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.