THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS!

It brings us great joy to present the new Asuncion Bible Academy Newsletter. With the recent request that the church in Paraguay made to our brethren in the USA, asking for funding to support the scholarships for students of the upcoming Beta Class, came not only many gracious responses but also requests in return to provide more information directly from the school. This newsletter will attempt to fulfill those requests as well as serve as a means to regularly say “Thank you” to our supporters. In each issue we will provide communication from the students, post their grades and progress, and report on the latest news or recent activities. If there is anything specifically that you would like to see included in the report, please feel free to let us know. We want to extend our most heartfelt appreciation to those who are currently supporting the school or have recently offered their help. They are:

Central Avenue church of Christ (GA)

Jay church of Christ (FL)

Poolville church of Christ (TX)

West Dyersburg church of Christ (TN)

Palm Beach Lakes church of Christ (FL)

Anonymous Families (TX, FL, AZ, TN) We are still in need of support for some of the students for the upcoming Beta Class (2015-2017). If you are not currently supporting the Asuncion Bible Academy, won’t you please consider this in your upcoming budget planning? We would appreciate it! For more information, please visit our webpage at: www.paraguaymission.com Or, you may contact Troy Spradlin directly at (595) 0981.630.886 (Paraguay cell phone), troy.spradlin@yahoo.com, or through our brother Luis Yegros at luisyegros@hotmail.com (he speaks English and is the treasurer for the church ). Please keep this opportunity in your prayers! Thank you!

Asuncion Bible Academy Leadership

The church of Christ at Avenida Sacramento in Asuncion, Paraguay, does not yet have elders to lead the congregation. All church related decisions are made through regular men’s business meetings. In order to not take up all of the time at the business meetings with Bible Academy matters, the men decided to appoint a committee that would handle all of the regular decision making occurrences for the school. The appointed members are responsible for making the executive decisions for the Academy and then reporting back frequently to the men of the church about the actions taken. The men then hold the right to the final decision. These same appointed men were also involved with developing of the curriculum and the internal rules. They also conduct interviews of prospective students and support the Director with disciplinary actions, when necessary. When elders are appointed some day, then they will assume the oversight of the Academy.

Supported through the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver Extension School Program

MONTHLY REPORT - JUNE 2014 Vol. 1 No. 1

The Asuncion Bible Academy Committee: (L-R) Luis Yegros, Ale Yegros, Troy Spradlin,

Pedro Vera, Ike Yegros, Perry Hardin

Troy reporting to the brethren at Central Avenue church of Christ In Valdosta, GA

From William Arzamendia: “Dear brethren/supporters. My name is William and I am one of the “survivors of the battle” still standing strong within the Asuncion Bible Academy in Paraguay! First and foremost, I would like to say how grateful I am for the support that you are giving to my colleagues and me, because it helps us to keep studying the Bible. As you may know, it is difficult to study full-time on one’s own accord, so for us, the support you provide is very beneficial because it allows us to continue studying for the Glory of God. What I have been learning in the Academy is important to my life as a Christian, although I have yet to apply everything I have learned in my life. It is a learning process that helps me to have a solid foundation, so it is interesting to study the Bible during this important time that we are in the academy. I will strive to apply what I have learned in the course of my life, if God permits. What I do in school is simply learn, but sometimes the homework isn’t so easy for me to do! Haha! At the Academy, I learn things that I had not considered until now and that helps me have a firm faith. I don’t do anything special in the church right now, I just serve, and what I do is small compared to what God has done for me. What will I do after graduation? I am not sure at this point, I just know that I'll have to go back to Argentina to work. That is my plan A and I don’t really have a plan B, ... Honestly, I do not know what God wants me to do, but whatever He wants, I'll be happy to do it! Meanwhile after the Academy and studies I plan to live a normal life but teaching every time there are opportunities. Brethren, since I do not know if in this life I will ever get to know you, I want you to know that I appreciate the help you are giving us. It is valuable and is greatly appreciated. Many thanks. I send my greetings to all and if we do not meet in this life, I hope to see you in heaven one day with our Father.”

