Well, I'm sitting here on the eve of leaving with lots of mixed emotions. It seems every time I come to Panama I fall in love with it's people that much more. Rebekah has done a great job of posting on the blog and is a much better write than I am, but I thought I would share a few thoughts. The past two weeks have been a whirlwind of excitement and exhaustion. It's funny because whenever we come here my intention is to"bring Jesus to them" and every time I come, its Jesus that I seem to find. Between the two districts in Panama over 500 people have committed to sharing their faith this week, over 60 have rededicated their lives to Jesus and 26 have become first time disciples of Jesus! I wish I could take credit for the results we have seen, but I can't. The Holy Spirit is alive and active in Panama. Rebekah touched on it yesterday, but we have sat in ugly church buildings, hot church buildings, hugged sweaty people, listened to people sing off key, terrible musicians, sat through 15 minute prayers and we've sat in lawn chairs in most of the sanctuaries. We've rarely started church on time, there was no children church, no demographic target and we tracked mud into most of the churches. Most buildings we were in weren't completely finished and church wasn't just an hour and 30 minutes long. You see, when your in Panama you realize how wrong we have it in the United States. In our churches we need to have the music at just the right volume, the preacher needs to have the right clothes on and church has to be over at noon. If those things and many other are just perfect, then maybe we will have the kind of service where the Holy Spirt shows up. We have forgotten where the Holy Spirt resides and that's in me! And In you! That's one reason I love Panama so much. The people are still pure enough to not get caught up about superficial things. Oh, I know they have issues, which we have discovered this year. But they are spiritual concerns, not superficial concerns.
The work in Panama is really just beginning. There are 31 organized Nazarene churches in the country. 10 on the west district and 21 on the Panama City district. There is also a mission type church being planted in San Blas with the Kuna Indians. There are many churches trying to finish building projects so they are able to minister to people in their communities. Some churches are running food programs for the children of poor families in their communities. There are pastors who need help paying for their training classes ($15 a class). There are VBS opportunities and ministries to be started. There are needy church folks who need to be loved on and need help with things you and I take for granted, like clothes and shelter.
The needs are overwhelming and I've said to myself, where does a person start? The answer I received from the Lord was to just say, "yes, I'll go." I've had people say, well why go to Panama, we have needs here to you know! Yes, they correct. Couple problems with that thinking is, Jesus said to " Go into all the world.". The second problem is these are people who don't have Medicaid, foodstamps or a Goodwill down the road. There is no food pantry or clothes closet nearby. They aren't going to find a job making more than $1.50 an hour in most parts of the country. These are very content people who are happy and most of them joyful. The problem is, most don't know Jesus. The ones that are disciples of Christ do a wonderful job Being Jesus to their community, but who will be Jesus to them? I will, will you go? Will you be Jesus to people in "all the world?"
I'm sure in the next month or so we will be putting together another team to go to Panama next year. I actually would like to take two teams but we will let the Lord lead in that area. If your interested in a life changing experience, send us an email or facebook message so we can get you the information when its ready.
Jeremy
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
As I sit back and reflect.....
06.26.2011
It's 11:30am and I've been in this church service for almost two hours! Two hours?!?!..... and we haven't finished up the specials from the other churches, we haven't had communion, and there is food afterwards. Did I mention I was up at 5:30am and off to breakfast before church at 6:30am??
So, I am sitting in the front row praying. Praying that God intervenes in the lives of the people that are standing at the altar. It looks to be about 50 people. People who have never given their life to Christ. People who are rededicating their life, and also people asking for forgiveness....so here I sit praying on behalf of these people. As I pray, God begins to fill my head with this.....
I am sitting in a cement building that has the most tacky, shiny, turquoise blue curtain thingys hanging from the wall. I'm in the front row so the music is blaring out of the speakers with people singing who sometimes hit the right note and when the singer hits the right note, the keyboard player misses his note. I don't understand most of what is being said as it's all in Spanish. I do understand a few words, but can't make out the whole sentence. And when it's a song that I know we sing in the united states, I still can't sing it in English because they sing in Spanish so loud my mind can't function in English.
Behind me there is a group of boys talking so loudly, you would think it was a sports event. In front of me, a little girl dashes from her mother to her brother every 5 seconds.
It's 12:30pm....finally the specials are over....it's communion time and then time for lunch....or that's what you imagine....
Yes, I forget the last song we have to sing, a prayer, offering time, a prayer, giving a gift to jeremy and I, the regional director and his wife, and the missionaries, and again more prayers.....we stand up and sit down more than a catholic!! Ha!!
So.....I say all this not because I'm complaining, but because.....the curtains might be tacky, but its the culture. The music is loud, but young and old alike are clapping their hands and dancing for Jesus. The kids are rambunctious, but guess what? They are in church!! And all the praying???....well 15 people were saved today!
I sit back at 1:15pm waiting for my turn to get my food and I thank God for the place I'm at today. I am so thankful for this 2 week adventure that he has taken me on. I thank him for allowing me to share my faith and love for Him to the people of Panama. I thank him for the people who have supported this trip and even those who haven't. And I am most thankful that when I go home to my "perfect" "Norta-Norta American" church service where the decor matters, the music has to be perfect or the Holy Spirit won't come, little kids can't talk in the service, run in the service, and in fact can't even be in the service, and pray more than a couple of times and for what 10 minutes??? NO WAY!!!! , that I will definitely remember why I gather with other believers to worship. It's not about all that, it's about God.
Please God allow me to remember all of this. Please continue to place these images in my mind.....
It's 11:30am and I've been in this church service for almost two hours! Two hours?!?!..... and we haven't finished up the specials from the other churches, we haven't had communion, and there is food afterwards. Did I mention I was up at 5:30am and off to breakfast before church at 6:30am??
So, I am sitting in the front row praying. Praying that God intervenes in the lives of the people that are standing at the altar. It looks to be about 50 people. People who have never given their life to Christ. People who are rededicating their life, and also people asking for forgiveness....so here I sit praying on behalf of these people. As I pray, God begins to fill my head with this.....
