We are back, Healthy, Strong and Blessed

Praise the Lord! With the protection of His mighty hand, we have a safely completed our visit to Bocas del Toro (to be literally translated as ‘cow mouth province’). Although the road condition was very challenging, prayers of brothers and sisters and the protection of God were with us. We traveled without any worries.

Changuinola is a poor town. Most people work for the banana plantation and have a very low level of income. They usually live on credit with the store, only paying the debt after they receive their weekly salary. This means that the store owners are operating their business with higher risk and less profit. The location is remote, separated from David City by a four-hour’s journey of dangerous road. Supply is limited and more expensive. There are not many Chinese people. Life is bored and lonely. Working hours are long, same as in David City.

There is no Chinese church yet. A few Christians are starting gathering together regularly to study the Bible. Pastor Lily travels long hours to visit them bi-weekly to strengthen them and to visit other people. Recently they rent a house as their permanent meeting place. A church is forming. Praise the Lord!

We had wonderful experiences in Changuinola, the town we visited in Bocas del Toro. We visited many Chinese stores within and around the town. Simon and Frederick even crossed the border and visited a store in Costa Rica (and brought back some Costa Rica currency)!

We were welcomed by most of them and we had good chat with them. Though most of them are not ready to receive the Gospel yet, they thanked us for the gospel magazine and DVD we brought them.

A sister from the church in David City, who is signal mother with a 4-year old son, newly moved to Changuinola to start a new life. We spend half day simply to help her to clean up the store, tidy up the merchandises and mark the price. It was hot and dirty. But we sense what Jesus taught the disciples by washing their feet – in love we help each other.

God also did wonderful work there. By our invitation, a person who was still wondering outside the door of God’s salvation attended our meeting which was planned for believers. By God’s grace, the Spirit led Simon to have personal sharing with him and he was willing to accept Jesus Christ. Praise the Lord. Please pray God to strengthen his faith and help him to grow spiritually. Also pray the single-mom sister to have enough faith to follow God in these difficult days when starting her new life in Changuinola.

Brothers and sisters in Changuinola are thirsty in God’s Word but they do not have enough teacher. Please pray God to raise His servant who is willing to serve His people in this remote area.

Pray also for God’s mercy and grace on the people in their lives quality and their salvation.

Now we have returned to David City to continue our work for the next few days. May God’s grace be with us and bless our work to bring His good news to the people here. May God’s grace also be with Pastor Lily. She is very busy in shepherding the church, and helping us. Ask God to grant her enough strength and wisdom.

Thank you for your prayer. Without your prayer, we cannot enjoy our mission that much. Praise the Lord.

代禱事項 - 十月八日

• 請為我們到牛口省路程的平安代禱. 道路的狀況不定, 亦有人告訴我們當中有一定的危險. 願神引領我們.
  
• 請為我們的探訪代禱. 真的希望能把福音帶到每一個我們接觸的家庭.
  
• 請繼續記念我們各人的健康. 感謝神, 我們各人都健康; 但我們仍有疲乏的時候. 求神在我們漫長的日夜中加添我們力量, 尤其是晚上的聚會中.
  
• 請為我們的靈命代禱. 我們都有好的靈性, 都清楚明白聖靈在每一步上引領.
  
• 請記念劉牧師將要準備兩晚佈道會的信息
  
• 請記念劉師母. 在這裡, 她便儼如四位小孩的母親!
  
• 請記念吳韻 傳道. 她在這裡是一個好牧人,讓我們能多認識巴拿馬這個地方. 願神堅固她, 給她更多的力量和勇氣面對前路的各樣挑戰.
  
• 請記念三名朋友! 他們是陳秋雄, 杜舫, 及張正楠 (請用西班牙語口音讀出名字). 願神裝備,叫他們在艱難中奮勇抗敵!

十月七日星期天

大衞城是我們讚美及遇見主的地方. 我們已在星期六的時候得見及探望大衞城教會的每一個弟兄姊妹. 現在每一張都是熟悉的面孔. 我們去到那裡都感到神的同在. 當我們坐下傾談,耶穌也坐在我們中間, 與我們同唱,同笑及同哭.

