptist church that had no pastor.  Jim preached, Kari played the piano and sang, and we looked for ways to encourage the small group of believers who remained at Iglesia Bautista Las Buenas Nuevas.  We are now searching for where to begin a new work.  Please pray for us as we need much wisdom from the Lord.  It is exciting to think of how our Father will guide each step of the way and be in every detail as we surrender to His leading.

As we look ahead to the Christmas season, we wish you a very Merry Christmas.  We trust that each of you will be reminded again of the good tidings of great joy brought to all people when Jesus Christ took on flesh and came to die for our sins.  May every one of us look for opportunities to share that good news with those around us who desperately need the hope of the Saviour.

 

Your Missionaries to Paraguay,

Jim and Kari Showers