I am sitting in a cement building that has the most tacky, shiny, turquoise blue curtain thingys hanging from the wall. I'm in the front row so the music is blaring out of the speakers with people singing who sometimes hit the right note and when the singer hits the right note, the keyboard player misses his note. I don't understand most of what is being said as it's all in Spanish. I do understand a few words, but can't make out the whole sentence. And when it's a song that I know we sing in the united states, I still can't sing it in English because they sing in Spanish so loud my mind can't function in English.
Behind me there is a group of boys talking so loudly, you would think it was a sports event. In front of me, a little girl dashes from her mother to her brother every 5 seconds.
It's 12:30pm....finally the specials are over....it's communion time and then time for lunch....or that's what you imagine....
Yes, I forget the last song we have to sing, a prayer, offering time, a prayer, giving a gift to jeremy and I, the regional director and his wife, and the missionaries, and again more prayers.....we stand up and sit down more than a catholic!! Ha!!
So.....I say all this not because I'm complaining, but because.....the curtains might be tacky, but its the culture. The music is loud, but young and old alike are clapping their hands and dancing for Jesus. The kids are rambunctious, but guess what? They are in church!! And all the praying???....well 15 people were saved today!
I sit back at 1:15pm waiting for my turn to get my food and I thank God for the place I'm at today. I am so thankful for this 2 week adventure that he has taken me on. I thank him for allowing me to share my faith and love for Him to the people of Panama. I thank him for the people who have supported this trip and even those who haven't. And I am most thankful that when I go home to my "perfect" "Norta-Norta American" church service where the decor matters, the music has to be perfect or the Holy Spirit won't come, little kids can't talk in the service, run in the service, and in fact can't even be in the service, and pray more than a couple of times and for what 10 minutes??? NO WAY!!!! , that I will definitely remember why I gather with other believers to worship. It's not about all that, it's about God.
Please God allow me to remember all of this. Please continue to place these images in my mind.....
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Almost another pay-off, but we were considered amigos!
06.25.2011
We headed to Panama City on Thursday morning....we met Pastor Edwin (Pablo's dad and the DS). he and his other son, Joshua, met us and took us to the district house where we are staying. Pan am city is so much different then Changuinola. It's so much bigger than I imagined and it's insanely crazy!! Driving here is worse than Chicago (only big city I've driven in...), I thought Pablo was going to kill me yesterday!!.....
anyways, we made it to the house. Pablo and his dad both said it was simple living....and that's just what it is! But we have beds and running water, so I'm happy!!! :-)
Friday, Pablo and his father came and picked us up. We returned our car as Jeremy was too stressed to drive it around here! Ha! Afterwards they took us to eat breakfast and then our tour was on it's way! Edwin took us to the US bunker and through the area the US owned during the construction of the canal. We also went to El Puebolito....Little Town. It was really neat...it showed how indigenous people lived and how they came to Panama. He also showed us the three cities within one city...We went to the Amador Causeway where one side was the canal, and the other side was the Pacific...very beautiful. It was the A,B, C, D, E tour....we are hoping for a continuation today!
Last evening we were in Zone 1, in Tocumen. it was a wonderful time meeting the people of four different churches. We found out the on this district, which is 21 churches, 80% of the pastors are women! There were many specials from the different churches. Scott Armstrong (another missionary) translated for Jeremy. We were so excited for the outpouring of commitment to Christ. Many people dedicated their life to serve Christ outside of the church. Three girls rededicated their life to Christ and one man gave his heart to the Lord for the first time!!! We were so excited to see this! God is working....
We are getting ready in a bit to head out for tour #2.....the Panama Canal. I can't wait!! Tonight we are in Zone 2, and Pueblo will be translating for Jeremy.....should be great!! Continue praying......
We headed to Panama City on Thursday morning....we met Pastor Edwin (Pablo's dad and the DS). he and his other son, Joshua, met us and took us to the district house where we are staying. Pan am city is so much different then Changuinola. It's so much bigger than I imagined and it's insanely crazy!! Driving here is worse than Chicago (only big city I've driven in...), I thought Pablo was going to kill me yesterday!!.....
anyways, we made it to the house. Pablo and his dad both said it was simple living....and that's just what it is! But we have beds and running water, so I'm happy!!! :-)
Friday, Pablo and his father came and picked us up. We returned our car as Jeremy was too stressed to drive it around here! Ha! Afterwards they took us to eat breakfast and then our tour was on it's way! Edwin took us to the US bunker and through the area the US owned during the construction of the canal. We also went to El Puebolito....Little Town. It was really neat...it showed how indigenous people lived and how they came to Panama. He also showed us the three cities within one city...We went to the Amador Causeway where one side was the canal, and the other side was the Pacific...very beautiful. It was the A,B, C, D, E tour....we are hoping for a continuation today!
Last evening we were in Zone 1, in Tocumen. it was a wonderful time meeting the people of four different churches. We found out the on this district, which is 21 churches, 80% of the pastors are women! There were many specials from the different churches. Scott Armstrong (another missionary) translated for Jeremy. We were so excited for the outpouring of commitment to Christ. Many people dedicated their life to serve Christ outside of the church. Three girls rededicated their life to Christ and one man gave his heart to the Lord for the first time!!! We were so excited to see this! God is working....
We are getting ready in a bit to head out for tour #2.....the Panama Canal. I can't wait!! Tonight we are in Zone 2, and Pueblo will be translating for Jeremy.....should be great!! Continue praying......
Oh my!! I wonder if they will jar this up and send it with me???
06.25.2011
Well we left Changuinola on Tuesday. It was definitely bittersweet....very sad to leave, but also so excited for our second half of our trip. We made it down the mountains for the last time and headed for some R&R in Guadalupe, near Volcun. What a beautiful place!! We stayed at a place called Los Quitzales, an Ecolodge where everything is natural and fresh! They don't serve red meat and they milk their own cows daily and make their own yogurt and butter....my kind of place! Anyways it was beautiful, surrounded by mountains, rain forest and cool enough for a fire in the fireplace!!
