Linn's Christmas Newsletter

Christmas Letter 2010
Dear Friends,
Here I am at the end of yet another school year in Paraguay, with time for reflection as we move into the Advent season. It has not been the easiest of years. We faced some changes as SAMS became a branch of CMS. That was an unsettling time.
I faced personal challenges when I lost one librarian assistant and had to wait for the Lord to send another. I also had the added challenge of teaching English to some sixth graders as well as my normal classes across the Primary.
The Lord promises never to give us more than we can cope with and He has been faithful to that promise.
Paraguay has been generally quieter this year, apart from when Paraguay played in the World Cup! For a while that brought a renewed spirit of hope to the nation. Then we heard the news that President Lugo has cancer. We thank the Lord that his prognosis is now better.
The Anglican Church here is experiencing change as the Holy Spirit moves among us. We thank the Lord for answered prayer. This year’s Synod saw an opportunity for “Growing Together”. This is the vision for the future. Spiritual barriers within churches are gradually being broken down and the future is looking much better, as we come closer together as God’s family.
There have been challenges in the church I attend. We are working far more to help each other through difficult times. This has involved more “giving” in a variety of ways. The Lord is blessing us.
This year I have learnt so much about giving and I have been blessed in my friendship with Fermina, my indigenous friend from the Chaco, as I help her. I have learnt a lot from Fermina about having confidence and trust in God. I have been amazed how the Lord has provided for her. I truly love and value her as a Christian sister.
Life in school has been difficult. We are all overstretched. My extra classes meant a lot more preparation and marking. With the Lord’s help we have all survived together and had fun along the way. I still managed all the other work. The Holy Spirit has guided each day and I have been given wisdom and strength. I have also received so much joy and love from the children. A week ago Giovanni and I packed up the library. It is now under refurbishment.
The Christmas season started early in the school. The year finished at the end of November. We have had lovely services and concerts to remind us as teachers of what we are about, preparing future leaders who are grounded in the Gospel and who have the opportunity to know Jesus personally from a young age.
We started the end of year celebrations with presentations from the pre-school departments in both the main school and our Annexe school. The little ones have a simple faith and we could all learn from them as they danced and sang, praising the Lord.
There were mixed emotions from both students and parents, as the 6th form leavers held their service and were sent out to shine the light of Jesus in their future lives. Many tears of happiness were shed as prayers were said for each student.
Finally there were the graduation services for the sixth grade, moving into lower secondary and for the ninth grade finishing their basic education and moving into upper secondary.
This year one of the secondary students wrote, “I am a fortunate girl for being in this school. Since I’ve been here I know God a lot better. The teachers always talk about God and the importance of keeping Him near us. It doesn’t matter if we can´t see Him, we have to believe and have faith. I really don’t know yet what I’m going to do in the future but I am sure that God has already planned my life. If I’m stuck in life I am convinced that I can talk to God and He’ll listen to me. He is like a friend for me, my best friend. God will never leave me alone. That is what ************ School gives us day by day.”
Seeing and hearing the children’s response to the gospel message makes every day special.
As we approach Christmas, I thank our Father God for all his love and faithfulness over the past year. He has upheld us and has responded to your prayers for us. As I celebrate His birth and look forward to him coming again in Glory, I will be thinking of you all. I give thanks for you who enable us to have the privilege of being here on the Mission field.
Thank you so much for your amazing prayers and support.
Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas and may the next year bring you good health and happiness.
For your prayers:
Give thanks for good things that are happening, as the Holy Spirit moves and inspires us.
Pray for the people here to turn from corruption and to really seek God’s Will for the future. Pray for President Lugo’s health to improve and for his government to have wisdom. Pray for healing in the nation.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to work within our churches to bring unity and love as we support each other and reach out with the Gospel message of salvation.
Pray for the school, for the Lord to send more Christian teachers for the English departments. Pray for new English teaching staff who will be joining us, for the Lord to equip them well. Pray for the children to be protected in their walk with the Lord. Pray for safety for everybody as we take our annual break for the summer.
Please pray for my health and ask the Lord to give me more energy for the year ahead.
You can read in more detail, see photos and comment on some of the things that we have been up to this month, on my other blog site at

http://www.linninpy.blogspot.com/

My email address is ltedman@hotmail.com. I would love to hear from you and to pray for you.

Linn's News November 2010

Linn’s news November 2010

Thank you for your prayers. Thankfully my chesty cough has all but disappeared now.
We are all thanking the Lord for Judith Duddy’s visit here. She worked hard with all the 80+ children who will be taking the Trinity exam next week, putting them through their paces with some English conversation practice. It is now up to the students to perform well on the day.
Fermina is grateful for your prayers.
President Lugo continues in his duties, and he is still smiling.

The Church

This month we had a visit from the CMS Latin America head of department, Bishop Henry Scrivens. The mission partners had an opportunity to meet up with him, which was appreciated.
Bishop Peter has been very busy. First there was the Diocesan Synod. Next came a meeting here with various clergy from neighbouring countries. They came for a meeting about “Growing together”, prior to a meeting of bishops in Buenos Aires this week.

The Country

There is little fresh news to report. Life rumbles on as usual in Paraguay. The President flew to Buenos Aires this week for the funeral of the former Argentinean president, Kichner.

