Paraguay

Paraguay is situated in a strategic geographical position to further the preaching of the gospel of the grace of God in South America. It is a landlocked country in the center of South America — about the size of California — and shares a border with Bolivia to the northwest, Argentina to the south and southwest, and Brazil to the east and northeast. The total population is about 7.5 million from both indigenous and Spanish backgrounds. In the census of 2002, 89.6% of all Paraguayans 10 years of age and older identified themselves as Catholics. The number of Paraguayans not identifying themselves with an established religion is quite low by worldwide standards with only 1.14% of respondents indicating that they have no religious identity. There are a number of indigenous religions and also Buddhist, Jewish, and Muslim communities in the country. Evangelical Christianity accounts for less than 10% of the population.

In 2013 Grace Ministries International initiated two survey trips to Paraguay where valuable information was gained concerning the country´s social, economic, and spiritual condition. Survey and ministry trips continued in 2014 to help give a better picture of what it will take to effectively do ministry there.

In June 2015 GMI opened Paraguay as a new field engaging in evangelism and Bible study in Ciudad del Este. The following year, Jerry and Sandi Bomers joined team and within six months Iglesia Bíblica Gracia was established in downtown Ciudad del Este.  Now the church meets in a GMI-owned building on the north side of the city.

Cory and Kim Hodgson along with Cleiton and Vivianne Menor are also now living and serving in Paraguay.  The Menors and Bomers have planted a second church (Iglesia Bíblica Bereana) on the south side of the metropolitcan area.  There is also a large Bible study led by Cleiton in the city of Foz de Iguazu across the river in Brazil.  In addition, there are several other Bible studies situated around the country in Paraguay affiliated with GMI.