How it came about?
Missionaries of the International Mission Board in South America have an annual meeting scheduled in Asuncion, Paraguay on January 19-23, 2007.  They needed churches to help them in 3 areas of the conference.  A retreat for the youth, childcare/VBS for the children, and musical leadership for 8 to 10 worship services.  The church that was planning to lead in these areas had to cancel.  In early October, on the suggestion of Steve Haines (IMB Missionary to Paraguay), we were one of the churches asked if we would be able to help.  Two other churches volunteered for the Youth and the Children, that left the  music - which we felt was a way we could help.
 

Why are we going?
We were naturally concerned about the cost, $@$1,900 per person) and the fact that it was a short notice kind of trip.  The Missions Committee came up with 6 reasons that made us feel we should consider it.

1. It is an opportunity to be a servant to IMB missionaries.  This is something of a retreat for them.

2. It is an opportunity to have our vision for the nations enhanced.  We will be able to hear and get a feel for God's kingdom work in South America.  A key area in becoming more missions conscious in having our vision expanded.

3. It will give us a chance to personally meet IMB missionaries and check into possibilities of doing future mission trips with some of them.  As a church we want to continue to expand our mission involvement.

4. We were trying to set up a trip with Steve Haines to Paraguay for the coming year.  That trip could only involve 3 or 4 people.  More people could participate in this trip.

5. The fact that the conference and ministry is focused in a hotel makes it possible for people to be involved who may not be able to participate in a more rugged trip.

6. We had several people who clearly wanted to go on this mission trip.
    

Who is going and what they will be doing?

• Mac Williams - Planning and leading the worship.  Playing guitar and singing.
  Bethany Williams - Playing piano

• Kelsey Williams - Singing

• Nina Douglas - Singing and special music

• Bethany Bateman - Keyboard, singing and special music

• Leah Raley - Singing, playing bongo's and special music

• Jeremy Raley - Preparing and running the power point for the words of the songs during the services.  And taking care of Ashton, Preston, Trenton, and the baby.

• Becky Byerly - Helping with the childcare/VBS that will be going on simultaneously with the worship services.  She will be working with the Elm Grove Baptist Church of Nashville, NC.

Prayer Requests:

1. That we would use our time well in planning for the ministry we will do in Paraguay.

2. That we would be in conscious dependence on the Spirit of God in all that we do.

3. That details for the passports and visas come together.

4. That the missionary families would be encouraged and refreshed during this time.

5. That God would expand our vision for the nations and that it would be  a contagious vision.

6. That we would make meaningful contacts with missionaries that my result in future ministry opportunities.

7. For financial provision  (Through the 2-Per Fund, the church is giving $500 per youth/adult and $250 for Ashton and Preston's plane ticket.)

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