Hello and a warm welcome to you! This page is dedicated to funding the Tibell family’s move to Paraguay. I’ll be giving you a bit of a background story, explaining what the funds are needed for as well as tell you what you need to know about the critical difference your contribution to our cause makes. We’ll start by getting into the circumstances that led to this big decision.
"I greatly rejoice in the Lord because now at last you have renewed your concern for me. You had indeed been concerned for me before, but there was no opportunity for you to help. I am not saying this because I am in need. For I have learned to be content in all circumstances. I know what it is to be poor, and I also know what it is to have plenty. In every way and in all things I have learned the secret of how to be well-fed or to be hungry, and how to have an abundance or to be in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. However, you did well to share with me in my difficulties."
- Philippians 4:10-14
Background
If you’re not familiar with Tonga, it’s a small island group in the south pacific. On paper, there’s a large percentage of Christians, and the multitude of Churches do speak for the religious practices – but unfortunately, the general and expected way of living is far from that of Jesus.
We came to Tonga in hopes of spreading the way of God – as a means to live, not just something to remember one in seven days of the week when tradition or obligation calls for it. John Magnus has been developing Christian apps and spreading the bible in Tonga for over 2 years as well as providing our home for local children to come and play and hang around in a safe environment.
While we came to Tonga with a missionary purpose, we now feel that God is now calling us to leave Tonga. After the recent volcanic eruption, the internet in Tonga became unstable after a near-total blackout for 4-5 weeks. While it is currently up and running again it’s unclear how long it will work. Since no one is permitted to work in Tonga, the funds must come from outside the country, which can only be done through the internet. That, and a number of other reasons, created the starting prompt for the Tibell family to start looking for someplace new to go. We all started praying and looking, and we believe God has provided us with an answer: Paraguay.
Why Paraguay?
There are a few reasons we’re aiming for Paraguay, and the biggest one is that Paraguay is the place we felt led by God towards. Besides that:
We could renew our passports in a neighboring country such as Mexico or Colombia.
The process of acquiring residency permits for the whole family is relatively simple.
Residents are permitted to be employed and drive businesses locally.
The cost of living is low.
Where will the funds go?
All of the funds will go towards funding our move from Tonga to Paraguay. Here is a list of things that the money will be used for:
Flight tickets from Vava'u to Nuku'alofa, from Nuku'alofa to Mexico or Columbia, and finally from Mexico or Colombia to Paraguay.
Cost for emergency passports to Mexico or Colombia and the cost of renewing our expired passports there.
Legal documents and processes such as obtaining all original documents required, courier/postage, affidavits, apostilles, power of attorney, health certificates, Swedish government fees, Paraguayan government fees, and translation of all documents.
Suitcases, warm clothes, and shoes. Not all of us have these necessities.
Required deposit in a Paraguayan bank account.
Additional travel costs.
Should we receive any more than we need for our move, this money will be used to help fund our new life in Paraguay. See details below.
The difference your contributions are making
When we arrive in Paraguay, there are a number of privileges and benefits we’ll get access to that haven’t been available to us here due to harsh restrictions and other circumstances. These include:
The continuation of God’s work. After the volcanic eruption, the internet in Tonga has been less than reliable, making it difficult for John Magnus to keep developing free Christian apps to spread the word of God to more languages and people. In Paraguay, the internet is cheap and mostly reliable, enabling John Magnus to keep doing God’s work.
Health and dental care. We are currently restricted from dentistry and basic health care. Nea has a potential heart problem that has been checked here in Tonga without a satisfying conclusion. Tonga has very limited expertise regarding more complex health issues. Elijah has potential asthma. Again, we're restricted from visiting a doctor with him at this time.
Work opportunities and education. Without a work permit, the kids can't get any type of local work in Tonga. With an obtained residency in Paraguay, the kids could be employed locally. The bigger size of the country and availability of international schools in Paraguay also brings the possibility of formal schooling for the younger kids and further education for the older ones interested in it.
Community and church. We’re hoping to find like-minded people and families of Christ in Paraguay to connect and pray together with. The lack of a Christian community here in Tonga has strengthened our faith in many ways but has also been very trying and often felt isolating.
Many more possibilities. Many obstacles such as heavy restrictions, culture, and general lack of possibility has made it difficult the last 1-2 years. We're thankful for the time in Tonga and believe the Lord has taught us a lot here but now we have faith that it's time for the next chapter of our lives. We believe Paraguay will be a good place for us all to heal and be put in a "spacious place".
Thank you for your help!
We trust that if this is the path we’re meant to take, God will open the doors to make it possible by whatever means needed. God has shown us the way, and he will now clear the path. When you pray, share or donate to our cause, you’re making a real difference in all of our lives. Your support and kindness, in any shape or form, are a big help and we all want to sincerely thank you for your compassion and gifts. God bless you!
If you would like more information about the move and our lives as well as follow progress, you can do so here.
