So we’ve been in Panama and doing ministry for almost two weeks now, and I’ve already learned so much. My team is paired with an organization called IC Jesus Ministries through which we’ve had the opportunity to experience all kinds of ministry. Most of our work has been done up in the beautiful mountains of Oma, Chiriqui with the Ngobe tribe. Our first day of ministry was spent hiking up a mountain to help a pastor, who recently fell from a roof, rebuild his garden. By the time we finished, it began to sprinkle. That doesn’t seem like a big deal right? Wrong. It’s Panama’s rainy season. Within minutes it was a torrential downpour! Our hike back down the mountain was like walking in a river. But it was such a blessing because it cooled us down, and I LOVE RAIN.
We also spent a few days digging a trench around one family’s home because every time it rains (which is every day), their house floods. Most of our other time we’ve spent either playing with children or helping with Sunday school. While working with the children, I feel like the ministry is a two way street. We get to play with and love on them, but they also love us back so well. They fill my heart up with joy and bring out my inner child! I think we have so much to learn from them.
“I assure you: Whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will not enter it” – Mark 10:15
Though it’s only been two weeks since our race began, I already feel like I’ve grown. One of the main things that I am really working on within myself is having an intimate relationship with God. I’ve never really seen what that looks like. I mean, how do you even begin a relationship that is completely out of this world? How do you hear God’s voice? How do you know it’s Him? What do you do with that if you do hear Him? I’ve been asking all of these questions to several people on my squad, and they have been so helpful! Here are some of the main points that I’ve taken from them:
- God wants a relationship with us and is constantly seeking us out!
- He will give us the desires of our hearts. So if you’re seeking Him, He will provide answers to your questions.
- God has layers, and it can take time to grow into having conversations (which is ultimately what He wants). Be patient. Start by asking God for a word either about you or someone else. More and more he will trust and give you.
- The Holy Spirit DWELLS in all of us.
- God speaks to us in all kinds of different forms. He could give you a word, scripture, a picture…
- If you’re having trouble hearing and recognizing God’s voice, maybe you are distracted by worldly things. It’s so easy to lose focus in this day and age because we all live such hectic lives. Just be still with Him.
- One of our squad leaders said something that really stuck with me, “The first voice you hear is probably God. The second is questioning whether the first voice was just in your head or if it really was from God. The third is battling the second.”
- When God does speak to you, step out in faith and act on it.
It’s hard to believe, but we are already leaving for our second country in just one week. Please continue to pray for our squad and all of the others as we travel! Thank you for your constant love and support.