Wednesday we went on a hike up through the rain forest. A tractor pulled us up the side and then dropped us off , where we hiked for an hour and a half. It was awesome!! The views and three waterfalls,...we walked across the water several times. It was definitely a hard hike, but well worth it!
Afterwards Jeremy and I headed to Finca Dracula, an orchid farm. Dracula comes from the name of an orchid....one that has over 150 species and this place had them all. They took us on a tour where they explained the orchids and then let us walk around their gardens! It was quite interesting and beautiful!
The rest of our relaxing trip was doing just that.....RELAXING!! (that, and getting the moat amazing treat....Frescas con crema)....we spent a lot of time reading, napping, and just being plain lazy! It was a great time of rejuvenation....so glad we were able to do that before heading to Panama City....
Well we left Changuinola on Tuesday. It was definitely bittersweet....very sad to leave, but also so excited for our second half of our trip. We made it down the mountains for the last time and headed for some R&R in Guadalupe, near Volcun. What a beautiful place!! We stayed at a place called Los Quitzales, an Ecolodge where everything is natural and fresh! They don't serve red meat and they milk their own cows daily and make their own yogurt and butter....my kind of place! Anyways it was beautiful, surrounded by mountains, rain forest and cool enough for a fire in the fireplace!!
Wednesday we went on a hike up through the rain forest. A tractor pulled us up the side and then dropped us off , where we hiked for an hour and a half. It was awesome!! The views and three waterfalls,...we walked across the water several times. It was definitely a hard hike, but well worth it!
Afterwards Jeremy and I headed to Finca Dracula, an orchid farm. Dracula comes from the name of an orchid....one that has over 150 species and this place had them all. They took us on a tour where they explained the orchids and then let us walk around their gardens! It was quite interesting and beautiful!
The rest of our relaxing trip was doing just that.....RELAXING!! (that, and getting the moat amazing treat....Frescas con crema)....we spent a lot of time reading, napping, and just being plain lazy! It was a great time of rejuvenation....so glad we were able to do that before heading to Panama City....
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
When do you celebrate Father's Day?.....
Sunday (06.19.2011) was a great day in the Lord! In the morning we headed to El Silencio with Silvia, Pastor Nieves, and Edson! That was a great surprise to see him! It was a great worship time with the people of the church. Many came to the altar to recommit their walk with Christ and dedicate in serving Christ outside the church.
We were able to visit with Pastor David and his wife. We were also happy to see, along with Edson, Alonso and Cielo.
That afternoon we went to lunch with Pastor Nieves at the Latino Pizza place....(yes, yet another pizza place!) the best yet!! It's in a new plaza that is being built on the left side as you enter in Changuinola.
Sunday evening we met in a different building to celebrate Father's Day. It's a huge deal here to celebrate mother's and Father's day....band outside in the streets, many parties going on....etc.... We had a great presentation. A newer couple from Chuquiri province led the celebration. There was singing, a drama from the kiddos, and we even played panamanian Newelywed game. It was super fun!! We had dinner together and cake.....afterwards they presented a present to each of the fathers...a towel with their name embroidered on it. We had such a great time, definitely another time etched in our minds when we think of panama.
Monday(06.20.2011) we headed to Silvia's school. this was definitely a great opportunity for me, as I love to see where thoe people in the church live, work, and spend their days. Silvia works in Finca 64. She is the kindergarten teacher, teaching 29 children BY HERSELF!!! In the US, we would be complaining for a second teacher, at least an aide of some sort! When we arrived, she was talking to the children with "Alex." they sang to us in English and then went outside to learn the left from the right. That day in particular they were studying the right, so we headed outside to kick the soccer ball with their right foot! Jeremy was the goalie....they loved it when he couldn't stop the ball!! What a great way to learn new things! Afterwards we went back in to the classroom where I taught them a new song in English, they really enjoyed it. I helped Silvia with getting homework ready for the kiddos.
We also met the little thirteen year old that we brought baby clothes for. Oh my! I could have brought that 15 day old baby home with me! The girl lives very close to the school and vibists almost everyday. I told Silvia that if she the little girl came back this week and wanted me to take her baby, I would drive up there and get her! :-).....Jeremy and I joke about getting off the airplane in Dayton with a baby in our arms! Ha!!
Monday evening we had dinner at Pastor Nieves' home. We had all of our favorite things....fish, garlic potatoes, rice, and lentils! Afterward, we went to the church where the ladies met with me. We sang prayed and I spoke about encouragement. We then made bracelets together to remind us to be constant encouragers to one another. There were seven of us there....it's was a wonderful time! Jeremy along with Nieves, Dario, and Arcenio went to the kuna center to show the Jesus film. There were around 25 in attendance....and one gave her heart to Christ!!!! Elpidia, the daughter of Fresca. That was an exciting moment! We also were able to give the kunas two of the kuna bibles on MP3 players. Before leaving they were discussing who would listen to it first and then they would give it to the next person! PRAISE GOD!!!!
Before heading back home we did our traditional meeting in the church for prayers....pastor Nieves and his family, Arcenio, Silvia, Alicia, and us.....I just love those people!!
Every year going is so different. Jeremy and I were talking about how we always come to encourage the people of panama, but we end up leaving being encouraged. I am so thankful we were able to make this trip. Relationships were made and strengthened. I believe we leave family every time we leave Changuinola, not friends. It's a blessing to know we have them as part of our lives!
I know that pur trip has not been possible for your prayers! Thank you!...continue them as tomorrow we head out to panama city!!! Praying that lives are changed there also!!!
We were able to visit with Pastor David and his wife. We were also happy to see, along with Edson, Alonso and Cielo.
That afternoon we went to lunch with Pastor Nieves at the Latino Pizza place....(yes, yet another pizza place!) the best yet!! It's in a new plaza that is being built on the left side as you enter in Changuinola.
