The Caleb Mission project, a Seventh-day Adventist Church initiative that mobilizes youth during school breaks for community service and mission outreach, expanded across Paraguay during its 2026 edition. According to organizers, more than 500 volunteers served in at least three locations: Minga Guazú, La Paloma, and Curuguaty.

Over several weeks, volunteers organized health fairs, offered free professional services, ran children’s programs, provided educational and family support, completed community improvement projects, and conducted missionary visits. Activities were carried out in coordination with local churches, municipalities, educational institutions, media outlets, and partners, including Maranatha Volunteers International and the Nuevo Tiempo Network, with support from district pastors and international volunteers from Brazil.

Service and mission in Minga Guazú

Organizers reported that Minga Guazú, described by the local team as a community without an Adventist church building, was one of the focus areas for strengthening the church’s presence through practical service and outreach, supported by district pastor Diego Flores.

A health fair was held at Huellas del Saber School, with the support of the Adventure group and volunteers from Brazil. More than 100 families received services at preventative health booths, where volunteers shared education on the “eight natural remedies” and promoted home-based healthy habits. Local media covered the event, organizers said.

In addition, volunteers provided free physiotherapy, psychology, and medical services, along with support coordinated through social workers assisting people experiencing homelessness. Organizers noted that community members expressed appreciation for the assistance.

A summer camp was also held for children, featuring cooking workshops and recreational activities. At the same time, a Parents’ School addressed topics related to Christian education. Organizers said more than 40 parents agreed to participate in Bible study through Radio Nuevo Tiempo parenting courses, covering themes such as financial management, the role of the Bible, healthy relationships, and family life. Follow-up support is expected to continue through the study magazine Esperanza.

Volunteers also leveled land designated for a future church and built a tool shed, preparing the site for construction scheduled to begin in February. Organizers said the Maranatha organization is responsible for the construction of the church.

Community outreach in La Paloma

In La Paloma, the project was coordinated by Pastor Marcos Pratto and included 20 volunteers from Brazil and 22 from Paraguay, including participants from Katueté, Puente Kyha, and Cruce Guaraní.

Organizers reported that activities included a Christian Vacation School attended by 22 children from the community, improvements to the volunteer fire station through painting and renovation work, support for the La Paloma Adventist School, and missionary visits with individuals who expressed interest in returning to the church.

Social services and mission planning in Curuguaty

In Curuguaty, volunteers served in the community of Mbytay, working with district pastor Darío Santacruz and in cooperation with the local municipality. Organizers said the team began preparing an area where they plan to establish an Adventist church in the coming months. Activities included land preparation, clearing paths with a tractor, planting trees, and general clean-up and landscaping.

The team also offered a range of free community services, including medical and psychological care, school counseling, support for parents, haircuts and hair treatments, deworming services for small animals, and basic welding and sewing assistance. Organizers reported that more than 110 community members received services.

As part of mission outreach, volunteers visited homes and invited residents to participate in Bible studies. Organizers said 14 people registered for an upcoming Bible course titled La Fe de Jesús (The Faith of Jesus).

Looking ahead

Mariano Sanz, youth ministries leader in Paraguay, said the initiative continues to grow in impact and participation.

“Caleb is a project that young people in Paraguay love and are carrying forward in a truly transformative way,” he said.

He added that the 2026 vision includes strengthening Caleb’s presence in larger cities such as Asunción, Encarnación, Ciudad del Este, Pedro Juan Caballero, Villarrica, and Coronel Oviedo, with the goal of expanding outreach in increasingly challenging environments.

The original article was published on the South American Division Spanish news site.