Members of the São Paulo Adventist University Center (UNASP) Church in Engenheiro Coelho, in São Paulo, Brazil, participated in the Paraguay Mission between July 26 and August 3, 2025.

More than 80 volunteers—including 30 children—joined this family-focused trip, dedicating time and resources to assist hundreds of people in need.

The group traveled by bus for nearly 15 hours, covering more than 1,000 kilometers (over 600 miles) to reach the city of Yguazú, located 48 kilometers (nearly 30 miles) from Ciudad del Este.

The mission’s primary destinations were the Yguazú Indigenous community and the Paraguay Adventist University (CADEP), both of which benefited significantly from the initiative.

Health Services for 150 People

The mission was organized by the UNASP Church under the leadership of pastors Henrique Gonçalves and Vinícius Garcia Medski, with the support of their families.

Dr. Fabiano Luz, a cardiologist and president of the Adventist Medical Association (AMA), was joined by two other physicians. Together, they provided medical care for 60 CADEP employees and their families, as well as 90 Indigenous residents of Yguazú.

In total, 150 people received health services, including medical consultations, blood pressure checks, blood glucose tests, and distribution of medication. Several patients were diagnosed with chronic conditions and began ongoing treatment.

Youth Participation

Adults and children of all ages took part in the mission, making it a truly intergenerational experience. For some of the younger participants, the trip was life-changing.

Ester Ramos, who celebrated her eighth birthday during the mission, shared, “I’m very happy to be on the mission and to be able to help the people here.”

Another child, 10-year-old Ian Luca Luz, son of Fabiano, also reflected on the impact of the trip.

“I was very impacted and very happy to be in Paraguay to help and to know that one day they will have a much better life,” he said.

Raising Funds for the Community

The project also received substantial financial support and generosity.

Pharmacist and biochemist Renata Martins Campos Granado, who coordinated part of the fundraising campaign, explained that volunteers raised more than R$45,000 (approximately US$8,300) in donations.

The funds were directed toward projects such as completing the CADEP corral, renovating homes and a classroom at the Indigenous school, and purchasing mattresses for CADEP dormitories, as well as footwear for the Indigenous community.

In addition to financial contributions, the mission group brought numerous medicines and essential items.

Donations included 30 mattresses for CADEP dormitories, 80 pairs of new shoes for Indigenous children, 180 hygiene kits with soap, toothbrushes, and toothpaste, and 85 Guarani-language Bibles for Indigenous families. Another 100 Spanish-language Bibles were distributed to CADEP students.

Beyond these, hundreds of blankets, clothing, shoes, and toys were donated, ensuring that both students and community members benefited from the church’s collective generosity.

Education and Evangelism

The project also prioritized health education. Children and adults at the Indigenous school received training on disease and parasite prevention, proper hand washing, and the correct use of footwear. Oral health activities reinforced the importance of regular brushing.

Evangelism played a central role as well. The team led a Week of Prayer event for CADEP students, while a Vacation Christian School (VCS) program served children and teens from ages one to 15 in the village. Each participant received a Bible in Spanish or Guarani.

The results were immediate: 15-year-old Marcelo González Benítez decided to be baptized during the VCS. He also received a 50% scholarship to study at CADEP, with the remaining tuition covered by families involved in the mission.

Renata recalled: “It was very significant to learn that an Indigenous youth decided to be baptized in the Seventh-day Adventist Church.”

She also highlighted the beauty of the worship services led by the Indigenous children.

Reflecting on the initiative, Luz emphasized:
“The Paraguay Mission mobilized not only those who traveled, but also those who interceded and contributed financially to make it happen. This action represents the highest point in a continuous cycle of volunteerism and missionary programs. We understand the mission as a permanent commitment, not an isolated act. As messengers of the Kingdom, we place our gifts at the service of others.”

The original article was published on the South American Division Spanish news site. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.