South America Journey - Advisory Board, THQ, Buenos Aires Divisional Holiness meeting

Travel back from Rosario was long, flat and straight - and included a souvenir stop so all is well!

Two meetings followed. Firstly we met with representatives of the Territorial Advisory Board who spoke about their view on the national socio political situation - which is challenging - as well as their view of the challenges facing the Salvation Army here. Although there is need for significant financial support the need for a media presence seems to be significant in their thinking. The latter would surely lead to some hell in the former? Not necessarily so. We have learned that legally volunteering is not always legally possible due to labour laws - it seems odd to us but it is, nevertheless, the case. Equally odd to our thinking is that Argentina is not a 'giving' culture. Charity is not something that many people respond to - it seems odd that a country with people so generous of time and heart are not so financially. It is the situation though.

We move, after a rest, to tea with the Territorial Cabinet at THQ. One of our last experiences of hospitality is a precursor to a question and answer session: support from UKI territory, lack of officers, pressure of programme, community engagement all get a hearing. The Territory has impressed all of the divisional Leaders visiting with the hard work and relevant programme presented by Corps in local communities. If we could foster some of the vision and enthusiasm what an impact would be made in our communities!

From this session we move straight into the divisional Holiness meeting - all the component parts you would expect: band, singing group, worship band, testimony, scripture. Elwyn preaches on 'the foolishness of God' and at the conclusion the mercy seat is lined, over and over. The blessing is rich and the worship authentic and heartfelt.

The congregation stays, hotdogs are available in the entrance hall along with soft drinks. Conversations continue and flow. Farewells are shared with the group. There is much hugging, photographs, cheek to cheek kissing ( as we have got used to it). There is a joy in the knowledge that we will gather again in heaven if not on earth.

I feel rich and very grateful to have met and lived alongside these uncomplicated, faithful people who know. Gods blessing in some of the most trying circumstances imaginable. One expression we have come to recognise as it is offered as a prayer, an exclamation, a declaration, is the phrase I want to be the last words here: Gracias Señor - Thank You Lord.

South America Journey - Rosario/Arroyito

If you are looking for a Corps that has a different type of ministry, Arroyito is that Corps. Yes, it has Sunday worship and bible Study and even a brass band. It also has a health ministry to expectant and new mums as well as an educational ministry with the local indigenous community, the Quom. Not a large numerical corps but one with a real heart for the community in the nearby shanty town.

The Martin maternity Centre is supported by corps members and especially the Corps officer, providing nutrition, wellbeing and sexual health advice to mums and dads who have no recourse on public funds. They get no benefit and potentially are unemployed on our lowest possible cash in hand wage. The ministry that the corps has is literally a lifeline for some of these families as they present through community and neighbourhood workshops, as well as in the hospital, friendship and guidance as well as advice on related matters. A tour of the hospital is followed by a gathering at the Corps hall where a number of the families gather to testify to the life changing and affirming ministry they have received.

The children are highly entertained by the balloon animals made by Elwyn!

The Corps also has a ministry in the local school, a bilingual establishment which strives to bring education to the Quom community who have migrated south because their natural hunting and fishing area is suffering from deforestation further north.

There are three elements to the Corps ministry: a craft class that teaches basic handicrafts to the children, a Spanish as second language class for the children and a further teacher training class for Quom parents to teach children in the future. The second language gives the children of this generation an opportunity that their parents have not had.

It's worth noting that the school is open from 8am - 9pm. Catering for every school year from primary - to year five high school. The children give us an enthusiastic welcome and again appreciate Elwyn's magic - always a hit!

The final fixture of the day is a question and answer session with the divisional team and a couple of representative officers. Again the issue of number of appointments is raised - multiple roles added to general tiredness and lack of confidence in finance are major issues.

South America Journey - Rosario

The day begins at THQ/DHQ meeting with representative officers of the BA Division. 

One of the purposes of the journey is to share concerns and hopes with colleagues in each area we visit. Even though we have not had the close contact with these folks the conversation flows easily ( through a translator) and various observations are made. There are both tender and delicate moments from these people and great honesty as well as we share together. There is gret expectation on these officers, most of whom have two or even three appointments, probably fulfilling a social services role as well as a Corps or DHQ appointment. To an individual they live on top of or directly next to their hall or centre. They feel the strain of this, along with a lack of guaranteed allowances, and this as well as the pressures of every day ministry and family life. 

