Agape Mission Society

2010-11-14T13:17:00.000-08:00

We are in Norway!!! Although it rains 300 days a year, Bergen is a breathtaking city, surrounded by mountains. We were warmly welcomed by a Norwegian church, the home church of former YWAM’ers Iselinn and Eileen Thorsen. These sisters did their DTS’s in Panama, and both had served as staff on the base. It is a testament to the wonderful relationships that had been developed over the years, the welcome that we received in Bergen.

Wednesday night the church had a prayer meeting, so the day we arrived we were busy settling we also prepared for leading the 2 hour long meeting. We were so blessed to ask the Lord to bless this church, this city, and this country, alongside the Norwegians that we had just met. Listening to them pray, in their language reminded me of the scripture “every knee will bow, every tongue confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord.” One main prayer concern that arose was the amount of drug addiction in the city. Heroin addicts had taken over a local park, and were a focus of our prayers. In the next few days we had the opportunity to meet some of the addicts, and pray for them personally. We also met a faithful woman who has been working with them for 27 years. As you can imagine, she had heartbreaking stories, had been beaten up many times, yet continued to love on these people unconditionally, showing them that they had value in the eyes of our Lord. Through her ministry many lives had been changed, and she showed us the importance of staying faithful, even through very difficult circumstances.

We joined a local church in handing out hot chocolate and serving waffles to passersby, and had opportunity to invite people to the service, talk with them about their beliefs, and pray for them. We also did a survey in a local mall, asking people about their spiritual beliefs, and sharing our hope in Jesus. We were amazed at how open people were.

Sunday we were in charge of the church service, and David Tracy shared a message on evangelism. It was very powerful and challenging, and some of the students had the opportunity to participate in leading worship, speaking about what's happening in YWAM Panama, sharing about our time in England, and giving personal testimonies.

The DTS school went onto the rest of the week in Norway, and Dale and I left to attend the wedding of our son Kellen. So the whirlwind of living on this Christian journey sweeps us off of our feet again. More pictures to come!!

DTS OUTREACH IN EUROPE - UK

2010-11-14T12:54:00.000-08:00

Our DTS outreach team has arrived safely in England! We are staying at the YWAM Base at Holmsted Manor in West Sussex, 40 minutes from London. (Check our their webpage at http://www.holmsted.org.uk/). We arrived in London Tuesday morning, and after picking up Pam Tracy, David's grandmother, (who will be joining us for our 7 week mission trip), we headed out to the base.

It is beautiful here! The base was bought by YWAM in 1975, and is the 3rd oldest YWAM base in the world. We are staying in an old, English manor, which was built in 1891. It is a strikingly beautiful property, and is especially beautiful this time of year with the changing leaves. It's nice to experience some fall weather after the tropical heat of Panama!

Our team is doing very well and we are all excited to be here! We were especially encouraged when we met with the Holmsted staff upon arrival, and were told that our coming was a direct answer to prayer. One year ago, Darren and Amy Haase came to England to take on the position of base directors at Holmsted Manor. During the last year, they have revamped A LOT on the base, physically and spiritually. Before their arrival, the base was going through a lull, not involved in too many ministries, and lacking staff. The Haase's answered God's call to come here, and have experienced the Lord MOVE in starting new ministries, creating new vision, and more than doubling their staff in August alone! So much excitement fills these walls, and we are the first outreach team they have received since all of these changes have taken place!

Of course, all of these changes and vision take a lot of work, and so the base has been praying for teams to come and to help. One ministry in particular that has been heavy on their hearts is to start a preschool. Their desire is to affect the next generation, to teach them the ways of the Lord, to show them who He is and to pass on the legacy of the knowledge of the glory of God.

The woman who is at the forefront of this vision is Andrea, whose heart for children and their families is incredible. She told us that a few weeks ago, she was realizing more and more that God wanted this preschool, and that the place for it was to be in a big old building that was once used as a garage. It's the perfect place, with a walled-in lawn outside for a playground as well. But the building is overgrown with mold, is full of all kinds of odds and ends, and would take a LOT of work to clean out and get in shape for a preschool. She was praying and feeling discouraged. The very next day, they received an email from a YWAM outreach team, who had heard from the Lord to come to England...US!!! What an encouragement this was, and also for us to hear this story, as it confirmed to us that this is the place we were to come at this particular time. Praise God! We are so thankful to serve a God who speaks to us and guides us, and what a privilege it is to serve and be part of His master plan!

Therefore, the team is all bundled up in hats and gloves and has been working hard cleaning out the building and praying and interceding for the preschool. We are so excited to be part of this vision, to help the base in any way we can, and we are being so blessed at the same time!

Another task we helped with the first day was to harvest apples from YWAM Holmsted's orchard...the team helped to gather over $2000.00 worth of apples! We were privileged to taste some of the fruits of that labor through the apple crisp that was served last night. :)

All in all, we are doing well...still recovering a bit from jet lag, and working outside a lot in the days which makes for good sleeping at night.
We want to thank you so much for your continued prayers and support. Praise God we have raised about half of the amount that is needed for our group of eighteen to be able to come to Europe! We are going to be proceeding step by step in faith for the rest of the funds to come, to continue on the path we feel God has laid before us. We will keep you updated as we go along

2010-09-23T15:29:00.000-07:00

2010-09-23T15:27:00.001-07:00

2010-09-23T15:17:00.000-07:00

DTS in full blast!!

