Holidays 2010

A few random snapshots of what the holidays have been here in Panama City, Panama. And, NO, that is not our house...just wanted to show how Christmas is done down here in the tropics!

¡Feliz Navidad y Año Nuevo!

The morning news is telling you to collect rain water to aid in using the toilet because the water is out. They also give the warning: "NO SE CONSUMAN ANIMALES AHOGADOS." Translation? "Do not consume drowned animals." Okay, I'd say that we are in for a ride now. I mean, we have seen warnings posted around the city that read: "Se prohibe orinarse aqui." That means: "It is prohibited to urinate here." That one makes a bit more sense because, well...people do that here in Panama City. People being of the male sex, and of all ages, and wherever they feel like! But, do people eat drowned animals? We haven't seen that as of yet and now I am alarmed. What is going on? I continue to watch the broadcast a few minutes longer but finally decide to turn it off because it is making me feel anxious.

This is an account of one of my mornings last week. Panama has been hit hard by hard and continuous rains. It should be the very end of rainy season but the rains are lingering longer than expected and seem to be throwing major fits. We have talked to many Panamanians and they are baffled by mother nature. This weather is way out of the ordinary and has caused major problems for their country.

Panama is a very small country, way at the very last of Central America, so I suppose that we wouldn't make international news. But, may I report that the rains have caused widespread flooding and damage? The Panama Canal was even closed for a time because of extensive flooding; that really caused alarm. You only close the canal for extreme reason and it had only happened once before in the past century; that was when America invaded Panama to capture Noriega. There have been a few days of chaos and now there is a definite humanitarian need. By God's grace, Panama City didn't see immense flooding and for that I am grateful. But in other areas of the country, people have lost everything and are still waiting for the waters to recede. There is a big mess to be cleaned but thus far, I am impressed that Panama is taking care of its own.

You may ask how we were personally affected. Well, Sarah had a "Rain Day" school cancellation; that tickled us because us Coloradans are only familiar with a "Snow Day." Snow or rain, Sarah celebrates any reason to miss school.☺ Our water and power have been going out intermittently. We'll see the glass half full and be glad that the outages don't happen simultaneously. Now, our commute to-and-fro have become a bit more hectic and we didn't think that was possible. Traffic in Panama City is not fun, not fun at all!!! You have to see it to believe it. Hey, we lived in San Jose, Costa Rica for four years and it could get hairy at times but for some reason it just made sense. Here, traffic is unpredictable which means stressful which means not fun...just like I said before. The problem, now, is one of the main bridges, El Puente Centenario, leading in-and-out of the city lost a huge chunk of highway in a landslide. It is a major ordeal. I could get into the details but it is a headache and who needs one of those? Just imagine the implications on traffic when thousands of people travel in-and-out of the city for work. Get the picture? And Dustin just read in the news that they estimate six months to fix the bridge. YAY!!! Insert sarcasm....

They are fun times these days. But, I promise you that in spite of everything, we are doing our best to remain positive. We are still human so there are moments but we try to remember that things could be far worse. We are safe; our roof is in tact; we have food to eat; we are healthy; we haven't lost anything...well...maybe a little of our sanity...but, we are okay and we will continue to be okay because God has us in the palm of His hand. And, we know we have an amazing fellowship that stands behind us in prayer.

Did someone say that Christmas is in six days?! Could it be? It doesn't seem like it. Let us be real about that. We are so far from home, away from family and friends, in a different culture and tropical climate; it's not Christmas as we know it to be. And yet, we know that the true reason for the season remains the same, no matter where one might be. Praise God. My heart sings!!! The one and only Savior was born and with His birth came hope and salvation.

It is a little too easy to get down with all that is going on around us at the moment, but that is when we look "inward." When we choose to see beyond ourselves, the picture changes. The Lord is faithful to make us look "outward."

The work here goes forward. Our two most faithful members are now gone. Mrs. Shamara Rose returned to Colorado to be with her family; we are happy for her. Mr. Noé returned to El Salvador for immigration and work reasons. We miss them both already. It will be interesting to see what happens now. The new year is around the corner and we believe for great, new testimonies from Panama- all for God's glory.