Sunday evening we met in a different building to celebrate Father's Day. It's a huge deal here to celebrate mother's and Father's day....band outside in the streets, many parties going on....etc.... We had a great presentation. A newer couple from Chuquiri province led the celebration. There was singing, a drama from the kiddos, and we even played panamanian Newelywed game. It was super fun!! We had dinner together and cake.....afterwards they presented a present to each of the fathers...a towel with their name embroidered on it. We had such a great time, definitely another time etched in our minds when we think of panama.
Monday(06.20.2011) we headed to Silvia's school. this was definitely a great opportunity for me, as I love to see where thoe people in the church live, work, and spend their days. Silvia works in Finca 64. She is the kindergarten teacher, teaching 29 children BY HERSELF!!! In the US, we would be complaining for a second teacher, at least an aide of some sort! When we arrived, she was talking to the children with "Alex." they sang to us in English and then went outside to learn the left from the right. That day in particular they were studying the right, so we headed outside to kick the soccer ball with their right foot! Jeremy was the goalie....they loved it when he couldn't stop the ball!! What a great way to learn new things! Afterwards we went back in to the classroom where I taught them a new song in English, they really enjoyed it. I helped Silvia with getting homework ready for the kiddos.
We also met the little thirteen year old that we brought baby clothes for. Oh my! I could have brought that 15 day old baby home with me! The girl lives very close to the school and vibists almost everyday. I told Silvia that if she the little girl came back this week and wanted me to take her baby, I would drive up there and get her! :-).....Jeremy and I joke about getting off the airplane in Dayton with a baby in our arms! Ha!!
Monday evening we had dinner at Pastor Nieves' home. We had all of our favorite things....fish, garlic potatoes, rice, and lentils! Afterward, we went to the church where the ladies met with me. We sang prayed and I spoke about encouragement. We then made bracelets together to remind us to be constant encouragers to one another. There were seven of us there....it's was a wonderful time! Jeremy along with Nieves, Dario, and Arcenio went to the kuna center to show the Jesus film. There were around 25 in attendance....and one gave her heart to Christ!!!! Elpidia, the daughter of Fresca. That was an exciting moment! We also were able to give the kunas two of the kuna bibles on MP3 players. Before leaving they were discussing who would listen to it first and then they would give it to the next person! PRAISE GOD!!!!
Before heading back home we did our traditional meeting in the church for prayers....pastor Nieves and his family, Arcenio, Silvia, Alicia, and us.....I just love those people!!
Every year going is so different. Jeremy and I were talking about how we always come to encourage the people of panama, but we end up leaving being encouraged. I am so thankful we were able to make this trip. Relationships were made and strengthened. I believe we leave family every time we leave Changuinola, not friends. It's a blessing to know we have them as part of our lives!
I know that pur trip has not been possible for your prayers! Thank you!...continue them as tomorrow we head out to panama city!!! Praying that lives are changed there also!!!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
...driving down the road in Panama with 4 Panamanians in the backseat....
We headed to David (Doveed)on Saturday (6.19.2011) to visit and preach in the District Superintendant´s church. we met Nieves´nephew, caleb who spoke a bit of english, which he learned from school.
the drive to David is a long 4 hours on a windy road up and down the mountains...very beautiful with mountains, trees, and waterfalls, but long nevertheless....
and guess where we ate for supper??????....PIZZA HUT!!!! ha!!!
the service was great, over 100 people in attendance. Jeremy has been preaching about Acts 3:1-10....the power of God´s love used outside of the church. where did the miracle happen that Peter and John performed??? read it...outside the church. how amazing would God´s work be if we would use our gifts that God gave us outside of the church.....why do we wait for Domingo? (Sunday)
anyways, the message was definitely from God last night. many people committed to sharing Jesus with someone this week. who will you share Christ with this week? read Acts....Peter and John didn´t have the money that the beggar wanted, but they had the love of Christ to share!!! that is our message in Panama.......
we saw many familiar faces in David including Pastor Ullyses wife (Yanis´sister) and their daughter, tamara (sobrina....ha!) they were very happy to see us..
we also met a couple that lived in Connecticut for 20 years. a very sweet couple that spoke pretty good english. we might meet with them on thursday for lunch when we head to panama city.
As always, God is continuing to do amazing work in us and through us.....
i have so much more to share but im exhausted from our David trip...we didn´t get home until 1:30am and then we were up and preaching in El Silencio this morning....non stop, but LOVING IT!!!!
continue your prayers, and we continue to pray for you....
the drive to David is a long 4 hours on a windy road up and down the mountains...very beautiful with mountains, trees, and waterfalls, but long nevertheless....
and guess where we ate for supper??????....PIZZA HUT!!!! ha!!!
the service was great, over 100 people in attendance. Jeremy has been preaching about Acts 3:1-10....the power of God´s love used outside of the church. where did the miracle happen that Peter and John performed??? read it...outside the church. how amazing would God´s work be if we would use our gifts that God gave us outside of the church.....why do we wait for Domingo? (Sunday)
anyways, the message was definitely from God last night. many people committed to sharing Jesus with someone this week. who will you share Christ with this week? read Acts....Peter and John didn´t have the money that the beggar wanted, but they had the love of Christ to share!!! that is our message in Panama.......
we saw many familiar faces in David including Pastor Ullyses wife (Yanis´sister) and their daughter, tamara (sobrina....ha!) they were very happy to see us..
we also met a couple that lived in Connecticut for 20 years. a very sweet couple that spoke pretty good english. we might meet with them on thursday for lunch when we head to panama city.
As always, God is continuing to do amazing work in us and through us.....
i have so much more to share but im exhausted from our David trip...we didn´t get home until 1:30am and then we were up and preaching in El Silencio this morning....non stop, but LOVING IT!!!!
continue your prayers, and we continue to pray for you....
...if it wasn´t for the fence, we would have lost Jeremy...