The School
This has been another busy month with lots of things going on.
The Primary children had a lot of fun taking part in the Annual Dance competition. As well as individual dance there was also a chance for teams to show off their talent. It was a close fought competition but the Green Team finally came out on top.
A week or so ago we had a wonderful surprise one afternoon. Some Swiss students, on a visit to Argentina and Paraguay, came to share some Big band Swing Jazz with us. They were wonderful, as good as many professional bands that I have heard. We all swung along with them and the children did not want the concert to end.
One morning whilst we were having our Primary assembly we all nearly jumped out of our skins as there were loud explosions coming from the secondary patio.
It was the Upper sixth form’s last full day at school, prior to final exams. They were celebrating and going out with a Bang! In fact they were well-behaved compared to some former students. They were given a celebration breakfast, something special to store in their memories.
It was great having Judith, a visitor from my home church in UK, here. The children really warmed to her and they have been missing her since she returned to UK.
Whilst she was here we visited the Annexe School together. We were taken to all the classes. The sixth grade were having a music lesson. They sang “I will give you my heart” for us. It was lovely.
This is the season for school trips. Some classes have already been out on visits. Others hope to go next week. This weekend the parents and members of the sixth grade have gone away for a long weekend to celebrate the end of their time in the Primary department.
As I write our second day for parents to meet staff and discuss their offspring’s progress has just ended. Once again it was a day valued by all those concerned.

Fermina.
Last Sunday Fermina came to lunch with me again. We had a lovely time, sharing some terere, chatting and praying together. She is having trouble with appointments being postponed at the local hospital.
Her doctor did not turn up for her appointment last week. This is upsetting for Fermina. It is an effort for her to get a bus to the hospital. It was obvious as we walked the ten minute route home from church that she is very weak. The Lord obviously knew this as Fermina later received a gift to help her to take a taxi next time. She is due for another session of chemotherapy on Wednesday. She has three more to go after that, followed by another operation.

Prayer points:-
Please continue to pray for President Lugo as he battles with cancer.
As the term draws to a close our workload in school this month seems to get harder. There are exams to be written and then marked, reports to be written, a show to be rehearsed, final services and leavers dinner etc., to be organized. Please pray for the staff to have sufficient times for rest amidst all the mayhem. Pray especially for those who will face deputation in England after the end of an exhausting year, Mags Southern, Gwen Carlisle and Babs Owen. Pray for good health and strength for them.
Please continue to pray for Fermina. She said that she can feel your prayers. I know that feeling. God really responds to our requests for help for others.
Pray for Bishop Peter and his wife, Sally. They have had a very busy time recently. Pray for our Anglican churches here as we move forward, growing together and reaching out to others.

You can read in more detail, see photos and comment on some of the things that we have been up to this month, on my blogsite at http://www.linninpy.blogspot.com Thank you, from Linn Tedman –My work can be supported through The Church Mission Society/LatinAmerica, Watlington Road, Oxford OX4 6BZ You can find more information about me, on the CMS website at http://www.cms-uk.org/tabid/519/language/en-GB/Default.aspx

Linn's News October 2010

Thank you for all your prayers this month. Judith Duddy, from my home church, arrived after a long but smooth journey. She is settling in well and seems to be enjoying the work that has been set for her. (English conversation).
The Church
Bishop Peter and his team in the Diocesan office, Pastors and leaders have all been busy preparing for the “working” General Synod which was held last weekend. I spoke to some of those who attended and they were very positive in their reflections.
In the Cathedral we had another successful “Bring and Buy” lunch to raise funds for those who need help to buy much needed medication.
I visited the English church for a change of scenery. The key to the church was not available so for once we moved into the Diocesan library where Mags and Gwen led a lovely service with Babs Owen preaching a good sermon about the Lost Sheep.
The country
The main news seems to be focussed on President Lugo. He was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer. He has been receiving treatment and chemotherapy in Brazil. Mercifully tumours which were found have been shrinking. The President is continuing in his duties between treatments. He maintains a smile everywhere that he goes.
The school
September was a very busy month. The eighth grade ran a very successful inter-schools football tournament for pre-schoolers, over several days after school hours. The little ones enjoyed playing and they were well supported by their parents, family and friends.
Earlier in the month the Annexe School held a Folklore Day on a Saturday. This meant that I could attend. The children performed Paraguayan dances, sang songs and read poems. Some staff also participated, their offering being an amusing sketch about a Paraguayan wedding. It was well appreciated by the parents and the locals who live near the school.
Whilst there I met up with Gloria Morales, the teacher who nearly lost her life in the supermarket fire some years ago. She looked radiant. She is now married and she is very happy. She is a walking testimony to God’s miraculous, healing power.
In the main college we held a science fair based on projects about water. Every department in the school took part. It was a wonderful exhibition of what the children have learned. Each class gave presentations to parents in both English and Spanish.
The secondary students celebrated National Youth Day by going out to clean the streets in the barrio around the school. They had fun doing this in the morning and were then given the afternoon off, much to their delight.
At the end of the month some special visitors arrived. Former Principal, Miss Eileen Murphy and Miss Molly Cooper returned for a week as part of a visit to Argentina and Paraguay. Everybody was pleased to see them. They had quite a hectic schedule accepting invitations and visiting many people. In school we held a special tea for them with parents, ex-pupils and friends from the past.
Holidays
The school broke up for a few days break last Wednesday. I managed to get away to Iguazu Falls for two days, with visitor Judith Duddy. We had a wonderful time braving storms and cold weather followed by a day of warm sunshine. I never tire of seeing the power and wonder of God’s creation there.
Prayer Points:-
1. Please give thanks for all the lovely things that have been happening this month in the main school and in the Annexe School. We have had a busy but fruitful time. Give thanks for the safe arrival of Judith Duddy and pray for the Lord to bless her in her work with the children.
2. Give thanks that the Diocesan Synod went well. Pray for the pastors returning to their flocks. Pray that the outcome of the Synod will be to bring renewal to the spiritual lives of people in the various communities. Pray for the leaders and members of the Anglican church in Paraguay to work together as members of the Body of Christ, so the Glory of God and His love will be revealed more and more to people in Paraguay.
3. Pray for President Lugo as he continues with chemotherapy treatment. Pray for the Lord to strengthen him so that he will be able to continue in his duties. Pray for the government as they support him. Today he said that he can feel their love and the love of the people. He is drawing strength and encouragement from that. Pray for the media to step back. They are pressing in on him at every opportunity, causing hype that is not needed.
4. Please continue to pray for Fermina. I have not seen her lately. Pray for her to feel the Lord’s love and strength through her cancer treatment.
5. Please pray for the Lord to help me fight my current chest infection. High humidity levels are not helping me.