And, so, I bring this blog to an end by saying, "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!" January 5th will mark one year since we set out on this mission. Now, that's amazing. What a year it has been. You are probably saying the very same thing for your own reasons. We pray that all of you are joyful during these holidays. We miss everyone so dearly. We want to give a big thank you for all the greeting cards we have received throughout the year, and especially the ones we have received at this time of year. So many words and scriptures have been on time. (By the way- a personal message in a card means that much more. Just saying!!!) We love you.

Pastor Dustin, Rachelle, Sarah and Meg

All My Praise

We are exhorted to praise our wonderful Savior in Psalm 150. Here in Panama, we have breath so we WILL praise the Lord! Thank You, Jesus, for all You have done, for all You are doing and for what You are going to do. Our lives are surrendered to You.

ALL MY PRAISE

HIDING PLACE- SELAH

I will follow You through green pastures

And sing hallelujah to Your name

I will follow You through dark disaster

And sing hallelujah through the pain

Even in the shadow of death I will praise You

And even in the valley I will say

Holy, my God, You are worthy of all my praise

Holy, my God, You are worthy of all my praise

You are seated on Your throne in heaven

And You see all of us down here

You have promised You will not abandon

So, I shall not fear

Even in the shadow of death I will praise You

Even in the valleys I will say

Holy, my God, You are worthy of all my praise

Holy, my God, You are worthy of all my praise

You made every star

And You taught it how to shine

You knew my name

Before there was time

All this is just part of

Your glorious design

Hallelujah, hallelujah

Holy, my God, You are worthy of all my praise

Holy, my God, You are worthy of all my praise

Thanksgiving in Panama

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

What to do on thanksgiving in a foreign country? We could spend $27.00 per person for a meal at the Sheraton. Nah! Too much dinero. Or, by a turkey and cook it in a propane oven for 4 to 6 hours. No, we hate the smell and really don't have a clue to proper heat and time. And it's a lot of work for just the 4 of us. Besides, Thanksgiving is more about being with friends and family, all of which are back home in Springs.

So, the ol' gobbly gobbly got lucky this year. Maybe we'll have Iguana:) Actually we decided to go American and eat out at T.G.I. Fridays. A good old fashion bacon cheeseburger will just have to do.

We did buy a christmas tree today, so the girls are thrilled about putting on the lights and the decorations tonight and then we'll kick back and watch "The Search For Santa Paws!"

We are very grateful and thankful for all God has done for us and is doing! Happy Thanksgiving!

9,900 fliers to go!

Today we went on outreach and went door to door passing out fliers and tracts and preaching Jesus! Rachelle went with Shamara Rose and little Meg. And I went with Noe and Sarah.

It was a holy ghost time!!! We spoke to many that were open to the gospel. I prayed with one man right in the middle of the street and he thanked me afterwards. I passed one house and I saw several muslims inside. Long beards and the clothing and the caps. Holy ghost power came over me and I walked right inside with no hesitation and began to share the gospel. I asked the oldest man in there if he had any sickness and he said yes, diabetes. I asked if I could pray for him and he responded yes, please. So, I laid hands on him, and in the name of JESUS I rebuked sickness and prayed in a loud voice, "Jesus, you died on the cross for our sins, and the bible says by your stripes we are healed, heal this man now!!" When I was done you could hear a pin drop. The man thanked me. And I thank God for the boldness.

So, praise God we passed out about 100 fliers and we pray for fruit. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few

Evangelize!!!!

Services have been great. We have seen visitors come in and stick. And God is building his church! Hallelujah!

We just received 10,000 flyers, thanks to VWO Colorado Springs, and we are so excited to be able to invite people with such an eye-popping flyer. It also gives an open door to share the gospel.

We were in a chinese restaurant chowing down on chow mein, (by the way, when was the last time you seen a chinese speaking spanish?) and had just received the flyers so I invited out this chinese lady. She said, "Tienes culto en chino?" ("Do you have chinese service?")lol. No, sorry just spanish. But her spanish was much better than mine.

