German-speaking Mennonite immigrants began settling in Paraguay in the late 1920s, with additional waves of immigration in the 1930s and 1940s.
The German General Conference, now known as Vereinigung der Mennoniten-Gemeinden von Paraguay, was established in 1967. Concordia, home congregation of International Service Associates C. Paul and Hildi Amstutz, is a part of this conference.
Mission Network dates the beginning of its involvement to 1954 with support for the ministries of the German conference. The Spanish conference, Convención Evangélica Menonita Paraguaya (CONEMPAR), was formed in 1990.
Support for CONEMPAR from Mennonite Mission Network helps with leadership development, evangelism, youth and women’s ministries, pastoral accompaniment, and mentoring. Some of the leadership development is done through the Centro Evangélico Mennonita de Teología Asunción (CEMTA). CEMTA’s theology and music departments are part of the Universidad Evangélica del Paraguay and offer a university degree accredited by the government of Paraguay.
Mennonites of German, Indigenous and Spanish descent worked together in Paraguay to host the 2009 Mennonite World Conference assembly.
Mennonites in Paraguay also collaborate in Servicio Voluntario Menonita (SERVOME), which includes support for families in programs like Emanuel Daycare, PROED School and El Abrigo Home where young adults have served through Mission Network programs.