2010-09-16T07:12:00.000-07:00

Here in Panama we are currently having our first Discipleship Training School. This God-loving team of 11 (plus 2 children) students began their lecture phase in Chilibre, Panama. We travelled to an Embera village deep in the jungle to bless the work begun by their own indigenous leader who taught us about their culture. We have been in Bocas del Toro now for three weeks. In that time we have had a new teacher come to share not only their knowledge of God, but their life experience. It's a YWAM principle that you must live what you teach.
The students have been learning to hear the voice of God, reliance upon the Holy Spirit, and understanding what it means to have a christian world view. Most importantly the students are learning the character of God, and their role as a child of the Most High. We have painted a mural in the local nursing home, and prepared a special meal for them with beautifully sung worship songs. We will be working with the Indigenous people in the jungle by having a day of teaching on creation with songs, crafts, and pictures.
In Costa Rica we celebrated the 50th anniversary of YWAM, and the DTS learned that true worship is a lifestyle of gratitude for all that we have and for all God does for us everyday. We also had the honor of doing a drama for the opening ceremony which included dancing and costumes from many different cultures, including the indigenous from Panama.

One Saturday we had a prayer walk. We walked all over the property, and to the neighbors' huts. We prayed for people to be healed and prayed blessings on their families. One young woman named Amalia was moved by the prayers and repented of her sins and accepted Christ as her Savior. She was so filled with His love that tears streamed down her face as she was immediately baptized along with some students above a waterfall behind her house. It was obvious the glory of God shone through each person. It would truly take another several pages to share all that God is doing, and we are overwhelmed with gratitude and awe.
All discipleship training schools go on a two month outreach to put into practice all they have learned. After much prayer we believe God is directing us to Europe. Please pray for provision as we follow his leading to minister to orphans, areas abounding with prostitution and human trafficking and areas that once were Christian, but have become darkened through belief systems that no longer rely on the God of the bible. Pray that we can reclaim the heritage of the fear of the Lord as we travel and minister abroad.

Prayer requests...
For help to disciple Amalia and her family, and other new believers here.
For provision for the outreach
For our son, Kellen, and his fiance, Ashley. Their wedding is in November.
For all the students and staff, that the world would know we are Christians by our love.

2009-12-05T10:09:00.000-08:00

We had to put a picture of Lydia. She was so excited about the "catch" she asked to have her picture taken, again and again!! This animal is very valuable, we thought that the family loved the meat and was excited to eat it. We found out the next day, they canoed over an hour away where they were able to sell the meat for $3 per pound. More poignantly, Lydia comes to visit whenever she sees Dale leave without me. One day she said to me that before she had Jesus in her life, everyday she was only sad. Now she said, with a big smile, she finds joy in her heart. Praise God that though they have very little, he is able to fill their lives with joy.

2009-12-05T10:00:00.000-08:00

A few months back I wrote about a 9 year old who had fallen out of his kayuka (spanish for canoe) and died. We came home late one evening to find his father wailing on our front steps. After asking around, we were shocked to find that many of the children who ride to school in canoes alone, and live on the water do not know how to swim. After talking with the parents, we realized a lot of the parents did not know how to swim. So when the YWAM DTS from Panama City contacted us about doing part of their outreach with us we were overjoyed to find out they had several certified swimming instructors. So it was with great fun that the kids jumped off our dock and got their first swimming lessons. I laughed, because the teachers come to the school very dressed up and neither of them knew how to swim. So as the kids practiced their strokes in the water, the teachers practiced theirs in the shade of our boat.

2009-12-05T09:44:00.001-08:00

Two years ago we suggested to the indigenous that they plant some rice down on the marshy part of the land we own. When Dale came up for last summer, it happened. When we were gone, they got to work!! So it was a special time when for three weeks the rice harvest came in. We had the good fortune to have YWAM Panama join us with their Discipleship Training Team. They helped pick the rice. For those who don't know, first they walked around and cut, or picked off the rice. Next they put it into big bags and beat it with a stick to get the rice to fall from the small stalk. Then it was laid out in the sun for days to dry. After that they again beat it with a stick, but eventually carved a little stool with a bowl in front to beat it. This mixture was then thrown into the air, where the wind would blow off the chaff, and finally, rice to eat. The neighbors helped, the family of Tboo came from two hours away, and from 1/2 bag of rice seed came 20 BIG bags of rice. Then entire field is now being cut, and a new crop put in for February.

Dr. Vijay Aswani

2009-12-05T09:27:00.000-08:00

The family of Tboo, our worker, came to help with the first rice harvest. With them were two grandchildren they hadn't yet seen. One a very sick little boy, 19 months old, who had never walked or talked, with severe malnutrition. We gave them the pills we have for parasites, and prayed for help. That very night, Dr. Aswani called from Panama City, and was on a plane within 48 hours. Olejo is doing better, and even has taken a few steps. However, until the Ngobe understand the need for clean drinking water and sanitation there will be many like him.

School bathroom project

2009-08-16T09:42:00.000-07:00

A movie by Andrew Burkett

2009-08-16T09:38:00.000-07:00

We love Andrew's videos, check out all we worked on.

