Another Day in Paradise (Panama) -- Mike Crowley's post

Another Day in Paradise

This trip, like most so far has been a flurry of activity.  Our classes are scheduled from 2pm until 10pm, with the last class typically going until about 10:30 or later.  Once again God is doing what He does best, He aligns us each with our students in a stunning way, matching our talents and approaches with the students that need each particular approach.

Our mornings are generally busy with errands to run, grocery shopping lists to fill, and meetings with various potential contacts.  We continue to be amazed at the possibilities for the Gospel here in Panama.  We have had conversation with a director of a local radio program, a new local missionary working in Brisas, and one of our students is setting up a potential meeting with the head of human resources at the international airport.  As always, we are waiting on God to move these potential projects forward.

We are also beginning to see plans form for our next trip in January.  As the next trip will be in the dry season, we have the possibility to not only continue with the English classes, but we would be able to serve the community in some simple restoration and repair projects around Edwin’s school, Castle Kids, and the nearby neighborhood.  Edwin pointed out a neighborhood in the vicinity that is impoverished and could benefit from even the simplest gestures of kindness.

Each day we have been building new relationships in the Word.   One reader told us last week that this course changed his life.  When we asked why, he said, “Because I have been changed by the Word of God.”  Another reader said that she was so grateful that we were bringing what Panama needed most, God’s Word.

Last night was an experiment.  Brent and Terry were talking about a new way to make contacts at the same time that one of our readers was talking about his favorite movie.  So… we got together a laptop, computer projector, extra speakers, and a copy of the movie “Fireproof.”  We played the movie in English with Spanish subtitles as a way for our students to practice their English.  A short message from the Word was given before the movie, and an application message was shared afterwards.  It was amazing!  We saw a real sense of community, a longing for authentic relationship, and an openness to Jesus last night.  We were moved to be part of such a moment.  It was so meaningful to see our hosts holding hands and smiling at each other with tears in their eyes… good stuff!  We are definitely planning on building on this for our next trip.  One of our readers brought a friend last night that was broken by the message, Barbara was able to comfort her and invite her to come to see us this week.  Please pray for the continuing conversations this week.

We have also had some new experiences this trip.  Saturday we were able to visit El Valle.  Brent, Patti, and I took advantage of a canopy tour, where we got to fly through the jungle on four different zip lines, one about 180 feet above a waterfall.  Wahoo !!!  We finished up the day at Coronado beach, where the water temperature was balmy.  We stayed in the surf throwing a Frisbee around watching the beautiful sunset, staying in for another hour, watching the full moon sparkle on the water and the volcanic sand.  God has done so many beautiful things! 

Today we begin our second week.  We would appreciate your prayers for the stamina and energy to continue the pace that we have set.  We continue to be amazed at God’s blessings and leading.

Another Post from Terry Hoffman from Panama

July 24, 2010

As we approach the end of our first week, the routine of planning to have time each morning to relax, reflect and share devotional time together has proven to be nearly impossible.  Something seems to come up every day.  The last two mornings the team has been split to go in separate directions.  Yesterday Mike and Brent visited the University and met with a new local missionary, while Barbara, Patty and I went to Old Panama. Today Mike and the ladies went to a birthday party complete with a clown (who happens to be one of our readers), while I took Delores’s van to have the window repaired. 

It is important to note that while our plans seem to be somewhat unstable, they all seem to pivot around two key individuals, Edwin Garcia and Norberto Lasso.  Both men have never hesitated to give of themselves when we are in need.  None of us would even be here without Edwin and his family. His tireless work ethic and desire to serve is admirable.  It almost seems like he can read our thoughts just by watching our body language and actions because he is always one step ahead of everyone (except his wife)!!

Norberto and his family continue to provide lodging, fellowship and be our Garmin GPS when we venture out of the normal commute.  His mother washes our clothes and shares a bedroom with her son and granddaughter so Mike and I can have her room and shower.

If we recall nothing else on this trip, we should all remember the sacrifices and hospitality of these wonderful friends.

Our readers are humble, dedicated, fun loving and eager to learn.  We hear statements and thoughts from them every day that should be compiled into a book.  My favorite yesterday was from Yasmir.  When I asked him why the devil tempted Jesus in the desert he said, “because it was his job.”

Although serving the Lord is not my job now, my hope and prayer is that when I return home I will be one step closer to making it my job.

We are looking forward to the weekend and another week of being immersed in the wonder of God.

News from Panama, Friday July 23, 2010

Brent Cowan writes:

In the short time that we’ve been here in Panamá so much has happened!  There is no doubt that God is blessing our work here.  With every new person met there are new doors open and countless opportunities.  We’ve found ourselves on several occasions wondering where God is going to lead us next.  With so many choices to be made we are overjoyed that God is leading us and making the way clear.  With over 70 students enrolled in our classes we have made some great connections with our new friends.  We’re all enjoying working towards spreading the word of God here in Panamá and are on the look out as to where God is going to lead us next.

Terry Hoffman writes:

July 19, 2010

I have to say it is wonderful returning to Panama.  I feel at home here as always, and coming with the team from Davis Park solidifies my belief that somehow God wants me here.  We miss our church family from Modesto and our relationship with Christ has taken a detour since our relocation to Mississippi. We thought that the mission trips and ties to Davis Park were only going to be fond memories.  Taylor and I attend a church in Oxford MS, who actually sent a youth group to Panama two weeks ago.  The youth minister wanted us to travel to Panama with them, however we had other commitments.  When Mike called and asked again if I would accompany the Davis Park team I felt the strong urge to make the trip.  I miss Taylor tremendously and wish she was here with me to share the experience, however I am confident two weeks of the miracles we see, and the satisfaction of doing God’s work will help me to renew my commitment to Jesus. 

I am very surprised at how the children we see each trip have grown. Alberto and Manuel are young men now, dedicated to the service of the Lord due to the perserverance of their uncle Norberto and the dedication of Walter. I shudder at the thought of how different their lives would be without Walters intervention.  

Edwin’s daughter Alexa was one of my beginner students two years ago.  She is in middle school and a sweet kid who will make Edwin very proud.  I have no doubt she could conduct her own reading session.  Her older brother actually read with two students today when we were short on workers.

Another pleasant surprise is Edwin.  The last two years of conversing with Mike has made him more fluent in English that we are in Spanish. I am amazed at the energy and enthusiasim this man posseses and am confident that God has big plans for him.

Our team meshes well as we are all hard workers and understand our purpose and mission.  Barbara has the toughest assignment with three basic classes, one of which has 25 students!!  Mike continues to strengthen the bonds with all his returning readers.  Most only want to read with him because he has made such a difference in all their lives. Brent uses his quick wit and fluency in Spanish to entertain readers , us and anyone else he meets.  Patty seems to connect with everyone on a personal level.  Her complete organization makes up for the lack of it on my part.  She is prepared for anything and everything, except the giant bugs that seem to appear at each meal.

As we progress through the week, we all pray that the Lord will capitalize on our strengths, and help us to overcome each and every weakness.  That the seeds we plant today will grow, bloom, and bear fruit for many years to come.  We thank you Lord for making all things possible and helping us to make a difference, one person at a time.