PBU in Panama 2011: Church in David and Visit to Las Olas

The half mile trek to Iglesia Bautistia Biblica de David (Bible Baptist Church of David) went without incident. The streets of David were the busiest we have seen them. We did have to endure the bright sunshine and 87 degree temperature that caused us to sweat. Worst of all we had to avoid the temptation to stay and watch a softball game that was right by the road on the way to church. We were greeted with all the Christian love and joy that is often experienced in Central and South America. Pastor Willis introduced us to a guide that seemed to take us to every one of the 35 Sunday School classes that were in progress. It was particularly humorous to see the teenage girls’ class reaction to 8 college age guys walk into their classroom. We eventually joined the English class that was studying Genesis 1. After class concluded, we returned to the main building where we were again reminded that we were in Central America. We North Americans would have been horrified that the 11:00 service began at 11:18 (yes, I was checking the clock.) We were embarrassed to be introduced once in the service and then a few minutes later we were asked to stand as we were introduced one by one to the congregation. The service was amazing. Led by five or six young men and women and guitars we sang songs in Spanish that we recognized the tunes to. There was a special number with 7 young men playing guitars and singing. I wasn’t sure what to expect in a bilingual service. Pastor Willis, born here in Panama the son of missionary, seamlessly preached from Psalms 8 presenting a phrase and sometimes a few sentences in one language and hardly taking breath he would repeat the same thought in the other language. It was truly amazing and easy to follow.

After church we did stop and watch half an inning of the softball game on the way back to our hotel. We quickly changed, grabbed some lunch in the cafeteria/restaurant next our hotel, and piled into our now familiar $2 taxis across town to the bus terminal. Although a little anxious as to whether or not we were on the right bus we departed the terminal hoping we were going southwest to Las Olas on the Pacific Coast. While we traveled the 45 minutes through the plush green country side we weren’t completely certain we were on the right bus until we could see the ocean. However, we were once again guided in the right direction and we were greeted by Mryl at the end of the line. The team played volleyball, went in the ocean, played some more volleyball, went in the ocean again, and ate dinner. Dinner consisted of local fish (the whole fish on the plate) or shrimp. Our Sunday in Panama was a very relaxing day in preparation for our next four days of service to the Province of Chiriqui and the city of David. Tomorrow we will serve at an orphanage of approximately 60 boys with a complex of 5 or 6 buildings that are in need of repair and paint. The orphanage located in Potreillos is about a 30 minute drive from David. Please keep praying for us.