Back to Panama

2009-08-16T09:09:00.000-07:00

Now back to Panama. Our arrival at the end of July heralded a flury of activity. Teams came from Oregon and Colorado, friends came from St. Lukes, Chuck came from Florida, and Merry Hayes and kids from Panama City. All chipped in to work through the rain to start building a bathroom for the school next door, hold a vacation bible school in the village nearby, and a worship service under the multi-purpose building. With the floor down, we christened the multi-purpose building with the Colorado team. They got to hear the waterfalls by night, and also a wild monkey on the loose downstairs.

Reanna the worshipper

2009-08-15T22:44:00.000-07:00

Reanna is doing her Discipleship Training School with Youth With a Mission Costa Rica.

Kellen

2009-08-15T22:43:00.001-07:00

Never to be forgotten, Kellen Daniel.

Shiloh, Josh, Eden and Isabelle the baby

2009-08-15T22:41:00.001-07:00

Our second daughter loves being a Mom, and is the baker of the family. Josh is a gifted photographer, and the grandkids? Of course, they are perfect!!

Lindsey, Mark and Sadia

2009-08-15T22:38:00.000-07:00

Next in line, our beautiful grandaughter Sadia. Oh, and of course her parents, our daughter Lindsey and Mark. Sorrrry guys, that's what happens when the grandkids come along!!!

Josh, Erin, Josh, Jordan and Josiah

2009-08-15T22:35:00.001-07:00

Here's our oldest son with the first grandkids Joshua and Jordan, and their younger brother Josiah.

Family News

2009-08-15T21:43:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since we have had a chance to update the blog. So much happens in our lives that we have simply not had the time to update it as we would have liked. Dale made it home safely eventually, and we were able to spend some very much needed sabbatical in Ohio. Spending time with grandchildren, children, extended family and good friends has a way of recharging our lives. Going into miissions later in life has many challenges, one of which is the life long relationships which have already been developed. When young missionaries enter the field, they are just forming many of those friends. Ours already existed, and continue to flourish because we value all of those relationships immensly. As my son-in -law would say, "enjoy the eye candy" they are our favorite faces!!

Please Pray for Dale and the Panama area.

2008-12-13T12:54:00.000-08:00

We would really appreciate all prayers concerning the safety of the people in Panama right now. There was an earthquake in November that caused floods and landslides. Dale is still there, in Bocas del Toro, and there is a food and gasoline shortage because of the traffic conditions of getting supplies to the main island. Here is a little article on the earthquake:

Five people died in flooding and landslides in western Panama provoked by heavy rains. Hundreds fled the province of Chiriqui and thousands were cut off by washed out roads in Bocas del Toro. The provinces are located along Panama's northern coast. Civil protection official Armando Palacios said victims in Chiriqui included a child and three adults killed in an mudslide. He said 600 people were evacuated in the province after two rivers overflowed their banks. Another person died in Bocas del Toro, Vice President Ruben Arosemena told journalists. In neighboring Costa Rica, more than 3,000 people were forced from their homes by flooding. In Bocas everything runs on small little boats with outboard motors. Gasoline comes in the same way as the diesel fuel, and so far the little gas station that normally sells gas to the boat drivers has been closed. Forrest didn't know if he was closed due to lack of fuel or because of some kind of damage to his facilities - but in any case the guy is not selling gas. Normally gasoline comes in via a giant cayuco carrying dozens of 5 gallon gas cans, and so far that has not happened, either. There's one other gas station on Isla Colon and Forrest didn't know if they were open or not.

Things are better than they were when this article was written, but it's still very difficult.

Family From California!

2008-12-13T09:16:00.000-08:00

The Philips family offered to come and stay a month with us in July and help with ministry. Linda was an artist and was more than happy to sit and paint or draw with the Indigenous kids. She even gave a couple of the older girls a few materials to keep painting or drawing in their homes. Steve was a paramedic. He was a great help to Dale while they worked together to get the roof finished on the building and other things around the base that needed to be done. They had two kids, Jacob [17] and David [14], who were very helpful to us as well. David knew some Spanish, so he got along with the Indigenous very well. They both liked to fish and even made us a lobster trap that we put at the bottom of a mangrove. We worked with the Indigenous a lot during this month, holding church services and planning things to do with them. They had a great gift of hospitality and we were happy to have some of their new friends to come and spend time with us. We also got to share our faith and our purpose with a girl who was touring the Bocas del Toro area and spent the night at our house.

New Jersey Visits Panama

2008-12-11T09:53:00.000-08:00

We call our next team from New Jersey the “Disaster Relief Dream Team” to come to Panama. I will try to describe some of our week together. Dale just returned the day before they arrived from a total hip replacement. I was very nervous about driving the boat as I had not really done it much for fear of the engine breaking. My son Kellen, 20, flew down from the states and just learned to drive the boat. The first day, after picking up the team from Isla Colon, just upon reaching our dock the steering cable broke. Pete, one of the leaders of the team, though he had never worked on a boat before, spent the day figuring out what happened, and we were able to jump on a water taxi to the mainland and get the cable which he promptly replaced. This is a miracle, nothing is easy to find in Panama.

That was the start of the week. They walked through the jungle right after a rain storm to visit the school next door. They were not only allowed to come and present their gospel message, they were invited to present it DURING school. All through the week one thing after another broke. The bathroom sink leaked, and was fixed by Lee. We got a mule, a small utility vehicle so that my husband would no longer have to walk up and down the long hill. It came on a barge, but the road wasn’t quite right. They worked long, grueling hours in extreme heat and humidity to get the mule unstuck, and then fixed the road everyplace that it needed to be widened. Everyone worked, the girls right alongside the guys.