假若我們認為我們能帶給大衞城任何改變時, 我們便是大錯特錯! 其實是這個地方漸漸地在改變我們, 聖靈微少但清淅的聲音在我們耳邊徘徊 - 我們務必向前進, 以祂的名,把人招聚在一起.

今天晚上, 我們被聖靈帶動去探望一位教會中迷失了的弟兄. 始於一次的閒談, 但很快的我們的心湧現一股無法按鈕的感動, 我們中的兩位成員便立刻去探望這位迷失了的弟兄.

在簡短的禱告後便出發, 但我們不知道這位弟兄的酒家正確的地點, 我們一路閒談著, 深信聖靈會引領我們. 不久, 我們其中一人便找到了方向.

我們進到他的酒家, 充滿神的愛在我們心中, 深信我們會為他和他的家人帶來好信息. 我們坐下, 便開始傾心吐意.

"任務完成" 我們手裡拿著新鮮美味的菠蘿飽的步出這酒家. 我們其中一位感受到重擔給卸下的安舒, 另一位因經歷聖靈的同在而被激勵.

這是我信息, 我的詩歌. 讚美我救主, 晝夜唱和 ..
***************************************

星期天早上我們有一極美好的崇拜時刻. 深信是聖靈的工作, 很柔和但實在的! 我們能在主裡合一. 我們為大衞城的弟兄姊妹獻上我們最好的, 聖靈亦同時在我們各人心中動工.

各人都是有學習的地方. 每一人都知道可改進的地方, 每人都知道自己作得好或不好的地方. 正因各人都有所學習的, 這一切便都並不重要. 我們可對自己所作的跨口嗎? 對我們又有什麼好處呢?

一切都是心態問題, 作工人的心態. 感謝讚美主, 我們都發現這一點並嘗試身體力行. 當我們感到哀傷, 我們求神體恤及遮蔽我們. 當我們感到滿足, 我們求神謙卑及使用我們. 雖然現在我們各人都有不同及混雜的感受, 但我們整體團隊是堅壯的.

真的不容易, 所以我們一篇的分享亦並非是最流暢及連貫的, 敬請見諒! 重要的是我們希望在當中有你們的關懷及支持. 這真是我們的恩典及責任在這一個重要的經歷中學習和進步.

願神賜福! 証道約克分堂短宣隊二零零七

Prayer Items, Oct 8th

Please pray for our trip to Changinola. The road condition varies and we are told that the trip is not without danger. Please pray that the Lord will guide us.

Please pray for our visitations. We really want to bring the Gospel to every family we visit.

Please pray for our health. We are all in good health, praise the Lord. However, we are not without fatigue. Please pray for us to have strength for long days and nights. Especially when our gatherings are at night.

Please pray for our spiritual health. We are in good spirit health! We know well that the Holy Spirit is guiding us every step of the way.

Please pray for Rev. Lau´s Gospel message in the next two nights.

Please pray for Fenny. She is like a mother to 4 children everyday here.

Please pray for Lily. She has been a great shepherd in this area and have shown us much about this place. We pray that we can give her more strength and courage for anything to come.

Please pray for the three Amigo! We are Simono, Fredericko and Pedro. We are well equipped and will fight our way through difficulties.

Sunday, October 7th

David City is a place where we meet and praise the Lord. By the time it is Saturday, we have met or visited almost everyone in the church. Every brothers and sisters are now familiar faces. Wherever we go, we feel the Lord walking among us. When we sat together, Jesus sat with us, sang with us, laugh with us and cried with us.

If we say we want to bring changes to David, we are most certainly wrong. This place is slowly changing us, the Holy Spirit wispering so quietly yet clearly. We must move forward and bring people together, in His name.

Tonight we were lead by the Holy Spirit to visit a long lost brother from the church. It started with a casual conversation, and soon turned into a burden we could not refuse. Two of us took off and visited this long lost brother of ours.

