A little Kuna village called Icandi...part 2 of 2

For the rest of our days, our team split into three groups, each one with a Kuna translator and went to meet some families to help them with their household chores. On Monday, Derek and I went with Pastor Lino, and met 2 different families. We got to serve them practically, sweeping their dirt floors, helping gather firewood, rock babies to sleep in hammocks, grind corn and carry plantains to the hut. My favourite thing I got to do help a mom out by rocking a precious little baby girl to sleep in a hammock. She looked so peaceful as we both swung together.

Derek and I carrying plantains...they were surprisingly heavy!!

On Tuesday, Steve, Raquel and I went out with Pastor Artemio to simply talk with the families, learning about their lives, sharing ours and engaging in some spiritual conversations. I was impacted by the second house we visited, and the comment the lady made to us. We were talking and somehow the topic of travelling came up. We shared that we were from Canada, she said she didn’t want to travel to Panama City, and then she said that we must have a lot of money as we are able to travel. The first thought in my head was ‘well, actually, we don’t,’, and I immediately shared my opinion with Steve. He responded back with, ‘well, we kinda do.’ That really got me thinking, as the perspective totally depends on who your comparison audience is. Compared to the typical Canadian white collar worker, we as missionaries don’t make a lot of money. But, compared to the many people here in Panama and especially in the Kuna village where living is very primitive, we have so much. Wow. As that continued to circulate in my head, the Spirit led me to this verse:
“...from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Luke 12:48b
I have been given much, and as a result have a lot of responsibility. And, with the amount I’ve been entrusted, much will be expected of me. I pray that God would give me wisdom and knowledge to use and invest all he has given and entrusted me, time, talent and treasure wise.

On Tuesday night, we also got to present the Magdalena film, which is similar to the Jesus film, but from a woman’s perspective. About 175 men, women and children came out, and our team also got to do some dramas, as well as share our testimonies. Pastor Lino gave a gospel message at the end of the film as well.

Derek sharing his testimony (3 way translation style: english --> spanish--> kuna) before the Magdalena film.

Showing the Magdalena film

It was cool to see how God used our simple presence in the village. The pastors had been talking with the Silahs (men) in charge of the village in regards to building a church. Two months ago these discussions had begun, and then a month ago the Silahs had said no. However, with our visit, the Silahs saw a demonstration of the commitment of support to the village, and how the missionaries are dedicated to serving the Icandi people. And, in the Silah council meeting they had on Tuesday night, they said yes to the church again and the construction date was bumped up to start Mar 15!

Walking through the village with the kids

Overall, I pray that our presence and ministry in the village would somehow bring the Kuna people there a step closer to knowing Jesus as their saviour. They are a people whobelieve in God, but not in Jesus, thinking salvation is based on works only. Please pray for spiritual transformation in this village, that their spiritual eyes would be opened, the church construction and for the weekly visits the Pastors make.

Bye, Icandi!!! The view of the village as we left on Wednesday afternoon.

To see more pictures, click this link: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=221939&id=618945586&l=800c9