I know that context is important and many people in this massive city live on top of each other, or worse, on top of a rubbish tip, but I am full of admiration for these people - they understand what covenanted living is and apply themselves.

Tears flow as they explain their challenges but their is no sense of self pity.

As the conversation comes to and end we pray together - the only translation needed is that provided by the Holy Spirit and the we pray the Lord's Prayer together. 

Blessed.

The land is flat and the roads are straight - this is a beautiful country but the journey is boring to be honest.

As we approach the city of Rosario the expected shanty towns start appearing, at one point stretching as far as the eye can see. This is obviously a poor area - having stopped at a small town for lunch the need is emphasised.

We are welcomed by a group of officers when we get to the area that the corps is based in. We share tea together and then walk to the Corps building. The Midweek holiness meeting commences with much enthusiastic singing and and hallelujahs shouted. This is common in Argentina but particularly enthusiastic here. 

The Captain leads the meeting and includes a number of testimonies and some music from the band.

During the singing of one song the lights flicker and go out. The singing continues as if nothing has happened! 

The presence of the Holy Spirit is obvious - and nothing can extinguish it!

Tomorrow we visit the maternity unit and other programmes in the community operated in the area.

South America journey - Buenos Aires Division, Thrift Store, El Amparo and Betina women's shelters and El Refugio Men's shelter

There are some things that are the same the world over: officers concern for current and future appointments, the desire for a bargain and human need. We have witnessed all of these today.

Sharing with the officers of the BA division it is obvious that all of them are passionate about what their ministry is and that through their officership it will include much variety. Most officers have more than one appointment: Corps and institution or divisional role is common, some have three roles and they seem to relish the challenge that comes with the complex approach to ministry. They are very committed with many of them living next to or above either their Corps or centre. They are understandably nervous as farewell orders are due next week. Our prayers are with them. 

Their testimonies are authentic and full of faith. It is a pleasure to share with them even though divided by language we understand the love of God.

From the DHQ/THQ/Central Corps building we head to a bohemian area, Boca, street art and performance is rich and entertaining. One of the group gets unwittingly caught up in a tango!

Heading to the thrift store near Boca we witness a slick operation of collection, sorting and redistribution of goods - serving local people with bargains and the Salvation Army with financial support. 30% of the social service budget is provided by this one unit. But think big - it is a store of football pitch proportions with a staff of fifty. Of note is the standard of goods which are donated and sold - they are indicative of a poor city.

Further evidence is provided, if it were needed, by a visit to two women's shelters and on mans shelter. These are dormitory style night shelters that accommodate many people who are workers but who cannot afford their own accommodation. We speak to individuals - one lady is a former ballet dancer, another man introduces me to his brother who finds himself in equally trying circumstances as his sibling.

The women spend time talking, reading and occasionally playing games. One lady says that she likes it here as she has friends to spend time with. The walls are peeling, the mattresses frequently worn or ripped. There is an absence of natural light in this former electricity company building. The tables are unstable and the chairs worn out plastic garden furniture. Yet the presence of the officer in charge brings physical hope and through her ministry there is a spiritual presence.

At the mens refuge things appear a little better - this is a purpose built refuge - and has been for 102 years! Very little appears to have changed in that time. The condensation so bad that the walls need painting every years - they do not,however, get it. The men sit around in small groups. We go into the working mens dorm where there are three men: one asleep, one dressed in a suit and tie and one preparing for the evening meal. As is now our practices we move around, shake hands and greet with 'hola!'. The man with the suit hold up his hand to shake and it is clearly swollen to the point of pain. He still shakes hands with us albeit delicately. One by one other men enter the room, curious about the visitors and yet not willing to make the first move. Some light hearted football banter is had, many hands are shaken and even a couple of photographs. The men are significantly more private than the women. This is a very masculine culture and this is evidenced in this place - clearly in a beautiful but dangerous area, some of these men are here from need and, I guess, some for protection from the alternative.

There is a principle of relativity that is in evidence today: what you have is relative to that which others have around you. For, in truth, very little of what we have seen today in terms of refuge provision or the goods sold in the thrift store, would be permitted in the UK. The buildings would be declared unfit and the goods only fit for rags. Relative to those around, however, there is a richness that only comes when you realise how little you have.