We took off after a short prayer. We weren´t sure where his restaurant is, and so we walked and chat along the way. We knew the Holy Spirit would guide us, and one of us soon found our way.

We went in, with Him in our Heart, knowing that we bring the good news once again to this good friend and his family of ours. We sat down, and started our heart-felt sharing.

Mission accomplished. We walked out of the restaurant with fresh baked buns (bo lor bau) in our hands. One of us felt refreshed, his burden lifted. The other felt encouraged, knowing well that the Spirit is with us.

This is our story, this is our song. Praising our Saviour, all the day long.

*****************************

We had a fabulous Sunday worship this morning. It must have been the Holy Spirit, because we felt the presence so gentle yet strongly. Our team has reached a unity in Christ. We bring to the Brothers and Sisters in the City of David our very best, and yes, the Holy Spirit is working in our hearts, too.

For each of us, there is a lesson to learn. Each of us know that there are ways to improve, each of us know that there are things that we did or did not do well. But those aren´t important, because yes, each of us has a lesson to learn. If we boost the work done in our own hand, what prize does it bring us?

It´s all about attitude. The attitude of a servant. I praise the Lord that we are aware of it. So now we are living it out. For those of us who are feeling sad, we ask the Lord to comfort and shelter us. For those of us who are feeling satisfied, we ask the Lord to humble ourselves and make better use. Nevertheless, we all have mixed feelings at the moment. But we most definitely are staying strong as a team.

It´s not easy. That´s why this piece of sharing is hardly coherent. We ask for your understanding, but more importantly we ask for your support and caring. It is our privilege and responsibility to grow and learn during this crucial time.

God bless. Panama Logos York Region STM 2007

十月四日星期四 Thurs, Oct 4

探訪和聚會的行程編排得密密麻麻，每天我們都是凌晨兩點以後才回到下榻的酒店．所以我們的分享可以會脫期，敬請弟兄姊妹原諒．

今天，我們分頭在大衛城中探訪，使我們可以親身認識這個城市，認識這裡的中國人，他們的生活，他們的掙扎，和當地居民生活的一斑．他們每天工作十幾個小時，從早上七點一直到晚上十一點，很多人下午三點才吃午飯，晚上十一點關鋪後才吃晚飯，一星期工作七天，唯一放假的時候就是回中國醫病．苦悶，辛勞，單調，徬徨的生活令人心痛．當地人的生活也也十分困苦，在雜貨店買東西總是一毛幾分的交易，連信封信紙也是一張一張的買．物價飛漲令到他們的購買力大減，也令到華人做生意的環境更加困難．他們不願放過每一個生意的機會，不願意禮拜天關門上教會．他們沒時間教養下一代，不是把孩子送回國內，就是要他們幫忙看鋪．和加拿大的情形一樣，下一代的孩子受中西文化差異的影響，兩代之間充滿張力．只是因為家長沒有時間和孩子們相處，這種衝突只有更大更嚴重．

代禱事項
1. 感謝主在大衛城的弟兄姊妹中所建立的一切．為大衛城的弟兄姊妹的成長，委身和付出感謝神．
2. 求主保守大衛城弟兄姊妹對神話語渴慕的心，在真道上繼續竭力追求．更可以將聖經的話語在生活中實踐出來，以實際的生命為神作見證．
3. 求主興起，差派更多的教師，在真道上堅固他們，使他們對神的話語有更深刻的體會和認識．
4. 求神興起更多的工人在牧養，關顧，探訪的事工中服事，將神的愛帶到人群中．
5. 求主顧念當地華人屬靈和身體的需要，開放他們的心，願意認識主．
6. 求主記念華人第二代子女成長的需要，記念兩代之間的溝通．求主興起第二代華人的工人，使華人教會成為當地人的祝福．
7. 求主記念大衛城教會建堂的事工，求主賜給教會顩領袖智慧，為教會長遠的發展有異象．
8. 求主保守短宣隊隊員的靈命和身體的健康．每天的探訪和聚會的行程令各人都十分疲倦．尤其是劉牧師．他每天要預備多篇信息，勞心勞力．求主保守他有充足的精神和智慧．

Our schedule is fully packed that we don’t get back to our hotel until 2am or so every day. Please pardon us for not able to share as promptly at times.

