Beautiful Feet

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news." Romans 10:14-15

Today we spent the day back at the community of Curundo.  Romans 10:14-15 was our mission verse for the day.  I have never thought of feet being beautiful but Paul had different thoughts.  We all can have beautiful feet if we are willing to go and tell others the gospel of our sweet Jesus.  We don't have to travel across the globe, we can simply go down our street to share the good news.  The children and adults LOVED decorating flip flops to help make their feet beautiful. We met a spiritual and physical need.  It is hard to comprehend the basic needs that go unfulfilled on a daily basis.  Many of us have thousands of  pairs of shoes in our closest that we don't wear.  Families here share EVERYTHING, even shoes. 

The men went to Anna's house a couple of blocks from the mission to repair her ceiling.  They patched it with plastic to help keep the rain out for now.  While they were there they heard a sound coming from a room and out popped two chickens roaming freely.  How many of us have chickens running around your house?? The mission plans on a permanent fix for Anna's house very soon. 

Spread the word, Jesus is who he said he was, and  you will have beautiful feet!

Blessings,

Laura

Buenas Noches from Laura and the team

Buenas Noches,

 First of all, I am just so thankful to be in Panama with the Louderbacks.  Seeing God's vision for them reminds me of His love for us.  I am so proud that they said "yes" when God called them to be on his mission team. 

Today, we went to the community of Curundo.  Curundo is a very impoverished area.  This area of town is very dangerous for outsiders .  Panama has 7 major gangs and the largest two control this area.  Crossroads Church is an Englishspeaking church who's pastor is from the USA.  He was called here 42 years ago and this has become his home and mission field. Crossroads Church was called to minister to the people in this area.  God worked out all the details, and there were many, to provide a safe place for the church to start a mission there.  The mission has a school and provides much needed nurishment for area children.  They also offer tutoring for students who desire to get a high school diploma.  

The mission's needs are great and that is where we helped today.  Our goal today was to build relationships with the people of Curundo.  Emily and Reem played soccer with the boys.  In Panama, girls don't play soccer so the boys LOVED it.  They could not believe that girls were good at soccer.   We also painted A LOT of furniture for the school and the brand new set of stairs.  We played and loved on the children as much as we could. 

The men went with the David, the church planter, to visit Anna, a women who's home was in much need of repair.  Words can not describe the living conditions she and her three children are forced to live in.  Anna's husband was killed in cold blood by a gang member when she was pregnant with her last child.  Tomorrow the men will attempt to help rebuild her roof and ceiling.   

We are loving God's plans for us this week.  Please pray for our men tomorrow as they go out of the safe zone to help with Anna's house. 

Sunday in Panama

Upon sitting down at the end of the first day in Panama, either everyone is extremely exhausted or overwhelmed by the day that now lay behind; possibly, and more likely, a combination of both.  The day started early... very early, with the wonderful Panamanian sounds of techno-house music from the neighbors.  Then, seemingly short after, the rooster gives his early morning wake up call... what an awesome way to start the day!

The day started with a basic rundown of what to expect over the next few days and what the plans are.  Nothing too drastic and after meeting different missions families residing in Panama we headed off to a wonderful church service at Crossroads Baptist Church.  The service, coincidentally, was about missions.  The message wasn't overbearing but instead simple... when you are saved as a follower of Christ you are called to share God's love and word with anyone and everyone you come across!  After church we headed to the mall in Panama City for lunch at the food court... where, of all things, there is a Subway, Taco Bell and Wendy's amoung other local stops... before heading out to the real "work" of the day in the community of Santa Fey .  Work is in quotes because truly we are not working... we are sharing.  This FBC team has a unique combination of Christians that can reach out to people in a way only God can make possible.

The carnival that we set up inside this fenced in recreation area was not just a changing experience for the surrounding communitys' children, but also our team.  We set up games had crafts, and played soccer.  The amazing thing about this small act was that each team member was able to find their are of comfort and reach out to these children.  God's word was shared, connections were made, relationships were started and fun was had all the while.  At the end of an exhausting and extraordinarily fullfilling day 7 families in the area have decided to begin at home Bible studies and many, many children went home with smiles on their faces, candy in their pockets and God's word laid on their hearts.  Basically, our first day no doubtedly was the perfect start to carry us into the days ahead.  ~ Emily

Look out Panama, they are here!

This wild, crazy and fabulous group from FBC Thomasville has arrived in Panama!!  I can already tell that there are going to be lots of laughs and crazy stories this week! Today we will have a time of orientation to Panama, head to church and then spend the afternoon helping at a community event in one of our ministry areas.  These folks are so excited and ready to work!  Looking forward to a great week ahead.  Thank you for praying for us as we share the love of Jesus in Panama this week.