2026 Paraguay
Getting to Asuncion
We landed in Asuncion, Paraguay on January 18, 2026. Asuncion is the Capital City of the Paraguay. It is a big city with over 2.5 million people. Paraguay has 7 million people. Asuncion is located across the river from the eastern most point of the Argentina Province of Formosa.
UPDATE: January 21, 2026
So how did end up in Asuncion, Paraguay.... when we were in South America Exploring Argentina??? So, while we have been moving about in Argentina (Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Mendoza, etc.), we have been looking for the an evangelism type of training program; one that was hopefully starting in January. We have visited churches; We have talked with people we have met; & We have talked with several different Christian Evangelistic Organizations both IN & NEAR Argentina. We looked in Argentina, Chile, Peru, Brasil, and Paraguay. We did find several programs that were actually starting in January, but one by one, they were either postponed till later in the year, or just outright cancelled. Most often, the reason for this was that they only had a few (or none) students. Then, the final option left was a program called YWAM Asuncion. But this was an amazing option. :)
Turns out, there are 24 students in their DTS (Discipleship Training School) and another 10 in a Leadership Track Program. Plus, they run a Bible School as well. For our part, we came for a program Called "Extreme Evangelism", which is a 4-week program that covers 2 weeks of training and then 2 weeks of outreach. It is "extreme" because it is so short. Click Here to learn more... or watch the video below.
Then, during the first week, we were able to transition to a regular DTS program student. They first had to find extra housing for a married couple, which they did and it is right next to the base. Then, they invited us to stay for the full DTS (Discipleship Training School). This program will go for 3 months of training and evangelism practice. The video below (from last year) will give you and idea of what the program is all about. Or, click the link if you want to see more about YWAM Asuncion.
Exploring Asuncion
So we arrived on January 18, and we had a day to explore the area, before the program starts. The YWAM Asuncion is located on an old Salvation Army property that used to be an orphanage. They have moved out, but now they rent the property to YWAM Asuncion. The property covers one full city block.
We should also talk about the Pan Dulce: "Sweet Bread". This what they bring when they go over to someone else's house. Every time. - - The traditional version is basically like a fruit cake. Then there is the chocolate chip version, which is much better. This was everywhere in Argentina, and now we see it everywhere here in Paraguay.
UPDATE: January 28, 2026
Go Heal Someone
So, on Day One they hit us with our first task: (1) Get into pairs, (2) Go walking in the neighborhood, (3) Talk/Interact with the people you meet, (4) Ask if they are having any pains, & (5) Pray for their healing. If they say they are better, have them give the testimony on video. Nobody was allowed to return until they had accomplished this. All the groups were able to finish with a video. I was paired with Kauany. We made our way over to the main street where we spoke with a bunch of folks, and prayed with a few. Then we met Liliana, who had a really sore throat. After we prayed with her, she said that the pain was gone now. Here is her testimony video. :)
Teacher: Bram
The Theme of Week One = Identity. We covered Creation through Eternity. God created Man with the purpose of being "His Image" on the earth. In this pic, Bram is on the left. The gentleman on the right (Mattias) is the Interpreter. All sessions are giving in Spanish and English. And also occasionally in the Native Paraguayan Language of Guarani.
Here is a video clip showing a glimpse of the worship time. You might recognize this song. We sing it in English, here it is in Spanish.
And another glimpse of worship time.
Outreach: Limpio
At the end of each week, there is an "outreach" to a nearby town, usually around an hour drive away. Each one is different, but all involve serving the people there is some way, some worship songs, a gospel message, and a time to minister in prayer with those who are there.
Here is a clip of the end of the bus ride to get to Limpio. You can see that sometimes the road becomes unpassable.
So the way we let folks in the neighborhood know about the event, is we break up into groups and go down each street, talking with folks. We do this a few hours prior to the event. As we interact with the neighbors, we ask if there is anything we can pray for, for them. Sometimes, we are invited to sit with them on the porch and visit for a minute. For these encounters, we are better able to get a sense of their need. Here is Rauley, with Izaque, Kamila, Juanco, and Anibal. Here you can get a sense of the neighborhood.
What was interesting about these blocks that they used for construction, is that all of the block had these holes in them. Those gaps go all the way through each brick. I can only imagine that they are lighter to work with... and perhaps cooler to live inside due to the air pockets. I do wonder about the strength of these style of bricks.
