Gathering for Worship!
The Panamanian government has lifted the Sunday quarantine! On Thursday, October 29, we received permission from the Ministry of Health to have church services. Therefore, we had a worship service on November 1; and unless there is another quarantine, we plan to continue to meet each Sunday morning. We are still required to wear masks, practice social distancing, take temperatures, and follow other measures, but it was so good to worship with other believers. Everyone was excited to be back!
We had 15 people in attendance, two of which were first-time visitors. Some people who were attending our church before the quarantine are still hesitant to come back right away, and we understand their concern. We know this is a slow process, and we are here for the long term. Also, several people have learned of our church through social media and have reached out to us, so we hope to strengthen those connections.
Where Are You a Christian?
Til is a young man who did some work in our apartment. He didn’t say much at first, but over the course of several days he began to talk more. I asked Til if he was a Christian, and he said, “I used to be, but I’m not now.” A couple of days later Til asked, “Are you a Christian in Panamá or in the United States?” With a confused look, my (Clip’s) reply to Til was, “Well, I’m a Christian wherever I am.” Til’s response, “Oh, ok.”
I am certain that Til does not truly understand the gospel. I also believe Til needs time to see genuine Christianity lived out.
I think Til serves as an example of the majority of people in Panamá, and perhaps in the world. They do not understand the gospel, nor do they have any foundation to be able to understand it. They not only need to hear the gospel over and over again, but they need to see it consistently lived out in front of them. This is a slow process, but it is the gospel work to which each one of us has been called.
Where are we Christians? May each of us unashamedly live out the gospel every day, may we live for the gospel every moment, and may we share the message of the gospel every opportunity we have.
Praises and Prayer Requests
- We praise the Lord that we are now able to gather again as a local church!
- Please pray that God will save many people in Costa Verde and throughout Panamá. We are not only praying for a spiritual great awakening in Panamá but also for a revival in the United States.
- Please pray that all those who attend Iglesia Bautista de Costa Verde will seek to exalt God in all things, will seek to encourage other believers, and will seek to evangelize the lost.
- Please pray that the Lord will provide someone to lead the worship music for our local church.
The Suddeth Family 