By Millie Bugg
Pastors from Paraguay’s First Nations, the indigenous people who are the original inhabitants of the country, partnered with SIM mission workers to lead a series of Children’s Day outreaches in the heart of Paraguay’s First Nation communities. These events brought fun, joy and the message of Jesus to thousands of children and their families.
The idea for these events came from within the local church. In many Paraguayan communities, poverty and isolation have left families feeling forgotten and children growing up without ever hearing that they are precious to God. These Children’s Day outreaches shone light into that darkness, filling neighbourhoods with laughter, songs and the good news of Jesus. As pastors prepared, their example drew more local believers to serve alongside visiting teams from Miami and Puerto Rico, Wycliffe Associates and SIM’s First Nations Health Evangelism Project.
“Before we did not have hope, but He has given us a new, different life to experience with peace, love and hope… for the Kingdom of God.”
Together, they shared the gospel in action, through praise songs, Bible story skits, games, and personal testimonies. They shone God’s light into places that often feel dark and forgotten. By the end of the outreaches, over 4,000 illustrated Bible story books in Guaraní, along with T-shirts and care packs, had been distributed to children and teens.
Greg and Yvonne Cameron are SIM mission workers sent from SIM South Africa. The couple have been supporting this ministry for many years and during the events, they helped with practical logistics such as transporting food and supplies, hiring buses and ensuring that everything ran smoothly.
The Camerons said, “Every time we talked with the pastors, the number of children they wanted to reach grew bigger, and so did the number of Paraguayan volunteers eager to serve.” Support from SIM Paraguay helped to ensure that local pastors and volunteers could focus on sharing the gospel and discipling young believers.
The gospel has taken root through these outreaches. Over 30 people professed faith in Jesus, including 13 baptisms during follow-up visits. One First Nations pastor reflected on the transformation he saw:
“Before, we didn’t know this kind of integration of adults playing games with children. Now having Christ in our hearts, our minds and thoughts and system of living have changed. Before we did not have hope, but He has given us a new, different life to experience with peace, love and hope… for the Kingdom of God.”
SIM’s involvement also brought practical support that demonstrated God’s care. Staff and volunteers helped to cook community meals in enormous quantities, transport tools and building materials, and support the beginnings of seminary premises to strengthen Bible training for local pastors. Through these efforts, the ministry of SIM helped the light of Christ to reach communities facing rapid change, food insecurity, and limited resources.
Through these outreaches, children and families experienced God’s love in a tangible way, First Nations pastors were encouraged and equipped, and young Paraguayan believers discovered the joy of serving and sharing faith. In every act of service, SIM’s partnership helped make the gospel visible, proving that even in places of spiritual and practical darkness, Christ’s light can shine.
“Every time we talked with the pastors, the number of children they wanted to reach grew bigger, and so did the number of Paraguayan volunteers eager to serve.”
Please pray
- For First Nations pastors and new believers, that God would guide them in faith, protect their families, and strengthen them spiritually and physically amidst rapid changes in their communities.
- For SIM mission workers and the ongoing ministries, including Bible training and seminary development, that God would continue to pour out His Spirit, growing faith and love to His glory.
- For provision and blessing over the land, crops, and livestock of First Nations communities, and for God’s guidance in decisions that safeguard the integrity of their families and community life.
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