Friday afternoon (6.18.2011), we went with Dario to visit and meet his family. Dario, we found out, is a Guame indian. Spanish is his second language....Dario is a twenty year old that we met in December at the church. a very sweet boy that is shy, emotional, and such full of joy and God´s love. he wakes up almost every morning and goes to the iglesia (church) and prays from 5-8am.....EVERYDAY!!!!!!! amazing!!! as i type this jeremy and dario are across from me using google translator to communicate. it will probably be a 2 hour conversation that might typically take 5 minutes....anyways.....
dario kept the group´s heart this year. we have tried to help him throughout these past 6 months and we were so happy with the outpouring of everyone´s support for him.
....his parents and family live in a village outside of el silencio. we drove up there not knowing what to expect. we parked alongside the road and then proceeded to hike up a mountain with a walking stick for support. it was raining a bit so it made the hike very hard to manage. everytime we hiked a bit, we would turn the corner, and there would be more to hike! at one point we had went through a gated area...dario first, then alicia, then me, and all of a sudden we hear a big thud and a scream. i turned around and there was jeremy flat on his back!!! he had slipped and a barbed wire fence was the only thing that caught him!! if it wasn´t there he would have slid down the mountain.....only God would have put that fence there....we praise him for barbed wire!! ha!!!
we finally made it up to where his family lives. we took photos, but to describe it in words....where do i begin? it was very similar to a tree house only on stilts. under the flooring was about 2-3 feet where chickens, dogs, and cats slept. the ¨house¨was made of 12in wide boards. there was a staircase that we took to walk up. we sat in the first small room we walked into. he said there were 4 rooms in the house. in the house lives his parents, 2 sisters, 2 brothers, and 3 nieces and nephews. they were such amazing people, very sweet and his mother was very nice. she expressed that dario was the first to go to university in his family. his 18 year old sister only went to 8th grade where she was pregnant at 15 and again at 17. she lives with her parents along with her children.
through alicia, his mother shared with us that she does not know how to read or write. we were so excited to be able to give to her the new testament in guame (her language) on an MP3 player. i took a photo of her listening to it! she was very excited to receive it....we gave it to her and also extra batteries.
after many photos, we gathered around the little room, holding hands and Jeremy prayed over Dario´s family. you see, dario´s family are not christians. they don´t go to church and they do not know Jesus....we are praying that the MP3 player is a start to many more questions they may have for Dario! please pray with us over this MP3 player and his family!!!!
there house was very simple, writing and drawings on the walls, colorful ¨curtains¨to shield from the mosquitos at night. nothing at all we would live in, but amazingly, Dario stepped out of his shoes to walk in the house...we did the same. this gesture was a slap in my face to wake up and realize that they were proud of what they had. just because it wasn´t the greatest in my eyes, didn´t mean that what they had was any less.....the last shall be first....i was in awe of the lesson learned...
the trip down the mountain was tricking, but we made it without any falls! we met uncles and aunts, grandmother, and several cousins on our way down the mountain. we heard many sounds of animals and a beating sound also as we made it down....the beating sound?...girls beating the laundry on the rocks in the river....again, a life so foreign to me! again, a lesson learned of what we have and should be more appreciative of....
God bless you for your prayers for Dario and his family.....
dario kept the group´s heart this year. we have tried to help him throughout these past 6 months and we were so happy with the outpouring of everyone´s support for him.
....his parents and family live in a village outside of el silencio. we drove up there not knowing what to expect. we parked alongside the road and then proceeded to hike up a mountain with a walking stick for support. it was raining a bit so it made the hike very hard to manage. everytime we hiked a bit, we would turn the corner, and there would be more to hike! at one point we had went through a gated area...dario first, then alicia, then me, and all of a sudden we hear a big thud and a scream. i turned around and there was jeremy flat on his back!!! he had slipped and a barbed wire fence was the only thing that caught him!! if it wasn´t there he would have slid down the mountain.....only God would have put that fence there....we praise him for barbed wire!! ha!!!
we finally made it up to where his family lives. we took photos, but to describe it in words....where do i begin? it was very similar to a tree house only on stilts. under the flooring was about 2-3 feet where chickens, dogs, and cats slept. the ¨house¨was made of 12in wide boards. there was a staircase that we took to walk up. we sat in the first small room we walked into. he said there were 4 rooms in the house. in the house lives his parents, 2 sisters, 2 brothers, and 3 nieces and nephews. they were such amazing people, very sweet and his mother was very nice. she expressed that dario was the first to go to university in his family. his 18 year old sister only went to 8th grade where she was pregnant at 15 and again at 17. she lives with her parents along with her children.
through alicia, his mother shared with us that she does not know how to read or write. we were so excited to be able to give to her the new testament in guame (her language) on an MP3 player. i took a photo of her listening to it! she was very excited to receive it....we gave it to her and also extra batteries.
after many photos, we gathered around the little room, holding hands and Jeremy prayed over Dario´s family. you see, dario´s family are not christians. they don´t go to church and they do not know Jesus....we are praying that the MP3 player is a start to many more questions they may have for Dario! please pray with us over this MP3 player and his family!!!!
there house was very simple, writing and drawings on the walls, colorful ¨curtains¨to shield from the mosquitos at night. nothing at all we would live in, but amazingly, Dario stepped out of his shoes to walk in the house...we did the same. this gesture was a slap in my face to wake up and realize that they were proud of what they had. just because it wasn´t the greatest in my eyes, didn´t mean that what they had was any less.....the last shall be first....i was in awe of the lesson learned...
the trip down the mountain was tricking, but we made it without any falls! we met uncles and aunts, grandmother, and several cousins on our way down the mountain. we heard many sounds of animals and a beating sound also as we made it down....the beating sound?...girls beating the laundry on the rocks in the river....again, a life so foreign to me! again, a lesson learned of what we have and should be more appreciative of....
God bless you for your prayers for Dario and his family.....
"I am talking to a puppet!....."
06.17.2011
So some of you may know Silvia....such a truly wonderful lady! She's the kind of lady you fall in love with the moment you meet her. I can't believe I have known her for 6 years. The way I would describe her is that joy, love, and Jesus seeps out of her pours onto anyone who comes near her. You can't not feel alive around her! She's hilarious and such a goof-ball!! (if you know her, did I describe her well??)
