NEWS

January Newsletter

¡Feliz Año!,

Happy New Year!

PEREZ FAMILY

As most of you know, I (Max) had been in the United States with my daughter during the month of January. The main reason was to take the civics test for my citizenship. I was required to be there 2 weeks before my appointment. So, we took advantage and visited friends in the DFW area with Clara. We were also able to see some of our friends in the Orange and Houston area. In Panama, we have not been able to physically meet in person for church since March. We have been having services through zoom but it was so great to be at church with my brothers and sister in the US; praising God and getting lots of hugs.

Praise God, on Friday, January 29th, I passed the test! Monday, February 1st, I was sworn in and officially became an United States citizen! We then flew back to Panama, February 2nd. I'm happy to be with my family! Thank you for praying for us!

TEAM IN PANAMA

Our team in Panama was able to take care of some delicate incidents with one of our future leaders in the village while I was in Texas. We have been able to keep communicating and ministering with Puerto Gavilana through WhatsApp. We are planning on traveling there again but the country's locked down orders are still very restrictive. We are trusting in God, in spite of all the set backs.

PRAYER REQUESTS FOR 2021

Wisdom as we make ministry decisions this year
Our team in Panama called "Hermosos Pasos" (beautiful feet)
To train someone from the village to be pastor there
Lazaro, the new pastor in the island of Urgandi/Mamartupu
Start ministering in a new island called Soledad Miriam
Training new leaders in the city to plant churches
Ways to train in the village and the island using technology
Finding the Mission Center House God has for us
The water system in the village needs to be cleaned. Babies and young children are getting sick and some have died. We think is because of the water. We have contacted the government to let them know what is happening. Pray that they can help with the maintenance.

REST: Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

My prayer for us this year is to find a place and time to rest God. As the world goes crazy with issues with finance, politics, health, and depression, just to name a few; I want to encourage you to find rest in God. In Philippians, we can see the peace that passes all understanding in having a relationship with Him. Lay at his lap, let go, and rest in Him.

December Newsletter

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Small Update on Us (Perez Family)

We (Max and Saraí ) were planning to go with the group to Puerto Gavilana the weekend before Christmas. However Verna and I tested positive for Covid-19 before the trip. Praise God that Misael and Saraí tested negative! Verna and I were quarantined in our bedroom for 14 days to make sure we didn't pass it to the kids. They did a fantastic job caring for us during our sickness. Our symptoms were mild, praise God but still very discomforting. Thank you for your prayers. We have tested negative and are feeling great now.

Christmas in Puerto Gavilana

Our Panama team stayed in Puerto Gavilana for one night to celebrate Christmas with the village. We had planned to go for more days. Unfortunately because of new curfews and travel restrictions due to the virus, we had to make a lot of changes. We are excited that the whole community of Puerto Gavilana participated! It was a great time! That night, our group shared with the community the reason why we celebrate Christmas.

God was definitely present! The villagers gave testimonies about how God has taken care of them during 2020.

Thanks to your donations all of the children were able to receive a gift and hear about the reason we give gifts!

Believers in Puerto Gavilana delivering gifts to the other com

There were enough gifts donated for the children in Diwarsicua to get one also! Diwarsicua is another village our group was planning to visit but with the Covid-19 travel restrictions we were not able to go.

Thankfully, the Christians in Puerto Gavilana took a three hour canoe ride to deliver the gifts to the children in Diwarsicua!

The Islands Urgandi and Mamardup

People in Panama are becoming more aware of us ministering to the village and island. One particular group donated money to help the islands. We have not able to go to the islands because of COVID-19 but we were able to help send food so they could celebrate Christmas.

Below is a picture of the new pastor in Urgandi/Marmadup, Lazaro. One of our main projects this year is to work together with him to start a new church on a island that doesn't have a one yet. Please pray as we seek God's guidance.

September & October Newsletter

Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletters! Please share it with your friends and family.

How Was September & October?

We have lost quite of few people from Covid-19, Pastor Roosevelt and his wife, Ines, two old friends, my uncle and others from the Kuna community, a couple of pastors. We know we aren't the only ones to lose loved ones. The world is suffering, confused and hurting. Covid-19 has become too real for us. We have participated in several funeral services through zoom. People are dying in hospitals alone. The people that we know who have passed away have been believers of Jesus Christ. This has given us hope and joy for the future. There are others that are dying without Christ. If it wasn't our love for God and his promise for "whomever believe in Him", I am not sure what our reaction would be to this pandemic. I praise God I know Christ!

I (Max) spoke with an old friend and he said he was thankful for Covid-19. Before Covid-19, he was doing whatever he wanted to do, whenever he wanted to do it. He had stopped communicating with his parents and his marriage was in trouble. However, when Covid-19 came everything changed. He lost his job so he couldn't pay his rent or any bills. He then went back to his parents, whom are ministers. Like the prodigal son, he came to his senses and God allowed him to see how far he had gone from Him. Before, he did not hug or visit his parents but now he tries to hug them as much as he can. Most importantly, he is seeking God and renewing his relationship with Him. God is still at work during this pandemic but He is doing it His own way.

We might not understand all the things that is happening around us but God is still at work, bringing people to His feet. As a believer, I ask you a question from Henry Blackaby, "Are we joining Him in His plan?".

I hope so. I am reminded of Luke 4:18-19, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.”

Matthew 25:21

Mathew 25:21 ...‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

These are words I long to hear from Jesus. SSM encourages you to make disciples of all nations.

These two men, Pastor Roosevelt and my Uncle Carlos were two of the first Christians among the Kuna people. They were disciples of the first Kuna missionary, Alcibiades Iglesias. We are thankful for the sacrifices these wonderful men and lady made to follow in Jesus' steps. They have left us a legacy to make disciples of all nations.

Pictures from September and October

Our quarantine has been lifted, but it's still mandatory to wear a mask in public. Thanks to you, we have been able to help many families with food and Bibles during this difficult time. Pastors from different churches contact us when they learn of a family in need. We are glad we have been able to join the church to provide for families in God's name.

Ray and Yeya were able to visit Puerto Gavilana and stay there for a few days in September.

Last week, our team was able to take a day trip to visit Puerto Gavilana. Check our social media for pictures and updates about the trip as well as plans we are working on for December.

Clara is back in the states, in the Golden Triangle Area. If you would like her to speak at your church about Panama she will be glad to do it. Max is planning to go also for his citizenship interview, but we still don't know the date. Verna and the kids are doing good. Thank you for people contacting us and praying for us. It means a lot to us. We want to keep serving God and letting people know about Christ, but it comes with it's challenges. Thank you for praying us.