Again pray for us as we evangelize this city for Jesus!!

La Promesa Y La Sorpresa

The girls both had birthdays this summer, or winter if you are in Panama. Sarah is now ten and Meg is three. Wish we could stop time.

Noe, Nidia y Silvino

So, we haven't posted in awhile. Sorry about that. Good intention is always there but as we all know, life gets in the way. It is definitely time for an update. It has been just over a month since we opened the church doors and we can honestly say that we have counted it all joy. That very first Sunday we had no visitors. Our daughter, Sarah, was in Costa Rica visiting family so there we were: Dustin, Rachelle and Meg having church. Dustin will tell you that there were an additional three--the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost and I will say a definite "amen" to that! We were so happy to be in our own building and to actually be doing what we came here to do; it didn't matter that there were no visitors. Don't get me wrong, of course we would have rather seen people but on that day our overall sentiment was joy. And then, we were off and running.

We haven't quite reached 1,000 members yet but people are coming in. (Yes, I am smiling !!!) As we drove home after this past Sunday evening's service my thoughts turned to an older gentleman that has been coming. His name is Noe and he has been with us when there have been many and again when not so many. I was tickled wondering what he thinks about the gringo pastor, his family and this church Centro Cristiano Victoria. I don't know this man, really, but already he is precious to me. Why? Because he comes to this church that is barely in its beginning stages. I feel like giving him a big hug every time I see him and telling him thank you but that would be totally inappropriate and probably send him running. We don't want that; We like Noe.

Thinking about Noe led me to think about some of the others that have become familiar over the past weeks. I thought of Rafa. He is a man that has forsaken an immoral lifestyle and has surrendered to Jesus. Rafa is very sick but is believing for a miracle healing and we are believing with him. I thought of Nidia. She is a woman that is very quiet and has a true lady like presence. I think she is beautiful and I like to hear her laugh. Thinking of Nidia makes me think of Silvino. He is Nidia's husband and what a character is he. How do I explain Silvino? Silvino is larger than life. We actually met him at our home; he fumigates it once a month. One afternoon that he was working at our house, Dustin invited him to take a break for some lunch. Dustin gave him corn dogs and how happy it made Silvino. Corn dogs changed his life! Silvino was so pleased with the corn dogs that we sent him home with what remained in our freezer. Anyhow, Dustin took that opportunity to share Jesus with Silvino. He told Dustin that he was a Christian but as the conversation continued the Holy Spirit must have convicted because he then opened his heart and told Dustin that he was a backslider and wanted to rededicate his life. See!!! We do our part and God does do the rest. Dustin invited him to church and Senor Silvino came and has been coming since.

These are people that will always be a part of this work's story because they were at the start. That makes them special. And to think, this is just the start. We've only just begun. We are encouraged and cannot wait to meet all of the others that have yet to come through the church doors. God will build His church; He will. It is a privilege to serve here and once again, thank you for allowing us to do so. With your love, support and prayers the kingdom of hell will not prevail.

Here are some pictures of the work. The couple you see is Silvino and Nidia with their grandson, Alexander.

There Were People!!!

Okay, so we just got home from our first Wednesday night service...and we were pleasantly surprised with people. God is good. I must put a disclaimer here before you view the clip. Sorry for the voice leading worship. Enjoy...

Pioneer

pi·o·neer (p-nîr) n. 1. One who ventures into unknown or unclaimed territory to settle. 2. One who opens up new areas of thought, research, or development: a pioneer in aviation. 3. A soldier who performs construction and demolition work in the field to facilitate troop movements. 4. Ecology An animal or plant species that establishes itself in a previously barren environment. adj. 1. Of, relating to, or characteristic of early settlers: the pioneer spirit. 2. Leading the way; trailblazing: a pioneer treatment for cancer. v. pi·o·neered, pi·o·neer·ing, pi·o·neers v.tr. 1. a. To open up (an area) or prepare (a way): rockets that pioneered outer space. b. To settle (a region). 2. To initiate or participate in the development of: surgeons who pioneered organ transplants. v.intr. To act as a pioneer...