To answer probably the question some of you may have, she is doing really well. Feeling very well, blood pressure doing much better.
So anyways, her only request was that she wanted a puppet to share with her children in class. During the week she teaches 29 five year olds by herself! So Harris Chapel Nazarene Church gave us their very favorite and best puppet, Alex. We had several churches donate puppets, but Alex was the only full body puppet. Oh my! You would have thought we had brought her a baby from the United States! She would not put the puppet down!!
It's was quite hilarious, watching her love on that puppet! She talked to him like he was a child....very funny! She is definitely a child at heart!
She's very excited to take the puppet to school on Monday and share him with the children.
Last evening after church, we went to Silvia's home with her to celebrate her son, Solimar's, birthday! We met loads of family....her mother, stepfather, sister, brother, nieces and nephews, and her husband, Roberto. We had a great time sharing dinner with them, and cake! They sing happy birthday in Spanish and English. As a family tradition, they each go around and give well wishes to the person celebrating. It was a great thing to share with these people and we also gave our wishes to Solimar. Even Alex was able to share! Ha!!
Some of her family knows a bit of English so we were able to talk to them. Her stepfather was very good with it, so we talked for awhile with him. Her niece and nephews sang to us in English also. It was very sweet...I recorded it and will post it at a later date. Others at the party were playing 'super banco'....and Panamanian form of Monopoly.....very neat!
It was definitely a great night that we typically wouldn't have. I'm so thankful that we are having this experience and learning more about the people of panama.
So some of you may know Silvia....such a truly wonderful lady! She's the kind of lady you fall in love with the moment you meet her. I can't believe I have known her for 6 years. The way I would describe her is that joy, love, and Jesus seeps out of her pours onto anyone who comes near her. You can't not feel alive around her! She's hilarious and such a goof-ball!! (if you know her, did I describe her well??)
To answer probably the question some of you may have, she is doing really well. Feeling very well, blood pressure doing much better.
So anyways, her only request was that she wanted a puppet to share with her children in class. During the week she teaches 29 five year olds by herself! So Harris Chapel Nazarene Church gave us their very favorite and best puppet, Alex. We had several churches donate puppets, but Alex was the only full body puppet. Oh my! You would have thought we had brought her a baby from the United States! She would not put the puppet down!!
It's was quite hilarious, watching her love on that puppet! She talked to him like he was a child....very funny! She is definitely a child at heart!
She's very excited to take the puppet to school on Monday and share him with the children.
Last evening after church, we went to Silvia's home with her to celebrate her son, Solimar's, birthday! We met loads of family....her mother, stepfather, sister, brother, nieces and nephews, and her husband, Roberto. We had a great time sharing dinner with them, and cake! They sing happy birthday in Spanish and English. As a family tradition, they each go around and give well wishes to the person celebrating. It was a great thing to share with these people and we also gave our wishes to Solimar. Even Alex was able to share! Ha!!
Some of her family knows a bit of English so we were able to talk to them. Her stepfather was very good with it, so we talked for awhile with him. Her niece and nephews sang to us in English also. It was very sweet...I recorded it and will post it at a later date. Others at the party were playing 'super banco'....and Panamanian form of Monopoly.....very neat!
It was definitely a great night that we typically wouldn't have. I'm so thankful that we are having this experience and learning more about the people of panama.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
7:59 is still 7:00....
06.17.2011
i´m having trouble with internet connection (go figure....), so be patient with my posts!!! :-)
What a wonderful day we had yesterday! (Thursday) We are staying with Alicia (some may know her, she was the lady that came to CR to take us to Panama in December.) We spent some time in Changuinola yesterday with her and Silvia. After lunch we headed to Pastor Nieves and Yanis´home. We were able to visit with Yanis, and the three boys. They had just finished school for the day. Cabot sent the boys scooters and they were excited to get them and ride them! it was definitely a great gift for them! Carolina (s-i-l) and Nieves´ mother were there also. Carolina is pregnant, which was another confirmation that life does go on when we are not here...she will be going to David to have the baby in a month or so.
we were able to visit Silvia´s home and see her daughter and meet her granddaughter. last evening we had church. Jeremy preached and sang his song in spanish! he did a great job on that!! many people were blessed by the word of God. >Several made their way to the altar to give everything to God and share Jesus with others. They too a cross (made by our grandmothers and Bonnie S.) and a Spanish bible to take with them and share Christ. We are excited to see what transpires with others spreading the word around!!
There were many new faces in the church! What a praise to God! others that were there...Mendoza and his fmaily, Gusto and Josefa, Joel and Denise /(WOOHOO!!), Joe´s sister, Dario and Arcenio, and many others. It was a great blessing to see them all! Such a wonderful reunion!! its amazing how only 6 months seems to be a lifetime when most times we go a year or more before seeing them! i am so thankful to be here right now! After greeting with a hug and kiss on the cheek and after ¨Como esta?¨...the next question is Kerri? karen? Marianne? Darrell?...and the list goes on.....its great to know how much they love us and pray for us!!!
we talked to Alicia about the church. she said the church is known as the ¨gringo church¨! whenever people talk about going to church, its äre you going to this church or the gringo church?¨i love that!!
its very strange to be here and not be physically working on the church. im used to sweating before 8am and getting sunburnt! so its weird to be here just to talk with others and love on them!
right now i am sitting in alicia´s home waiting for lunch. i just helped by chopping up vegetables with a very big, dull knife. i thought i was going to lose a finger! i envisioned having to go to the hospital and get some kind of stitching without any painkillers. i quickly finished and walked away before i had to chop anything else! ha! i am here with jeremy, alicia, dario, arcenio, and ezekiel, what a great blessing to be sharing a meal with these wonderful people!
i pray that God continues to give us these great times to have with these wonderful people!!
stay tuned...i will try to update a bit quicker....