UPDATE: February 4, 2026
After learning about it, we were sent out into the nearby neighborhoods to go do it. Our task was to tell people the gospel message about our Messiah/Jesus/Yeshua... And offer to pray for them, if they are hurting or have any needs. Our goal was to get 5 "rejections". What's fun about this exercise is that it turns out to be quite difficult to get rejected. This is because many people here are in Catholicism, so they basically agree with the idea. These folks are thankful that we stopped to talk with them.
Here is Kamila & Kauany praying with a lady on the street.
The Send (Brasil)
So towards the end of the week, the whole YWAM Asuncion base went to an event called: The Send. It is located in Brasil, and is held in 5 different stadiums at the same time. It is essentially an all day corporate worship time, alternating with speakers and evangelists. We went via Tour Bus to the city of Curitiba, Brasil. The YWAM Asuncion base director, Bram, is from that city, and he wanted all of the DTS students to experience the event.
The stadium was built for the local soccer (futbol) team.
Here is part of the group, posing with the Paraguay Flag at the event. We were on the floor right next to the back of the stage.
And of course, a "selfie".
Video: Entering the stadium
Video: "We Exalt You, Oh Lord" (in spanish)
Video: Joy in Praising the Lord
Here is a pic looking down from the top of the stadium.
Here is Mark goofing around with David.
316 Church (Brasil)
So before we arrived at the send, we spent the night here at the 316 Church. This was the home church for Bram. But that evening YWAM Asuncion Students and Staff held a service here for the teens/youth of this church.
This is a big church. They even have their own billboard. Also, that is the double decker tour bus we rode to get here from Asuncion.
Inside the Lobby. Remember, this is in Brasil, so everything is in Portuguese.
The folks here welcomed us with open arms. They fed us food and beverages. I loved this cup.
Here is a glimpse at the music portion of the service. One big praise concert.
UPDATE: February 11, 2026
Teacher: Keith Wheeler
YWAM WEEK THREE: February 1 - 7
Keith has an amazing story of evangelizing the world, as God called him to literally carry a Cross, in all nations. After 41 years, he only has a dozen countries left that he has not been to. Along the way, he tells folks about the Messiah (Jesus/Yeshua), and prays for them. He has seen miracles and so many hearts turned toward God. However, he has also been beaten, robbed and attacked... but God has been with him the whole way. To learn more about Keith, CLICK HERE.
The Theme of Week Three = Jesus/Yeshua. Keith help the students to, not just know about our Messiah, but to actually "know" Him.
Here you can see the cross that he carries in the middle. It does have a wheel on the end that keeps it from dragging (and getting shorter by the day). In total, the cross weighs about 92 pounds. With the wheel on the ground, and the cross over your shoulder, it puts about 40 pounds of weight on your shoulders.
Preaching Practice
Each day, during the week, there is an preaching exercise to start the day. For this, we work in pairs for 2 minutes each person. Then after that, two students are chosen to do it in front of the whole class, while another student plays the role of the person being witnessed to. One day, the exercise had us pretend preaching to someone who had been in a car accident (while they played very loud ambulance sounds). Another day, it was talking to an atheist. And another day, it was someone at the bus stop. Everyday is a different scenario. Here is Rebecca taking a turn at the "in-front" preaching to a grocery store clerk.
Outreach: Santisima Trinidad
At the end of each week, there is an "outreach" to a nearby town, usually around an hour drive away. Each one is different, but all involve serving the people there is some way, some worship songs, a gospel message, and a time to minister in prayer with those who are there.
Here we are on the bus to Santisima Trinidad, a really bad neighborhood on the outskirts of Asuncion.
This is the front of the church, which is 12 feet from the front gate (next pic). This neighborhood is very dangerous to be in alone, or at night. But at no time did we feel like we were in danger... Even as we walked house to house to share the gospel with folks, pray for them, and invite them to the church service.
This is the front gate, with a lot of razor wire & security bars. In this portion of the neighborhood, the dirt road is so narrow (6ft wide) that no cars can fit. Then as we walked into the "side streets", we had to go single file (3 ft wide).
Here, we met a group of boys playing "Piki Voley", which is a type of combination between futbol and volleyball. It is 2 vs 2. You cannot use your hands. 2 hits required per side (no more, no less). They use their feet, legs, knees, chest, or head to hit the ball over the net. Paraguay is the recognized leader for this sport on the international stage.