Then came the visit to Pedro’s village. We wanted to show the Jesus Film for children brought by Ginny. First the speakers blew, so it was quiet. Then the DVD drive suddenly didn’t work, but thankfully the DVD was shown. Afterwards, stepping way out of their comfort zone, they boldly prayed for everyone in the room, as well as some teens outside. It wasn’t a generic prayer, they literally went around and touched each person, and all the guys prayed for the leader of the village, Pedro. One of the teens was too “cool” to come in, but shimmied up a tree and peered through the opening to watch the video. They even went outside and prayed for him. Heading home, the boat engine conked out. Instead of complaining, or even showing fear, they sang praises as we rowed ashore, and once again the Dream Team came to the rescue and fixed the problem, a clogged fuel line.

This is just some of what they did, but who they really were was a blessing to us. They never complained. Through every trial, they loved on one another and us. They apologized when they even began to get snippy. They encouraged our family beyond what words can express. They lifted us up in prayer and they worshiped every day and every night. They recognized the attack for what it really was, things were changed in the heavens because they were here, and the enemy didn’t like it. They rejoiced with us, because we all knew that kingdom ground was taken.

Truly, if they weren’t here when they were I don’t know what we would have done. They were an answer to prayer, and we are so grateful for them.
Thanks again New Jersey team!! We miss you all!

Andrew Burnett and Mission Trek International team

2008-12-11T09:47:00.000-08:00

June 14th Andrew Burnett and his team called Mission Trek International come down and do ministry for a while. Andrew worked for months helping to figure out the best clean water system for a nearby village. His team provided the funding and manpower to work alongside the Indigenous, teaching how to utilize and maintain the system. Please watch the video, as Andrew plans several mission treks a year and ask the Lord if you should be involved in one of them.
The team also worked around the base in whatever capacity they were needed.
We also delivered Bibles at village called Salt Creek, located down a river at the end of the island. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, and the videos will show more of the excellence of this team.

http://www.travelistic.com/video/show/9839/Salt-Creek-Indigenous-Village-Outreach---Isle-de-Bastimentos Hope you enjoy the video.

Biola Team

2008-12-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

In early June we had a team from the Biola college in California offer to come and help us. They were really great and accomplished so much. We delivered Bibles to a village down a remote river and we were able to pray with some of the people there. They were also able to hand out Bibles to the kids leaving the school next to us, putting them in plastic bags so they wouldn't get wet with water in their canoes. The girls of the group helped with gardening while the guys helped with the roofing of the building that is currently being made into a school/dorms/church area. They also hand-mixed cement with the help of two Christian surfer guys who were willing to lend a hand. They poured the floor in an area under the house that had been completely dug out by hand which took over a year. This area is for providing future housing for full-time staff. The team planned a "game day" to help continue building a relationship with the local people. Erin Elmore, one of the girls from the team, gave her testimony at the church service we hold for the locals. They also did worship. The kids loved this team and I believe the adults learned so much from them as well.
Thank you team Biola!

2008-07-08T09:27:00.000-07:00

Marysville Baptist church team

2008-05-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

Wecome back to the Maryville Baptist church team headed up by Steve Runyon. This time around the materials were there, and the roof on the multipurpose building took shape. The team endured the heat of Panama, and we all felt bad for those back in Missouri when we checked the weather reports!! What a climate change.

2008-05-19T10:02:00.000-07:00

Main criteria for games? Something that this girl and the Kahuna (Dale's long time nickname) had a chance of winning. No more soccer and baseball for the

"youthful with a mission", so we had bocci ball, ping pong, hillbilly golf and corn hole. Yea, we rocked!!

2008-05-19T09:59:00.000-07:00

Worship during vacation bible school. It was awesome, on the last day, a little boy stood up, and just sang his heart out, a song all his own!! The bible tells us that the Lord is there when we sing new songs!!

Games and Fun together

2008-05-19T09:49:00.001-07:00

Team Nicaragua

Nicarguan Team in Panama

2008-05-19T09:37:00.000-07:00

We had the pleasure of meeting people from YWAM Nicaragua in January, when they came to bless those around us. They did a vacation bible school for the kids, and sports ministry. They worked extremly hard building a gaming area on our base, where we invited the indigenous to come and hang out and play for the afternoon. They went into the villages and played baseball, and very honestly, were whipped by the indigenous. GO TEAM BOCAS!! We saw relationships developing as spending time together deepens our understanding and friendships with those we've come to serve.

The team also helped finish painting the circle room;the girls dorm area. It is now filled with interlocking circles that change colors when they intersect. This is a visual picture of how our lives touch others, and in the intersection, both lives are enriched with a new vibrant color!!

The School

2008-01-21T11:35:00.000-08:00

Here's the outside of the school building. It's built right over a mangrove area. Mangrove is a kind of plant with very deep strong roots that surround most of the islands.

2008-01-16T14:47:00.000-08:00

Miranda and Glory Bet

2008-01-16T14:43:00.000-08:00

Canadian meets Ngobe as they stir together memories that will last. Glory Bet lost her mom, but fortunatly has an aunt that takes care of her.

