Power and Love

Today we experienced a rainy day and therefore a FLEXIBLE team day in Panama. Due to the rain we could not complete the painting project at Templo La Felicidad. But we had the awesome opportunity to minister at two schools. In the morning we went to an elementary school and had a program including skits and drama. Kely, Jesse and Ivette did a fantastic job with an "icebreaker" skit and then Pastor Arlena, Bill, Ivette, Jesse, Kely, Diana and Hector performed a drama titled "Vida Eterna" (Eternal Life). After the drama, Tara gave her testimony and then offered an opportunity for the students to come forward for prayer. Gerritt had told the team to choose one student during the program and intercede for that student, asking the Lord to stir their heart. Well, the kids almost ran to the front when Tara asked if any wanted prayer. There were students who raised their hands when asked if they experienced problems in the home. It was a great opportunity to serve by demonstrating God's love through prayer for these kids....and by every team member being willing to be stretched.

Between the school programs we did a "Prayer Drive" through Panama City, specifically driving past large public high schools where Gerritt and Tara have been praying for open doors. Pastor Arlena prayed that just one student would have the boldness to step forward and take a stand for Christ in each school. While we were interceding in prayer we also drove through areas that were the epitome of contrasts. We drove through a "community" that was obviously desperate in almost every imaginable way.....and it was literally two blocks from very high end stores like Cartier.

In the afternoon we ministered at a secondary school to a group of approximately 100 seventh grade students. Every team member sensed the spiritual heaviness of these students as they filed into the room. Again the team did a skit and drama (with Randy added to the drama team) and Brian Josue spoke to the students and the room was silent with every student's head bowed. We went throughout the room praying and laying hands on every student. Bill had a word from the Lord for one young man. With the help of an interpreter, the young man revealed that it was the second time he had been told that God had big plans for his life. Our Panamanian interpreter, Kieko, told the young man that God loved him so much that he sent a missionary from the United States to speak to him. It was an awesome day demonstrating the power and the love of God at work in us and through us.

Thanks for praying for us. We have one more day of ministry here; we want to spend every ounce of our energy pouring out His power and love into everyone we meet.

Until tomorrow,
Elaine

P.S. Sorry I didn't have a chance to post more pictures. Will do so tomorrow! - Pastor Arlena