Bible Chapel Mission Trip Blog
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!
Hola from the warm country of Panama!! We have been so blessed by our experiences here in Panama. God truly has been working through us all each and every day! This morning, Brad kicked off our morning with Matthew 20: 25-28 and Mathew 22:36-40. We discussed how we can serve others and show God's love here. And how we can continue to maintain a servant's heart when we arrive back home.
We embraced humility, discussing the importance of giving all the glory to God instead of to ourselves when we serve others. We reflected on why we serve and our motives when we serve. Pam enhanced the devotion by talking about Agape love.
Earlier in the day, the children had fun painting their carnival bags for Friday and participating in games such as volleyball and basketball. Some activities were canceled due to the rain. When the rain decided to subside, the pool was opened! It was there that we witnessed something so special.
The kids must take a swim test and pass before they are allowed in the deep end of the pool. Today, one sweet, mischievous little boy continued to sneak over to the deep end without taking the test. Pam told the lifeguard, and he had to take the test. Before the test, the little boy prayed near the pool. Guess what? He passed the swim test!! What a wonderful example of faith in Jesus Christ this young child displayed!
The evening ended with Bible trivia and a bonfire, where the children had the opportunity to dedicate their lives to Christ by throwing a stick (a representation of sin) into the fire! What a testimony to the World of Life and how they are impacting these children's lives!!!