We get the picture, right? Tomorrow morning is our first service. Here are a few words to describe the sentiment at the moment: excited, hopeful, expectant, nervous, anxious, scared. Basically, there is a lot going on deep within. It is a privilege to pioneer for His glory.

What will happen tomorrow? We shall see. We were so encouraged today as we outreached with invitations to "la nueva iglesia." We had two specific encounters that just made our hearts leap for joy. No matter what anyone says, there are people that are hungry for God. We will be sure to keep that in mind as we take the next step tomorrow.

La Casa de Dios en Panama

To Play or Not To Play!

Is Rachelle really going to play? She isn't sure herself...she's scared!!!

We are happy to be moving forward. It is such basic playing, y'all. Don't get too excited!!!

Meg was so thrilled to help set up the chairs.

This little girl will be turn three on the day we officially open the doors to the church!

(Those were supposed to be captions for the pictures--still trying to figure this out.

One week away. It's time. I read this yesterday and thought it was so fitting for this time in our lives:

"As Charles Spurgeon said, 'We must take care that we do not neglect heavenly monitions through fear of being considered visionary; we must not be staggered even by the dread of being styled fanatical, or out of our minds. For to stifle a thought from God is no small sin.'"

This was included in a study note from Acts 26: 1-29. Read it if you will. What a powerful account of Paul's early and then post-conversion life. And what motivation for us. God can reach anyone. What will your answer be when Jesus calls? He made a specific call to us for Panama and we are doing our very best to heed it.

We made a video with some odds-and-ends clips...got brain damage trying to upload it to the blog. I think we may upload through YouTube...we'll let you know.

On The Horizon

Our grand opening is two weeks away. Is it really so? Yes, yes it is. We never imagined last January that it would be the middle of July when this announcement was made. It has been a ride, that is for sure. And yet, Isaiah 55:8 comes to mind: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways...." That verse ends with "declares the Lord." Let us never forget that He is Lord. We have surrendered our lives completely and said yes to Him.

We came to Panama with great vision and lots and lots of plans! We landed and were ready to take this city by storm. Ah, what a romanticized vision it was. But, isn't that how it goes when we make big plans? We are so certain of how everything is going to happen; if things don't go according to plan, no worries--there is a Plan B. Back in January we were sure that this work would be going by the month of April! Well, let's just say that by April we didn't know up from down and were laughing at any kind of plan. These past six months have treated us to a variety of obstacles that made us declare the cliche: What doesn't kill us will make us stronger. And if we are completely honest, we weren't always declaring it. Often it was an unsure whisper.

So, what are you going to do when life isn't working out as you want it to? We all find ourselves in this position day-after-day. Hey, what about the mind battles when you know you are a child of God that is sincerely doing His will and life still isn't working out? These are the moments when we must remember that He is Lord and He has a plan; it is a perfect plan that far outdoes our own and it will not fail us. Thank God for this.

Unexpectedly we found our locale. God opened the door, we began to see action and Centro Cristiano Victoria will have its first service on 25 July at 10:00 am. We are going to leave our expectations at the door and simply expect God.

It is a busy time right now. We are getting things ready. Here are a few pictures of us painting the walls of the church. That is now complete and this next week will give a thorough cleaning and set up the sanctuary. It is so close now.

KEEP ON PRAYING! That is the force that is going to make this work go. We cannot say thank you enough for those prayers. We will do our very best to keep this blog current. We love you.

Sign - thanks Pastor Paul

I appreciate my brother. He helped put the sign together for the new church here in Panama.

Thank God! We have a building!

Well, we thank God we finally have found a building. After much searching and praying God has opened a door for us and we are very excited to get started.

The church is in a new developing area with lots of apartment complexes and new housing. And great potential for the gospel! It's not huge, maybe 50 to 60 chairs tight, but it's a good place to start. And we believe God is going to give revival.

