Bible Chapel Mission Trip Blog
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
We experienced substantial downfalls of rain yesterday (Wednesday), but the sun was shining while we visited with residents of a local village and painted two homes. During our time in the village, we gifted the women with cosmetic bags filled with brushes, lip balm, toiletries, and bookmarks with scripture. The children were excited to receive bubbles, bracelets, cookies, and pretzels. As soon as we were indoors for lunch, the downpours came again! We praised God for the few hours of sunshine to complete the work and fellowship we had planned to do!
After lunch, there was another short break in the rain. We got to visit a plot of land where The King’s Kids leaders dream of building a future school with multiple classrooms. They covet your prayers as they seek the Lord’s provision and discern His will.
Today (Thursday) is our final day of assisting with preschool and the after-school tutoring program. Please pray that the Bible lesson and truths about our great Lord would take root in the hearts of the children and that they would be confident that the Lord who made the sun, seas, and stars wonderfully made each one of them with a plan and purpose for their life.
“Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.”
Psalm 145:3-4 ESV
Monday meant school was in session! The ladies on our team spent the morning assisting the preschool class, while the men painted the outside of the church where the school is held. The lessons and activities that our team prepared were integrated into the preschoolers’ regular class structure. The kids listened intently as the story of Daniel and the Lion’s Den was read to them and how the Lord protected Daniel.
After story time, the children rotated through different centers where the lesson was reinforced through snack and a craft. What powerful truths the preschoolers learned today. The Lord is mighty! He is our protector!
The afternoon was spent with students ranging in age from preschool through teenage years. This time at King’s Kids takes place following regular school hours. Kids come for tutoring and afterschool programming, including mentoring, Bible lessons, and a safe place for friendships to grow, rooted in Christ. The children enjoyed rotating through different stations that included time in the front yard playing a variety of sports, a Bible lesson on Noah, a snack, and an art station where the kids painted.
We thank our Lord for the relationships we are building and pray for the children’s hearts that they will trust and grow in relationship with the Lord. As the kids learned today, God is our protector, and He is faithful to keep His promises!
Our team ended our day around the dinner table at a local pizza restaurant, where we enjoyed being part of the local culture and reflecting on our day. On Tuesday morning, we will arise to roosters crowing and ready to teach the kids about David, a young shepherd boy who defeated the Philistine giant because of God’s power and protection.
Prayer needs for today (Tuesday):
For all of the kids who came yesterday to return today, and to tell others to come too!
For energy and good health to be our best
For our hearts, attitudes, and plans to be surrendered to God’s good will
We started our day in the auditorium, having breakfast and talking with all the equipantes (Jr. counselors). We had the opportunity to talk to those who are just beginning in the Word of Life! We met with Tracy, who needs support to continue to maintain her missionary status. We also had the opportunity to pray with Hugo and Yardi. Yardi is dealing with a gallstone and needs to go to a private hospital for surgery, so it can be done right. With that being said, we had been able to go up and over our budget to come to Panama so we can send the excess to pay for Yardi’s surgery!
After our devotion, which we do every day, we had the opportunity to share our testimony, Susan, Carol, and Pam. After giving our testimony, we gave time to ask questions and then asked a few of the girls to give their testimony! We ended in a prayer circle with 20 of these girls praying for each other!
We ate lunch and once again were able to serve the kids a special treat for lunch. The smiling faces said it all! Pam had the opportunity to talk to one of the missionaries and decided we would keep in touch to pray for her ministry.
This evening, we had the carnival for the kids, where they were able to win prizes and just have fun doing all the different games. So excited to fill their bags with toys, clothes, and goodies! It was a long day, and it's hard to believe the week is almost over! Many of these kids came forward to accept Christ, and the blessing is that they continue to be decipled by these missionaries. GOD IS ON THE MOVE!
