experiencia misionera: El Copé de La Graceada
Last weekend was “Carnivales” here in Panama and most people, if they’re not participating in the drunken festivities spend their days outside the city. A bunch of people and I went to a small village called “El Cope”(similar to “Bajo Grande”) The idea behind this type of trip is to open the eyes of students who’ve never lived and worked with people in “poverty” so to speak, and encourage them to make a long-lasting difference. We go into a community, and meet both spiritual and physical needs. The idea is not to become a “Santa Clause” to a village and leave. Long-term development, education, and ideally churches make up part of the overall vision.
The large team was divided into small groups that helped out families in their homes during the day. At night we spent time with the people and held services. There were personal testimonies, funny dramas, serious ones too and then finally a showing of the Jesus Film. For most, this was the first time they’d watched a video. The people loved us, the asked questions, they longed to learn more…what’s amazing is how little we had to do and how much God did through us. His love for the people of El Cope seeped through us, and still tugs at the deepest part of me.
“…The people of this community have touched my heart completely. Kids without sufficient education, children having sex and bearing babies, men given their lives to alcoholism and abusive behaviors, no running water or electricity, medical care or even an Asprin pill…I can’t stand to see this and let it be. I can’t stop thinking about the family I’ve helped for the past couple days, the mother that works at her small shop and takes care of her children while the husband is out rounding up cattle. Jesus, Kenya, Yoradis will only have a little education by the time they reach 6th grade…after that they’re done. I’ll never forget Yoradis and the excitement she had receiving my pink highlighter. Only to find her, the next day completely covered with pink, smiling in utter contentment. Kenya, quick with so many things, a young woman really, helping her mom harvest Guandu and keep the house. Endless games of “Guerra” (war) and goofing around as she corrected my Spanish are things that will forever stick with me. These children…I’m burdened to help them, see them grow into strong and healthy men and women who will change the pattern of this community. God, what do you want from me?..”
We’re planning on heading back out to the village in the middle of March. This time with bibles, classes on the basics of Christianity, Baseball equipment, Education materials for the children and whatever else God puts on our hearts. I can’t wait. So please, be grateful. Be thankful for all that you have. Don’t take the fact that you can understand what I’m writing for granted. The chair you sit in, the computer you’re using to read this. Ask God how He wants to use you, and then make a difference that will last your lifetime.