Today, we split in groups in our visitation in the David City so that we can all experience this city more closely, getting to know the Chinese here, their lives and struggles. Same to the locals, they have to work over 10 hours a day, from 7am till 11pm. Many of them don’t have lunch until 3pm and dinner at 11pm after their stores are closed. They work seven days a week, and their only vacation is when they need to take time off back to China to consult doctors or to recover from their illness. It is heart-aching to see their lives full of boredom, tiresome, simplicity, and worrisome. The living standard is very low in David City; every transaction is of the amount of several to tens of cents, envelops and paper are being sold individually (i.e. per page). Inflation has significantly decreased people’s purchasing power, and further increases the burden to Chinese family businesses. Store owners do not want to lose any opportunity of making money, do not want to close their store on Sundays for church. They do not even have the time to teach and develop the next generations. The next generations are either shipped back to China to be cared for by their grandparents or they have to help out in the stores. Similar to those in N. America, the second generation Chinese are living under tensions giving the huge differences between Chinese and Western cultures; conflicts between parents and children are seen everywhere. This is worse in Panama, as the parents do not have to the time to communicate with the children.

Prayer items:
1. Praise the Lord for building up brothers and sisters in David City. Give thanks for the growth, dedication, and sacrifices of these brothers and sisters.
2. Pray for the eagerness of brothers and sisters of David City to learn the truth, pray that they can truly understand the bible and live it out, so that they can be witnesses of God in all that they do.
3. May God build and send more teachers to strengthen them and to guide them in experiencing the power and the goodness of God and His word.
4. May God build and call more in the ministries of caring, pastoring, and counseling, so as to bring His love in the midst of the people in Panama.
5. May God have mercy on the spiritual and physical needs of the Chinese, open their hearts to know Him more.
6. May God remember the second generation here, to reconcile the two generations, to lessen their tensions. May He build more servants from the second generation that they can be blessings to all the people in David City.
7. Lift the church planting in the hands of the Lord, may He give church leaders the wisdom in the project and give vision to the leaders for growth of the church.
8. Pray for the spiritual and physical health of the short-term missionaries. Everyone is very tired from the packed schedule. Especially pray for Rev. Lau, he has to prepare many messages every day. May God protect him and give him strength and wisdom for the daily challenges.

十月三日星期三 Wed., Oct 3

在神的保守中，我們今天順利到達大衛城，一個平靜，舒適的城市．晚上，在教會有信徒祈禱會，有許多弟兄姊妹參加．我們和弟兄姊妹各自互相介紹，彼此認識． Simon弟兄兩年前探訪大衛城的情形，大家還記憶尤新，大家互道姓名，熱烈握手歡迎．這種親切的感情令我們十分感動．

我們簡短地與他們分享了研續約翰福音一章十八節的心得，鼓勵他們透過學習約翰福音更深刻地了解耶穌基督是神的兒子，是我們生命中的真光，凡信祂的，就得到權柄作神的兒女，透過認識神和主耶穌基督得到永生．短短十幾分鐘的分享，他們睜大了眼睛細心聆聽，從他們渴慕的眼神中可以看到他們是何等的饑渴，他們努力讀聖經，卻不明白．他們缺乏研經工具，缺乏教師，吳蘊賢要兼顧大衛城，牛口省，山上，山下一眾信徒的探訪，牧養，教導，講道，傳福音及教會一概的行政工作，相當吃力，很難提供更進一步的教導．

By the grace and protection of our God, we arrived David City safely. A quiet and comfortable city. At night, we have prayer meeting. Many brothers and sisters came. We each introduced ourselves and get to know each other. Brothers and sisters welcome us sincerely and ernestly, especially with brother Simon as he was here about two years ago. We were really touched by their warm welcome.