We need to buy chairs, install an air conditioner, put up the sign (you can see the what the sign will look like in the photo), have flyers made, set up the sound equipment and we are good to go. We'll keep you informed on the grand opening.

I can't thank you enough for your prayers. So many people have been praying for us and Rachelle and I want you to know we are very grateful and appreciative. Muchisimas Gracias!

Pastor Dustin Jones

Two Months In

Has it really been two months since we arrived? Well, there are mixed feelings about that. It is weird how when pulled out of familiar surroundings and routine, the concept of time changes. I don't even know if I can explain what I mean. All I can say is that I often find myself wondering what day it is. I know that once we find our locale and begin to be about church business everything will make a bit more sense. At least I hope it does! Please, Lord?

Well, what can I share? There is a lot to share but I can't help but ask if it is "stuff" people will want to read. Let me start by explaining the recent photos.

Are you wondering what is going with the close-up of the arm? That is my nine-year-old daughter's arm. Her name is Sarah. She has suffered severe allergy complications since the first weekend we got here. I guess that moving from high and dry Colorado to the dense tropics of Panama will provoke some kind of reaction in the human body. Allergies are nothing new to us but I was taken by surprise by the severity of Sarah's reaction. This is my baby that was actually born in Central America. Who knew she would be the one to have the hardest time adjusting to the climate here? So, let that be proof that Panama and Costa Rica may be two very small, neighboring countries with drastic differences. Anyhow, Sarah endured three weeks of itching, skin irritations and major discomfort before we decided to find a doctor to help her. We are not ones to hastily run to the doctor. I knew she was having allergic reaction to something and so we prayed and believed for it to clear up. Always remember to have a good measure of common sense with your faith. I woke Sarah up for school one morning and my heart broke; her limbs were covered in the lesions pictured, her face was swollen with red splotches and she itched badly from head-to-toe. I had enough. God gave me a mother's heart for a reason. So, we found an allergist and got her in to see him that very day. After the first minutes of seeing her, this were his exact words: "Bienvenido a Panama!" (Welcome to Panama) Nice! I didn't feel welcomed at all. We got through it though. The doctor was so kind and truly concerned for my little girl. We ran a gamut of tests and he was able to help her. Thank you, Jesus. She has to receive a shot once a week that acts as a vaccination against environmental histamines. It was a rough go at first, but today she is doing fine and we seem to have some control over those wretched allergies. I'm grateful for doctors.

I feel that the other pics give a good showing of what Panama is like as far as surroundings.

The flora and fauna truly are dense. We are in the jungle! More jungle than I ever expected and it is a new thing for this city girl. If there is no breeze, I feel like I am living and breathing in a sauna.

There is an area of the city named Casco Viejo. That is where we took the photo of the worn apartments clothed in chipped paint. It is so beautiful over there with its colonial architecture. Very romantic. And that is also where I snapped Pastor Dustin and Meg with the Kuna woman. The Kuna Indians are Panama's indigenous people. They are fascinating to watch as they mingle in with modern day Panama. We need to study their history. They know how to make a buck, or balboa (Panama's currency), that's for sure. When we asked if we could get a picture with her, she kindly obliged with a price of two balboas = two dollars. It was worth it to us.

I want to end this blog by sharing something that happened today. We finally found a keyboard for ministry and went to pick it up. The seller was the son and grandson of men of God. They all serve in a Foursquare church located in a rough area of the city and that is where we had to go to collect the keyboard. As we drove through this area, called Curundu, we saw so much filth, poverty and desperation. And then we saw graffiti markings that announced someone's motto for life: matar o morir (kill or die), mato o me matan (i kill or they kill me). Wow! Be merciful, Savior. We have heard more than enough about Curundu and reading those words confirmed it all. I knew then that this church was a very special place. When we arrived and entered their facilities, there was no question that the church was exactly what it should be: light in the darkness. What a profound 45 minutes we spent with those men. If we are honest, we have to admit that we envy their location and the opportunities they have. At the same time, we are inspired and hold them in high esteem. We know that on that day, the Lord will say, "Well done, my good and faithful servants!" We left that church with such a burden and excitement for what God has in store for us.

