I lift my eyes up...

I knew nothing about Panama. I vaguely remember hearing about some canal that they have and that they speak Spanish, but other than that… NADA!

But oh how my eyes have been opened to the beauty of another world.

Beautiful people, beautiful culture, beautiful ministry.

4 Americans, 3 Dominicans, 1 Argentine, 1 Uruguayan and a Bermudian had the joy of joining forces with missionaries David and Marianella Bueno for a week of ministry in Panama.

Honestly, it was interesting to go from one mission field to the next. However, where many families in the Dominican struggle financially, it seems that the need was not necessarily financially, but there was poverty in faith.

As we traveled between tribes and communities the theme seemed to be the same… discouraged brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Sick pastors, frustrated congregations, weak leaders, inconveniences, etc. Each group differed in their problems, but all needed the same solution. Prayer.

It was our joy to teach Bible clubs for both children and teens and reminding them to put/keep their eyes on Christ. Adrienne (missionary with SCORE Dominican) did an amazing job using Peacock feathers, balloons and the story of Jesus calming the storm to reiterate Psalm 121:1. We also had the opportunity to meet with married women, where Yajiada (Dominican Director of the Lily House ministry) taught on the role of women and also with single women, where I was able to teach about Rahab and the need to trust God’s choice, God’s way and God’s timing.

Other team members ministered through testimony, music and other teaching too!

I would love to talk about each day and EVERYTHING that God did, but there were a few special places and faces that will be etched on my heart forever.

One of which is a little island called San Antonio in the area of Baboa. To be honest, it felt like a movie as the team climbed on to a little boat and sped over to the most beautiful little community. I will never forget it! The women dressed in traditional clothing, the children playing and the men (the few who were not out working) were preparing last minute things for tourists who were coming to visit.

Our guys got started on a bathroom roof that they were repairing, while the rest of us talked with the people and played with the children. We visited homes, shared God’s word and ate a lovely lunch. Then I realized… everyone was in regular clothing. The traditional garb had been laid to the side and kids ran around in shorts and t-shirts, moms in dresses… everyone was “normal.” That’s when I realized, WE WERE FAMILY!

 It was as if they knew we didn't need a show or anything special… we just wanted them, how they were, no strings attached. Immediately I felt at peace. We taught God’s word to the children as little ones cuddled close and once again we left reminded to keep our eyes on Christ alone.

Another special moment was during a women’s meeting where we had the privilege of praying in small groups with women from that community. I listened to their needs and struggles, then we cried out to Abba Father for our sisters in Christ. It was a blessing to hear each lady pray in their own language (each tribe or community or area has their own original language as well as Spanish) until I realized that there is no Bible written in their native tongue! If you have a Bible you can read in your own language you need to THANK THE LORD because there are so many who don’t have that privilege.

I praise the Lord for the opportunity to serve in Panama this week. God is doing a beautiful thing through David and Marinella and it was a blessing to see it first-hand.

(MORE TO SHARE IN OUR UPCOMING NEWSLETTER… STAY TUNED!)

MEANWHILE IN THE DOMINICAN…

Robersy had the privilege of serving at a Baseball Conference. He taught about outfield, batting and several other areas as well as leading a small group. His eyes lit up as he shared about men in his group who had arrived to the conference discouraged and straying from the Lord only to leave the conference with their eyes refocused on their Lord and Savior!

This week has been a great week of teaching, learning and growing for the both of us. We’re thankful for those who prayed for us and at this very moment… we’re thankful for our bed! GOODNIGHT :D