We briefly shared with them our insights on John 1:18, encouraged them to get to know Christ Jesus, the son of God, at a deeper level through careful study of the Gospel of John. Jesus Christ is the true light of our lives; whoever believes in him will be given the right to become children of God; through knowing God and our Lord Jesus Christ we have eternal life. IN this short sharing of a few minutes, their eyes and ears were widely opened. From their eagerness in their eyes we can tell how thirst they are of God's word. They study the bible hard, yet do not understand. They lack bible study tools and bible teachers. Pastor Lily Wu has heavy and tough work load. She has to minister, pastor, shepherd and teach brothers and sisters from Changuinola and David City, for both groups live on the mountain top and on the skirt of the mountain, in addition to giving sermons, visitation to those in need, and continuous spreading the gospel to many others. Given this workload, it is tremendously hard for her to further study the bible with brothers and sisters at a more advance level.

科隆反思 (中文篇)

科隆教會是一羣充滿朝氣的基督徒組成. 我們到達科隆已是星期天下午的三時三十四分. [wow .. so precise!!]

這裡的教會建築物不大於我們教會辦公室, 但卻”年長”多了. 這裡有一個很大的崇拜禮堂, 一個擺放大量桌子如食堂的副堂, 一個育嬰室, 一個交誼廳及兩個睡房在一旁. 一所很精美的教堂; 而古典的傢俬散發出中國傳統的家居的特色.

大約四時左右, 聚會的人開始到達. 因我們較早到的源故, 我們便到門口去迎接各人, 結果給很多弟兄姊妹帶來驚喜, 皆因有些弟兄姊妹不知道這天有短宣隊到達.

這是一個認識弟兄姊妹的好機會, 因為當他們步向崇拜禮堂時, 身旁的朋友會告訴我們多一點關於他們的資料.

崇拜於四時三十分舉行, 我們在最前排坐下.

詩琴穿上她最華麗的長裙, 在一座古老及有輕微走音的鋼琴上彈奏, 讓音樂充斥著整個禮堂.

我們唱詩, 在這舒適的環境中享受神的同在. 此時我們亦開始感覺到冷氣的效果.

崇拜很好, 劉牧師宣告他有力的講章, Simon 陳弟兄分享他作為教會領袖的經驗. 看到同工們合力事奉, 敬拜神真是叫我鼓舞!

崇拜後我們即時有祈禱會. 我坐在一些較我年幼的弟兄姊妹身旁; 很高興他們張開雙臂歡迎我, 躊躇片刻, 我便坐在他們中間聆聽他們的需要. 他們都很願意分享. 在整個晚飯時間亦不間斷. 但很快便要結束, 因為團契要開始了.

在晚間, 他們較為謹慎, 一道重重的黑色大閘緊緊關閉, 只剩下木門之間的一道狹逢來窺探遲來的造訪者. 整間房子漓漫著溫暖及親切的氣氛, 如同神在我們中間. 我們在劉師母的帶領下熱烈地讚美祂!!

神充滿著整座的屋宇. 每一個人都有機會分享, 各人留心的聆聽. 我們儼如老朋友般, 細心傾聽著久未相聚朋友的分享.

劉牧師引用羅馬書作出小分享, Frederick 杜弟兄解說. 大家聽得津津樂道, 如同久未聽到智慧的言詞般.

原先並沒有計劃叫每一人都分享, 但我看到耶穌基督把整間房屋成為神的殿. 原以為順序分享的方式不是最有效, 這晚都被聖靈推反了.

到了尾聲, 我們一同站立高歌, 有的哭泣, 有的閉上眼睛默禱, 有的微笑 … 我們的煩惱都一併溶化了.

他們中間有一位更問我會否再來呢.

Colon Reflection

The church at Colon is full of lively christians. We arrived at Colon at 3:34 in the afternoon on Sunday.

The church building is no larger than our Richmond Hill office, but the building itself is much older. The building has a large worship hall, a side hall with tables laid out like a cafeteria, a room for babies and their parents, and a common meeting room with two bedrooms on the side. It's a decent looking church, with traditional furnitures that makes it look like a typical house in China.