You can read in more detail, see photos and comment on some of the things that we have been up to this month, on my blogsite at http://www.linninpy.blogspot.com

Thank you, from Linn Tedman –My work can be supported through The Church Mission Society/LatinAmerica, Watlington Road, Oxford OX4 6BZ You can find more information about me, on the CMS website at http://www.cms-uk.org/tabid/519/language/en-GB/Default.aspx

September News

September News
Linn’s News September 2010
Thank you everybody for your prayers. This has been a good month generally. The weather is becoming warmer and Spring seems to have arrived. At the moment the predominant colour in gardens and parks is pink, with pink lapacho trees, pink bougainvillaea and pink azaleas all in bloom. The colours seem to take turns at putting on displays at this time of the year.
The Church.We are now in the run-up to the General Synod.This week in the cathedral we held our AGM after the morning service.As I walked into church on Sunday I spotted Fermina, from Maxawaya. I rushed over to talk to her. She is down here again for hospital treatment. She is going to begin chemotherapy. She looks very frail, but she is placing her confidence in Jesus. I was able to introduce her to a few people. She is not sure how long she will be in Asuncion, so I thought that it would be good if she felt a bit more at home and welcome at church. I invited her back for lunch but she did not want to wait until after the AGM.
The country
President Lugo is in the spotlight once again as another young lady claims that he is the father of her child. Also, President Lugo’s niece was involved in a car crash at the weekend in which two people died. She has been charged with manslaughter.Whilst Spring is arriving in the country, so are dirty skies. Fields are being burned off in the Chaco and all the smoke associated with that seems to be hanging over the city of Asuncion as smog. Lots of people are becoming sick with allergies to the pollution. Also smoke is blowing over the north of the country, drifting from wildfires which are raging in Bolivia.The schoolThe new term started with a very cold week. The children spent each day bundled up in coats, even in the classrooms and several had colds and coughs.During the holidays Profesora Pabla went to visit a school in the Chaco. She came back with a report for the children and a request for help for Children’s’ day, in the form of cartons of chocolate milk. The children responded well and they raised funds for this by selling tuck.This month has seen the birth of a little girl to “Auntie Rita” our Primary department secretary.We celebrated the Day of the Flag and the Primary children heard about the history of the flag. They then raised their hands and swore allegiance to the flag of Paraguay in true patriotic fashion.As we come up to the 200th anniversary of the founding of Asuncion, the children are receiving an input of Paraguayan culture. Last week they were treated to a presentation about a famous Paraguayan composer followed by a guitar recital of his music. It was beautiful and the children all listened attentively. Many of them are learning to play the guitar (Paraguay is the land of the harp and the guitar) so the recital was inspirational.All the children in Pre-school and Primary pupils celebrated Children’s’ Day with fun and games at our sports ground.In secondary the ninth grade held a presentation of their small business projects. They had great fun designing, producing, marketing and finally selling their products, working in teams.
Prayer Points.
Please pray for the government and President Lugo.
Please pray for the health of the students and staff at St. Andrew’s school. Many are suffering with allergies to all the air pollution.
Please remember Fermina in your prayers as she begins her chemotherapy treatment. Pray that she will receive all the support that she needs.
Please pray for Judith Duddy, from my home church in Warminster, who will be joining us at school for a few weeks. She is due to arrive on 28th September. Pray for her as she prepares to come and pray for a safe journey for her.
You can read in more detail some of the things that we have been up to this month on my blogsite at http://www.linninpy.blogspot.comThank you, from Linn Tedman –My work can be supported through The Church Mission Society/LatinAmerica, Watlington Road, Oxford OX4 6BZ You can find more information about me, on the CMS website at http://www.cms-uk.org/tabid/519/language/en-GB/Default.aspx

August News

Linn’s News August 2010
Thank you all for your prayers. It has been an “interesting” month, especially with regards to our winter holidays.
The Church.
This month we have seen some new faces around in both the Cathedral and in the English-speaking chapel, which is encouraging. We have also had some visitors passing through.
In the cathedral I met Fermina, an indigenous lady from the Chaco. She had hitched a lift to Asuncion for a medical appointment. She is very poor and she came home for lunch with me. We had a very special time together sharing a meal and then the Bible. Her Bible was a New testament in Enxtet (Indian language), mine was in English and we conversed in Spanish! The Holy Spirit brought us together in an amazing way. It was an afternoon that will remain wedged in my memory.
We have also had some young men from La Puerta (our drug rehab centre) who have joined us.
One weekend we had a visit from Dr. John Forde from the USA. He preached to us about God’s Grace and he and his wife were well-received. That Sunday we had a “Bring and Buy” lunch to raise funds for medicines for sick members of the congregation. It was a glorious day and it was a very successful lunch.
The English church enjoyed two weekends of music led by the Trew family. They were on a return visit from Northern Ireland, on holiday. It was so good to see them again and they thoroughly enjoyed renewing old friendships.
Babs Owen has now taken over as the co-ordinator of the English chapel. She is also preaching there and occasionally in Roque Alonso, where she lives. She is very happy to be using her theological gifts.
This month the first of two Mission Paraguay teams is with us, running sewing workshops. The number of enthusiastic locals attending is growing.
The school
Before the break we acquired two new additions to the school. The ninth grade went to visit a university to see how to breed fish. They want to start breeding fish in a pond at our sports ground. In fact they came back with two baby rabbits. They made a pen for them on the secondary patio and we are now waiting to find out if there will be more baby rabbits.
The ninth grade also ran a very successful Inter-schools football tournament, giving up precious time after school on four days. They are trying to raise enough cash to buy a sofa for a children’s home.
July saw the Winter break from school. This year, once again, the government extended the holiday due to the cold weather. Initially this caused some confusion but in the end we had three days extra holiday. It means that our September break will be shorter, but we are happy with the outcome.
During the holiday Mags Southern and I enjoyed an afternoon trip to Clorinda in Argentina for some shopping. It was quite an experience, standing on a very crowded, ramshackle bus, with no shock absorbers for one and a half hours, passing along a bumpy track. However, we made it pay and came back with full rucksacks.
Today we celebrated Friendship Day with a staff barbecue at Marcela’s house. It was hot and sunny and a great way to end the holidays.
Prayer points:- 1. We give thanks for holidays. It has been so good to come into the Lord’s presence, rest and catch up on ourselves.
2. Please pray for Fermina, (the indigenous lady). She returned to Maxawaya, with a story to share about the Lord’s provision. Pray for the group of ladies with whom she shares Bible studies.
Also, please pray for Mauricio, Bieto, Diego and Rodrigo, recovering addicts. Pray that they will gain strength through the Lord and His Word to remain free of their habits. Pray for them to tangibly feel the Lord’s love.
Pray for Babs Owen as she co-ordinates the running of the English church services on top of her already heavy workload in the school. Pray for her to have stamina and wisdom. Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide her well. Pray for good support from those around her.
3. Please pray for the children and staff of St. Andrew’s as we return to school. Pray for good health and for stamina to see us through a busy term.
You can read in more detail some of the things that we have been up to this month on my blog at http://www.linninpy.blogspot.com
Thank you, from Linn Tedman –My work can be supported through The Church Mission Society/LatinAmerica, Watlington Road, Oxford OX4 6BZ You can find more information about me, on the CMS website at http://www.cms-uk.org/tabid/519/language/en-GB/Default.aspx