Cookie time

2008-01-16T14:37:00.001-08:00

At the Kapsar home Christmas always includes cookies, so everyone joined in to make cookies for the Christmas Eve Ngobe dinner of traditional arroz con pollo, rice, chicken, beans, and the new twist, American cookies!!

KIDZ REACH KICKS OFF

2008-01-16T14:18:00.000-08:00

Over the Christmas Holiday we had the honor of hosting the very first "KIDZREACH" team, headed up by Sara and Ryan Bedenkopf. This ministry offers families the opportunity to come on a short term missions trip and have their children radically discipled while ministering to the local people. These kids were amazing. They brought backpacks full of things to share; soccer balls, family pictures, books, and jumpropes. They used these to build relationships with the indigenous, and let them know that they are someone special. Here in Panama, like many places, the indigenous aren't always treated with respect and honor. it was so cool to see these little children share the love of our Lord with those less fortunate. God is indeed gifting the entire body of Christ to go, share, and love.

Teaching in homes

2008-01-16T14:16:00.000-08:00

Thanks Virgina for taking the time to come and teach in homes about the water and cleanliness in other areas to prevent sickness.

Teaching, teaching, teaching

2008-01-16T14:11:00.000-08:00

Through repeated teaching we hope to help them understand the imporance of clean drinking water, sanitation and hand washing. They just lost a precious baby this past week, and Dale provided transportation to the funeral. The parents didn't even attend, but the grandma showed the grief I'm sure they all feel. It is common here for parents to retain a distance from their children, because they fall ill so often. They don't even name their babies, until sometimes 2 years old. We know first hand that attachment is so important for the normal development of children, pray this is revealed to them by our creator.

School in need

2008-01-16T14:06:00.000-08:00

These kids from this school had no transportation , and last year had no supplies because they weren't in a government school. So the solution, buy a canoe so that they could be rowed to school, and not have to walk through a dangerous cow pasture, and over a deep creek with only a piece of wood in the rain. Through the generous donation of a special of kids, we were able to put in an order for a dugout canoe which holds 15 kids and an adult rower. Pray it is done in time for school to start in March. Thanks to the "special" family who made this happen.

Reanna "the teacher"

2007-11-14T16:06:00.000-08:00

Here is Reanna doing what she loves, teaching the kids at the school next door. When she gets there she's always met with smiling faces. She was recently invited to two parties, one in town with the "gringo" friends, and one at the school to celebrate a Panamanian holiday. She chose the school party to our surprise, and walked through the jungle to be there by 8A.M. Her reward? Seeing another culture celebrate, and include her in the fun. They even asked her to dance. It was not really slow, but the guy puts his hand on the girls waist, and the girl puts her hand on his shoulder, and then kind of swish side to side. At least that's how she explained it. There were also contests to see who could climb a post put into the ground 20 feet high, which challenged up to five grown men at a time to stand on each other. And of course the Panamanian favorite, arroz con pollo. (rice and chicken) Now that Spanish isn't as much of a challenge, Reanna is moving on to learning Ngobe as well.

Elaine and Reanna at the eye clinic

2007-11-14T15:59:00.000-08:00

One of the greatest joys for me here in Panama (Kimberly, usually the one behind the camera!!) is getting to see the expression on the faces of those who have never had glasses, and needed them. We had the fun of working with an eyedoctor from New Mexico, and learned a great deal about healthy eyes. One thing we learned is that there is a disease which is caused mostly from the sun, which causes many in the area to go blind. When in Atlanta visiting my friend Gretchen, a friend of hers generously donated boxes of sunglasses. The people were thrilled to get them, and we know that it will provide protection far beyond what we even knew they needed.

The Three Amigos

2007-11-14T15:46:00.000-08:00

For all our YWAM friends, here is a mini reunion with Bill McQuilkin, George VanRegenmorter, and Dale. It was so awesome to spend time ministering with those from our class in California, and such an awesome realization that these friendships are forever. Bill blessed us so much by watching our house while we returned to the states, and when we flew back Elaine and George came along. We're so thankful that we pray about a need, and the Lord provides people to help. Elaine is an RN, and was willing to do teachings on primary health care, and the people were really amazed at how germs are the things that cause illness in our bodies. She taught on dental hygiene, the importance of washing to prevent the spread of germs, and was told that they thought they got sick from curses. We hope that we will be able to continue to do teachings, and add some new material every month. Part of what we learned when teaching on nutrition, is the limited diet that they have. Hunger, and lack of nutricious foods is epidemic here. We're beginning a community garden to try and teach how to garden, and to also teach which foods will provide the nutrients their bodies need to stay healthy. It isn't as easy to garden here as we thought it would be. Rain forest land is really not fertile. The trees are so lush due to the microrganisms that break down on the very top few inches of soil, from the heat and rain. Pray that we'll be able to find ways to enrich the soil with renewable resources, and that seeds would sprout and not be eaten by ants!!

Mitch and Fidencio

2007-11-14T15:38:00.000-08:00

Here is the boy next door. He comes over almost everyday to learn English, help carry things up from the dock, and just hang out. He's in Reanna's words "a typical boy, always into trouble!!" One of the wonders of Panama, Fidenzio can have fun with just some bottle pop tops. Please pray for him, as his Mom left about a month ago, and we can see the hurt in his eyes. When Elaine and George were here for the month of October, Fidencio and his sister prayed with Elaine, and shared their hurts. Please pray that the Lord would comfort them, and continue to bless relationships with our neighbors.

