«Because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel» (Colossians 1:5).
PARAGUAY, A COUNTRY of friendly people, is located in the heart of South America. However, it is also the only bilingual country in the region, as Spanish and Guarani are spoken there in practically all of its territory.
Mr. Carlos Antonio López Ynsfrán was the first constitutional president of the nation, but also a figure of great academic and cultural ability. He was elected in 1844 and re-elected three times, remaining in power until 1862. He ruled his country for 18 years and died on September 10, 1862.
He was a great entrepreneur with conquests in the judicial, administrative, and educational areas. He created more than 300 schools and declared free and compulsory education. He dreamed of the development of his people. One of his most famous phrases was «Schools are the best monuments we can offer to freedom.» Today, the postgraduate scholarships granted by the government for studies abroad bear the name of Carlos Antonio López, as a tribute to his visionary leadership.
In addition, he worked to give equal opportunities to all citizens and ethnicities. He invested in ethical and moral values, encouraging the formation of families based on marriage and gave them ownership and a source of work, as much with livestock as with agriculture.
When the festivities of Paraguay, in the heart of South America, are commemorated, we will celebrate together, but also take the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the higher homeland, which is in Heaven, where the conquests of great leaders will be small before the King of kings and Lord of lords. A land renewed and purified of all sin will be the heart of the whole universe. Celebrate the conquests of the earth, but place your eyes on heaven, a place of living hope and incorruptible inheritance.
That is why Ellen G. White exhorted us:
«We must bring heaven into our hearts, into the daily life»
(This Day with God, p. 320).
«The Lord is coming. We hear the footsteps of an approaching God»
(Evangelism, p. 219).
«Oh, how glorious it will be to see Him and be welcomed as His redeemed ones! Long have we waited, but our hope is not to grow dim. If we can but see the King in His beauty we shall be forever blessed»
(Testimony Treasures, vol. 3, p. 257).
«I feel as if I must cry aloud, Homeward bound!»
(Review and Herald, November 13, 1913, par. 19).