From Ramon Paredes: “My regards to the church that is in the United States, I want to especially give my thanks to all the brethren who are always concerned about the growth of the Lord's church [in Paraguay] and who support the students of the Asuncion Bible Academy. It is in this manner that more brethren may be prepared to labor in the Lord's work and so that more souls may arrive at the feet of Christ. All of this is possible with your support and with the help of God. Brethren, thank you for the funds that you provide, and especially so that we may study in peace and learn more every day about the grace of God. It is a great blessing for us to be studying the word of God full time in the academy because of your kindness. May our Father (of our Lord Jesus Christ) provide double blessings to you always. We can not express in few words what we have learned so far about how great God is, and his teaching is infinite, but in short, we can say that every day we get closer and closer to God by studying His word. What we do during the course of the study is to try to put into practice what we have learned, for example, we put into practice our learning while studying with members, we do small group studies in the homes of the members, and other activities for the growth of the church. I have not yet determined what I want to do after studying at the academy, but I will always help the congregation while I myself, am continuing to grow. Before studying at the academy I worked in sales. I was selling items for hardware stores, so maybe I can go back to that work. Nevertheless, I will always have a great desire to serve the Lord as the kingdom of God continues to grow and more souls are brought to salvation.”

From Karen Giménez: “I want to express to you all my immense gratitude for all the love and support that we receive, through the sacrifice of each of those brothers in particular that offer their generous support to this great work that is the Asuncion Bible Academy in Paraguay. Thanks to this collaboration, today we are delighting in the wisdom and knowledge of the scriptures. I also want to express my gratitude to the team of "Bear Valley Bible Institute in Denver" that works to support the Lord's work here in Paraguay. My personal prayers are always there for you dear brothers and my love for edifying the body of Christ. Essentially, I will always work and serve the brethren to support the work of the church and thus using the gifts that God has given me through His grace. We must use what the Lord has given us, keeping in mind that every day the sun rises is another opportunity to keep improving and striving to make progress toward the goal of perfection that Christ demands of us. I want to commend with great love all of the congregations and families who made it possible to complete the dream of having a Bible Academy in Paraguay. It has been made possible by the kindness and courtesy you have shown to us in order that this work may continue to nurture and strengthen the family of God. I leave you with infinite gratitude. I wish for you many blessings. Your sister in Christ Karen Giménez.”

(These letters have been translated directly from Spanish while trying to maintain the personality and manner in which they were written).

William Arzamendia is 26 years old and is from Argentina. He is our class “clown” and is always full of energy. He is a member of the Ñemby congregation and highly involved in personal Bible studies. William loves to play soccer and is very involved in the lives of his two little brothers. He is a very talented preacher and evangelist.

He wants to possibly serve as a youth minister if the opportunity presents itself. He also has a desire to return to Argentina and strengthen the church there. His current GPA is: 85.2

CLASSES SCHEDULED FOR QUARTER 6 (June 9 - August 22, 2014) Class Teacher Advanced Hermeneutics - Denton Landon (BVBID) Poetic Books I - Perry Hardin Major Prophets I - Perry Hardin Hebrews - Josh Blackmer Congregational Development - Chris Fry, Ethan Hardin I, II, III John - Troy Spradlin Biblical Greek I - Troy Spradlin Laboratory / Investigation - Perry Hardin Practical Ministry - Troy Spradlin

Bear Valley Bible Institute Support The Asuncion Bible Academy is part of the extension school program of Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver (BVBID). What that means is BVBID provides teachers and curriculum support for the Academy. ABA follows the basic curriculum that is set up by BVBID, with a few exceptions. Of the seven courses offered each quarter, BVBID provides a teacher for one of those courses. Over the past six quarters, we have had brethern such as Donnie Bates, Luis Camacho, Gary Fallis, and Denton Landon come to Paraguay to teach a class. We also have brother Lindell Mitchell scheduled for an upcoming class. They usually teach for one whole week which is dedicated solely to the course they have been assigned. The students have responded very well to their instruction. These teachers are provided at no cost to the Academy. They provide their own travel expenses, hotel, and translator fees (when needed). Bear Valley has done a wonderful job of supporting the Asuncion Bible Academy. Our brethren, Bob Turner, the Extension School Director and Donnie Bates, Regional Director, did the initial coordinating with us to develop the school and then were also present at the inauguration ceremonies. Brother Luis Camacho now serves as our stateside coordinator and handles the scheduling of the teachers that are involved with ABA. We are very appreciative and blessed to be associated with Bear Valley in this endeavor. We extend our deepest “Thank you” to BVBID and look forward to working alongside you for many years to come!