Property Improvments --> Let's grow

2007-08-14T13:52:00.000-07:00

We've planted over 50 pineapples and fruit trees this year [Mitch has a pineapple in his hand]. We have steps running in many directions. Our latest endeavor is a road from the dock to the base. The dock is almost complete and the inside of the base has been transformed to a stone and brick castle.

We can tell where we're going when we go places by the land or trees. On the way into Shark Hole, this tree helps us find the way into the village.

Tucans and other types of birds and monkeys can be found on San Cristoval.

Medical Outreach --> Salt Creek and Shark Hole

2007-08-14T11:22:00.000-07:00

We worked with a great medical team from Connecticut. It was held in two jungle villages which required the prerequisite tents and mosquito nets. The people were blessed by doctors, dentists, and eyeglasses. Dr. Wong from Panama generously gave a donation of dental supplies when others were forgotten. Thank you Dr. Wong!! It was perfect timing because schools were on vacation for the week. Mitchell made some cross necklaces with the kids and the team made bracelets. Dale and Kimberly brought the water to drink and cook with every day. In Sharkhole, we were amazed by how clean it was. Salt Creek is about a 45 minute boat ride away and Shark Hole is about a half hour boat ride, both are up dense jungle rivers.

So many of the people here have damage to their eyes from the constant sun, and no sunglasses. In addition, none of them have glasses. When the team began giving out glasses the line quickly grew. Thank you to the DeBellis family for providing many reading glasses, and thank you to everyone who pitched in. We have been giving out the glasses here on the base for two weeks now, and the smiles of those who couldn't see and now can totally bless us!!

We also had a short-term intern named Ryan Wilson from Michigan State University come down for two weeks and minister to us. We had never met him before and were awed by his servant heart. He did worship for our indigenous service as well as our "gringo" service on Isle Cristobal. He went with Reanna to volunteer at the neighborhood school, and helped Dale get the dock rebuilt. He never complained, did everything as he was told, and offered to do more. He was such a blessing to have with us here in Panama. The neighborhood kids will miss him and so will we. Please spread the news and let others know how a short-term mission outreach can expand their hearts and spread God's love.

The church on Isla Bastimentos

2007-08-03T17:32:00.000-07:00

We have been meeting every Saturday at the little restaurant/meeting area near our house for a simple worship and teaching time. We have been trusting the Lord to help with His spirit as we flounder in our Spanish delivering teachings and testimonies that we translate (thank heavens for the dictionary.com site) and Spanish worship songs. Our friend and pastor Kendall has been in the states for two months, so the service has been up to us. Erika and Kellen led worship, and Erika presented the gospel through a children's Spanish bible story book with pictures. They listened intently, crowding around to see the pictures better. Afterwards, several prayed to have Jesus in their lives, and we stood and held hands as new brothers and sisters and gave thanks to the Lord. Two weeks later, we celebrated when Dan and Andy came by holding a baptism service on our rebuilt dock, and had the joy of watching the St. Luke's team baptize the new believers.

PRAYER REQUEST!!!!!

2007-07-03T18:08:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago when we helped with the medical clinic, one of our neighbors took her baby to be seen by a doctor. The doctor's told her that her son, Edgar, who is 8 months old, has too much fluid on his head and needs to see a speacialist. So, for the past 3 weeks, we have been taking Edilsa and her baby back and forth to Bocas, hoping that the pediatrician would be in for the day. Unfortunately, there is only one pediatrician for the entire Bocas del Toro region, and she hasn't been able to come here lately. We were finally able to make some leeway today. We took Edilsa and Edgar to one of the other towns, where they were getting on a bus to go to a bigger city, where they will be seen by a specialist. Please keep this family in your prayers. Pray for Edilsa and her son, along with her husband, Eudilio and 2-year-old son Abner, that the Lord would touch this family and that through this situation with Edgar's health, the Lord will be glorified.

New Faces Around the Base

2007-06-20T12:20:00.000-07:00

Our son, Kellen, and his girlfriend, Erika, arrived almost a month ago to spend the summer in Panama. They are enjoying their visit and are also a blessing to us, as they help around the base, lead worship, and teach. We've also added another face to the family: our new cat, Bamboo. We adopted her from a restaurant in town, called The Bamboo. She is fun to have around, and she's proven to be quite useful. She loves to eat bugs! Chasing cockroaches is one of her favourite things to do. Needless to say, we'll be keeping her around for a while.

Life Lessons

2007-06-18T11:30:00.000-07:00

English lessons have been growing! Everyday, Reanna teaches a group of Ngobe children, teaching them English, while in turn, they help her with her Spanish. Erika has also been helping, teaching English to a group of Ngobe men who work here on our base. They are eager students! 2 days a week, Reanna and Erika walk over to the local school with the kids and volunteer in the classrooms. So far, their experiences have been very rewarding. We've also been telling them of the Lord and reading them Bible stories. Today, one of the men and his wife accepted the Lord and are eager to know more about Him and His Word. Praise the Lord! God is definitely moving down here!

Clinics!!!!!!!!