i´m having trouble with internet connection (go figure....), so be patient with my posts!!! :-)
What a wonderful day we had yesterday! (Thursday) We are staying with Alicia (some may know her, she was the lady that came to CR to take us to Panama in December.) We spent some time in Changuinola yesterday with her and Silvia. After lunch we headed to Pastor Nieves and Yanis´home. We were able to visit with Yanis, and the three boys. They had just finished school for the day. Cabot sent the boys scooters and they were excited to get them and ride them! it was definitely a great gift for them! Carolina (s-i-l) and Nieves´ mother were there also. Carolina is pregnant, which was another confirmation that life does go on when we are not here...she will be going to David to have the baby in a month or so.
we were able to visit Silvia´s home and see her daughter and meet her granddaughter. last evening we had church. Jeremy preached and sang his song in spanish! he did a great job on that!! many people were blessed by the word of God. >Several made their way to the altar to give everything to God and share Jesus with others. They too a cross (made by our grandmothers and Bonnie S.) and a Spanish bible to take with them and share Christ. We are excited to see what transpires with others spreading the word around!!
There were many new faces in the church! What a praise to God! others that were there...Mendoza and his fmaily, Gusto and Josefa, Joel and Denise /(WOOHOO!!), Joe´s sister, Dario and Arcenio, and many others. It was a great blessing to see them all! Such a wonderful reunion!! its amazing how only 6 months seems to be a lifetime when most times we go a year or more before seeing them! i am so thankful to be here right now! After greeting with a hug and kiss on the cheek and after ¨Como esta?¨...the next question is Kerri? karen? Marianne? Darrell?...and the list goes on.....its great to know how much they love us and pray for us!!!
we talked to Alicia about the church. she said the church is known as the ¨gringo church¨! whenever people talk about going to church, its äre you going to this church or the gringo church?¨i love that!!
its very strange to be here and not be physically working on the church. im used to sweating before 8am and getting sunburnt! so its weird to be here just to talk with others and love on them!
right now i am sitting in alicia´s home waiting for lunch. i just helped by chopping up vegetables with a very big, dull knife. i thought i was going to lose a finger! i envisioned having to go to the hospital and get some kind of stitching without any painkillers. i quickly finished and walked away before i had to chop anything else! ha! i am here with jeremy, alicia, dario, arcenio, and ezekiel, what a great blessing to be sharing a meal with these wonderful people!
i pray that God continues to give us these great times to have with these wonderful people!!
stay tuned...i will try to update a bit quicker....
Thursday, June 16, 2011
A car with a donut tire, windy roads, and a $50 pay-off.....
06.16.2011
Well we have made it to Changuinola. It has been a long few days of traveling, but we are thankful that we have made it safely!
We had a late start from panama city yesterday, due to car issues, but we worked it out! When we went to get the car at the airport Tuesday night they wouldn't let us get it because we had no credit card. Frustrating since nothing said that on the website, so luckily we were able to get ahold of one of the missionaries in panama city to help us out.
While we waited for all of that to work out we were able to have breakfast with Pablo. It was great to see him and talk with him about what he's been up to. We will see him again when we return to panama city next week.
after we worked out the car issue, we were off! Panama city has some crazy driving. First come, first serve. And a lot of bottle-necking...but we made it out alive! Ha! Much of the drive was fine....lots of people walking the streets, lots of stray dogs, and lots of rain. We went throughout several towns and also some beautiful areas of trees and mountains....
Since we were late getting to Changuinola, we called Silvia to find out what we were to do. We didn't want to impose on Alicia (who we are staying with) that late. So went tried to get a hotel room for the night....no room at the inn!!! Can you believe it? No rooms available in Changuinola, Panama!! We checked 6 different hotels! So we ended up calling Alicia and made our way to her house in El Silencio. It's a very cute house. She has fixed us up very nicely and we are so appreciative of her. She had made us dinner before we arrived, so we ate at 11:30pm last night!
Today we slept in since we had a late night last night. We woke up several times to a dog hacking outside our bedroom (ha!) and a rooster crowing! So, needless to say it's already been an interesting morning.
Well i'm off to take my cold shower...wish me well......
Well we have made it to Changuinola. It has been a long few days of traveling, but we are thankful that we have made it safely!
We had a late start from panama city yesterday, due to car issues, but we worked it out! When we went to get the car at the airport Tuesday night they wouldn't let us get it because we had no credit card. Frustrating since nothing said that on the website, so luckily we were able to get ahold of one of the missionaries in panama city to help us out.
While we waited for all of that to work out we were able to have breakfast with Pablo. It was great to see him and talk with him about what he's been up to. We will see him again when we return to panama city next week.
after we worked out the car issue, we were off! Panama city has some crazy driving. First come, first serve. And a lot of bottle-necking...but we made it out alive! Ha! Much of the drive was fine....lots of people walking the streets, lots of stray dogs, and lots of rain. We went throughout several towns and also some beautiful areas of trees and mountains....
Since we were late getting to Changuinola, we called Silvia to find out what we were to do. We didn't want to impose on Alicia (who we are staying with) that late. So went tried to get a hotel room for the night....no room at the inn!!! Can you believe it? No rooms available in Changuinola, Panama!! We checked 6 different hotels! So we ended up calling Alicia and made our way to her house in El Silencio. It's a very cute house. She has fixed us up very nicely and we are so appreciative of her. She had made us dinner before we arrived, so we ate at 11:30pm last night!
Today we slept in since we had a late night last night. We woke up several times to a dog hacking outside our bedroom (ha!) and a rooster crowing! So, needless to say it's already been an interesting morning.
Well i'm off to take my cold shower...wish me well......
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
The Countdown!!!
The Countdown!
Well, we haven't even left yet and God has already started performing miracles. Big miracles? Where to begin? Just a little over two months ago, the Lord asked Rebekah and I to go to Panama to spread the good news. We had been saving some money for a 10 year wedding anniversary trip to Ireland, but God had other plans.
