November 11, 2008
By Brenda Boston, Alliance missionary to Paraguay
Compassion happens in out-of-the-way places by people virtually unknown to the rest of the world. People whose lives emulate the love of Jesus. People like Ignacio and his wife. They run a small cafeteria in the market section of San Lorenzo, where occasionally children will beg for food. To teach them the value of earning a living, rather than giving them food, Ignacio has the children sweep or clear the tables, and then he serves them a nice meal.
Limpia was an adolescent when she began going by the cafeteria regularly. Ignacio found out she was not going to school and offered to have her live with his family. She would help out part time in the cafeteria and attend school regularly.
Limpia finished her minimum educational requirement and now attends beauty school. She also started going to church. After completing a new believer’s class, Limpia was baptized. She is now 16 and teaches Sunday school to the preschoolers.
Limpia’s entire destiny was changed by Ignacio’s kindness. And now, Limpia’s little sister Belen and her cousin Andrea are benefitting from Ignacio’s compassionate care. He has taken in five children during the past five years that we have known him.
Ignacio and his daughter Nancy are enrolled in seminary with funds that benefit Alliance Great Commission Ministries. Offerings designated for Paraguay help provide dental care and school supplies for the girls Ignacio and his family help—girls like Limpia, Belen, Andrea, Vanesa, and others.
Compassion starts with lives transformed by the power of the gospel of Christ. When Ignacio was baptized, he was overcome with gratitude for all that Jesus has done for him. Christ’s love compels Ignacio to love others. He can’t help everyone, but he is making a profound impact on society—one life at a time.