2007-06-18T10:32:00.000-07:00

We recently helped out with a medical clinic on Bastimentos. Many people showed up...we registered almost 150 people everyday! While Dale, Kim, and Reanna manned the registration tables, Mitchell was in charge of entertaining the children. Between making beaded cross necklaces, blowing up balloons, and reading kids stories, he put smiles on many little faces. Recently, our son, Kellen, and his girlfriend, Erika, came to stay with us for 2 months. Having finished a 6-month internship at IHOP, they were asked to pray with people who were waiting for medical assistance. After breaking the language barrier, many people were more than willing to pray with them. Overall, the clinic was a huge success and we are looking forward to the next one!

We also helped out with a veterinarian clinic, where dogs and cats were brought to be fixed and given shots. Although not every one in the family was able to stomach all the blood, Reanna was quite the professional. She assisted the doctors in knocking the animals out and shaving them in preparation for surgery. The doctors were very thankful for her help, and this clinic also was a success.

April Happenings in Panama

2007-04-28T11:54:00.000-07:00

This month brought more to do and see here in Panama. We now host Kendall and Virginia Brown every weekend, who come and do worship and bible teaching for the Ngobe. We also had the fun of hosting the producers of a new movie. They came and checked out Bocas for the next installment, and it's a great movie about missionaries. It is the newest format, on the web, in 4 minute segments. Check it out at www.theinterior.tv. The original sceenplay came out of Helmut's own experience as the kid of missionaries growing up in South America. We now have our English classes up and running, with more people coming almost every day. Any tips on teaching English, or for those who are gifted HELP. Dale caught sight of this months wildlife while working down on the broken dock, a 6 foot boa. We also helped with another medical clinic, and after hours of holding the light, Reanna decided that dentistry is not her forte. Delivering bibles to the areas we went with the first medical clinic, was really encouraging. The people requested prayer, and we were amazed at how we can understand that request even with the language challenges.

First family down under!!

2007-03-06T14:06:00.000-08:00

Mom and Dad arrive, and we're thrilled!! Family at last! My Mom was emphatic a few years ago she'd never leave the good old USA, we just never know what surprises God has in store!! The "hill" was a challenge, but they overcame the obstacles, and made it all the way to the top. We are thankful, and amazed at the courage and determination of those we call our parents. After being divorced for 32 years, they were willing to travel together to see us. We are so happy that they've shown us how to be examples of those who forgive, and move on.

Showing the Jesus Film

2007-03-06T13:44:00.000-08:00

Girls everywhere like to have fun. Reanna brings joy and smiles wherever she goes.

construction Team 2007

2007-03-06T13:30:00.000-08:00

The team came from Missouri, and what a group. They had a sense of humour that just didn't quit, and Dale felt like he was back in the field with a group of friends. They blessed us even though the wood didn't arrive in time. They dug out dirt under the house so we can put in another water tank, and ran electric wire for ceiling fans, and lights. They put in closet shelves, cut holes in the top of our walls for better air circulation, and helped wherever we asked. We then went to visit the little school and got permission to show the Jesus film there, with a generator a Ngobe neighbor let us borrow. The Jesus film depicts highlights from the life of Christ. They LOVED it. They then made a little ampitheater down by the creek, and asked another group of neighbors to watch the film. They are so hungry to know about the Lord, they asked us to please do something every week. The Ngobe Indians are one of the indigenous groups here in Panama, and they live all around us.

2007-03-06T13:18:00.000-08:00

We're getting ready for our construction team. Dale orders the wood 6 weeks in advance. It requires a permit to cut the tree. Done, they bring it over and get our approval. Then we wait for the full moon. The trees don't dry if cut earlier, the moon draws the moisture out. Then we wait, and wait and wait. Finally, the posts begin arriving by canoe. They are super heavy, and take 5 guys to carry, most grunting under the weight. Then again we wait, and wait, and finally all the wood arrives, the night before the team LEAVES. Such is life here in Panama.

The sand and gravel is much more timely. It arrives when ordered. Unfortunatly, they stacked it all on the dock, and the dock wasn't up to the weight. It caved. So, one more project on our list, new dock.

2007-03-06T13:09:00.000-08:00

Medical Outreach in February

2007-02-09T13:31:00.000-08:00

This outreach was willing to "go the distance" whether by air, bus or kayuka. They did it all, traveling for days to bring doctors, nurses, medicines, and most important the news of Jesus to those who rarely receive it.
keepin' out the bugs
The team came willing to work hard, and blessed those who received their care by the hundreds. The Lord was gracious, and the weather was perfect for the two hour crossings in open kayukas. The medical supplies and medicines were in over 12 suitcases, and the pharmacy was all set-up within hours. A nearby school became the triage area, exam rooms, and chiropractic center. We learned how to mix antibiotics, write out directions in Spanish, and cook over wood fires. Experienced YWAM'ers Alex and Jennifer even made delicious brownies and chocolate birthday cake. While the Ngobe Indians waited in line for their care, an evangelism team presented the gospel through drama, song and testimonies. Many began to comprehend the love that Jesus has for them, and asked us to return with bibles. Most of this team was from Richland Center Fellowship located in Wisconsin. We'd like to encourage all of you to pray about what your church could offer. Taking a short term missions trip will change your worldview, stretch your endurance, and enlarge your capacity to love the way Jesus loves us. Most of these people had never been treated with dignity and care. They are on the bottom of the social ladder in Panama, and it was a privilege for us all to show them the love of our Savior. It became abundantly clear that the need is great. Virtually every person seen complained of symptoms of parasites and worms. Teaching about the necessity of clean water and helping to build some simple water purification systems would be a great church outreach.

