NTM - New Tribes Mission | Planting Tribal Churches

Rebekah and I at a local market

It has been over a week since I left my home in the US to come to Paraguay to be a missionary.  My days have been filled with constant adjustments to new sights, sounds, smells, and tastes, all of which are foreign to me.  Back in my home in the States, I knew how to properly react to everyday circumstance that occurred throughout my day.  Now that I am living in Paraguay I have to learn how to greet, eat, and speak all over again.  This can and is all overwhelming at times.

I have been grocery shopping a few times since coming to Paraguay.  This somewhat normal and easy task in the US has been one of the things I have to learn all over again.  The first difficulty is that I cannot read the majority of the food labels.  So what I think is one item might be something entirely different.  Another challenge is that the items are packaged differently and in different weights.  Paraguay packages items using the metric system (liters, kilos, etc…).  For example, milk comes in liters and is packaged not in a gallon jug like in the US but in a bag…that’s right BAGS.  This is just one of the many differences in Paraguay.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude when I think of all that my church family means to me.  Our family started attending Northside Baptist when I was 14 years.  It was under Pastor Bruce Aubrey that I grew in my love for the Word of God.  Under Pastor Dan’s ministry and teaching I began to see how God is looking for willing hearts to use for His glory.  At the young age of 14  I committed my life to serve the Lord in full time ministry and service.  Over the last 9 years God has been faithful to place people in my life to spur me on.  Northside has truly been a support and encouragement.  For the financial support, I am tremendously thankful.  For the continual encouragement and teaching, there are no words to express my gratefulness.  While Rebekah was here visiting I was so proud to introduce her to my church family.  She told me later, “You have a very warm and welcoming church.”  I was again reminded of how blessed I am.  Thanking God for my church family!

Rebekah grew up as an MK (Missionary Kid) in South America.  After completing high school, she returned to the USA and attended Cedarville University where she received a degree in World Missions.  It was during an internship that next summer to Papua New Guinea that Rebekah made the decision to serve the Lord overseas with New Tribes Mission.

Rebekah and I met while attending New Tribes Bible Institute and continued to become closer friends through the years of training.  I consider it a privilege to have Rebekah as my co-worker and sister in Christ.  You don’t have to be around Rebekah long to see her heart for people and her sweet spirit.  God has equipped her in so many ways to be effective on the field.  I am very excited to work alongside someone who has the same heart for people and desire to grow in the Lord.  

You can visit her website at www.ntm.org/rebekah_huffman

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
       I will counsel you and watch over you.”

Psalm 32:8

        When I received news that I would no longer be going to Mexico to learn Spanish I was surprised and excited.  This news was only the beginning.  Paraguay has restarted their Spanish learning program.  I will be learning Spanish in the country I will be living.  Have you ever heard someone speak English with slightly a different sound, maybe someone from Texas or New York City?  The differences in the same languages are found across the world.  This is why I am so excited about learning Spanish directly from Paraguayans.  This news also brings another change.  I had originally planned on leaving for the field in January 2010 but due to the changes I will be leaving the first week in June 2010!  Please pray for me as I continue to seek partners and raise support.  Each day is a walk of faith! 

God is doing so much in my life!  Check back soon for updates!