Stepping into Panama, I became accutely aware of what it takes for my lungs to inhale for long enough that sufficiant amounts of air may enter my body. And now, after my visit in Panama, I realize, this is how dependant we must be on God's Love. Not only God's Love for ourselves, but more importantly, God's Love IN us, to freely give to others.
Because things didn't go exactly as planned (our plans - God knew better), our group didn't immediately go to stay out the YWAM base near Panama City, but went to visit and serve in Gamboa Union Church.
Inflating our mattresses and laying down our heads amongst dolls and toys, we slept in the children's ministry classrooms. The same classrooms where me, Ané and Jean served the kids that Sunday :D.
A verse that comes to mind after working with the kids, is definitely "But while knowledge makes is feel important, it is love that strengthens the church." - 1 Cor. 8c
I clearly see why Jesus prompts us to become more child-like
before Him. Not only in our faith, but in the way we receive and, especially, share our Love. Children understand that it doesn't matter how much you know or don't know. They realize that the only thing that might really encourage and strengthen God's church, is Love. Or at least, their actions speak of it.
Have you seen children play?
They don't ask for each other's CV's before allowing them to join their game. They don't have to answer a few times tables before calling one another "friends".
No, they Love.
In that case, can it be possible that the children in our churches are strengthening the church more than the adult members, elders and pastors?
(Just a thought)
While living in Gamboa's church, we decided to take full advantage of the WHOLE church. And obviously Pastor Bill encouraged us to make use of all his Hillsong DVD's and even provided us with a few inspiring movies. So we did as Pastor told us and had movie nights, every night, on the
comfortable church seats. This was definitely one of my favourite times in Panama. One of the movies we watched, was called "Furious Love". This movie just once again confirmed God prompting me just to Love. Unconditionally. No matter how, no matter who, no matter where. These scriptures meant a lot to me:
Rom. 8:31-39
Ps. 100:5
Ps. 136
Matt. 22:39
1 Peter 4:8
1 John 4:7-21
Eph. 3:8
Something we also felt the Lord leading us toward, was through-the-night-intercession. And what a blessing it was - not only for the specific things we prayed for, but for our ream and each of us personally as well.
The unity that it brought forth in our team, was just amazing. It was so evidant that this wasn't our humanly effort to be one as
team, but solely a God-formed unity.
We also visited a whole bunch of homes - in the city but in the Emberã tribe as well.
This was such a small piece of our Panama visit, but I hope it blesses you in this time.
Panama was more a blessing to our team than we could have been to the people of Panama.