South America journey - Patricios Corps and Nueva Chicago Corps and Men's Shelter

A day at the Army - buoyant worship in traditional and contemporary style and rich hospitality from our hosts.

Patricios Corps in Buenos Aires is very much like many Corps - Band, Songsters, worship Band. Worship format very similar to that we would expect in the UK. Testimonies flow freely from the congregation of around 60 - almost all of them testifying to God's provision for them as individuals. The age range is varied and includes the 'Argentinian Shirley Temple' who, after worship, treats us to a castanet demonstration and explains how she became a Salvationist following her bereavement of her husband - fascinating!

The windows at the back of the platform swing open to reveal a community hall easy and waiting for us to join with the Corps for lunch - we enjoy the best Milanese yet! The conversation is easy and moves around the differences and similarities between the Army in the UK and elsewhere. We share particularly with the Corps Sergeant Major and his wife.

A restful afternoon back at the training college precedes a visit to Nueva Chicago Corps and Men's shelter.

The shelter accommodates 32 in two dormitories, the conditions are basic but better than the alternative. Cost per man is approximately £2.50 per night. One of the residents is very open about his life and the fact that the shelter is a gift from God for him and the other residents. When he joins us for a meal at the Corps he converses easily in English, switches to French to speak to Norman and Spanish to those around him - it's easy to fall to the trap of thinking that physical poverty means educational poverty and experience poverty: Gustav clearly has plenty of both as well as a spiritual richness which falls in and out of conversation as necessary.

I chat with the young woman opposite me. Asking her what she does she tells me that she is at University at studying biochemistry - once more appearances could be deceptive. Next to her is a delightful elderly lady called Gladys. I tell that me Grandmother was called Gladys. A beaming smile communicates far more than words.

The worship meeting is full on! The very young worship band gives it everything they've got and the capacity congregation sings with abandon. Lieutenant Javier Paz leads the worship encouraging involvement from everyone there. Men and women of all ages, lots of young people fill the hall. Testimony is given by me and Catherine preaches. The congregation laugh in the right places and listen with great attention. The heat in the hall, like the Spirit,  is intense. So much so that large fans are placed at the front of the hall - these only serve to blow any notes that might be used from the rostrum onto the floor!

LC Richard Fernandez interprets Catherine's sermon at the end of which there is a large response to the mercy seat - it feels very natural and is beautiful to be part of. God is good!

South America Journey - Espacio Verde, Hogar Eliasen, Querles

Either ends of the age scale was the order of today. A visit to a children's project and then the Elderly care home next door.

Espacio Verde (Green Space) is sited on the edge of a shanty town. Although the dwellings a re brick built, generally they are single roomed huts accommodating generations of the same family plus others where necessary.

The conditions are gross: dirt track, open sewers, the rubbish dump which is part of the settlement is the children's playground, a horses skeleton lies a little way onto where the local children play football - it makes no difference it is simply another obstruction to play around.

There is a menace in the air. There is not the cheerfulness in adversity that we have seen elsewhere - this is a place of suspicion and violence. The Centre Officer let's us know that it is not good to take anything of value with us - we should lock it in the centre before we head out.

On the first corner we meet a man in his mid forties, big built and dark skinned, muscular - he greets the captain and they talk for a few moments. He is a local former addict, now a Christian, who is praying for us and our visit. He regularly leads sessions at the centre regarding drug misuse. We move on.

Within a few moments the captain speaks to another lady through the railings that surround her hut - a member of the local Corps. Again encouragement. We make our way through the shanty town and receive glance from locals - the occasional "hola" is exchanged. We are invited to move into the yard of one of the huts. There is conversation amongst the group as the captain speaks to the lady who lives in the house, another, younger, red eyed, woman, carrying a small child joins them. The conversation carries on in hushed tones. There is a sense that we are part of an important conversation.

It is explained to us that the younger woman's family is being threatened by drug traffickers - these are not about beating but about killing. The explanation continues that the younger woman she's our arrival as a gift from God - would we pray for her? In the grimiest, dirtiest environment imaginable a holy moment takes place as we pray for Anna Leia and her family for protection and for a change in the lives of the drug traffickers.

Heading back to the centre we are told that the issues facing the children who attend each day are as expected: drug misuse and sexual abuse.

