Week of June 21st

Very interesting week in the ministry....Wednesday was out in David. We were working the downtown area. There is a park in the middle of the town square and would ask people if they spoke english and then carry conversation from there. Stephanie found a young girl in her twenties in the park and started conversation on why were out there and offered a Bible study. Stephanie was able to determine that she didn't speak a lot of English. So Steph offered "You can be God's Friend". She (Tonya) accepted the study and a date was set for next week. However, guess what happens....after some time we started making our way back to the car when Tonya stopped us and asked Stephanie that she would like to have the study that day instead of waiting till next week. We made arrangements to return after lunch and Steph conducted study with Tonya who brought 3 other friends to listen in on the study. Arrangements have been set for another study on Wednesday.

Another experience to relate from the Volcan congregation that is very encouraging ( Puerto Armulles--visit on Thursday's) ...Bro. Doug Isaacs has been having a study with a English teacher in Puerto Armuelles. The english teacher started relating what he is learning to another teacher. That teacher wanted a study for himself and thought the children in his class would also enjoy both learning English and learning the Bible. But the principal needed to approve of the matter. The principal thought it was such a good idea that he arranged 2 classes to begin having Bible studies in English for a total of 16 students. The first study was conducted last week in "You can be God's Friend". Doug told me to his suprise when he showed up all the students were ready for their study and even brought their own Bibles.

Week of June 14th

We finally made a beach trip on Thursday June 17th. It wasn't the clear blue of Carribean but rather the Pacific Ocean but it was nice. The fact that it didn't rain on us was nice since it rains most afternoons here. The name of the beach was Las Lajas which is located about 1 hour from David. So the total trip was 2 hours to get to the beach. We saw one of the largest waterfalls on the way (but didn't take a picture) coming off a cliff. The McMillians (Larry and Alice from Ohio) came out there with us and we packed a lunch. Everyone had a nice time.

The preaching work is still slowing coming around. I currently have 1 study with Marcos in Cerra Punta. Stephanie has inherited 2 studies after Rochelle left. One is very interesting her name is Gala short for Galina. (Russian decent). Gala's first language is Russian. She prepares for her studies by reading the jw.org website reading Bible and Bible teach book in Russian and translates to English. Stephanie mentioned that her answers in English are so direct and to the point. Gala has a true appreciation for spiritual things as she spends hours preparing for her study. How refreshing to find someone who cares for spiritual things in the world. We are waiting on a order of Russian Bible and Bible teach book for Gala.

BTW...my Mom brought to my attention that some other pictures had shown up from "Panama bound" section of this blog. Those pictures were not from our album. Apparently the google link from Picassa got mixed up with someone else's album. I have corrected the problem. I apologize if they had any offensive pics in there. Good catch Mom.

Saturday we hosted a Hula Party @ our House. Everyone participated in a hula dance. Abby, Sophia and Oliver received lessons from the McMillians..The Russell's (from Kansas) have returned to serve in Volcan. They had left back to the states after a Melonoma was found on his head. All is well with them. He is currently the only Elder here in the congregation until July when others return from the States. So Dale and I will busy with congregation items.  I have taken over accounts and talk coordinator which is quite the challenge. Jehovah continues to assist us in all our efforts.

Week of June 7th

Had a challenging week last week. Oliver and Stephanie got hit with minor stomach bug that lasted a few days.  Moved houses to another rent house on Friday. We will have to do another move in 3 months. A couple from Canada rented us there house while they visit back home. They are familar with the Jehovah's Witnesses reputation as being responsible and clean people. This serves as a good witness since this helps with the fact that a lot of people and hotels don't want childen.  The house is perfect for us. It is furnished, washer/dryer and sits on a beautiful lot with fruit trees, outdoor sitting area, pond with water feature.

We moved on Friday, then turned around and hosted a going away party for the Gilby's on Saturday. They are going back home to New Foundland for a couple of months to earn some income and they plan on returning. The theme was mexican food, and it turned out nice.

Sunday I had the priviledge of conducting the Watchtower study for the first time. Thanks to Jehovah all went well.  We have another elder arriving coming back from the states on Wednesday. This is a relief since Richard Gilby is currently the only elder here in Volcan. So it has just been the 2 of us handling all the parts for the service meeting and bible highlights. I have had the priviledge of having between 3-4 parts on every Tuesday meeting. Jehovah's holy spirit is powerful.

week of June 1st

I gave my first talks in Central America today. We had 24 in attendance in Volcan and 24 in attendance in David. This was quite the experience giving 2 talks in one day. All went well thanks to Jehovah. We started off in Volcan with 1:30 meeting. Only stayed till after talk, because had to drive 1 hour to David to give talk @ 3:30. We ate lunch along the way which we should have done a better job packing. So we ate crackers and almonds. Giving the talk in David was an experience in dealing with the heat. It is quite a bit hotter in David. Neither hall has air units, but really felt the heat in David. I would estimate the temperature to have been 93 degrees in the hall (David). Came back up the mountain and had dinner at the McMillians house and the Gilby family was there. Very upbuilding conversation and nice time.