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Lindy Robbins'
Testimony
This was my
first mission trip, so I was not sure what to expect. The kids were
so excited to see us. They crave attention and affection. They
love hugs and never could get enough from us. One night I talked
with some of the ladies that are a part of the new believers. We
taught each other words from our languages. We spent most of the
time laughing together. This was one of my favorite moments. I
thought about how, despite all of our differences, we are all the
same to God. Brothers and sisters in the Lord. The last night I
was heartbroken at the thought of leaving. I cried in my hammock as
I thought about the people and how much I loved them, despite
knowing them for such a brief time. I could not believe how much
love I felt for these people and how much love they also gave me. I
knew this was only possible through Jesus Christ. As my time at
Diwar Sikwa ended I realized the simplicity of what Christ calls us
to do, which is to share His message and His love. Please pray that
the children and all the new Christians will spread the love of
Christ throughout the entire village and many others will open their
hearts to Him. I thank God for this experience and pray that He
will provide me with an opportunity to return to Panama and Diwar
Sikwa.
Kathy Perez’ Testimony
First I would like to thank God because every time we
travel to Diwar Sikua it seems to take less time. When I arrived in
the village I felt so blessed to see that the kids remembered me and
it felt like arriving home. It was a special trip because we were
able to see the new church being built and be part of the
dedication. I was also thankful to God for answering our prayers in
finding missionaries that are willing to work in Diwar Sikua.
Pastor Mahoney, his wife Rosa and Emigdio Fernandez have agreed to
stay full time in the village. It was amazing to see when we went
visiting homes, how curious they are to know who this God is that we
talk about so much. To God be the Honor and Glory.
Emigdio Fernandez' Testimony
United In Jesus
Christ Walking Towards A Destination Testifying Of Him, Sharing
Moments Of Joy And Sorrow Alike. God
always uses imperfect people in situations to do His will. On this
trip I was given the opportunity to talk to young man. His name was
Berto Morris. I asked him if he knew who Jesus was. He answered
that his wife was a Christian and she had talked to him about Jesus,
but he did not understand a lot of it. I began to talk to him and
next day we visited his home. During the last night service Pastor
Mahoney gave an invitation to accept Jesus. Berto was one of the
young men that accepted Christ into his heart. I was so happy to be
a witness to him accepting our Lord. This verse helps me and
encourages me. “If you wait until the wind and the weather are just
right, you will never plant anything and never harvest anything.”
Ecclesiastes 11:4
Rosa
Maria Mahoney
When I arrived in Diwarsikua I was surprised to see
all the villagers so eager to help. Especially the new believers. My
new sisters in Christ told me that they are not going to leave me to
do the work in the village alone. I am very happy and eager to
continue the work that the Lord has given us to do. I only ask for
your prayers especially for our health. Thank you and God Bless You.
Pastor Mahoney and Rosa
Pastor
Amelio Mahoney
I liked the place we are committing to serve, the
village of Diwar Sikua. Especially to see new souls accepting Christ
for the first time. I am thankful to God that he chose us to work
for him and I am willing to work until the end. I have no complaints
on staying there even though it is a very difficult place to live. I
ask you to pray for us and the work that God has given us to do in
the village. God Bless you.
Clara
Clark's Testimony
One day we went visiting the huts and we witnessed to
a lady and she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. We discovered
later that she had a 10 year old son who her husband and herself
abuse. She shared with us that she wanted to change, but if she did
not do what her husband said he would beat her as well. One morning
when we went to breakfast her son was there. His step-father had
beat him and kicked him out of the hut the night before. This little
boy roamed through the village that night with no shirt and no where
to sleep. He came to our teams hut that morning shivering. After I
heard his story, I asked him to come and sit with me. I put my arms
around him, loved on him and told him Jesus loved him. He was still
shaking from the cold night. My prayer is that his father will
accept Christ and change his ways. What a great witness this family
could be for this little village. Pastor Mahony, his wife Rosa and
Emigdio are going to be working with this family. Please pray for
them. Please keep praying for this village. There are so
many things I witnessed and learned on this trip. As I was out in
the middle of a very large river, not knowing how to swim, in a
canoe made from a tree, that was leaking, lost in three feet of
grass that covered the river, I heard God say "I am in control do
not fear". I am so blessed that I was able to experience the awesome
works of God on this trip.
Max
Perez' Testimony
During this trip we were
able to see a church built, attempted to dig a well for the village,
witnessed a couple and a young man be called to minister in the
village full time, see how much the new believers have grown in the
Lord and most importantly watched 13 sinners come to repentance.
God used us to accomplish all of this with the help of other
brothers and sisters: Sam Craig Ministry, Holy Water Group
Ministry, the team in Panama, Soul Seekers Ministry and your prayers
and support. For which we would like to extend a heartfelt
“gracias!”.
The day of our debriefing
I was reminded how everything started. The team shared that during
the first trip they had to travel by night to another village and
then continued on the next day to Diwarsikwa. Traveling by night can
be dangerous. During other trips their gas was stolen and they did
not know how they would make it back to the city. They have all been
sick during and after their trips. They went back anyway because the
love they had for God and these people. It has never been easy, but
I have received a great deal of encouragement from their commitment
to serve God. It is a privilege for me to be part of what God is
doing. We are now praying to start ministering in another village “Kapanti”.
We would appreciate your prayers for this next adventure.
Christy Rader's Testimony
I have to say a resounding—PRAISE GOD!! Due to the
problems I had last year, God had to convince me to go back to this
village. I am so grateful that He pushed me. There was something
amazing happening in the village when we arrived. The villagers were
eager, almost desperate to hear more about this Jesus Christ that we
spoke to them about. We visited homes throughout the week and by
the end of the week we had villagers coming and knocking on our door
wanting to know how to become a Christian. The last night we were
there I stood in the back of the church and was in awe of how God
moved in the hearts of the people. Pastor Mahoney shared a simple
Bible story. At the end of his story he asked who was ready to
accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. It seemed like everyone in
the room stood up. He asked the children to sit back down. He
wanted the adults to come forward first. There were thirteen people
that came forward. I stood there thanking God for convincing me to
make this trip. If I had not trusted His guidance I would have
missed the amazing gift of watching those people come to accept the
love and salvation of the Lord that I serve. |