Linn's News July 2010

Thank you all for your prayers.
In response we give thanks that Pastor Nicky and family appear to be fine, with Nicky coping with her workload and staying well.
One is never sure about newspaper reports but today one newspaper reported a growth in the economy and more people in employment, which is encouraging.
I give thanks that Giovanni has arrived to work in the school library. He is very young, (not long out of school himself). He is not a trained librarian but he has initiative and he is learning rapidly. I think that he will be a good support for me. He is a lovely Christian lad. His father was a maths teacher at St. Andrew’s many years ago.
I am developing a great relationship with the 6th grade students whom I am teaching and preparing for a Cambridge exam at the end of the year. They are now motivated to work and do well at English. I am working hard at making the lessons fun, especially with the World Cup as a focus at the moment. It taxes my brain for ideas.
The Church
The VIVE youth group from the evening Cathedral congregation held its first retreat. They had a wonderful time with the Lord. Around 20 young people attended. It was held out at our school sports ground.
This week Pastor Agustine, from the cathedral has been in the Chaco helping with a pastors course there. It has been good to see Pastor Agustine and his wife back with us after a short break. Please continue to pray for them as a family.
In the “Golden Oldies” congregation in the cathedral we continue to enjoy the presence of young people to help lead the music worship. It has been good to learn some new worship songs.
The country
The political scene continues to rumble on with very little actually seen to be happening. President Lugo is still down as far as popularity goes.
There has been a break from the ongoing “doom and gloom” attitudes with the participation of Paraguay in the World Cup. The city of Asuncion has been awash with the Albirroja red, white and blue as flags are flown and people are dressed in their Albirroja t-shirts. After the demise of England we Brits have all become avid Paraguay supporters. I even swapped my England flag outside the house for a Paraguayan flag, which the neighbours loved.

The school
The World Cup has taken the school by storm this month. It has rather overshadowed other events.
For the first time we held a day for parents to come and talk to staff. There was no appointment system as in England. It was just first come, first served. In fact it was a very valuable day and everybody was positive about it afterwards. A week later school reports were sent out.
Last week the Pre-school celebrated Family Day with a show for their parents. As usual it was excellent and the parents loved it.
Since then the main focus has been on the World Cup, with lots of prayer going up for the National team and praise for their success so far. As Paraguay has progressed so school attendance has dwindled so far for the matches.
Everything stops for the Paraguay football team playing and St. Andrew’s School is no exception. We used our facilities to set up a Big Screen in the hall and matches have been shown there for the whole school. The first round match was fun but nothing compared to the second round, which took place this morning, as I write. For the match to run into extra time was a bonus, but to face a penalty shootout had everybody on the edge of their seats and then jumping in the air as each goal was scored. (Amazingly there was virtual silence as Japan scored their goals). When Paraguay finally won we all went mad.
In fact the whole of Asuncion resounded to car horns and shouting in the streets. Thousands gathered in the centre of Asuncion to celebrate.... and this is just the second round! I hope that we fair as well against Spain.
Prayer Points:-
1. Give thanks for encouraging news of the reported rise in employment figures and pray that the trend will continue.
2. Give thanks for the young people in the VIVE group and pray for their spiritual growth. Pray for the leadership of that group, that the Holy Spirit will empower them to be inspirational.
3. Pray for the staff and pupils of St. Andrew’s who will be taking the 2 week Winter break at the end of the week. Pray for rest and recuperation and for safety in travel.
Thank you from Linn Tedman –My work can be supported through The Church Mission Society/LatinAmerica, Watlington Road, Oxford OX4 6BZ
You can find more information about me, on the CMS website at http://www.cms-uk.org/tabid/519/language/en-GB/Default.aspx
You can follow my blog on www.linninpy.blogspot.com (mostly full of the World Cup at the moment).