They took a minute to talk with us. Some in our group gave their testimonies, which really touched the boys. Some of them desired to know more about God and Jesus/Yeshua, and we prayed with them.
Here is some of our team talking with a neighbor through the big fence. In Paraguay, what you do if you wish to visit someone, and you can't visually see them, is you clap 3 or 4 times while standing out at the road. This clapping calls the person in the house to come out.... or not.
Here is some of our team praying with lady. In this case, they were invited to come up on the porch with her.
Here video that sums up this outreach experience. Notice the narrow "roads".
UPDATE: February 18, 2026
Teacher: Guillermo Gallo
YWAM WEEK FOUR: February 8 - 14
Guillermo Gallo (Who goes by "Gallo") is a preacher here in Paraguay. As a native Paraguayan, he has an amazing ability to reach the native population. To learn more about Gallo, CLICK HERE.
The theme of Week Four = Bible. The students learned some amazing ways to study scripture, and make connections from one book to another.
Outreach: ________
At the end of each week, there is an "outreach" to a nearby town, usually around an hour drive away. Each one is different, but all involve serving the people there is some way, some worship songs, a gospel message, and a time to minister in prayer with those who are there.
In this location, we helped an existing church that has a good number of folks each week. We held a service for their youth.
Before the service, we go door to door through the neighborhood to talk with people, learn more about them, and pray for them. Here is Beren, Gabbi, and Felix ministering to a lady
Here is David, Marcos, and David praying for some of the youth at the service.
This whole service was put on by the students, including the worship, prayer time, and the teaching. Here is Yasmina giving a message.
The Big "Practica"
"Practica" is a Spanish word that means in English (Unsurprisingly) "To Practice". The idea is to take what we are doing, during those weekend outreaches (as described above), and do it for a longer period of time, in a city nowhere near Asuncion. We will be participating in the Practica starting in early April. The DTS students have been split into two teams: North and South. We will be in the team going North of Asuncion. We will be going to three cities for three weeks each. Here is the North Team: Kamila, Diane, Anton, Mark, Rebecca, Gabbi (Staff), Beren (Staff), Kevin (Staff), Kauany, Felix, Fran, Rauley, & Maria-Belen.
UPDATE: February 25, 2026
Teachers: Staff
YWAM WEEK FIVE: February 15 - 21
This week was taught by Bram and his wife Sheldrey & R.K. and his wife Kelike & Ara and David. The theme of this week was Relationships (Love, Sex, Etc.). What a great week, with amazing information, setting the table for healthy relationships. At the end of the week, they did a panel where all the students could ask questions. Here is Ara and David (with interpreter Havilah) answering some questions.
Outreach: Maka Indigenous
At the end of each week, there is an "outreach" to a nearby town, usually around an hour drive away. Each one is different, but all involve serving the people there is some way, some worship songs, a gospel message, and a time to minister in prayer with those who are there.
This neighborhood was just on the outskirts of Asuncion, and it houses several hundred MAKA (an indigenous tribe native to Paraguay). In this pic, we are just turning off of the main highway to go into the community.
As we move through the community, you can see the living conditions.
There is only one road. The pic above showed the left side. Here is the right side of the road.
Here, we have made to the center. The road continues beyond this point with more houses on that side as well. The yellow building serves as a community space, with some tables and chairs, and a small kitchen. The program that we did with the kids was outside in the open space.
This video shows a summary of the program we did with the kids; Games, Songs, Dancing, & Gospel Story.
This video shows Rebecca teaching a gospel message to the MAKA kids. However, since they only speak MAKA and not and Spanish, nor Guarani, nor English... this is how it went. Rebecca spoke in English, Maria-Belen translated into Spanish, and then one of the MAKA moms translated into the MAKA language. Wild!
Fiesta De La Naciones
So, the Mission of YWAM Asuncion to reach all of the "People of Paraguay." This means that they have DTS's (Discipleship Training Schools) that then go do outreach to the small communities across the country. They want to be able to talk with people in their own language.
So, since most of the people of Paraguay (that live away from cities) speak the native language of Guarani, they will also be doing DTS in Guarani. Excellent.
