We are the Parada family, preparing to go to South Africa this August as missionaries with YWAM.  We are busily finishing up the school year, purging ourselves of all the things that we can live without, and getting our house ready to rent.

But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish.” Psalm 9:18

We plan to work with poor and afflicted youth in South Africa.  They are close to God’s heart.  God has not forgotten them, and nor have we.  Their cry has been heard, and there is hope– the hope we have in Christ.

There are many lingering injustices in post-apartheid South Africa, and sometimes it is hard to see where God is.  God is there though, as is the church, the body of Christ.  We as the church need to use our voice and our hands.  “God bless Africa–guard our children, guide our leaders, and grant us peace” is a South African prayer.

In looking ahead to life in South Africa, we are finding many open doors.  YWAM will offer us housing, classes and ministry opportunities.  There are some good school options for the kids.  We have connected with doctors for Phoebe, and are even in email contact with her new Down syndrome doctor in Cape Town.

Please keep us in prayer these last few months as we prepare ourselves for the big move in August.  Please pray that all our finances will come in a timely manner.  God has been so faithful in rising up partners, for which we are grateful and humbled.  This has been an amazing testimony of God’s faithfulness as we depend on Him in every area of our lives. The stories we have of how God has met us at every single turn is truly a testimony and reminder of how He will provide for us when we submit ourselves to Him.

Phoebe

Thank you to all of you who expressed love and concern for Phoebe after her recent diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes. The original proposed schedule of seven to ten shots a day has actually been reduced to two shots a day.  Phoebe is very patient with the blood draws from the tips of her fingers and the shots.  Her blood sugar levels are now stabilized, which means she does not have huge sugar swings affecting her energy levels. She has also put on a few pounds!

Video

This video (https://vimeo.com/91142031) allowed us to share our vision for South Africa in seven minutes. We showed it at Primera Iglesia Bautista de Washington.

Here is the link to a shorter three minute version: https://vimeo.com/m/93854896 which we showed at Park Street Church and First Presbyterian Church.

Fundraising Update

We reached our goal of 60% for ongoing expenses by May 1!  Praise God!  Our next goal is 75% by June 10.  Our one-time budget for moving us to South Africa is 78%.

Thank you to all of you for partnering with us in this area! Your role as senders is so valuable.  You are participating with us in fulfilling the Great Commission.

The Parada Kids

Ana just got her driver’s permit! She is also taking AP Spanish and Psychology exams. (Psych is today!)

Isaac is presently taking his final exams.  He enjoyed playing lacrosse this spring!  He made honor roll last period.

Margaret is swimming at the Y.  She has another month of school, which she is not happy about!

Phoebe lost her first tooth, and turns 7 next week!

Words from Alberto

Spring is here!  Again we can see God’s faithfulness in the return of longer days, beautiful flowers, singing birds, and aromatic cookouts.  It seems like we have all the ingredients to start over again.  Winter is behind us.  Through the renewal of the seasons, God reminds us that it is time to renew our minds. (Rms 12:2)

I know we all have a lot of challenges, but God wants us to equip ourselves with the mind of Christ.  Only then will we be able to speak to our problems with His authority and ride the wave of the Holy Spirit.  We will always have challenges and trials, but these let us know that it is time to get back to our first love.  God is always waiting for us with open arms.  (1 Pet 1:13)

How to Support the Parada Family

Please visit our website at paradas.org/giving for giving instructions through our church.

Isaac set up a GoFundMe account for people who prefer to not contribute through our church.  The link is here.