Penitenciaría Nacional de Tacumbú is the largest prison in Asuncion. CODEHUPY, the Paraguay Human Rights Coordinating Board, reports that it was built to hold approximately 800 inmates but houses nearly 3 thousand men for most of the year.We saw hundreds of men sleeping with no pillow or clothes in the corridors.

Eyes peer though the cracked window outside the Liberation Block. The window is open because the warden shut the electricity off to our block. It was 104 degrees outside, unbelievable inside with no fan, no lights ... but the hunger for the gospel was clear. Through the oppressive heat, inside lives men longing for freedom prayed-outside, they prayed through the chain link cracked window.

For many prison is just a holding pen and few detainees ever receive a trial. Louie's drug habit got him deeply into debt. A companion told him if he muled some cocaine from South Africa he could "get even." He was busted with 4 kilos of cocaine crossing the Paraguay Border . . . the Police confiscated the drugs and told him, "Give us $10,000 or you will rot in prison." They had his drugs, he had no money. Now he is in Penitenciaría Nacional de Tacumbú. He has been 5 years waiting to be charged. I met many like Louie, but he is not bitter. "I am glad I got arrested in Paraguay. I met Jesus here at Teen Challenge in prison and now I am more free than I ever was.

Dr Hart (left) was used powerfully to bring Teen Challenge to this prison. They still need to grow. There were 2 knifings and a guard shot prisoner outside the gate of Liberdad (Liberty) Block just while we were there. We prayed with prisoners for salvation every day, ministered to guards, we presided over training for peer facilitators and I was truly amazed at the continuing work of the Kingdom of God that continues out of the planting of Teen Challenge there. Ricardo Zelaya, executive Director of El Salvador TC, was a powerful part of the team

Outside," in the chaka" corruption among prison guards and judicial officials remain a problem.
Inside, chaplains model servant leadership and compassion and they see that escape is not the answer, but dealing with the root of their sin, their need for Jesus and taking responsibility for their action. Dr Hart ministered a powerful word where he challenged them to consider going back into population. the charka' as Missionaries. While you are growing comfortable here in liberdad in the blessing of God (see last email)," he shared, "men out there are dying." PRAY FOR TACUMBU

PARTNER

PRAYER

FOCUS FOR

2010

1) Pray for Haiti, for strength for the rescue workers, and wisdom for the pastors.

2 Pray for Afghanistan, for guidance and protection for our troops, and peace in the land.

3) Please pray for the Lausanne Council on World Evangelism USA plenary sessions in Dallas Texas. United States Plenary Sessions for the THIRD LAUSANNE CONFERENCE ON WORLD EVANGELISM at Highland Park Presbyterian Church, Dallas.

4) Update from Steve Hill:
Bern,
Just wanted you to know that Jeri and I have been thanking God for you today. Truly we are so blessed to be a part of such an amazing church body. I've said it before, but THANK YOU for all of your many prayers and words of encouragement.  You don't know how much it means to have your support as I face these physical challenges.  God is good, and I'm grateful for all who are standing with us as we press on toward victory!

5) Please continue to pray for the Muslim we shared about last week who has become a believer. He was a heroin addict for 17 years, and he was brought to Teen Challenge by his father for help, he has been touched in an incredible and unusual way. He us currently in a safe house and has not used heroin for over a week, he is gaining strength and health and praising God for his deliverance although we are still at early stages yet. We ask if you would pray for him and that you  ask as many people whom you know who pray  to also pray for him.

At this moment, I ask that you pass this information only onto people who are prepared to pray for Syed as there could be repercussions from the Muslim community. Do not share this on any web pages for security- this is a message to our closed family of intercessors He is a descendant of Mohammed and his father is imam of 12 mosques.

6) Pray for workers for the Harvest ...Teen Challenge Centers in 86 countries need staff and we currently have invitations to start Teen Challenge in 43 nations. They are crying out for help. They need the power of God to meet a pressing social need... but we know it has a SPIRITUAL ROOT.
We offer SPIRITUAL RESOURCES to meet the need.
MATTHEW 9: 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. 38 Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”

2009 is gone

2010 is here

TODAY

STATESIDE SCHEDULE
Current services. How about YOU?

Jan 6-9, 2010
Brooklyn Teen Challenge
Long Island Teen Challenge
New York City

FEB 11-15
Calvary Church
Naperville, IL

As we prepare for an exciting year of ministry in 2010, we would love to come to minister to your church. Please give Cathy a call at 757 728-0347 to arrange an exciting time of worship ministry, music and the word. Be a part, hear the miracles and send us as your missionaries to the world