I want to tell you a story, but need to give a little history first. The missionaries who lead this church (really, as servant leaders, in every sense of the word) in El Valle de Anton had been working on one of the islands of Panama, but came to El Valle to visit. In doing so, they met a young man who wanted to learn about the Bible. David and Lisa - said missionaries - agreed that they would come once a week and teach a Bible study. I'm not sure how quickly that grew, but soon there were 3 families involved - hungry for the Gospel. David and Lisa felt God's calling on their hearts to move to El Valle, not knowing really, what God had in store for them. That Bible Study grew and is what forms our little church today.
It is small and primitive, but to me, seems to be the best example of a New Testament church that I've ever been in. The people are coming and bringing friends, because they want to know more about the Bible, what God has to say, what He wants them to know through His Word. These are not wealthy people....not even middle class (although they have far more class than some wealthy people I know!). No, they are hard working families who live in tiny, tiny houses, work daily selling their wares - many of them Guna, displaced from their people, trying to make a living. Many days, they sell nothing. Their rent for their booths is minimal - and many times, they don't make enough to pay for that. This time of year, there are fewer tourists, so there is less money for food....and we see them losing weight. No high priced diets needed here.
So...tonight was David's birthday (the missionary). Last week, they decided that they'd like to throw a surprise birthday party for him. It was determined that a few of the ladies would cook, and everyone would bring whatever they could give. A list of items was given. Bring a bit of rice, or chicken, potatoes, carrots, etc..etc... These aren't people who have extra. This is a BIG deal. But together, they would make it work. While I have no problem with it, this was not a group of deacons deciding to throw a party and take the money out of the church budget. It wasn't even people cooking up some great dishes to share for a pastor's birthday. It was a different picture altogether! This was sacrificial giving. This was the widow's mite. I didn't really know what to expect when we got there, but they had gone all out. Balloons everywhere, streamers hung from the ceiling, and enough food to feed plenty!!
One woman offered to make 100 tamales (Not like Mexican tamales, but similar). She and her daughters cooked the corn, ground it and then made it into the tamale mix (No Maseca for them!). The bundles have the corn mixture, chicken and some veggies in them, and were wrapped in these darling little packets (Never could understand what type of leaf it was), and individually tied with string. One by one.
They bought a piñata , filled it with candy for David to swing at while blindfolded. Decorated tables were set, meals were served to us, drinks and dessert served as well. We sang a few songs - you know, the ones we know by heart :) - and people shared how much David and Lisa meant to them....how grateful to God they were for someone who brought them the gospel.
Afterwards, we all gathered around and prayed over him. Children, Youth and Adults - American, Panamanian, Guna - praying for him as a missionary, praying for our little pueblo and praying that God would be glorified in all that is happening in this church.
Then everyone helped clean up, wash dishes, put away tables and chairs, mop the floors. One family took showers because they had no water at home. Extra food was sent home with those in need. "Taxis"(those of us with vehicles) made several trips delivering people to their homes, and the night was over...
We have been here in Panama only 9 weeks - never before have I felt like such a part of a family, so quickly - nor been so proud to be a part of it. People giving beyond what they are able, giving from the heart.
Living out their Christianity in word and deed.
In complete unity.
My heart - IS - full.....
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