People started filling in at around 4pm. Since we arrived early, we became the greeters at the door. Brothers and sisters are caught by surprise, some not knowing that the STM team would be here already, and some didn't know we're here.

That was a great chance to know each of the brothers and sisters in the church. As they walk by and go toward the worship hall, our friend who has been chatting with us would let us know each of them a bit more.

Worship at 4:30 soon started. We sat at the front rows.

The pianist dressed in her finest dress, and music from an old, a little slightly out of tune piano fills the hall.

We sang our hymns, and the air conditioning unit starts to have its effect on each of us. We are in a comfortable place, enjoying the company of the Lord.

We had a good worship. Rev. Lau delivered his powerful message. Simon shared his experience as a leader in church. I'm delighted to see my companions serving the Lord, sharing and praising with the local church.

Immediate after service we were having a prayer meeting. I sat beside brothers and sisters a bit younger than me. I was delighted to see them open their arms and welcomed me. I hesitated a bit, but sat in the middle of them and started listening to their needs. They are very willing to share. We continued our sharing during dinner, but it didn't last long, because their fellowship soon followed.

People are not as cautionary during the day compared to night time. By night the black heavy gate is closed, and only a crack would open on the wooden door to peek at the person who's eagerly waiting outside. The atmosphere in the house is warm and welcoming, as if the Lord is with us. Praise him! We all sang fervantly as we were led by Fenny.

God himself filled the room. Everyone had a chance to share and we all listened. We listened as if we are old friends, but haven't seen each other for a long long time. We are all interested in what each other have to say.

Rev. Lau shared a little using the scripture from Romans and Frederick followed up. It filled each of us with delight, as if we haven't had heard wisdom for a long time.

It wasn't much of an idea to tell everyone share a bit. But I can see how Jesus turned a room filled with people into a house of our Heavenly Father. I would think such an approach (going around the table sharing) is not effective, but the Holy Spirit has proved me wrong.
At the end, we all stood up and sang. Some cried, some closed their eyes and prayed, some smiled and all our troubles have melted away.

One of them asked me at the very end whether I would come again.

And here is our picture.

十月二日分享 (中文譯本)

這是一個又濕又熱的下午. 我們一踏進一間小型的伙食店便嗅到由食物,蔬果及新鮮雞傳來的一陣陣異味. 水源供應問題在這區亦是十分嚴重; 整區被污濁的空氣及電油汽味充斥.

試想像你每星期七天在這環境下工作 ... 放下年幼的小孩獨自在家或交由別人看顧. 這便是典型的巴拿馬中國人家庭, 便是他們在這城市的生存之道.

今天, 我們繼續探訪不同的家庭, 不同的教會的教牧. 我們看見教牧對教會, 對整個巴拿馬城及其居民的負擔. 神如何感動人心及如何賜福予他們真叫我讚歎神的奇妙! 結果便是這班蒙恩得救的人去接觸更多的人, 把福音傳開.

我們感謝神帶領我們到這裡的經歷, 能明白多一點宣教士們如何在這個城市建基. 求神讓我們繼續留意神的工作, 聆聽神的聲音, 聆聽人的需要. 請繼續和我們一起禱告吧!

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

This is a very wet and hot afternoon. We stepped into a small Chinese store. Very smelly. We see all the food, all the fruits and all the raw chicken. The water supply in the whole area has problem and is out. As we passed by we smelled gasoline, heavy air…

Imagine you stay in the store 7 days in a week, spending time in the store just doing business. Leaving your children behind at home or taken care by someone else. This is a typical Chinese Panama family. How they survive in the city.

Today we continue on to visit different family, to visit pastors from different churches. We can see how the pastors care about the congregation and the city of Panama and its people. It’s amazing how God touched so many people’s heart and blessed them. In return they spread the Gospel and keep reaching out. It’s a tough life in Panama.

We thank God for this experience that we can come in here, to understand just a tiny bit of how the missionaries lay the foundation in this city. Pray that we continue to pay attention to God, listen to his voice, and listen to people’s needs. Pray with us together.