Every child is affected in one way or another - there is no escape, there is only coping but this centre gives the children strategies to help them do this. The afternoon is spent playing with the children - this is especially important for the men as this is unusual in this society. Parachute games go well - the parachute will stay with them, the drama hold their attention, the song could go better - but later in the afternoon some of the younger children are heard singing it, Elwyn's balloons are a hit, the colouring and Jenga is also well used and again will stay at the centre, along with some balloons and a couple of pumps, the whistles, stickers and frisbee all are well used and for some will be much loved toys.

Right next to Espacio Verde is Hogar Eliasen - an elderly persons care home. Broken into three wings it gives care at cost to those who need it. It is well appointed, beautifully decorated and clearly a place of much love. 

Catherine, with just a few words of Dutch, is invited into the room of one of the residents and shares a few moments. Just a few words in your first language is obviously very special for this lady.

We share in the aspirations of the Centre Officer as he explains they have no music in the centre and would like to be able to provide it and also that they would like to develop a rehab unit for elderly who suffer bone breakage so that they can return from hospital as soon as possible. During this time we are told that, in spite of appearance the challenge is that the centre runs on a month's funding. There is no contingency and no safety net.

We sing to the residents who are appreciative. 

One of them, a retired officer, expresses his appreciation and says 'we will talk of this all week!'

A day of challenge and reassurance.

Southern America Journey - Buenos Aires Training School

A flight from the provincial airport at Iguazu to Buenos Aires filled much of this morning. Apart from some unusual shops in the airport the main event of note was the sighting of a black moth - almost 7 inches across and potentially the type that sprays acid on you before laying it's eggs in the wound (seriously) - this coupled with one member of the party's moth phobia made for an eventful few moments in the queue to depart... That and a hornet nearly two inches long!

Arriving in Buenos Aires we were met by officers from the Training College, which will be our base for the week, and from THQ.

We were very warmly welcomed by the six cadets of the Heralds of Grace and Messengers of light sessions, who had prepared lunch for us of chicken stuffed with cheese and tongue.

The afternoon was spent in the Cadets meeting room considering evangelism, discipleship, training, and officer development. The concepts of Messy Church, Godly Play, sports ministry and whole life discipleship - among many others - featured as we shared with the Cadets and staff.

Our evening enabled the group to experience the local culture of Buenos Aires.

Tomorrow we will be involved in community visits to a children's programme and elderly care programme.

Our minds and hearts are still in Paraguay but I am sure when we see the ministry of  the Salvation Army in Argentina we will again be moved by the matching of need and compassion by local Salvationists.

South America Journey - Iguazu Falls

A day of rest has turned into a day of spiritual reflection for me personally - along with good fellowship and companionship thrown in.

A few verses of scripture occur to me as we spend time in the Iguazu National Park and Waterfalls.

 "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day." (Genesis 1:31 NIV)

"...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint". (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)

"Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God." (Luke 12:6 NIV)

"Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:38 NIV)

Among many others...

There was one section of the park where it was possible to get extremely close to the falls: the crashing water falling 80metres, the spray and the smell of freshness, the rich of air as the water forced it our of the way - every sense engaged in what is a beautiful sight. In that moment I realised what 'awesome wonder' really means, as I dripped with spray I offered a prayer of thanksgiving - for the God who created this awesome experience for all the senses also created the tiny flower that grows alongside...

"Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens. Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" (Psalm 8:1-9 NIV)

A day of rest became a holy sabbath in the midst of creation.

Tomorrow we head to Buenos Aires to the training school and community visits over the next few days - this day has made us ready.

 To see the falls follow the link...

http://youtu.be/MtCBSx7TX_M

South America Journey - travelling day

An early start for some of the group as travel is the order of the day.

We are collected at Rayita del Luz by Wouter and his children who we drop off at the American school on the way to Tekotau clinic to meet the rest of the group.

We commence the journey of 6-7 hours, not one inch of which is on a motorway or any other classified road in the UK. The best conditions included pitted road surfaces and worse than irratic driving. The banter in the vehicle moves swiftly from comedic to serious, analytical to visionary. To travel with a group of leaders is inspirational. The company is good, the driving is appropriate for the conditions and we arrive initially at a diner for breakfast, a stop four hours later to change money, the obligatory wait at border control into Brazil - which looks completely different to Paraguay: different architecture (more European ), Different coloured earth, more rational driving, similar advertising hoarding lining the roads.

The time trVelling gives good opportunity to reflect on the last few days.

