Linn’s News March 2009
Dear Friends,
It seems a long time since I last wrote a newsletter. Suffice to say that I had a wonderful time with my family in South Africa during December and January.
My sister was very ill when I arrived but thanks to prayers and an excellent neurologist, she improved rapidly and by Christmas we were all able to celebrate Christ’s birth and to have a lovely family time together. The Lord is so faithful. We even managed to get away for some “South African experiences.”
My great niece and great nephew are a real delight to me. We had so much fun together.
I came back tired after the long journey but refreshed ready for this year in school. I was at peace saying farewell to my family, knowing that the Lord has them firmly in His hands.
THE SCHOOLS
When I returned I rushed down to look at the Annexe school. There a classroom had been demolished and rebuilt during the holidays. It has transformed the place and everybody is happy with the new classroom.
The main college had had some work done on it too, new air conditioner units in Primary and everything had been redecorated. The maintenance teams had worked very hard. Their leader, Alberto, has yet to take a break. He is so dedicated to the work in the school. Please pray blessings upon him.
The staff started the term with a spiritual retreat in beautiful surroundings.
It was a lovely time of being together as a “family” and there was a very relaxed atmosphere.
The children came back ten days later. We began with a beautiful service in the Cathedral.
We are now back into full swing. In Primary there has been a very quiet start and the students have valued the daily input during our assemblies together.
The Lord has been ever faithful in answering our prayers for another teacher. At the eleventh hour Gwen Carlisle was approached by somebody, whilst she was on deputation. As a result Sue Nagaist will hopefully be joining the secondary department in mid March. She had a real call from God and everything has fallen into place for her to come.
THE CHURCHES
The church pastors all took a much-needed holiday through January.
It was good to get back to church. Exciting news is that Raquel Greco has now finished her studies at Bible college in Chile and she has returned to work with the youth here, helping Patrick Butler in the Evening Youth services at the Cathedral. It has been wonderful to see the enthusiasm that she is radiating. She has a clear vision for the future.
The churches are now preparing for the arrival of our new bishop and for his consecration in the Cathedral.
THE COUNTRY
There is not much to report that is new. President Lugo is still being heavily criticized by opposition politicians. He has also caused problems in the judiciary after a clandestine meeting with some of the Supreme Court judges.
Demonstrations by campesinos continue, but the government shows virtually no signs of meeting their demands.
Hospital workers have also been demonstrating over the poor state of the health services. Some hospitals have no drugs, equipment is broken, unnecessary deaths have occurred and only skeleton staff are on duty as there is no money for salaries. It makes the British National Health service look luxurious.
Teachers have also been demonstrating. Help promised for students has not been forthcoming and headteachers are struggling as promised books and technological equipment has not arrived in the state schools. Buildings and basics like desks and chairs are in a terrible state.
All in all the media paints a picture of doom and gloom to match the World recession.
Prayer points
1. Thank the Lord that we all had a good break and that everybody has returned safely from their travels. Pray that everybody will have good health this year and that it will be a special year for the schools and the churches.
2. Please pray for Raquel who is looking for a house to rent nearby, where she can host Bible Studies for the youth here.
Pray also for her family. Her grandfather is gravely ill. Pray for the Lord to be merciful and to minister his healing power. Pray especially for her grandmother at this difficult time.
3. Please pray for Peter and Sally Barrett as they prepare to join us. Pray for their documents to come through, for a good flight out here and for them to settle quickly into their new home. Pray for discernment and wisdom for both of them.
4. Pray for rain in the Chaco. Farmers and indigenous leaders have been calling for a national emergency to be declared as nothing can be cultivated at the moment.
Linn Tedman, Colegio San Andres, Casilla 1124, Asuncion, Paraguay, South America. Information on http://www.samsgb.org/people/documents/tedman.pdf If you wish to support my work through SAMS please contact Philip Tadman (Financial Secretary), Allen Gardiner Cottage, Pembury Road, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Kent TN2 3QU (email finsec@samsgb.org).