Eden Noel Wood

2007-02-09T11:23:00.000-08:00

Announcing the birth of Eden Noel Wood. Grandma Kim suddenly felt the urge to rush home on January 26th, and arrived in Miami airport without ever talking to the kids, to find that Shiloh had just delivered Eden who wasn't due until the 10th. Isn't God good? It was a joy to spend time in Ohio with family and friends, and to let others know what we are doing in Panama. Time goes too quickly though, and there is much to be done!!

First Team

2006-12-23T12:43:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-12T15:32:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-04T15:43:00.000-08:00

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

2006-12-04T07:06:00.000-08:00

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.

Praise Reports

2006-11-11T12:36:00.000-08:00

We got our boat!! Finally we can get off the island without calling the expensive taxi's who sometimes show up. We're still learning how to drive!! Guess what, there's no brakes in the water!! The biggest issue is determining how fast and which direction the current is flowing as you kick into reverse to slow down when docking. It hasn't been accomplished to perfection yet, a few bumps and bruises have occurred.

Also, Mitch's meds came through customs ok. We're so thankful to all who have been praying for them. These took about a month, and his Dr. was kind enough to include lots of samples to make up for the time lag.

We also had our first "big" shopping trip. A quick 30 minute plane trip to David. This is the closest city with a Costco type store. We quickly found out shopping here ain't like the states. Each store has it's own eclectic variety of goods, with no particular order or organization. We also found out you can't return things here, so you have to first spend a day price checking, then retrace steps to purchase. Fortunately with so many people moving here Toby has devised a service to help us Gringos. She picked us up at the airport, drove us around, negotiated prices, and then delivers all of our good via her 16 foot truck. It was supposed to be delivered a few days later, which turned into two weeks. Hey, in Panama the ferry might not run, the roads could be washed out, or they frequently have "protests" which block traffic. Now that we have her number we can just email her, and she'll do the shopping for us and send it along. For those of you who know how much I don't like shopping this is a great deal!! All for $7.00 an hour, which is way above the normal $2.00, but way less than a regular taxi, and we wouldn't have had a clue where to go. This also includes the delivery. Then I headed for the YWAM conference in Mexico, and Dale and the kids took the bus home. It's a money saver, but takes 4 hours.

Solar electric is almost working. We had to replace a motherboard on the inverter panel, and have also had to add a converter so that the generator could use 220 when recharging the batteries and it would go quicker. We're learning a whole new "solar lingo" here along with our Spanish!!

Making new friends. Reanna has attended her first "bash", and we've gotten to know the few people who attend our church better. It's wonderful to have a face recognize us when we head into town.

First apprentice

2006-11-11T11:21:00.000-08:00

Dale has been working this week with Louis. He lives nearby and is married with no children. Louis canoes 2 hours every morning to get to work on another island, and back again in the evening. He has shown up all three days Dale asked him to work, which is unusual here. We've asked over 5 people, and he's the only one that's ever shown up on time, or at all. We've been praying about asking Louis to be here full-time, as our first real apprentice. He's hard working, and diligent, and we'd love to share more of the Lord with him. However, he needs to provide for his wife, and he also lives with his parents and 11 other siblings. He's asking for $1.50 an hour for his part-time work, and Dale said there was a little forboding in his eye, like was that too much. The Indians here are the very lowest on the social scale, often seen by others as equal to dogs. Please pray about whether God would have you partner with us in providing training for Louis, and being able to pay him the salary he's asking for. We want to start slowly, once we have been able to train one, we can then use his help in training others. Also pray for wisdom, the system is different here. We would need to pay his social security as well, which is more like our workmen's compensation and hospitalization combined. It would cover if he got hurt at work, or became ill at home.

YWAM DNA Conference, Ensenada, Mexico

2006-11-03T15:37:00.000-08:00

Hi!
I just returned from the YWAM conference in Ensenada, Mexico. What a thrill to be annointed by Loren Cunningham, and to sit at the feet of Darlene Cunningham and David Hamilton as they shared the stories of God's faithfulness to this generation. These pioneers stepped out in faith on the word of the Lord to begin to encourage young people to go to all the nations of the earth. Today, YWAM is in every nation. One of my favorite stories involved 3 girls who prayed and heard the Lord tell them to go into the Amazon jungle. They searched the web, asked people, even called other missions organizations, and everyone said there were no people there. Three months they searched and prayed; God repeatedly gave them this direction. So they boated as far as they could, then switched to canoe, and finally hiked for four days through dense jungle. Then a fierce looking people surrounded them. After spending three months with them they began to understand their language. The old witch doctor knew her people were all going to die. She held her hands up to heaven and implored if there could be only one God, send someone. Three months later the girls showed up. They brought some of these precious new Christians out of the jungle, and the first time this language was ever heard outside their people, it was as they praised God with their own songs!!!! It was a totally unheard of people group, but God knew where they were, and He wanted them for His own.
We don't need to be in the jungle to find the lost, we just need to look around wherever God has placed us, and begin to pray with urgency that the enemy would be bound, and the Holy Spirit loosed so these people can also know their creator.