We have seen extraordinary one to one ministry, work that is changing communities because it starts by listening, we have observed the strength of both the human spirit and depth of faith in God in those who have been served and heard vision for the future from the Salvation Army Officers who have very little resource to draw upon and frequently simply act in faith that God will provide.

Some of these officers live in conditions that would be completely unacceptable in other parts of the world, including occasions when no allowance is received. There is the constant need to prioritise resources - on the journey  Esther (the Captain at El Redil) receives a call from the centre: the oil for cooking has run out. The little money that is available can be used for oil or food - but there is not enough for both. This sort of challenge is not unique - it is the reality of daily living.

Have I been shocked by the conditions or the challenges? Honestly, no I haven't because I was prepared for the worst. The conditions of living by an open sewer with no real protection from the weather or security from imposters are the reality for these folks and their approach to it is encouraging rather than anything else.

The pragmatic response of the Salvation Army is warming, and encouraging but is also challenging: this small Salvation Army is managing to serve suffering humanity in life changing ways when so often in the West we seem unable to do so - and they ensure that 'Jesus turns up' whenever they do. They are winning young people when we are losing ours. The strategy is one of engagement in ministry and encouragement to responsibility, relevant worship and relevant service. And it works.

The expected and frequent abuse of children in the refuge areas is probably the one area that is most concerning, and with education programmes for men being slow to move forward this will be an uphill climb - but jot one that will be abandoned for lack of support or funding. These people will keep trying to find new ways to win hearts and minds.

I am thrilled to have the privilege of being here for these days. We move on to Argentina with a sense that the journey could end here and it would be worth it - but the journey will continue apace and will have consequences for my ministry beyond this time, it may also have consequences for those I minister with and also, I pray, consequences for the Salvationists we have met in Paraguay.

Tomorrow is a rest day and the opportunity to visit the Iguazu Falls.

South America Journey - Capiata, San Ronal Refuge

There was much conversation today between the UK officers and those of Paraguay - how we work similarly and differently, how we can learn from each other, possible funding and service opportunities.

The activities today commenced with time at Capiata Corps education programme: classes attend in morning or afternoon before, or after, their formal attendance at school. It is helping with their development. They sit attentively while being taught.

We got them to play Jenga then Catherine and I did some mask work with them around the story of the two builders. Lots of laughter, lots of fun.

Our afternoon community visits were to two areas in the San Raymon Refuge. One focused on nutrition - a seven week programme with a strong food element and spiritual challenge - the second focusing on health issues. We were there for the fourth element of the workshop: parasitic infestation. The previous three classes had focused on Family Planning, sexual health and vaccinations.

A group of about twenty women and children gathered in the shade of a tree with a 61 year old grandmother of 28 grandchildren occupying the central seat. As the nurse from the clinic explained the causes of and prevention of parasites and intestinal worms the group looked on attentively. A small dog wandered around the group sniffing at ankles as he went. A woman left the group, seemingly disinterested, only to return moments later with a pen and paper to take notes.

The nurse walks through the community every day, as often as she can. This physical presence on a daily basis has build trust in the community. The Salvation Army programme is not seen as a threat in any way. The outcomes are clear: when the offer is given a five day course of oral medicine is given for everyone requiring it from 2-13. Adults are given capsules. This will rid them of parasites for approximately 6 months during which time better hygiene and food preparation can be strived for. The hospitality shown by this group to us as visitors is extraordinary - incongruity being the order of the day - officers who speak a different language in pristine white shirts are brought seats by those whose life is full of chaos and tragedy: but the Paraguayan way is the way of hospitality. 

One of the questions raised privately is about personal resources. The clothing is well worn and full of holes. Much of it is just the right side of decency. The consensus is that it is gained as a result of scavenging predominantly but some people in the refuge do have jobs and therefore an income - government support for those in need is not even a subject for conversation so alien is it for the people here. Recycling is the main industry for those living in the refuge and so they spend their days rooting through piles of rubbish in order to find anything worth recycling. Plastic bottles are a favour it not only for selling (a bale which measure four foot square by six foot long will take about a fortnight to collect and will sell for about £10 - that's an hourly rate of about 7p) but also for decorating the home. We have seen bottles used as lampshades, hanging baskets, windows, plant pots, brush holders - and as they were intended as bottles.

The people of the refuge are resourceful in the extreme - in the face of the widespread disease and endemic abuse this is nothing short of miraculous.

