Keeping Momentum

“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” -Psalm 27:13-14

Buenos dias!

Throughout college I learned one thing about test taking. I would get the grade that I put into the test. If I paid attention in class, took notes, and studied, I would most likely get a solid grade. The end result was based on what I did and the work that I put in. It was on me. I am used to being in control of the end result.

So far fundraising has been a new experience for me. There are many different reasons why, but mainly because I do not have control. God is in charge. I have been learning the last few months that I need to wait on God, the only one in charge. I have been enjoying putting in the effort, learning the process, and being able to talk with people about God’s work in Paraguay, but after all is said and done, God is using me as a tool. I am God’s tool to do His work, and raising support and awareness is a part of this mission. God is using this time to shape and mold me into the disciple He is sending to Paraguay. God is also using this time to work in the hearts of those who are being called to be partners in ministry along side me. When the funds are raised, it will be in God’s time. Now is the time to wait on the Lord and see His work and strength.

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to talk with the Peace Lutheran Church congregation in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It was a great experience to finally get to present to individuals who are interested in becoming partners in ministry or just to know about how God is working in Paraguay. I look forward to the next congregation I get to speak with! Below is a list of where I am speaking during the next month. If you are interested in having me present to individuals, a small group, or a congregation, please let me know. I would be more than happy to come and inform you of God’s ministry in Paraguay! Please continue to keep me, the Cristo Rey Parish, Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones, and the people of Paraguay in your prayers!

Bendiciones!

Sarah Burr

July 27th- OPEN
August 3rd- OPEN
August 10th- Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, Kokomo, IN, 9:30 AM, worship at 8:15 and 10:45
August 17th- Faith Lutheran Church, Columbus, IN, 10:00 AM, worship at 9:00
August 20th- Chapel at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Columbus, IN 1:30 PM
August 24th- St. John’s Lutheran Church, LaGrange, IL, 9:30 AM, worship at 8:00 and 10:45
August 31st- Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, IN, 9:30 AM, worship at 8:00 and 10:45

The Journey So Far

Sarah with her niece Kelsey

¡Hola! ¿Qué tal?

Well, my adventure is underway. I am in the process of fundraising and have now completed my field visit to Paraguay. My first trip to South America went very smoothly and now has me even more excited to get started participating in ministry at the Cristo Rey parish and Cristo Para Todas Las Naciones (CPTLN, which is in conjunction with Lutheran Hour)!
                 Overall, travel went smoothly there and back. With layovers and the like, travel takes a full day from Indiana, so it gave me plenty of time to think and reflect on everything that I just witnessed, learned, and got to participate in upon my return. For this blog I am going to share the main thought I had during the week, but stay tuned for my e-newsletter for more information about my visit and activities. Don’t worry, it is coming soon, so you will not have to wait long!
                First and foremost though, the reason my trip was so successful was because of the people that God has put into my life in Paraguay. Pastor Figur and his family were extremely patient, kind, and accepting of me as I learned about the culture, language, and just daily trying to figure out what was going on and my role in it. They opened up their home and knowledge to me. Plus you add on all the congregation members that I was able to meet, play cards with, and share a meal with, and it is easy to see I have been extremely blessed with my placement. I am excited to return and work alongside my new friends in ministry to help grow the kingdom of God in Paraguay.
                Please continue to pray for me during this fundraising process and for the Cristo Rey Parish. Thank you and blessings on your day!