Linn's News June 2010

Linn’s News June 2010
Thanks for all your prayers. Thankfully the Primary exams are now over, apart from a few for children who were off sick. The children have generally done well and passed. Staff are now busy preparing reports. The staff have coped in spite of colds and flu doing the rounds as the weather has been very wet and temperatures have dropped.
The church
We praise the Lord for good news from the Chaco. There had been difficulties in one area due to alchohol. The elders have now banned its use. The people have been encouraged. They were engaged in prayer when a deaf mute Indian was suddenly healed and he began speaking. We hope that the Lord will continue to encourage the Indians there to stay focussed on Him.
In the Cathedral we had a lovely service last Sunday. Pastor Agustine and his wife Teresa returned to the congregation after a month of rest. They have had a stressful time recently.
The service included the baptism of a young girl, Yanina. It was very special. Pastor Ronnie officiated and the worship group led us in some beautiful songs, asking the Lord to renew us and fill us with the Holy Spirit. It was beautiful. There were signs of growth in the congregation. Pastor Ronnie challenged us as usual, to get out and evangelise and bring the poor in to get to know Jesus.
The country
There is a great deal of discontent among the people as the recession bites harder and prices continue to rise. This week there was a bus drivers’ strike for more pay and better working hours. Organized gangs attacked the few buses that were running and some people were injured. Those which were running were packed to overflowing with people desperate to get to work.
Our maintenance team and Babs Owen had to get up at 4.00 to go round collecting people in the school van. Poor Babs was so tired by the end of the day of teaching. Thankfully they had two vans on Friday so they could rise a little later.
The political back-biting continues and President Lugo still receives bad press. He is now advocating job cuts in the Public sector. This has led to anger and accusations that too much money has been spent on President Lugo travelling around the World on unsuccessful trade trips. People are desperate to keep their jobs.
The school
Colds and flu have been doing the rounds as torrential rain coming in from the south has brought winter temperatures with it. It has been out with the fleece jackets on with winter duvets and off with the air conditioners.
Exams are now over until August, much to everybody’s relief and most of the children have done well.
This month the children celebrated Independence Day and Mothers’ Day in Primary. They invited their mothers in and produced a show of patriotic songs and dances for them. As usual it was all delightful.
Last weekend most of the Primary staff attended a Christian conference for teachers run by the ACSI institute. The rest of us stayed as a skeleton staff to teach the children.
Last Saturday Mags Southern and the PE staff took a group of 7th to 9th graders off to Brazil for an International Sports week. They are due back as I write. They had a wonderful time. They all looked extremely smart in their new special sports uniforms for the event.
Prayer Points:-
Give thanks and praise for what is happening in the Chaco. Pray that the Indian population there will continue to stay focussed on Jesus. Pray for Jesus to continue to encourage them.
Please pray for Pastor Agustine and his family, that they will be protected and that they can recover fully from a very stressful time. Pray for the Lord to bless them in a special way.
Pray for protection and guidance for Yanin as she moves forward on her walk with Jesus.
Pray for Pastor Ronnie and his family. Pray particularly for Nicky as she has returned to work in school and by the end of the week she is very tired. Pray for the Lord to provide her with plenty of rest and for His protection over her and her baby.
Pray for Bishop Peter and Sally that they can have divine wisdom, strength and encouragement as they guide the Diocese through change.
Pray for President Lugo and the government as they try to lead the country through the economic crisis. Unpopular decisions have to be taken. Pray that people will be able to survive any necessary job cuts. Pray for more people to turn and seek the Lord as their helper through these difficult times. Pray for spiritual renewal in Christ throughout the country..
Please pray for all the staff and children in St. Andrew’s. Pray for strength and good health.
Please pray for more English teaching staff to be called to us.
I ask for personal prayer. I have now been asked to teach English to half of sixth grade on top of my other duties. Please pray for my health to improve (I am getting over another chest infection) and for the Lord to guide my planning so that I can prioritise well what is important and unimportant as I try to juggle all the balls in the air. Pray particularly for a librarian. As yet there have been no suitable applicants for the post. A trustworthy librarian assistant would take a huge weight off my shoulders.
Thank you from Linn Tedman –My work can be supported through The Church Mission Society/LatinAmerica, Watlington Road, Oxford OX4 6BZ
You can find more information about me, on the CMS website at http://www.cms-uk.org/tabid/519/language/en-GB/Default.aspx