Change, Change, Change! - English version of Oct 1 posting

The world is changing all the time, so is Panama - may be at an even higher speed than the norm.

Ever since the Americans returned the right of using the Panama Canal back to the Panama Government in year 2000, Panama undergoes tremendous changes. Massive infrastructure is built, real estate market is very active that prices increased more than double in the past few years. A "retirement heaven" is promoted and built that attracts funds to funnel into the city and sped up the change.

When we compare the scenes between areas we've visited these days with those that Pastor Wilson Lui described, we experienced the speed and impact of the changes in this small city. There is a big contrast between the newly-built, modern, bright, monstrous shopping mall with the crowded, dirty, formless areas where people under poverty line live. Also, the small family businesses that most Chinese operates become "obsolete".

On the other hand, there are still streams of Chinese "smuggled" into Panama hoping for an improved standard of living. Those who settled usually start their own small family business, working over 10 hours a day, leaving no time, patience and energy for their little ones. Most of the children also need to help out in the family business after school. This way of living is very similar to that of Hong Kong's in the 70s. The only difference, also the most worrisome, is that every thing changes very rapidly nowadays; children are forced to live under the tension of two very different standards. Thus, increasing the burden of church's role in shaping and developing the growth of the next generation and to help them to cope and ease the tension. One thing we all are concerned in this fast-moving culture is whether churches can bear this important, yet challenging, role in the society.

Praise the Lord! We had the chance to meet up and had good sharings with leaders of the Panama City church which Pastor Wilson is pastoring. Through this sharing, we were able to better understand their struggles and challenges, yet affirming us the importance of leadership development in Panama churches. To promote growth in Panama churches, they need more than guidelines and passion to spread the gospels, to visit and comfort those in need, and to give an inspiring sermon - they need many more well equipped leaders, both spiritually- and skillfully- gifted leaders. This is not an easy task. In addition to the work of the Holy Spirit, our involvement and assistance in all areas are essential. Please remember the needs of brothers and sisters and churches in Panama City in your prayers. Pray for their spiritual growth individually and communally.

我變，我變，我變、變、變！

世界在變，巴拿馬也在變，可且變得十分迅速．
二０００年美國把租借的巴拿馬運河的使用權歸還給巴拿馬政府．從那時起，巴拿馬就產生了一系列巨大的變化．國家大興土木，房地產比幾年前漲價不止一倍．政府將巴拿馬打造為全球最佳退休勝地，引得大量資金湧入．整個城市起了很大很快的變化．
我們今天有機會到巴拿馬城各處『觀光』．從我們親眼所見的，和吕傳道對我們描述的相比較，變化真的是既大且快．幾個只有數年新的大型現代化購物商場，和貧民區的骯髒、貧窮、擁擠，混亂形成鮮明的對比．大多數中國人賴以為生的小本經營正在逐步被淘汰．
另一方面，巴拿馬充滿了許多到這兒來碰運氣的中國人．他們為了改變生活，從中國偷渡到巴拿馬，過著沒有身份的生活．安定下來的，也多數是以經營小生意為生，每天工作十多個小時．他們沒有時間和精力教養下一代，小孩子卻要幫忙看舖．
其實，他們今天的生活狀況，和七十年代的香港很相似．不同的，也是最令人擔心的，是現令的世界變得實在太快．小孩子在家庭的社會兩個不同的標準下所承受的張力也大愈來愈大．教會在下一代成長中所扮演的角色也愈來愈重．在這個社會急遽變遷的時代，教會能否承擔起這個角色，是我們極之關注的．
感謝神，今天晚上，我們有機會和巴京堂的領袖們共同聚餐分享．我們有很好的交通，他們的分享讓我們更明白他們的困難的掙扎，也讓我們更確認領袖訓練對巴拿馬教會的發展的重要性．巴拿馬教會要成長，單單靠幫助他們傳福音，探訪，講道是不能足夠的．他們需要興起更多的領袖．在靈命，心志的技巧上都要成長．這不是一件容易辦到的是．隨了聖靈的工作外，也要我們的努力和各方面的配合．
希望弟兄姊妹在禱告中更多的記念巴拿馬教會和弟兄姊妹的需要．求神幫助他們在屬靈的成長道路上更進一步．

