Nothing is Impossible for God!

Hola a todos, 

As you may have heard on Facebook, or through other means, last Thursday night I was robbed at knifepoint on my way home from school. As we head into winter, the sun has been setting pretty early and by 6:30 it's already pretty dark outside. At about 6;15pm, I was walking home from school, getting ready to relax and enjoy our long weekend. I only walk about three blocks from school to home, so very often this year I've walked home by myself, since I often stay later to grade papers and prepare lessons and no longer have a roommate to walk with me.  

Unfortunately, on that short walk I encountered two young men walking the same direction as I was who ended up assaulting me. One stopped and the other kept walking. I thought it was odd, but didn't think too much of it. As I kept walking, passing the one who stopped, I heard footsteps behind me running at me and then felt the guy grab me from behind and hold a knife to my back while the other turned around and they both started asking for my phone and purse. In order not to be harmed by the knife, I quickly complied, handing over all my belongings. Once they had what they wanted they ran off, and luckily I wasn't physically harmed.

It wasn't until after they ran off that I was deeply scared about what had happened. In the moment I felt calm and knew if I just gave them what I wanted I'd be okay. I thank God for His hand of protection over me that kept me calm and safe.  

Although this was a very traumatic experience that will affect me for a while longer, I refuse to be defeated by this. My God will always have the victory! As I sat home on Sunday night, grading the mountain of exams that were in the bag the robbers didn't steal, I began to see the results of all my hard work teaching English these last few months. Third graders drawing objects in a house according to instructions in English, fourth graders writing what they want to be when they grow up, and fifth graders combining various skills in order to change singular sentences to plural. And most important of all, every student answering the bonus point question, completing our theme verse this year NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD! Luke 1:37

And that's just it, NOTHING is impossible for God! I believe this with my whole heart, that nothing in my life is too much or too big for my God to handle. I've faced many obstacles and challenges this year, but I must always keep my eyes on Him and remember that He is bigger than all of it. And I encourage you to do the same today. 

Whatever you are facing, whether it's daily stresses or recovering from a robbery, just remember that Nothing is Impossible for God, and that He will bring you through. 

Blessings to all of you,

Cassidy

I am still in URGENT need of funds to keep me here the rest of the year, please consider making a donation by visiting www.uwm.org/give

I need your help! - June 8th Update

Hello everyone!

Paraguay is heading into wintertime which means temps are cooling down and we're finishing up the first semester here at New Horizon. All of us teachers are busy preparing final exams and grading papers, and our students are studying hard.

As I mentioned in my last update, I am in urgent need of funds to stay in Paraguay for the rest of the school year. I am currently only funded through JULY. I still have six more months left in the school year, which means I need your help.

Please prayfully consider committing to a monthly donation for the next six months, or making a one-time donation.

Your continued support helps young students in Lambaré and youth in Asunción learn English that will help prepare them for a successful future and create new opportunities for them. You are also helping kids in the San Vicente neighborhood of Asunción learn about Jesus in my Saturday bible class. Not to mention the countless other Paraguayans who I interact with at various events throughout the year.

Please prayfully consider investing in God's work here in Paraguay.
You can do so by visiting www.uwm.org/give

This week's prayer requests and praises:

- Pray for my students who will be taking their English exams tomorrow and for me as I grade all 300+ exams afterward and finish final grades by the end of the month. 

- Pray for the children who come to our bible classes at church on Saturday afternoons. We are praising God that our children's program is growing. Pray for them to learn about God's love and be a light in their homes to help bring their families to church. 

- Pray for Fernando and Diosnel, two 12-year-old boys who have started coming to church every week and are growing in their faith. When asked why he started coming to church, Fernando said "Because I feel loved here."

- PRAISE: Osmar is finally back at home after almost two months in Asunción after his motorcycle accident. The doctors said his head/brain is doing just fine and now he will continue physical therapy in Yrybucua. He is gaining mobility each day in his hand and foot, but still cannot walk yet. 

Thank you for your prayers!

May God bless you,

Cassidy