Pentecost Greetings!

As we prepare to celebrate the birthday of the church and the gift of languages, we want to take a moment to share with you some of the words and phrases we’ve been learning here in Argentina and Paraguay, with the Disciples of Christ congregations.

As we prepare to celebrate the birthday of the church and the gift of languages, we want to take a moment to share with you some of the words and phrases we’ve been learning here in Argentina and Paraguay, with the Disciples of Christ congregations. Most important is God Bless You: if you’re addressing more than one person, it’s “Que Dios les bendiga” and if it’s “you” singular, then, “Que Dios te bendiga.” We say this to each other at the end of every worship service and also sometimes at the beginning, as the men greet each other with warm handshakes and women with two kisses on the cheek (“besos”). Another important expression is in Guarani, Paraguay’s second official language. Before meals, we sing, “aguyje ore Ru”, which means, “thank you, O Lord”; and then also a round in Spanish, “Gracias, Señor”.

We share these words with you in the spirit of Pentecost, and hope that you will be able to incorporate them into your daily life or worship together. We are so grateful for all that we are learning here and look forward to sharing more in the coming months!

Prayer: Gracious God, we give thanks for the diversity of cultures and languages through which we may praise you and give glory to your Holy name. You provide us with food, with the communion of your church, and with life itself. We ask your especial presence with the churches of Argentina and Paraguay, that they may continue to thrive in their witness to your love. Aguyje ore Ru! Gracias, Señor! Amen!

Peace and blessings,

Marian and James
Resistencia, Chaco
ARGENTINA 

James and Marian are long-term missionaries with the Disciples of Christ in Argentina and Paraguay. James and Marian serve as consultants for Mission Development.