January Newsletter

First of all we want to apologize for getting the newsletter out late.  We have been trying to send updates more often on facebook and instagram. Ok, let me share one of the highlights of last month.  It is dry season (summer) here in Panama. The public school kids are enjoying their break and traffic is a bit less congested! During this season there is a lot of wind. The wind has been so strong lately that the port where we take our boat ride to the island was closed for 3 days last month. The water from the waves has flooded some islands forcing them to escape to the mountains. The first picture is the house where we usually stay. The right side of the picture was the kitchen now covered by the ocean. There have been 7 homes damaged from the water so far. Because of the high winds and waves, many families were not able to go fish or get drinking water from the river. You could feel a sense of fear in the community. After we arrived at the island on Friday, we were informed that the port had been closed again and may not be opened until Wednesday. We were a little concerned and had only planned to stay for 2 nights. We said, “ok God, if you need us to stay longer, we will”. Saturday you could see the water was still creeping farther into houses but at a much slower rate.

We were able to leave on Sunday as planned. There was a lady we didn’t know who rode back with us from the port to the city. When she found out that we were part of the church from the island she said, "Oh you are the ones that were singing". Praise God! We are glad the people heard praises to God even in the middle of trials. Please help us pray for all the islands that have been affected.

This is the typical dress for Kuna ladies, We are having a time of prayer, worship some wear nose rings also. From the left and Bible study on the island.

 is ,Dora (Pastor Josef's mom), the rest are

members of the church.

Saraí playing duck duck goose while the Getting ready for game time with the adults are have a meeting in the church. children on the island. 

This is Ray and Yeya Gonzalez. They Visiting a member of the church on the

have a great testimony which we will island.  We had a great time there in

share in more detail in another newsletter. sharing what God is doing in our lives.

They spent three weeks in the village to

disciple the church. 

This is pastor Arturo.  The new pastor of Pastor Roosevelt has passed the torch to

"Templo Bautista Getsemani" where pastor Arturo. Now him and Mrs. Ines, his

pastor Roosevelt had been pastoring wife, will help Soul Seekers Ministry by

for many years. mentoring young pastors and their wives.

Who covers the heavens with clouds, While the Gonzalez family ministered in

Who provides rain for the earth, Who  the village, we visited and brought

makes grass to grow on the mountains.  supplies to them. We were also able to

This plant, as most of you know, visit some families and pray for them.

is called "Bird of Paradise".It grows wild

here in Panama. It is a reminder to us

of God's power and provision.