Linn's News May 2010

Linn’s News May 2010
Thanks
Thank you for your prayers for us here. We all enjoyed our Easter break but that now seems ages ago as the term is now well under way and at school exams have already begun in secondary.
The Church
There has been a change in the cathedral morning services as some of the young musicians from the evening congregation have joined us each week to help to lead the music worship. It has been a refreshing change to see young faces helping us out. Each week is a surprise as different youths join us.
Another “temporary” change was seeing Revd. Ronnie Irene preaching in the English chapel last week. He spoke very well, challenged us and was well received by the congregation. He will be asked to preach there on an occasional basis.
This weekend Babs Owen will be preaching in San Juan church in Roque Alonso. She is very excited. Babs has a gift and she is trained in this area. It is lovely to see her being able to use the skill that the Lord has given her.
The Anglican Church oversees the running of the Esperanza children’s home and the Saturday children’s club. Due to a huge drop in exchange rates and the recession, the home is passing through difficult times. The Paraguayan ladies in the church have now started to try to raise funds by making handicrafts and by recycling second hand clothes to sell. It is not easy but their last sale was extremely encouraging and the Lord seems to be blessing this initiative.
A visit to Maxawaya in the Chaco last weekend by Bishop Peter and a team was fruitful. There are now plans to help the local population to properly repair their church roof.
Last weekend there was another EJE youth weekend held in the school. Many of our students and ex-students and our current volunteer, Lara-Clare Bordeaux attended. They all came away full of the joy of the Lord. What happened during the weekend is a closely-guarded secret so that it is not spoilt for others who attend in the future.
The school
Easter seems such a long time ago because we have been busy at school. There have been more school camps. At one, all the children were left in tears of emotion as the staff delivered the gospel to them and challenged them to walk with the Lord because of what He did for them.
We have had a Book Week in the Primary department. In the library I chose a different book for each class and read to them. In the classrooms they were encouraged to make books. There was a final presentation in assembly on Friday. There was also a visit from a national author.
There was a bush fire out on our Sports Ground at Surubii. Fortunately the wind turned it away before it reached the buildings. In fact it probably helped to rid the place of any snakes and already new grass is springing up.
On Thursday we celebrated Teacher’s Day. We had a staff breakfast, followed by entertainment given by the children, parties, with more food in the classrooms and after the children went off for a half-day holiday the staff were treated to a wonderful lunch. The government had cancelled the day off for teachers but the school decided not to change their plans, so we had a relaxing Friday at home. Oh, for more long weekends, but that is now it until the July break.
My assistant in the library left a couple of weeks ago. This has left me struggling at times to teach and run the library, exchanging books etc. It seems to be “all” or “nothing” in there as students and staff come in and out. There is now an advertisement out for a new librarian to help. I hope that the Lord will send us somebody quickly.
The Country
The news here has been so boring that I have not really been watching it closely. People are still concerned about security. There are all the usual political rumblings but nothing much happening. The English news has been more interesting with the run-up to the elections. The Paraguayan newspapers have been reporting more international news than usual, to fill the news slots.
Prayer Points:-
1. Please pray for Paraguay. There are many more people struggling to exist without jobs. There is no welfare state here to help them. Pray for their everyday needs to be met. Pray also for their own creativeness and resourcefulness to develop.
2. Pray for the school as exams really get underway. Primary exams start next week. Pray for the staff as they have all the marking to do and reports to write, especially for the English staff who have a double load each. Pray for their stamina and for good health.
3. Please pray for a librarian to be found to help me.
Our much-loved school nurse, Mariella, has just left to have a baby. Please pray for her. She has looked after me very well. Also pray for secondary English teacher Nicky Irene who has been off school with a few pregnancy problems. She has been resting. Pray for Ronnie and the family all helping Nicky and each other.
4. Pray for our churches as changes begin to happen. Pray for the Lord to guide each congregation and for him to open their hearts and minds to move forward with the Lord. Please pray for the young people as they help out us “Golden Oldies” on Sunday mornings. Also, pray for Babs Owen as she begins to preach.
Linn Tedman –My work can be supported through The Church Mission Society/LatinAmerica, Watlington Road, Oxford OX4 6BZ
You can find more information about me, on the CMS website at http://www.cms-uk.org/tabid/519/language/en-GB/Default.aspx

Linn's News May 2010

Linn’s News May 2010
Thanks
Thank you for your prayers for us here. We all enjoyed our Easter break but that now seems ages ago as the term is now well under way and at school exams have already begun in secondary.
The Church
There has been a change in the cathedral morning services as some of the young musicians from the evening congregation have joined us each week to help to lead the music worship. It has been a refreshing change to see young faces helping us out. Each week is a surprise as different youths join us.
Another “temporary” change was seeing Revd. Ronnie Irene preaching in the English chapel last week. He spoke very well, challenged us and was well received by the congregation. He will be asked to preach there on an occasional basis.
This weekend Babs Owen will be preaching in San Juan church in Remansito. She is very excited. Babs has a gift and she is trained in this area. It is lovely to see her being able to use the skill that the Lord has given her.
The Anglican Church oversees the running of the Esperanza children’s home and the Saturday children’s club. Due to a huge drop in exchange rates and the recession, the home is passing through difficult times. The Paraguayan ladies in the church have now started to try to raise funds by making handicrafts and by recycling second hand clothes to sell. It is not easy but their last sale was extremely encouraging and the Lord seems to be blessing this initiative.
A visit to Maxawaya in the Chaco last weekend by Bishop Peter and a team was fruitful. There are now plans to help the local population to properly repair their church roof.
Last weekend there was another EJE youth weekend held in the school. Many of our students and ex-students and our current volunteer, Lara-Clare Bordeaux attended. They all came away full of the joy of the Lord. What happened during the weekend is a closely-guarded secret so that it is not spoilt for others who attend in the future.
The school
Easter seems such a long time ago because we have been busy at school. There have been more school camps. At one, all the children were left in tears of emotion as the staff delivered the gospel to them and challenged them to walk with the Lord because of what He did for them.
We have had a Book Week in the Primary department. In the library I chose a different book for each class and read to them. In the classrooms they were encouraged to make books. There was a final presentation in assembly on Friday. There was also a visit from a national author.
There was a bush fire out on our Sports Ground at Surubii. Fortunately the wind turned it away before it reached the buildings. In fact it probably helped to rid the place of any snakes and already new grass is springing up.
On Thursday we celebrated Teacher’s Day. We had a staff breakfast, followed by entertainment given by the children, parties, with more food in the classrooms and after the children went off for a half-day holiday the staff were treated to a wonderful lunch. The government had cancelled the day off for teachers but the school decided not to change their plans, so we had a relaxing Friday at home. Oh, for more long weekends, but that is now it until the July break.
My assistant in the library left a couple of weeks ago. This has left me struggling at times to teach and run the library, exchanging books etc. It seems to be “all” or “nothing” in there as students and staff come in and out. There is now an advertisement out for a new librarian to help. I hope that the Lord will send us somebody quickly.
The Country
The news here has been so boring that I have not really been watching it closely. People are still concerned about security. There are all the usual political rumblings but nothing much happening. The English news has been more interesting with the run-up to the elections. The Paraguayan newspapers have been reporting more international news than usual, to fill the news slots.
Prayer Points:-
1. Please pray for Paraguay. There are many more people struggling to exist without jobs. There is no welfare state here to help them. Pray for their everyday needs to be met. Pray also for their own creativeness and resourcefulness to develop.
2. Pray for the school as exams really get underway. Primary exams start next week. Pray for the staff as they have all the marking to do and reports to write, especially for the English staff who have a double load each. Pray for their stamina and for good health.
3. Please pray for a librarian to be found to help me.
Our much-loved school nurse, Mariella, has just left to have a baby. Please pray for her. She has looked after me very well. Also pray for secondary English teacher Nicky Irene who has been off school with a few pregnancy problems. She has been resting. Pray for Ronnie and the family all helping Nicky and each other.
4. Pray for our churches as changes begin to happen. Pray for the Lord to guide each congregation and for him to open their hearts and minds to move forward with the Lord. Please pray for the young people as they help out us “Golden Oldies” on Sunday mornings. Also, pray for Babs Owen as she begins to preach.
Linn Tedman –My work can be supported through The Church Mission Society/LatinAmerica, Watlington Road, Oxford OX4 6BZ
You can find more information about me, on the CMS website at http://www.cms-uk.org/tabid/519/language/en-GB/Default.aspx

