Nicky and Ronald Irene – Paraguay

Nicky and Ronny have recently moved from Bolivia to Asuncion, to work with the Diocese of Paraguay – where Patrick and Rosie Butler lived and worked up to summer 2009

The Irenes lived in Bolivia until December 2009
Ronny was pastor of Cristo el Salvador church in La Paz and saw significant growth in the membership there

He was born in the USA and brought up in Bolivia. He accepted Jesus as Saviour at 13 but experienced many ups and downs before giving himself fully to the Lord and his work

Working as a night-club bouncer Ronny got a shock when he discovered that his girlfriend’s father was the Anglican bishop!

Now Ronny, from a troubled background, has seen his life transformed as God worked through Nicky and her parents Greg & Sylvia Venables.

In 2006 he became pastor of Cristo el Salvador church in La Paz, developing new ministries including a young marrieds’ group and breakfasts for mothers. The Sunday School has doubled in attendance and the Sunday congregation numbered more than 100

In their new work in Asuncion they are based around the Anglican Cathedral, with its varied congregations.  They also aim to be involved in the life of San Andreas Anglican School, which has a key role in the life of the city: Nicky as a teacher and Ronny as a school chaplain – helping parents, students and staff

He and Nicky have three children

News June 2010:  They need a car, but don’t have funding for it at the moment

In May 2010 The South American Mission Society amalgamated with the Church Mission Society

Wendy Bew is Emmanuel’s local contact for Ronny and Nicky