Time simply flies by!!!! We arrived back in Canada Wednesday, June 16th at night, after a long day in the air.
A lot happened since May 30th, my last blog update. Here were some of the highlights:
1. COMMITMENT DINNER, June 3rd - This was the second annual dinner, where Panamanians involved in Vida Estudiantil and those we had worked with on project were invited to a night of food, friends and vision to reach the world. All together, there were about 70 of us, all together for this inspirational night. To start out, Yaremis, an involved student who accepted Christ last year, gave her testimony; Oliver shared the vision of how Vida Estudiantil aims to change the world and Secundina shared some of her heart. Then, Steve gave a challenge to the Panamanians. This challenge was essentially a form of higher commitment in 4 areas:
1. To walk with God in obedience
2. To a life of evangelism and discipleship
3. To involvement in Vida Estudiantil on their respective campus
4. To help complete the Great Commission in this generation.
Each student was given a card with these 4 items on it, and then everyone prayed about the commitment. And, God was working in many hearts!!! After praying, Nayeli, a first year Business student on the National Campus turned to Allison (one of the Canadian students) saying, "I know this commitment may be hard, but I feel like its the next step God wants me to take." It was so exciting to see and hear how students were responding to the Lord's leading in their lives. Overall, we saw about 44 students make this commitment (those from the National, UTP and Santiago campuses).
A lot happened since May 30th, my last blog update. Here were some of the highlights:
1. COMMITMENT DINNER, June 3rd - This was the second annual dinner, where Panamanians involved in Vida Estudiantil and those we had worked with on project were invited to a night of food, friends and vision to reach the world. All together, there were about 70 of us, all together for this inspirational night. To start out, Yaremis, an involved student who accepted Christ last year, gave her testimony; Oliver shared the vision of how Vida Estudiantil aims to change the world and Secundina shared some of her heart. Then, Steve gave a challenge to the Panamanians. This challenge was essentially a form of higher commitment in 4 areas:
1. To walk with God in obedience
2. To a life of evangelism and discipleship
3. To involvement in Vida Estudiantil on their respective campus
4. To help complete the Great Commission in this generation.
Each student was given a card with these 4 items on it, and then everyone prayed about the commitment. And, God was working in many hearts!!! After praying, Nayeli, a first year Business student on the National Campus turned to Allison (one of the Canadian students) saying, "I know this commitment may be hard, but I feel like its the next step God wants me to take." It was so exciting to see and hear how students were responding to the Lord's leading in their lives. Overall, we saw about 44 students make this commitment (those from the National, UTP and Santiago campuses).
Above: Oliver sharing how Vida Estudiantil seeks to Change the World with the news of Jesus! Below: Yaviris, myself and Yaremis - they are involved in Vida Estudiantil at the National campus
2. Rest and Relaxation weekend in El Valle-June 4-6th --This was a time to remember and reflect on the things God had done during the campus cycle part of our trip, as well as rest and refocusing ourselves for the adventure cycle portion. (Unfortunately, I got a bad virus the Friday night, so missed all the Sat & Sun sessions.) 3. Adventure Cycle, June 7-11 - Sancona, Cocle - The team headed up there to work along side Pastor Correa to reach families in the interior, mountainous province of Cocle. This village was different, as there wasnt a lot of alcoholism, and the general outlook of the people was positive. This was because there had already been a missionary visit and a church had been set up there...it was so clear that the Gospel was already at work in the lives of the people (as compared to other villages who had never heard of the Good news of Jesus!). I wasnt able to go on Adventure Cycle, as I was still feeling sick from the weekend...so I headed back to Panama City to rest and prepare a bit for Debrief.
4. Debrief, June 11-13 - This was a time for the students to process what God taught them on the trip and to prepare for life back in Canada. It was very restful and we all enjoyed our last moments together.
I will be sending out a Newsletter with some Project Highlights some time in the next couple weeks - watch your mailboxes :)!! Thanks very much for your partnership and the role you played in reaching Panama with the Good News of Jesus!!!