Ramon Paredes is 27 years old, is a native Paraguayan, and his native language is Guarani. Ramon recently married Elvira Dominguez on February 8th, 2014. His brother and sister-in-law are also faithful members of the church. Ramon has a servants heart and works very hard at everything he

does. He did not know how to type or to use a computer when he came to the Academy and now he is able to write research papers without too much effort. His current GPA is: 80.1

Karen Giminez is 26 years old, she is native Paraguayan, and is a member of the “Centro” congregation. Her mother was among some of the first converts in Paraguay who studied with the first missionaries. She used to work at McDonalds and also has experience in retail sales. She is often quiet, but a very

studious and dedicated student who is always inquisitive regarding the Scriptures. Her current GPA is: 90.0

STUDENT PROFILES

BETA CLASS (2015-2017) UPDATE

We will be using this section to keep you abreast of the upcoming class, known as the “Beta Class.” There have been nine brethren who have manifested that they would like to attend the Bible Academy for the next enrollment. Here is information regarding some of the prospective students. Next month we will feature some of the others.

OUR SUPPORTERS

Palm Beach Lakes church of Christ (Stateside Administrator) 4067 Leo Lane, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 561.848.1111

Central Avenue church of Christ (GA)

Jay church of Christ (FL)

Poolville church of Christ (TX)

West Dyersburg church of Christ (TN)

Palm Beach Lakes church of Christ (FL)

Anonymous Families / Individuals ( AZ, FL, TN, TX)

PARAGUAYMISSION.COM iglesiadecristo.com.py conocerlapalabra.com

Administration Director (Administration) - Troy Spradlin Asst Director (Academics) - Perry Hardin Secretary - Mirta Vera Committee Members Luis Yegros, Ale Yegros, Pedro Vera, Troy Spradlin, Perry Hardin, Ike Yegros

Teachers: Eliezer Perez Pedro Vera Ike Yegros Jorge Vera Josh Blackmer BEAR VALLEY (BVBID) SUPPORT Extension School Director - Bob Turner Stateside Coordinator - Luis Camacho

THE ASUNCION BIBLE ACADEMY

Raul Riveros Raul was baptized in February 2010 and has had many peaks and valleys in his Christian walk. In this past year, he has grown stronger to the point of wanting to preach. He will be laying aside a career of computer programing in order to attend the Academy. He is also from Capiata.

Elvira Paredes Elvira is the wife of our current student, Ramon Paredes. She works while he attends the Academy in order to meet the financial costs of their family. When he graduates, she wants to attend while he works so she can learn to teach and evangelize. She was formerly a Jehovah’s Witness.

Jose Yegros Jose has been a member of the Lord’s church for many years. He will be retiring from his job next year and would like to attend the Academy so that he can train to preach and lead. His objective is that he would like to see the church planted (re-established) in his hometown of Capiata.

Coming up in August, we are planning to have a special “Open House” event for the Academy to promote the school and present the faculty and facilities.

We will invite all prospective students to come and learn more about the school. Lord willing, we will also be bringing down two prospective students from Costa Rica at the same time in order to participate in the activities.

We plan to explain what student life is like in the Academy, what the expectations are of a student, and what they can expect from the school. Along with meeting the faculty and touring the facilities, we will also have special activities with the congregation. There will be a presentation of achievements for the past year and then introduce all the students for the upcoming Beta class.

When the Asuncion Bible Academy opened its doors for classes last year, the church was still not sure what this new program was all about. Now that they have seen the fruit that it has produced, it has created a greater interest. We pray this Open House event will help clarify any questions of some and solidify decisions for others.

The current class, the “Alpha class” will be graduating on February 8th, 2015. The “Beta class” will begin their studies on March 2, 2015.