I want to be honest with you. The last nine months since moving back to Indiana to get into evangelism have been difficult. Few doors have opened and I have asked God many times, "Where do you want us to serve at? What is your will for Rebekah and I in ministry?" Hundreds of times Ive asked that question in the last nine months, but God has been silent. Until He asked us to go to Panama for two weeks worth of revival!
I picked up a book a few weeks ago called For Love's Sake by Jessica Davis. Rebekah has tired already of me reading passages out of the book to her, but I want to tell you those questions I've been asking God are the wrong ones. In her book, Davis says, "What would life turn into if we began living out what God has done for us instead of what we can do for Him? As we give up all that we are, He pours himself in fullness into our empty lives." I don't know about you but Im always so concerned about what God's will is for my life, that I totally miss God Himself. I want you to know that, yes I am excited abut going and ministering to people in Panama, but honestly I'm going with the expectation of finding Jesus. Every time I go to Panama I meet Jesus. I see Him in the poor and the needy and anyone who says "yes" to all of who He is.
"We have all been handpicked to bridge Heaven on Earth. There is a new movement of God breathing across the earth today. We will not get there by riding on the coattails of those we elevate as "super saints." There is no magic formula we can buy, no secret side door to sneak through. We cannot get there through piggybacking off the experiences, the concepts, and the ideologies of others. The only way in is through His heart. No shortcuts can pass through unseen. The journey will be messy. A lifestyle of following after God's heartbeat in the earth was never described as neat and orderly...or balanced for that matter! There are always unexpected twists and turns. But one things for sure. We are never alone."
Oh yeah, I mentioned miracles! I got sidetracked. Well financially speaking God has provided abundantly! We will be able to take 150 Spanish new testaments, 2 proclaimer Bibles (powered by solar panels if no electric is available), 12 puppets to start a puppet ministry and also use in local schools, a projector to be used in evangelism in the community of Changuinola, clothes for a friend we met last year, baby clothes for a 12 year old girl who is pregnant, 700 crosses (stitched by my Grandma, Rebekahs Grandma and Bonnie Stouder)' 10 Bibles on mp3 players in Kuna and Guaymie and lastly the Jesus film in those languages! WOW GOD! We know for sure we will be preaching in 6 different churches and are expecting a movement of the Spirit.
God has also provided us with an opportunity to purchase 50 Kuna Bibles and the kids at the South Side VBS are raising funds this week to purchase many more!
We are praying for people to be healed and for salvations! We are praying for an outpouring of the Spirit in the lives of people in Panama as well as our own. We are praying we see Jesus in the "least of these." I realize every year that I am not "the least of these." I have so much, but yet have so little. My brothers and sisters in Panama have nothing, but yet they have everything.
Lord, forgive me for looking everywhere in this world for you except in "the least of these."
Please pray for us as we begin this adventure of a lifetime, searching for Jesus and attempting to be obedient in "going." I am praying for changed lives, including my own.
Well, we haven't even left yet and God has already started performing miracles. Big miracles? Where to begin? Just a little over two months ago, the Lord asked Rebekah and I to go to Panama to spread the good news. We had been saving some money for a 10 year wedding anniversary trip to Ireland, but God had other plans.
I want to be honest with you. The last nine months since moving back to Indiana to get into evangelism have been difficult. Few doors have opened and I have asked God many times, "Where do you want us to serve at? What is your will for Rebekah and I in ministry?" Hundreds of times Ive asked that question in the last nine months, but God has been silent. Until He asked us to go to Panama for two weeks worth of revival!
I picked up a book a few weeks ago called For Love's Sake by Jessica Davis. Rebekah has tired already of me reading passages out of the book to her, but I want to tell you those questions I've been asking God are the wrong ones. In her book, Davis says, "What would life turn into if we began living out what God has done for us instead of what we can do for Him? As we give up all that we are, He pours himself in fullness into our empty lives." I don't know about you but Im always so concerned about what God's will is for my life, that I totally miss God Himself. I want you to know that, yes I am excited abut going and ministering to people in Panama, but honestly I'm going with the expectation of finding Jesus. Every time I go to Panama I meet Jesus. I see Him in the poor and the needy and anyone who says "yes" to all of who He is.
"We have all been handpicked to bridge Heaven on Earth. There is a new movement of God breathing across the earth today. We will not get there by riding on the coattails of those we elevate as "super saints." There is no magic formula we can buy, no secret side door to sneak through. We cannot get there through piggybacking off the experiences, the concepts, and the ideologies of others. The only way in is through His heart. No shortcuts can pass through unseen. The journey will be messy. A lifestyle of following after God's heartbeat in the earth was never described as neat and orderly...or balanced for that matter! There are always unexpected twists and turns. But one things for sure. We are never alone."
Oh yeah, I mentioned miracles! I got sidetracked. Well financially speaking God has provided abundantly! We will be able to take 150 Spanish new testaments, 2 proclaimer Bibles (powered by solar panels if no electric is available), 12 puppets to start a puppet ministry and also use in local schools, a projector to be used in evangelism in the community of Changuinola, clothes for a friend we met last year, baby clothes for a 12 year old girl who is pregnant, 700 crosses (stitched by my Grandma, Rebekahs Grandma and Bonnie Stouder)' 10 Bibles on mp3 players in Kuna and Guaymie and lastly the Jesus film in those languages! WOW GOD! We know for sure we will be preaching in 6 different churches and are expecting a movement of the Spirit.
God has also provided us with an opportunity to purchase 50 Kuna Bibles and the kids at the South Side VBS are raising funds this week to purchase many more!
We are praying for people to be healed and for salvations! We are praying for an outpouring of the Spirit in the lives of people in Panama as well as our own. We are praying we see Jesus in the "least of these." I realize every year that I am not "the least of these." I have so much, but yet have so little. My brothers and sisters in Panama have nothing, but yet they have everything.
Lord, forgive me for looking everywhere in this world for you except in "the least of these."
Please pray for us as we begin this adventure of a lifetime, searching for Jesus and attempting to be obedient in "going." I am praying for changed lives, including my own.
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