此外感謝神安排了自己與另一位姊妹合作下，作有關教牧輔導的培訓，及舉辦了「情緒健康」和「問題賭博」的講座。我們亦有機會向當地一些有需要的弟兄姊妹進行短期輔導。與這些弟兄姊妹傾談的過程中，我深感雖然他們的背景與我們很不相同，但當遇到挫折和創傷時，卻有著很強的生命力。神教導自己必須更謙卑的在這個事奉層面上努力學習。在籌備和進行培訓的過程中，我深刻體會到聖經的完備性、聖靈的必需性和禱告的重要性。聖經包涵了生命之道，輔導亦必先經歷神的拯救、醫治和恩典，才能與聖靈同工，並使用禱告的權柄，以生命影響生命。

林前2:10 「只有神藉著聖靈向我們顯明了，因為聖靈參透萬事，就是神深奧的事也參透了。」

我們原來的計劃是预備做 [暑期聖經班] (VBS), 但最後我們做了 “放學I C U” .  领隊Cynthia  So  所編排的日程表;  改完又改,  為的是要配合實際的情况和需要!  我們大家都盡量配合, 不發一分怨言.

今次我看到一班年青的弟兄姊妹都活力充沛, 安排及预備嘉年華會的遊戱節目, 非常豐富;  帶领當地的小朋友們都玩得很開心. 他們藉着唱歌和動作很生動傳神地將神的愛告訴小朋友們.

與往年不同的,是 今次我們分成三组,分別在Chitre, 甜水埠及聖地牙哥教會舉辦活動, 約合共有一百名小朋友參加了“放學I C U”. 决志信主的小朋友及成年人數目也不少, 懇切地祈求我們的恩主繼續帶领, 使得他們的信心堅定. 我們今次有美満的成果, 不是我們值得跨耀, 乃是要將榮耀讃美歸予我們的天父!

When God closes a door, He opens a window.  Having been involved in the Panama STM for the past four years, I am inclined to do things a certain way, to think in a certain pattern and to plan everything accordingly, in spite of having a flexible attitude.  God had really opened my eyes this year through new opportunities, new people and new possibilities.

New Opportunities

As the registration deadline approached in April, our team only had four people.  Every promising individual was now either unable or not ready to go.  This year, we teamed up with NTCAC (North Toronto Chinese Alliance Church) and I was initially informed by their coordinator that they might have three to four people joining our team. Much to my surprise, those three or four became 13.  By the beginning of May when training commenced, a team of 22 was formed.  A large team means more potential and new opportunities.  However, I knew right from the start that the team would be split into two teams but little did I know, we were asked by C&MA Panama to split into three teams, serving in three different locations in Panama.  Planning and logistics became incredibly complicated.  On the one hand, we needed to have evenly distributed experienced people in each team to lead the others.  This was easier said than done, as this was NTCAC’s first STM team and they did not know the C&MA Panama approach, although there are quite a few on the NTCAC team who are experienced in children’s ministry. On the other hand, we needed to have enough people on each team for worship, to teach English and crafts as well as to do administration.  After much prayer, God granted me the wisdom to split the team and He provided seasoned leaders from past STM trips to lead in the other two locations.  Although the team members had different language backgrounds and came from different churches, God granted us incredible unity and harmony.  The team was truly amazing and fun!

During our trip this year, there were times when I had come to a total impasse and did not know what to do next.  As I was faced with this ongoing spiritual warfare, the Lord spoke to me through 2 Kings 6:14-16, “Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city.  When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh, my lord, what shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”  And Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”  The Lord has long prepared for everything that we needed and He knows best.  All we had to do was to ask Him to open our eyes so that we may see His mighty works.  God has granted me perfect peace in the midst of chaos and obstacles.

New Possibilities

One month before we left for Panama, we were informed that the school holiday was reduced to one week, which meant that the VBS classes could no longer be run in the morning during school hours. But God had a better plan.  The sudden change in school holiday provided the possibility for a new approach in children’s ministry this year.  We quickly switched to our contingency plan to run an after-school children’s program (放學ICU: 齊學, 齊唱, 齊歡樂). We noticed that there was a much broader interest in learning English than in learning Chinese.  Therefore, the main focus on teaching Chinese in VBS classes had now shifted to teaching English, but with a more vivacious approach.  We had over 110 children attending at the three locations, with approximately 35 of them accepting Christ.  Although some of these children are quite young, they have a simple heart and we firmly believe that these seeds will grow in time and transform their lives.  With this breakthrough, we are no longer bound by the school holidays to run morning VBS Chinese classes.   This positive outcome was unanticipated and more than what we had ever hoped and asked for.  The shift in ministry focus calls for future team structure to include more creative people to teach English, especially English-speaking brothers and sisters, as confirmed in our team of 22 this year.