God turns up to these people in the person of a local Salvationist nurse, quiet, unassuming, reserved but with the authority of medical knowledge and the Holy Spirit.

South America Journey - Tekatou Clinic, Rayita de Luz and El Redil children's home

So many things made up today I don't know where to start!

Across Paraguay are 'refuges' or shanty towns, they are dwellings made from scrap material although many have water and electricity.

Our first two visits today were focused on the needs of these areas in San Lorenzo at the Tekatou Clinic and then where we are staying in Asuncion at Rayita del Luz.

The programmes here work on an integrated mission approach with service and Corps listening to the people and then working with them to provide faith base solutions.

The clinic serves an area of dire need: terrible malnutrition, low hygiene levels, domestic violence, teenage pregnancy, and prostitution. Childhood health is extremely low with worms and parasitic commonplace. The milk and oats programme provides for childhood nutrition to bring to an acceptable

weight and healthcheck; home visits and group work provide for those facing domestic violence and prostitution, education programme deal with sexual health in the young... The programme goes on and on. It is not funded externally with the exception of medication provided. There is the officer and just four employees and other volunteers from the corps in order to serve thousands of individuals effectively - their 'success' rate is at 70%!

The doctor in charge, Dr FloriaSanchez de Velasquez, has been at the clinic for very many years and sees the integrated mission approach as supporting the medical work of the clinic.

It is a life changing place.

We headed from there to the outskirts of Asuncion and Rayito de Luz. This Corps is in the middle of a flood plain area which recently devastated the housing driving those who were not already living in the refuge to seek shelter there. The conditions are indescribable, with open sewers flowing alongside the rough paths, children playing amongst the rubbish which covers the ground. But there is hope and laughter and many smiling faces. 

Our community visit takes us into the home of one of the soldiers, Ethita, we spend time with her: the room is probably twelve feet square, with walls of plywood and a roof of corrugated plastic, a washing line hangs across the room. There are wardrobes to support the walls and provide some stability but, by necessity they take up much floorspace which is hard packed dirt. There are four beds in the space which accommodates Ethita, her husband and three children. Privacy is gained by dressing under the sheets of the bed, the same room is kitchen as well - foodstuffs occupy many available surfaces with the families possessions covering the rest. There is nowhere to put anything.

'How do you cope?' I ask.

The answer is powerful: 'this is what I have in life - God has been good to me! Although things are difficult here I know that I am not alone and because we are in this together we can support each mother and be good friends.' Ethita's smile is infectious as is the grace that she exhibits in these dire circumstances. She is, in every respect, a model Salvationist: her faith shines through, she helps her community in it's time of need, she witnesses to Christ's work in her life. I am deeply and thoroughly moved by this lady - then we discover she is the president of the national World Day of Prayer committee: she is a woman of prayer.

We walk away knowing we have had holy moments as we shared prayer in her home.

The corps hall is impossible to use - the Central sewer from the city runs next to the building and when the floods came the sewer filled flood waters filled it to a level of approximately five feet. It is still drying out and further floods may come in the next few weeks. But the corps' main ministry is providing educational support to the children of the refuge. The corps officers now carry out this programme from their own home having 65 children attending for various homework and educational support  throughout the week - gathering in their yard and learning from the Salvationist teacher who provides the education.

Our last visit of the day was to return to El Redil children's home - as we arrive early I play football with some of the boys on the grass at the front of the home. They are not dazzled by my soccer skills! We are treated to a magic show by Elwyn Harries which the children enjoy and then a beautiful thing happens. The Captain at the home starts to sing and the children join in, a couple of worship choruses and then three of the children offer prayer. All is still, all is peace. These children who have known the worst forms of abuse and unkindness have a serenity which is hard to describe - but it is beautiful. As the captain says it is time for bed they move amongst the adults giving each one a hug and often a kiss on the cheek, thanking them for being there, receiving words of encouragement from the adults who in one way or another are surrogate parents to them and even to those of us visiting receive a warm farewell. One or two of the children hold tightly to the hug given - knowing they are loved, cared for and in a safe place.

God speaks in the words and touch of a child.

South America - Villa Morra, Capiata and Vinas Cue

Sunday was a day of worship and fellowship.

The group broke in two smaller groups to visit and participate in worship at Capiata Corps and Villa Morra Corps in the morning and Vinas cue and San Lorenzo in the evening. 

