We arrived in panama two weeks ago and stayed in Panama City the first night at a hostel. The next morning we woke up with banana pancakes and coffee (this country knows how to share love well). We were able to see the city a bit before catching our 7 hour bus ride to las lajas where we are doing ministry this month. Danny and Heather are with icjesus ministry and are our hosts this month. They are AWESOME and have such a neat story. They are intentional with each of us and attentive to where the spirit is leading us daily.
Every day looks a little different. One thing Danny continually reminds us is to be flexible with our ministry opportunities. I love how everyday is a little different.
Here’s a glimpse into our first day:
Our first day led us to an 1 1/2 hour hike up the mountain crossing rivers and viewing some of the most beautiful scenery of Panama. We made it to a village where we helped a local injured pastor of the gnobe tribe till his family’s garden. It started raining (pouring) on our way down the mountain. It was a day to start this race that will never be forgotten. When we made it back down the keys to the car happened to be locked inside. As our host caught a taxi back to his home for a spare set we ran to the nearest covering under a building to wait for him. A local from the tribe came out and we started talking. It happens to be a learning center for the women to learn trade and skills such as sewing the traditional dresses. She led us into a classroom of women where we said hello. As we sat outside soaking wet and tired waiting to go home, melody on our team encouraged us to share our testimony with the ladies. We all got up and went back into the room for a couple to share as she translated. God is so good. In that moment, His strength surpassed all weakness.
We have had opportunities to build trenches to help keep the water and mud from flooding their homes, clean classrooms, prep for painting, give a bible lesson/skit to the children, swing the children round and round and round till you can’t walk straight, and see Heather’s deaf ministry with just one boy make a difference for an entire community.
“He gives power to the weak, and strength to the powerless” Isaiah 40:29
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