PARAGUAY - July 2009

Engaging Mennonites from Around the World

Mennonite World Conference Assembly 15 will be held July 14-19, 2009, in Asuncion, Paraguay. This grand get-together of Mennonites and Brethren in Christ churches from around the world features daily worship, songs from around the world, prayer, Bible study, eating together, playing and relationship building as well as displays in the Global Church Village, tours and special activities for children and youth.

EMU students will actively participate, with up to 850 others, in the Global Youth Summit (GYS 2009) from July 10-12. GYS 2009 is uniquely designed for young adults from around the world. Worship and sessions will focus on the theme, "Service: Live the Difference." Biblical analysis, cross-cultural interaction and the sharing of experiences in ministry will deepen understandings of Christian service to include addressing social issues.

Students will engage the diversity of the Mennonite church by relating to German-speaking Mennonites, who first migrated to Paraguay during the 20th century, Spanish-speaking Mennonites, who arose out of the mission efforts of immigrant Germanic groups, and indigenous Enhlet and Nivacle Mennonites, that emerged from interaction with Germanic Mennonite settlements.

After a visit to nearby Iquazu Falls, home stays with Spanish-speaking Mennonite families in Bolivia will complete this cross-cultural learning experience.

Recommended Immunizations

Routine (MMR, DTP, IPV or OPV), Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Anti-malarial as indicated below.

Students can get all immunizations except the yellow fever at EMU's health center.  The yellow fever can be obtained at the local health department.

Malaria risk in Paraguay: departments of Alto Paraná, Caaguazú, and Canendiyú.

Malaria risk area in Bolivia: risk in areas below 2,500 m (<8,202 ft) in the departments of Beni, Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, Pando, Santa Cruz, and Tarija. No risk in city of La Paz.