如果弟兄姊妹想知道短宣隊的行程，可以在這裡找到．

巴拿馬短宣第二天：主，我在這裡，請差遣我

今天我們參加了巴京堂的差傳年會主日崇拜．正如我們昨天所望的，巴京堂的弟兄姊妹正在向差傳的路上邁進。今天的講員以列王記下六章廿五節至七章廿節的故事中所記載的那四個長大痲瘋的人的事跡，鼓勵我們要細心聆聽人們求告主的呼喊的聲音，將大好的信息傳出去，不可耽延。

感謝主！神真的叫我們看見我們宣教所支持的教會，已經成長了．我們見證許多的弟兄姊妹站起來回應神的呼召，願意投身為宣教擺上自己。

我們還看到他們第二代的年青人也在成長。今天的年會上，一群年青的弟兄姊妹表演了一套默劇，表達了他們對宣敎傳福音的意願。

Today we worship with brothers and sisters of Panama City church. Today is their annual mission conference. It is a joint worship of Chinese and Spanish speaking congregation. The speaker is Pastor David from Guatemala. He challenges brothers and sisters with message from 2 Kings chapter 6:25 - 7:20. With the story of the four leprous men. He encourages us to be sensitive to people's cry for help, and do not be satisfied with the blessings we are having from the God but go to tell others the good news.

God is good. We witness the power of the Holy Spirit moving over the congregation. Many people, especially their second generation, stand up and respond to God's calling to participate in mission. The church we the STM team visiting is now ready to send out their own missionaries. Praise the Lord.

The video clip is the mime presented by the youth, showing their vision of spreading the Gospel.

有關今天的經歷，師母有以下的分享：
Fenny has the following sharing regarding her experience seeing all this.

巴拿馬短宣第一天：平安抵埗

感謝神的保守, 和弟兄姊妹的禱告記念, 短宣隊經過長途跋涉, 終於平安到達巴拿馬，一切都十分順利。
我們在這裡受到吕偉青傳道的熱情款待，在他家安頓下來。這裡靠近赤道地方，氣候溫暖潮溼，充滿西班牙風情．將近午夜時分，附近的舞會的音樂聲還十分熱鬧。這裡和多倫多的氣氛很不同。對我們來說真是一個全新的經歷。
我們的心情既興奮又緊張，對整個行程充滿期望，但是我們都知道此行不是渡假，宣教是一場屬靈的爭戰，我們是萬萬怠慢不得的。
剛剛禱告的時候，Simon弟兄提到當年宣教士對中國的貢獻，令我們不禁將我們的行程和他們聯繫起來．雖然我們今天所做的，實不足他們所付出的十萬分之一，但我們相信他們的事跡和經歷是我們這次行程很好的鼓勵和激勵。
明天是巴京城教會的宣教主日，希望宣教的火炬也可以從這裡繼續燃燒下去，一代接一代，一程傳一程，讓福音傳遍天下。

After a long trip we finally arrive at Panama city sound and safe. Thanks to God's protection and all the prayers from you.

We are welcomed by Paster Wilson and settle in his home. The weather is warm and humid here and is more like Hong Kong. It feels so different here than in Toronto. It is a lovely place to visit.

However, we are to here for vacation. We are doing mission. We are all excited for the trips, meetings and visitations awaiting ahead. It is a spiritual warfare. We continusely need your support through prayer.

Tonight, during our daily prayer, Simon relates our mission experience with those missionaries in China a hundred years ago. Although we can never match with them, we believe such a connection helps us to see our trip in a very different way, and can help us to experience this trip more meaningfully.

Tomorrow we will join the worship with the church in Panama City. They are having their mission conference and tomorrow's message is about mission. How wonderful our God is! We mission team is joining the mission conference of a church in our mission field! Let the flame of mission continue to spread, spread to all over the world.

May God bless His own mission!