Then, we were surprised to learn this week, that there is a large population of Mennonites (think Amish-ish) in Paraguay. They are a Dutch/German pacifist groups that migrated to South America, mostly in Bolivia, Ecuador and Paraguay. They have separate colonies all over South America. They speak what is called a Low-German: "Plautdietsch" (sounds like "plot-age"). It is a completely different language, and they have communities all over Paraguay, and they have been here for many, many generations. This makes them part of the "People of Paraguay". So, the YWAM here put together a DTS school in Plautdietsch.
I share this info, because this week the Plautdietsch DTS just returned, from their 2 month outreach, to have their graduation at the base in Asuncion. AND with every graduation, the base here does a "Fiesta de las Naciones" (Party of the Nations) on the night before their graduation.
So we had a Fiesta. To participate, we were put in groups of 3-4; and we had to pick a country, investigate that country, & learn what the status is of the Christians there. Then, we had to make a dish from that country to share with everyone. Here is the flyer for the event; as they invite people living in Asuncion to the event.
My group chose the country of Mauritius, in Africa. Actually, it is an island located to the East of the island of Madagascar. Turns out that most of the folks on Mauritius a Indian (from India). Here is my group attempting to make our dish: Dholl Puri.
Here is what one of the tables looked like with all of the food. There were two tables like this. Everything was so delicious.
During the worship time for this event, they brought in a band made up of a Family of 4 from Kenya. They live here in Asuncion, but they grew up in Kenya. Here they are with some of the YWAM students.
Then, as the night wore on, as folks were talking and things were winding down, someone asked us if we knew how to dance... So, we busted out some old Swing Moves.
Other Notes
The director of YWAM Asuncion, Bram, owns a parrot named Bonki. Bonki lives in the trees on the base. He can talk, when he feels like it. Here is DTS Student Rauley hold Bonki.
So this is the key to our Room. I am showing you this because, ALL of the keys we have had to our rooms (while in South America) have looked like this: An "Old Fashion" style key and lock. We had this kind of key even in nice hotel rooms, like when we were in Buenos Aires. This is how they do it.
UPDATE: March 4, 2026
Teachers: Staff
YWAM WEEK SIX: February 22- 28
This week was taught by Gloria, Lari, Jose, Havila, & Kelike. The theme of this week was: WORSHIP. All of the teachers this week, were amazing. Havilah spoke on the "identity we have in God" through Jesus/Yeshua our Messiah. Jose spoke on how we can "Align our hearts with God's heart". Lari spoke on how worship is a "Response to the Revelation" that we have received about who God is and how
Here is Gloria showing how (with the Israelites in the Desert) the original Tabernacle actually describes a pattern for "Drawing Near" to God.
Here is Kelike sharing on the different types of Worship Temperaments; and how to be a "Living Sacrifice" for God.
Tracks (Breakout Sessions)
So we have not talked yet about the "Tracks" approach this YWAM base takes towards some additional learning for their students. There are several tracks to choose from: Worship/Intersession, Media/Communication, & Messenger/Preaching. At the beginning of the program we had to chose one of these tracks, which we stay in for the rest of the program. Then, twice a week, we meet in our "track" groups to do a deep dive into the topic. During this time we also practice what we are learning. Both Rebecca & Mark are in the Messenger Track.
Here is Rebecca leading the group in a topic she chose to teach on for 20-30 minutes. The exercise this week was to pick a non-bible related topic to teach.
Outreach: Limpio
At the end of each week, there is an "outreach" to a nearby town, usually around an hour drive away. Each one is different, but all involve serving the people there is some way, some worship songs, a gospel message, and a time to minister in prayer with those who are there.
In this neighborhood, on the outskirts of Asuncion, we went door to door, talking with folks, sharing the gospel, and letting them know about the home bible study happing right around the corner. In this video, you see the pastor who lives at this location, and is working to start a church. First step, though is start as a bible study.
This was our group, as we got ready to head out into the neighborhood. (Shout out to Alexandra). Actually, we joined with another group just after this pic, to make a group of six. We had some lovely conversations this day.
Here we see the streets are much wider, with plenty of room to walk. & room for cars to go by. Each property has a little bit of space on each side. This area seems a lot better than that type of neighborhood we were in for Week Three, with the 3 feet wide roads & houses sharing walls.
UPDATE:
UPDATE:
2026 Paraguay
THANKS FOR TAKING THIS JOURNEY WITH US!
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