First Team

A discipleship training school team arrived from Costa Rica for 10 days and we got our base officially started. We ministered to the Ngobe children in the school next door to us and also went to the mangrove villages nearby. In this house we found a man who had shriveled legs and arms, and had been on the floor for 8 years. Having bilingual students allowed us to communicate with others here. In the house over the water was a man unable to get off the floor for 8 years, his arms and legs atrophied. He smiled and thanked us for taking the time to pray and visit with him. The whole school was totally excited about our base, and some are even praying about coming back to help us staff during this pioneer period.

Church Work

We started going to the Anglican Episcopal church in town. They have the only English speaking service, and when we showed up it doubled in size!! Dale and I are currently doing the worship with our guitars, and Reanna and Mitch help with the singing. We volunteered to spruce up the adjoining hall, which was in bad need of some paint and cleaning. There was an earthquake here a few years ago which damaged the floor. It wasn't a serious quake, but did shake up things that were not built well. Soon after we cleaned it up there was a wedding shower, and the first wedding the church has seen in years. Pray that this will be the beginning of new life in Jesus in this little church, and that His Spirit would come in power.

Thanksgiving by Reanna

Our Thanksgiving was a relaxing day. We went to Red Frog Beach, the beach on the other side of Bastimentos, our island. The waves were very big and awesome because we were having a wind storm that week. I wanted to surf but don't have a board and probably would have gotten killed. Mitch swam some and we walked around looking at everything. It was a very beautiful scene. For our dinner we had chicken because we had ordered a turkey but the store it was in was closed so we could not pick it up. Such is the way of Panama. We also had potatoes with gravy, a fruity jello, and apple pie. It was all very tasty. Bingo, now re-named Bonita, kept us company that night. We are missing the family back home a lot, but are very thankful that God has been providing for us. We are always praying for the church and our friends and family. Please write us via email or comments!!! We always love to hear from all of you. Happy late Thanksgiving!!!


Mom and Re were so excited - our first mokey siting

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.