Linn's News April 2010

Linn’s News April 2010
Thanks for all your prayers. The secondary department camps which have been held this month were a great success and everybody had a safe and wonderful time.
The Church
Life with the morning Cathedral congregation is moving forward. Pastor Agustine and Pastor Ronnie are now working as a leadership team together. This appears to be working well as they each have different strengths. We have had some very challenging sermons recently.
All the churches are busy preparing for the Easter services.
The Country
Nothing much changes here politically. I think that the newspapers are bored with the political scene because not much is being reported. There is more focus on football at the moment, with the World Cup coming up. (I bought a special World Cup t-shirt when I was in South Africa and I can’t wait to wear it.)
On the economic front we are all noticing and feeling the sting of rising prices as the recession bites. I shop in the local market and even there the fruit and vegetable prices are increasing quickly.
The temperatures have dropped a little. Most days are still hot but we have had a fair amount of rain to cool things down enough for the flowers to start blooming again. I was out only this morning and saw a stunning garden full of bougainvillae of various colours, and a Morning Glory, all in full bloom. My garden is only just coming into bloom again. The strange thing is that we are going into Autumn, not Spring.
The schools.
Earlier this month there were elections in Primary. It was time to choose the Team Captains and Vice-captains. The candidates each presented their campaigns in a series of speeches. Later all the children voted in a secret ballot. Last week the Captains were officially appointed and they received their special badges.
In the main college we spent a week working on a whole school project on “Responsibility for the environment”. The Primary children gave their grade presentations on Friday. There was a wide range of work in both Spanish and English ranging from recycling, to looking after animals, to the greenhouse effect and global warming. It gave them an opportunity to learn from each other. Each month there is a now week long, special project built into the curriculum.
The Annexe school had their Easter play and service this week. They started in the shade and ended up in blazing sunshine as it was held outside on their patio area.
On Thursday afternoon there was great excitement in the Primary department as the children participated in the annual egg hunt followed by The Easter hat parade. As usual there was an amazing array of creations. They all received an Easter egg for their efforts.
The serious message of Easter came on Friday morning. The entire school attended our Easter service in the cathedral. It was a wonderful time of praise, worship, teaching and reflection. Babs Owen took a spot, involving the Primary children and Bishop Peter preached the Easter message. The main focus of the service was on the resurrection and the fact that Jesus is alive.
In the afternoon the children began their Easter holiday while the staff all attended an in-service training session.
Prayer Points:-
1. Give thanks for the wonder of the resurrection as you celebrate this Easter and please pray that the message of Jesus being alive will become real for the children in St. Andrew’s school as they develop their personal relationship with him.
2. Please continue to pray for the people of Paraguay. The news is constantly full of crime reports as people try to supplement their income or escape from reality through the drug route. Pray for those in authority to stand firm and for the government to have wisdom as they tackle crime and the recession.
3. Please pray for the staff of St. Andrew’s as we take our Easter break before the long run through to July. Pray for each of us to be refreshed and ready to work together in every area as teachers, administrators and maintenance and kitchen teams next term. Pray particularly for Gwen Carlisle and Mags Southern at the helm. Pray for real rest and refreshment from their heavy load and for wisdom for next term as they lead us.
Linn Tedman, working for the Church Mission Society/LatinAmerica, Watlington Road, Oxford OX4 6BZ
You can find more information about me, on the CMS website at http://www.cms-uk.org/tabid/519/language/en-GB/Default.aspx

