Asunción, Paraguay was something of a ministry mix: local church and family.
Thanks to our partnership with the Brazil Nikkei Free Methodist Church and their oversight over the Free Methodist denominational churches in Paraguay, JEMS has had a relationship with the Free Methodist Church in Asunción since 2008. I am grateful for the doors that continue to be open there.
But first, where is Paraguay, you ask?
By its location, it has been called "the heart of South America." As a result of decades of immigration, there are estimated to be 7,000 Japanese and their descendants living in Paraguay, although the actual numbers might be lower.
Compare these numbers to other South American countries:
Argentina – 30,000
Bolivia – 9,500
Brazil – 1.5 million
Chile – 2,600
Colombia -1,119 Japanese nationals
Ecuador – 465 Japanese nationals
Peru – 81,000 (PJ revision 110,000)
Uruguay – 378 Japanese nationals
Venezuela – 569 Japanese nationals
Mexico – 15,650
USA – 1.2 million
2.5 million Japanese and Japanese descendants are living outside of Japan.
Figures courtesy Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. www.mofa.go.jp/region/latin/
Japanese in Paraguay were settled by the Paraguayan government in nine distinct colonies, spread throughout the country. Beginning in 1936, their role was primarily one of developing Paraguay's agricultural resources. Today, many of the descendants of those early pioneers have moved to the capital, Asuncion. There they find opportunities for higher education and for employment.
I was able to meet with a small group of church members at at midweek dinner and Bible study. I taught the study with the able interpretation into Spanish of one of the older Sunday School youth (pictured right, on right).
The unusual "mix" of Asuncion is that in addition to ministry, my father's family were immigrants to the nation of Paraguay. Thus every visit to Asuncion is an opportunity to connect with my roots and familial heritage. (Learn about this connection, here)
The gentleman pictured is my father's second cousin. Pictured left is his wife and daughter. Pictured right is his daughter's husband and family.
"Mezcla." A mixture of heritages, both spiritual and lovingly familial.
