December 4th, 2006 FIRST OUTREACH

We can't believe it's already December. Time is just flying by. We are gearing up for a busy December, and working hard to get ready. We are thrilled to announce that our very first team is arriving in just a few weeks. They are 15 DTS students from Costa Rica led by Ryan and Sarah Bedenkop. Here is an excerpt from Sarah's recent letter, it's such an encouragement to us!!

When God led us to serve in Panama, He specifically spoke to go to the Ngobe, a little indigenous group that we knew little to nothing about. At the Panama city base, Ryan was able to serve on some outreach teams to the Ngobe, but the boys and I never had the opportunity to go share with this people group. For a border run, God directed us to Bocas Del Toro. It was there that our family visited our first Ngobe village, most likely on isla Bastimentos. During our time, God continued to put it on my heart to pray for the start of a YWAM base in the area to host teams and minister specifically to the Ngobe. Then after my DTS in Panama, God led us to serve in Costa Rica. It was just as clear that we were to move here and lead the DTS as it was to go to Panama. As we obeyed, I never thought that I would be able to share with the Ngobe again. Then, … our first outreach … to Bastimentos, to share Jesus with the Ngobe. When I found out that your base was on Bastimentos, I squealed to Ryan that the island is filled with Ngobe. Then, after reading your notes, we realized that much of the ministry we would be doing as a team would be specifically with the Ngobe. And, it looks like we are the first team to help you get established, God is allowing us to play a part in the founding of the ministry as well. Our God is a mighty God, this could only be orchestrated by a God who knows our hearts and deepest desires. Not only will our family as a whole be able to minister to the Ngobe, but we are also bringing a team of our first DTS, to disciple and challenge them to catch God’s vision for His world. That’s even more powerful than just the Bedenkops. It’s exponential!

Isn't it awesome how God orchestrates his people? At the same time the leader from the Panama base and his family will arrive, so there will be about 25 here. The team will stay for two weeks.

We are also excited that we will be hosting a medical team in January. We have already done some recognisance work, and found a place for the team to backpack into which is remote and will help many of the Ngobe who are unable to get medical care. Neal Sander, a contractor, was at a meeting about a road project, and he said everyone was grumbling and complaining about it. Upon further investigation, it turned out that they were all concerned because they couldn't get medical care for their children.. His face was just beaming as he shared how he would be happy to get the word out for us, and several different tribes will come for care.

We have been busy finishing the walkway up to the house, cleaning and painting the downstairs where the termite trails covered the walls, and purchasing supplies for these teams. Plastic chairs, eating utensils and plastic plates and cups. We've ordered the ceiling supplies to replace the ceilings we had to tear down, and hope they'll get here soon. We are also wanting to build picnic tables so there is someplace for all to eat. They will be staying until two days before Christmas.