Day 5

Today was our sightseeing day and we went to see the Panama Canal. Wow! All these trips have been made so wonderful in the 15 passenger van (AIR CONDITIONED!- we are sooo spoiled) driven by their Youth Pastor - Miguel - who has the same humble spirit as Pastor Picota and is quick to make sure that we never wander off anywhere by ourselves. We have given Miguel the unofficial title of Cat Herder. Pastor also got us inside the gates to take photos in front of the Presidents home today.

Wednesday night we had the pleasure to visit small groups again. The team split into two groups to attend two different small groups. The Panamanian people are very hospitable and not afraid of the gospel. They received the five minute teaching each team had prepared with open hearts. We worshipped the Lord together, Praise for Jesus has no language barrier.

Diana, the hostess of one of the small groups was especially ministered to. She works with sexually abused teenagers and was feeling drained by the needs and sadness of the children to the point of considering quitting her job. The teaching reminded her that we are shepherds, the teens are God’s flock and that all the work we do is for the Lord. Praise be to God, the very next day one of the young men gave his life to the lord and Diana’s path, guarding the flock, was confirmed for her.

We received news that the teacher’s strike was over and our presentation at a school the next day was on!