We rejoice with St. Paul’s Church in Concepcion, Paraguay, as they recently celebrated a significant milestone. After nine years of fervent prayer, the church’s longing for a new Pastor was answered. On June 4th, Guillermo Diana was officially installed as their new Pastor.
Guillermo’s journey to ministry has been deeply intertwined with St. Paul’s Church. Although he grew up in the nearby community of San Juan, it was within the walls of St. Paul’s that he found his faith and spiritual home. From an early age, Guillermo has carried a burning passion for sharing the gospel. His heartfelt desire is to witness people coming to know Jesus Christ as their Saviour and to witness the church thriving both in numbers and in the depth of their faith and service.
Guillermo is married to Rosa, and they are blessed with six children and two grandchildren. As they embark on this new chapter of leadership, we ask for your prayers of thanksgiving for Guillermo and Rosa. May the Lord anoint, protect, equip, and encourage them in their ministry. Pray that they will be granted wisdom, assistance, hope, faith, and love as they lead God’s people.
Furthermore, we ask for prayers of intercession for the church as a whole. May the light of Christ shine ever brighter through their collective witness. Pray that the church will continue to grow in strength, unity, and the transformative power of the gospel.
Together, let us lift up our voices in prayer, expressing gratitude for the past and seeking God’s guidance and blessings for the future.
Introducing a Summer Daily Prayer Diary for the Church in South America!
Exciting news! We’re glad to unveil our new “Summer Daily Prayer for Mission” designed to help your prayer and strengthen your continuing commitment to mission in South America. Experience a summer journey of prayer, focusing on mission themes inspired by Paul’s own prayers while in prison.
Embark on this prayerful adventure and discover prayers of perseverance, unity, boldness, open doors, discipleship, empowerment, provision, healing, justice, and more. Each short daily theme is crafted to keep your prayers focused, impactful, and in line with the Anglican Church’s mission in South America.
SAMS Ireland has been able to assist with the placement of volunteers from Ireland to schools in South America.
For many years there has been a particular close working relationship with St. Andrew’s School (Colegio San Andrés) in Asuncion, Paraguay. Many people have volunteered from several months to a year, some have even stayed for up to 2-3 years. This month of March celebrates 60 years since St. Andrew’s school was founded. A short video can be viewed below.
If you would like to enquire about volunteering in a school with a Christian ethos in South America, please contact the office.
‘So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ might be built up.’ Ephesians 4:12
And so CMSI and SAMS Ireland, are joining together during the week of 8th -15th August 2022, to welcome and host 36 world church leaders from Africa, Asia and South America. Kingdom Voices week will provide opportunities for us all to engage with and hear from parts of our global family where church is growing and thriving, witnessing to Christ in areas of conflict and tension, environmental and economic distress, places where good news is badly needed. Our global church partners will share stories of how their local churches are demonstrating God’s love in practical ways and how lives and communities are being transformed through the good news of Jesus. CMSI and SAMS Ireland have worked in partnership with the guest Bishops and their spouses for many years, and parishes around Ireland have prayed for and supported this church growth and outreach in some of the most marginalized parts of the world. Kingdom Voices week is your opportunity to get to know these inspirational leaders, to learn from them and to hear their voices.
During Kingdom Voices week, the global guests will contribute to three special events that CMSI and SAMS Ireland are jointly hosting.
Listening Together – an event for church leaders
On Wednesday 10th August, there will be a day conference in Belfast for Church of Ireland leaders, entitled ‘Kingdom Voices: making our mark’
The programme will be structured around the Five Marks Of Mission to:
Provide an opportunity for engaging together as leaders within the worldwide Church.
Hear from – and learn from – the practical experiences of our Global Partners.
Explore God’s Word together as we consider our shared calling to mission and to seeing God’s Kingdom Come in our own communities.
The event will take place between 10am and 4pm in St Donard’s, Belfast. Registration is essential via the CMSI website.
Worshipping Together – an event for everyone (No registration required)
On Friday 12th August, St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast will be the host venue for a multicultural evening celebration. This will be an open event for all who wish to join with the global visitors for a time of worship, stories and prayer. It will be a chance for all to celebrate the richness of the worldwide family of faith.
We would encourage everyone to come along to Worshipping Together on Friday 12th Aug at 7.30pm at St Anne’s Cathedral Belfast for what promises to be an inspirational and memorable evening. View information on how to access St Anne’s Cathedral.
Family Fun Day – an informal afternoon for all
Saturday 13th August, 2.00-4.30pm in Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, Belfast. In conjunction with All Nations Ministries, you are welcome to this all age multi cultural gathering with a BBQ, food from around the world and entertainment celebrating our cultures. This is a unique opportunity to meet informally with our global guests and those involved in cross cultural ministry here in Ireland.
The Bishops and their spouses will also be hosted in parishes to gain an insight into the mission and ministry of the Church of Ireland. Many of the guests are also Mothers’ Union leaders in their dioceses, so will be particularly interested in connecting with Mothers’ Union leaders and members in Ireland.
To find out more contact SAMS Ireland on +44(0)28 38310144 or at office@samsireland.com.