We will never claim any sort of greatness. These past couple of months have had some lows that made us ask questions. Lord, will you really use us? How will you use us? What are we doing here? This is the human side of us. But, thank God for His faithfulness and mercy. Our life song will only sing of His power and miracle working hand because in ourselves, Dustin and Rachelle Jones, we can do nothing. Whatever we accomplish is for His glory. The road travelled with Him is not always easy. As a matter of fact, it can get pretty scary with its bumps, unexpected detours and even the road blocks encountered here and there. But, how wonderful to be able to say, "I trust you, Jesus.," and then see that He always gets you where you are supposed to be.

Thank you for your prayers, your support and for sending us here.

Our new dogs!!!!

We had to leave behind Jack :( So, we promised Sarah we would get her a dog as soon as we got settled in. I have been looking and looking for the right dog. As a matter of fact, Sarah has been praying every night for God to help us find the right dog.

Well, today I responded to an ad I saw on the internet for, not one, but two miniature schnauzers. They are a mother and daughter combo. Ages 3 and 4.

The family arrived to inspect the house and the family they would be giving their dog to, and they were very pleased. They said their daughter had been praying for an american family to adopt their dogs. God answered the prayers of both girls!!

Here's a video clip of Susy and Fiona. Fiona is the fat one. (Shrek??)

G.P.S.

God's Positioning System

Praise God! We serve a faithful God!

We are excited to be here in Panama City and anticipate God to do great and mighty things. Already we can see God orchestrating events and opening doors for us. He has given us favor in buying a good car. We were able to get a good lawyer with an influential reputation. Our house and the area we live in has turned out to be a blessing from God. So, God is at work!! And we thank God for that.

We know that these events and circumstances aren't just coincidence, but God is at work. And we have the people back at home and our partner churches to thank for that. It's because of your prayers!!!! You move the hand that moves the world. God hears your prayers and in turn responds miraculously and supernaturally. We feel those prayers and see the results.

I preached a sermon a few months ago on God's Positioning System, G.P.S., and how God leads by the Holy Spirit. The Israelites were led out of Egypt with a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day. When the cloud stopped, they stopped. If it went to the left, they went to the left. That was their G.P.S. God proved himself faithful in spite of their complaining and rebellion and led them to the promised land.

We should trust God to lead us by the Holy Spirit every day. Our prayers in the morning should include "God I ask you to lead me by the Holy Spirit. Every step, every word that leaves my mouth, every decision I make, lead me by your Holy Spirit."

We are beginning the process of finding the right area to put the church and then a building. I feel this is a very crucial and important decision. We really need God's Positioning System. I need to hear from God. So, I'm asking the Victory World Outreach Fellowship to please be in prayer and agreement with us concerning the location of the building. I don't have a doubt that God will prove himself faithful once again.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (King James Version) 5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Panama 4 Jesus, Pastor Dustin Jones

Is This Working?

Okay, so here we are! It has already been three weeks since we arrived to our new home. Some days have passed quickly and others not so much. We are trying to figure out this whole blogging concept as we know it will be a good way for all to have a window into our new life here. This will be a test run. We have posted some photos of our new surroundings. God has had His mighty hand upon us thus far. We know it has all just barely begun. We look forward to all that is in store for us as we take the gospel where the Lord leads us. Thank you for remembering us in your prayers. We know very well that we are an extension of the work there. God bless.

The Panama Canal

It's hard to believe that we live here. How many of you remember learning something or other about the Panama Canal in school. Did you really pay attention to what was being taught? Well, coming here has made us want to learn about this fascinating land sight. It was only a decade ago that the USA gave over complete rights of the canal to Panama. Our home is just blocks away from the canal so every day, all day we see ships of all sizes passing through it.

Our New Home

These are some of our new surroundings. The green building with the satellite dish is our house but that is not our car. The rest of the photos are shots of some of the views we see here. There is such an odd mix of wealth and poverty. God will help us to know how to reach a people here.