Catherine and I were with Sue and Derek. Jones and David and Sylvia Hinton this morning for a fairly traditional holiness meeting with Catherine and David assisting the small group of musicians making up the band. The worship was simple but powerful - many prayers and testimonies of God healing and restoring individuals in the Corps and requests for prayer specifically for serious situations people are facing. There was a real openness in worship and, even though it was being translated, it was easy to sense God's Holy Spirit at work in the congregation of about thirty. David testified, Catherine sang and. Sue preached on 'bearing the marks of Christ'. There was a response to the mercy seat as the corps officer led prayers at the close of the Bible message.

For me the highlight was the children for El Redil Children's home dancing - in these girls whom have had horrible lives there is a hope because they were able to be accommodated at The Salvation Army. They sing freely about Jesus as they dance and encourage everyone looking to think about His hope as well.

The afternoon saw us in an officers meeting with the officers of the region - this was held in an officers quarters which is attached to their hall at Capiata. Willingly they rearranged their furniture and possessions to accommodate the group that gathered, there was a lovely time of sharing together hope for this journey and for our appointments. I am already getting the impression we have much to learn from these faithful people who are very content with the calling that is theirs and where it has placed them. They are warm with each other, there is no ego apparent - they have not a great amount but share what they have.

The evening meeting that we attended was at one of the Corps that is led by our hosts, Shirley and Cesar. A full on rock style worship band accompanied the singing of the congregation. The average age of this corps is in it's twenties - it is a vibrant, exciting place to be. Again simple approach to mission and ministry but testimonies and involvement by numerous people all talking of their live for Jesus. Testimony by Derek, preach by myself and a singing feature by Catherine were our contribution. Again the mercy seat was used.

Thinking through what we have seen so far I feel these are 'beatitude' people in the main - they know the applause of heaven because they know the hardness of life.

South American Journey - Ascuncion

The first full day spent south of the equator included a stopover in Sao Paolo and then the flight to Ascuncion. The whole group feeling a little travel weary by the time of arrival.

When we got here the first thing that hit us was the heat - 42 deg ! And this is the spring season!! We are assured that in the summer it only gets a little warmer...

At the airport we were met by three officers who are kindly looking after us while we here. Catherine and I and Derek and Susan Jinesare staying with Majors Cesar and Shirley and their three sons. 

Our drive through Ascuncion to Cesar and Shirley's home is interesting and gives us a first glimpse of what life is like - there appears to be much poverty on the streets: small groups sit, stand an lie on street corners and on the steps of buildings; at every road junction street traders offer fruit, drunk, cigarettes, car washing and the like - the queue of traffic behind the car being washed just took it in their stride waiting patiently. Many cars have no number plates!

The house we are staying in is the Army presence here - it is opposite a shanty town of plywood and cardboard dwellings with a mass of humanity moving around and through it.

Cesar and Shirley's warm welcome is very kind and we feel at home immediately although language is a challenge as between us all there is very little of each other's language. But patience means we understand what is going on.

In the evening, after some rest, we went as a group to Rayita da Luz children's home and. Villa Morra Corps. It is an example of a campus approach to integrated mission. Most of the 35 children that stay there go home at the weekend leaving a small group of teenage girls who are part of a life skills programme. They had prepared for yes a traditional meal if meat in breadcrumbs, potatoes and salad. It was good! 

Before the meal, however, we shared with the officers of Paraguay in an introductory meeting - there are ten of them - five couples. I think that we will see their work in the next few days.

As the meal concludes we are shown a demonstration of Paraguayan dancing by one of the officers and her sister which shows tremendous ability to dance while balancing various objects on their heads!

By the time we arrive back to our billet we noted that it has been 40 hours since we last properly slept.

Time for bed!

South America Journey - São Paolo

Our South Amercian journey has commenced! 

Although still in transit there has already been some excitement in the airport in São Paolo - unable to find the right terminal or whether our luggage has been transferred a comedy of errors led us through security three times and ultimately to Terminal 3 in São Paolo airport waiting for our onward flight to Asuncion.

Little to say at this point other than the group is in good spirits and looking forward to 'landing' so we can be involved in ministry.

A little footnote to this early day is that. In conversation with a fellow traveller in the arrivals hall we discovered a mutual friend - one of the local officers in the Division!

Prayers please for the team to gel together, thanksgiving for our hosts and grace for those we will minister with and to.