Little Fish, Big Family

THE CALL: 2025    |    5 MINUTE READ
SARAH KELLEY, STORYTELLING PARTNER and CONNOR OWEN, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

The global church is beautiful. It’s funny to reflect on all the churches I have been able to visit. Some are famous for their architecture and art. Others were simply built from two-by-four boards with gaps in between. For some, 20,000 is an average service. For others, 200 is a celebratory feat. Some have free coffee and donuts, others an abundance of hugs and tears.

Being with the Aché in Paraguay for a week reminded me of this diverse beauty that the body of Christ is made up of.

During the Sunday service in the Aché village, Jeremiah 29:11 was read in 4 languages: Guarani, Spanish, English and Aché. Different people read, making sure all languages represented in the congregation of about 30 people were included. I love hearing Scripture read in multiple languages. It reminds me of how we are united with one another because of our union with Christ.

Yet at the same time, this beauty of reading Scripture together also took me back—giving me something to ponder and treasure in my heart. I personally own more than ten Bibles. That is in contrast to the Aché people, who have yet to have the Word of God entirely translated into their language. My heart aches for them to have the same access to Scripture that I do. Yet at the same times I rejoice at the progress that has been made in order for the Aché to have access to other believers, Christian leaders, and the Word of God.

Youth gathered by the river for Bible Study

Paul wrote to the Galatians that “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28 ESV). He was encouraging believers to look beyond their differences to what they hold in common. My time in Paraguay was a powerful reminder that “There are neither Aché nor American, for we are all one in Christ Jesus.”

During my team’s time in Paraguay, the short-term team members were given Aché names. My name is Pikygi, which means “little fish.” I’m not sure why they chose that name for me, but it makes me smile each time I remember it. After we were given our names, one of the people who named us explained to us how important these names are.

He told us, the Aché may never go to America, and many Americans will never meet the Aché. But we now have the honor and responsibility to represent the Aché. We now have the gift and responsibility to represent our brothers and sisters in the Aché community.

Sarah walking with two young girls around the village

I may never see my Aché brothers and sisters again on earth, but I am connected to them through our union with Christ. So, I will pray for them, and tell other people about them, and cherish the way God has made His church so beautiful.

ACTION STEPS

GO: Are you interested in using the passions God has given you in another culture for a few weeks? We would love to walk with you as you discern what God is calling you to. Check out our short-term page to learn more!

READ: We’re thrilled by what we’re seeing in the next generation. God is calling them to something bigger than themselves, and they are responding: Yes! Sarah is only one of the many Gen Zers who are faithfully following God to the ends of the earth. Read other stories of what God is doing in Gen Z.

Author Bio: Sarah Kelley recently completed her bachelor's degree in Christian Ministries at Taylor University. Throughout her studies, she participated in several short-term mission trips, including ones in Uganda, Brazil, Japan, and Paraguay. With a deep burden for the unreached, Sarah is grateful to now be working with Unknown Nations overseeing the distribution of audio Bibles.