Week 3

Dear Blog

I can't believe it but 3 weeks are up already and we're heading in to the final stretch of our times on campus here in Panama. This week has been a bit of a battle on two fronts, both spiritually as we face opposition (which is good because it means we're fighting for the kingdom) and physically as we put our all into the work down here. But its also been very encouraging as we can reflect on what God has done, and is continuing to do on the campus.

On Sunday I had the chance to preach at 'La Comunidad', which is the church we are attending while in Panama. I shared from the book of Colossians focusing on our need to be rooted in Christ. We also took a look at Epaphras, the man who planted the Colossian church and his example of receiving the Gospel and then bringing it back to his own people. God was gracious in giving me a message despite the limited time I had to prepare.

I want to introduce you to a grandpa, his name is Jason Elford.



Jason (the red head on the right) led Fredrico to Christ two weeks ago on the Santiago campus. Fredrico, who grew up Catholic and had a lot of knowledge of the Bible, says he once trusted on his good behaviour to go to heaven and was thrilled to hear of Grace and Jesus Christ's provision. I've had the opportunity to spend time with Fredrico and he constantly is smiling and resting in the fact that he is saved by grace. As Fredrico received the Gospel he is now also sharing it with other students, and last week had the chance to share the good news and see someone come to Christ....spiritual multiplication!

Back in the city things have also been going well. The Canadian students have been taking lots of steps of faith, many of them commenting on how much they've grown through the challenges they have faced on project. It isn't easy stepping out and sharing your faith everyday, especially in a different language and different culture. But we have all found God to be faithful and He has worked both in our lives and in the lives of Panamanians.

Below are some photos of our time on campus...enjoy!

Steve

Erin (L) sharing about Canada with one of the Panamanian students she met

Panamanians and Canadians sharing in prayer time at the weekly meeting

Wes and Melanie doing follow up with Christian

The weekly meeting at the UTP campus. Lionzo (national director) is challenging the students to become leaders who will make the difference (for Christ) on their campus.