Linn's News March 2010

Linn’s News March 2010
Thanks
Thank you everybody who has been praying for me over the past three months. The Lord has been amazing in his answers.
I am now fully recovered from the chest infection that I had over Christmas and the New Year. I managed to visit most of my supporting link churches, even if I was not able to give a Sunday presentation. A big “sorry” to those I could not reach because of the snow. I believe that the Lord was ensuring that I took some rest. I was exhausted at the end of last year. Teachers among you will know how busy a year can be. Our time in UK is so short and it did not help when I fell sick.
Church
It was good to get back into the church here. It was great to see Pastor Ronnie Irene in our congregation and his preaching has been good.
Bishop Peter and his wife, Sally have arrived back safely from their holiday in the UK.
The Country
Very little has changed politically since I arrived back. President Lugo continues to receive bad press. He was at the Mexican Summit last week and is supporting Argentina in their Malvinas dispute with the British. There is still some fear from many people in the aftermath of the kidnapping of Fidel Zavala. It was wonderful that he was released. There have been reports of other attempted kidnappings, but so far people have been OK. The army continues to search out insurgents.
The worst part of the last month was the heat. It had been extremely hot (40+C) for so long that nothing seemed to cool down, even at night. The electricity Company could not provide enough electricity to keep all the air-conditioners in the country going so we suffered power cuts. Also, artesian water could not be pumped so some went without water. Life has improved this week (so far!). Thankfully we had some rain at the end of last week, which cooled things a little.
Today is a public holiday!
The Schools
The staff returned to school ten days before the students, in order to prepare for the year ahead. We began with a lovely service in the school hall. Revd Ronnie Irene preached from John 15. He was like a breath of fresh air.
The students arrived back safely from their holidays. Some were very tanned after visits to the beach in Brazil and Uruguay.
The sixth form arrived by “train” this year, with lots of shouting and noise but no fireworks, for a change.
The whole school attended a service in the Cathedral to begin the year. It was a great time of praise and worship, with good teaching from Pastor Ronnie, Babs Owen and Mags Southern.
The children are taking time to settle down but that is par for the course.
I have been busy checking reading ages. It has been quite surprising. Considering that English is their second language, they are pretty much ‘up to scratch’. It has been encouraging for us and they have been challenged to improve by the end of the year.
This week the fifth and sixth grades attended their annual Christian camp out in the countryside. The rain which arrived on Wednesday did not put them off and they had a great time of fun and Bible input.
There are more Christian camps coming up in the secondary department.
We have some new staff in the English department in secondary. The Lord never lets us down! They all seem to be settling in well. We also have Lara-Clare, a young volunteer from the UK for six months.
SAMS/CMS merger
I am now no longer a SAMS missionary. As of 1st February SAMS became the Latin America branch of CMS under a new joint entity. I have therefore become a CMS mission partner. You can find all my details on the CMS website at:- http://www.cms-uk.org/latinamerica. You just click on South America on the map and then click on my name. There is lots of information on the site and the Share magazine will still be available.
Many have asked about donations. Giving will now go through CMS. We have been assured that it will still reach us in South America.
Prayer Points:-
Please continue to pray for peace and stability in Paraguay. Pray for the armed forces as they search out members of the Paraguayan people’s Army. Pray for President Lugo and his government to have wisdom.
Pray for all the Anglican churches here as the new year gets underway everywhere. Pray especially for the Lent groups. Pray for Pastor Ronnie and his family as they settle in and for Nicky his wife, teaching in our secondary department.
Pray for all the children and staff in both St. Andrew’s schools. Please pray for good health and for safety as the annual camps take place.
Linn Tedman, working for the Church Mission Society/LatinAmerica, Watlington Road, Oxford OX4 6BZ

From SAMS to CMS

The South American Mission Society and The Church Mission Society merged under CMS. My work can now be supported online at www.cms-uk.org/latinamerica. If you wish to support me in this way click on the map of South America on the site and go to my profile for a link.

Answer to prayers

We give thanks for answered prayer. Fidel Zavala was released after 94 days in captivity. He had been tied to a tree in a forest on his own land but he was not found by the police.
Please pray that his kidnappers will be caught and brought to justice.

Linn's News November 2009

Linn’s News November 2009

Thank you all for your prayers this month. As yet there is no news as to the whereabouts of Fidel Zivala, (the kidnapped rancher) so please keep praying.
The children finished their term last Thursday. We had some very emotional services in each department. Now the staff are working in the heat until next week (11th December). It has been extremely hot!!

The Country
After a month of the government and the police leaving the Zivala family to try to sort out a ransom, the people in the Concepción and San Pedro areas were worried about the lack of security. Therefore the government sent in a special army team and lots of police to try to secure the area. This has prevented further kidnappings so far, but it is a vast area to police. The police presence has made the position of the Zavala family very difficult.
White ribbons are on display everywhere now as people try to support each other and demand peace for the country. There have been demonstrations of solidarity in Concepción.
President Lugo continues to be criticized at all levels. He has a difficult task to convince the people that he is a competent President.

The Church
Next weekend the young people from Zeballos Cue and from Roque Alonso churches are going on a retreat to Emboscada for the weekend. This is a new initiative with these groups. They have been involved in away days there with other groups but not in a whole weekend just for them.

In the Cathedral we have been thinking about how to reach out to the groups of teenagers who are involved in the current trend of going around in groups such as Goths, Floggers and whatever else they call themselves and how to bring them into the family of the church.

The Schools
The school term has now closed for the children. Each department in each school has had end-of-term services and there have been graduation ceremonies. It has been a busy time but there have been many blessings on each occasion.
The most moving service for me was the ninth grade graduation. I have been teaching them and they are a lovely class. They have been supporting some HIV positive children this year in a children’s home. Everybody was very emotional when the children put in a surprise appearance at the graduation service to sing for the ninth graders. There was a feeling of the real intensity of God´s love.
One pupil, Paul, gave a moving testimony, which really sums up what Colegio San Andres is all about. He has been with us for just five months, having been sent here by his parents, who are living in Germany. He is a quiet, sensitive lad. He told us that in Germany he had received a basic religious education and had heard about God. The difference here is that he has come to know and love Jesus through Bible studies in class. Now he does not want to return to Germany.
Prayer Points:-
1. Please continue to pray for peace and security in Paraguay. Pray for the President and the government.
2. Please continue to pray for the Zivala family. Nothing is impossible with God. Pray that the police will be able to track down and rescue Fidel.
The leader of the Paraguayan people´s army was seen on television this weekend. He seems to be a hard man leading a fight for his cause. There are other ways to do things.
3. Please pray for the young people going on retreat. Pray that this will be a time of unity with each other through Jesus. Pray for the weather to be cooler and pray that they have fun.
3. Pray for all the staff and children of St. Andrew’s as we finish the term and go on holiday. Pray that people will have good times of rest and pray that the Lord will protect everybody as they travel so that we can all return safely and refreshed for 2010.
4. Please pray for me, personally as I travel back to UK on deputation, visiting churches and prayer groups. Please pray that the Lord will keep me safe and that he will give me the right words to say to my supporting churches so that you are all well-informed as how best to pray and to help us here in Paraguay.

This will be my last newsletter this year. It will probably be the beginning of March when my next one appears. In between times I wish you all a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous and healthy New Year.
I look forward to seeing many of you on my travels.

With blessings,
Linn

Linn Tedman, Colegio San Andres, Casilla 1124, Asuncion, Paraguay, South America. Information on http://www.samsgb.org/people/documents/tedman.pdf If you’d like 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 Tel: 01892 538647. www.samsgb.org