John and Rachel McDonough News June 2025

News from Paraguay June 2025

Furlough, Fellowship then back home to Family!

Good day to you!
We hope that you are well and blessed.

Since our last newsletter we have had a busy time. John went on a long, but fruitful Home-Assignment, Rachel & the kiddos stayed home and kept everything moving.

Six planes, three nations, a ferry, an isle, three conferences, eight churches, twelve one-to-one meetings with supporters, one rock concert, a day out with the parentals, and one of the best kebabs ever eaten, it was finally good to be home and be all together again.

Elim Missions Conference, Elim Global Conference & Elim Leaders Summit

It was a blessing to be back to attend the three conferences taking place in the UK during May.

There was a lovely group of Elim Missionaries that came together for the bi-annual Missionary conference. We heard from Marty Davison, Elim's International Missions Director and got to know him and his vision for reaching the nations.

The Missions conference seamlessly flowed into the Elim Global Conference, as we were joined by delegates from over 60 nations. Boyd Ratnaraja, National Leader of Elim New Zealand, brought a fantastic word on the second night. We were welcomed and blessed during these two conferences by the Elim Missions team, Kensington Temple's Senior Minister Malcolm Duncan and the Kensington Temple team. Spectacular!

We had an afternoon out at the British Museum, where Malcolm Duncan gave us an incredible targeted tour of some ancient artefacts and their Biblical references. It was amazing to see archaeology and the antiquity confirming the Bible's narrative. Really was spectacular!

Then, it was up to Harrogate for the Elim Leaders Summit. An amazing couple of days together with Elim UK ministers, catching up with lots of folks and more inspiring meetings.

Having gotten through 80% of my time in the UK, it was a real blessing to nip to see my parents. We went out for a lovely day out. Going over to Linton and adventuring over the famous Stepping Stones. There were other obstacles in our path. A herd of cows blocked our way and stared at us as we tip-toed past. I don't trust cows!

Back @ home

Back in Paraguay Rachel and the kiddos were having a ball! Well, not really. They had all been sick. All at different times so thankfully not all together. Even the cat and dog didn't escape the nasty vomit bug that was going around. But trooping on they kept fort! Thankfully all recovered well and schooling, dance classes and home-schooling resumed.

I had a great time with our Sending Church in Carlisle. It was amazin to be with them again and worship in this growing congregation. Two Sunday morning services and a young adult service on the evening really gave me a great insight into the culture of the church. It is ace! Buzzing and expectant of what is to come.

I was hosted and loved upon by the Lead Pastor David and Esther Allen. Absolutely love being with these two. We have been blessed with a great sending church and with David and Esther's experience of international missions and heart for the nations, we have a great partnership.

Lots of things happen on furlough/home-assignment; meeting with people, churches, leadership teams, services, networking, conversations, etc. There are many highs, as well as some tough times as you feel the physical drain of being constantly on the move. The photo below is one of two that I took this time back in the UK that lifted my spirit and blessed me to no end (the other photo I will share in our next newsletter). While we were back as a family in 2024, Alicia made friends with Eleojo. They have kept in touch ever since as pen pals, writing back and forth. For Alicia, the friendship and support from Eleojo is a God send. This awesome little girl's friendship brings such joy and it blessed me to see her again while in Carlisle and be given a letter and parcel to be couriered back to Paraguay.

We love that our Sending Church also sends our kiddos out to the nations. Thank you Elim Carlisle and Eleojo, you are amazin!

2024 and 2025

Back Home

The journey home was smooth, no delays or turbulence, and it was awesome to be back together as a family.
Ministry, outreaches, programs and pigs all continued during my time away. Life ticks on, the journey continues, adventures await. But for a few days, its family time. As winter starts here in Paraguay it is time to snuggle down, catch up, and just 'be' together.

God is good!