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.