One of the passages that has come up again and again through our STINT year has been John 15. In summary, it talks about the need to abide in Christ to bear fruit.
STINT this year has been different. To be honest one of the hallmarks of our first few months on campus was that it was, to be honest, not too fruitful. (Note: We did see some amazing things happen, there was steady growth...but we all felt like it there was something more to be had) As a result we realized that while we were putting in a lot of effort, what really needed to happen was for us to step back and pray.
So coming back in January we have really tried to emphasize prayer. Taking more time to do it. Doing it more earnestly. Asking for specific things etc... And God has been answering.
John 15:16
You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.
This is exactly what we have been seeing. We are bearing fruit, but more than that the fruit is remaining. A constant 'struggle' in Panama is follow up. People eagerly accept the Gospel, but often times we will never see that person again, or they will never come to any follow up. It has seemed that this semester a corner has been turned and more and more people are remaining after accepting Christ.
Juliana, Jennifer and myself in Interamericana
3 weeks ago as Lindsey and I went to Interamericana where we specifically prayed for "1st or 2nd year girls". Walking in to the cafeteria we met Juliana and Jenifer, who are both 1st/2nd year Tourism students. We really connected with them and when we shared the Gospel they both were moved and accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. Since that day, they have showed up to every follow-up appointment and are constantly eager to learn more. This Wednesday during our follow up both girls prayed out-loud. For me it is such a joy to hear new Christians pray as they are still learning to trust their Heavenly Father. They pray in a shy way, but with words that are straight from the heart.
Sharing with Juan and Karina
This past week Juan Carlos was making a video to send to UBC titled "A day in the life of a Stinter". I spent Tuesday helping Juan take pictures and film. I decided it would be good to pose for a couple pictures with a disciple of mine Joel (2nd from right). When we met up with him he was with two of his classmates. After posing for a picture (see above) I nudged Juan and said "Go for it, share with them" Juan took the initiative and shared with the Gospel with them and they both accepted Christ. Joel was a great help in answering some of their questions. Both of them have been coming to follow up.
So praise God for the fruit we have been seeing. Please continue to pray alongside us as we reach out to the lost students of Panama.
Steve
What I usually eat for lunch. I LOVE beans and rice
Of course we need help too. Here is our STINT team in a group discipleship with Todd and Marielena
No comments:
Post a Comment