New People

Besides having a new team structure this year, there were many new people who came to the meetings. There have been more Chinese people migrating from Panama City to Santiago, given the more peaceful environment that Santiago has to offer and the escalating crime rate in Panama City.  These non-believers remain a challenge to be reached as they are scattered throughout the Region.  People that we have visited over the years may not even be there when we return the following year.  We need to pray to the Lord of the harvest that He will gather the people so that they too would seek and find the truth.  Let us also pray for those who are now believers that the Holy Spirit will continue to work in their hearts and strengthen their walk with the Lord.

With new opportunities, new possibilities and new people, we need to expand our horizon, sustain our efforts, strengthen our support and press on with what God has already enabled us to accomplish so far, knowing that He will “. . . establish the work of our hands for us.” (Psalm 90:17).  I challenge you to step out in faith and join us next year and see what God has been doing in Panama.

“Jesus went through all the towns and villages . . . preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:35-38

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

• God must be with us all the time;
• Our team leader looked after us well;
• Good team work within the group;
• The young people were very enthusiastic;
• The young people were very well trained and they knew what they were doing;
• The local people were very supportive; and
• The local church management was very helpful.

At the beginning of the trip I thought the locals were not as enthusiastic and there might not be many kids in our gathering.  But to our surprise, a lot of kids showed up. They were so eager to learn things or participate in our activities. They had a very good time.

Most of the Chinese people who live there spend too much time in making money. They want to make a lot of money in a short time so that they can get ahead of the others in this materialistic world.  However, they either forget or do not know the real meaning in life, or they do not realize that after this materialistic life there is also an eternal life for which they need to accumulate wealth.  It is in the eternal world that we will all be peaceful, happy and be with God.  It is their choice and I hope we had helped them go down the path of making this good choice.  I was honored that I was able to join a group of dedicated Christians to serve God and to see God’s spirit at work in this trip.

May God bless all of you.

這次再度踏足巴拿馬，我們主要事奉的地方是聖地牙哥市。當我再見到當地曾經認識過的僑胞時，彷彿遇見老朋友一般，大家互相問候近況。我這時明白到良好關係是需要時間建立的，而建立關係就是傳福音的重要條件。另外亦眼見一些加入我們團隊作翻譯的當地年青人，他們也是當年曾經參加暑期學習班的小朋友，並接受了福音。經過宣教士和傳道同工的悉心栽培，現在能夠回饋教會，為福音事工出一分力。這些見證令我感到十分鼓舞，相信主若願意，我們只要年復一年地回到聖地牙哥，努力與僑胞們建立關係，福音種子便會在當地發芽生長。

在舉辦青少年活動期間，我認識到一位太太。她原來住在巴拿馬市，前幾天她座了數小時的巴士到聖地牙哥市來，特要探望她的五歲女兒和三歲小兒子，明天便要趕回去打理生意。因為兩夫婦經營的店舖生意太忙，沒有時間照顧兩個小孩，所以要把他們寄養在親戚的家裡。從她言談之間，我深深的感受到她極之渴望有人聽她傾訴，就算我們離去後，也要撥長途電話到加拿大來找我們的姊妹傾訴心事。她從中國嫁到巴拿馬只有短短四年，但因長期工作過勞和缺乏睡眠，已患了三次大病。她女兒在參與我們的活動其間，從未露過半點笑容，因她知道媽媽很快便要離去了。

眼見這對小姊弟自幼便要跟父母分離，我實在感到十分難過，唯有默默為他們祈禱、及把個案轉交當地宣教士跟進。盼望福音的大能可以改變這個家庭，引導這些小生命成長。但其實類似的問題卻是普遍存在於當地的華人家庭當中，更有些父母把年幼的子女送回中國家鄉的親戚處寄養，直到十來歲才把他們接回來。比較起來，這對小姊弟便算幸運了。

在巴拿馬的最後一日，我有幸出席宣道會靈豐堂的堂慶，及宣道會社區中心的進度佈告。這中心將會包括一個託兒所，目的就是為類似以上個案的家庭提供服務，避免這些骨肉分離的情況出現。另外從小教導兒童聖經真理，是最有效傳福音的途徑。我很感謝主，給巴拿馬宣道差會有這麼長遠的異象。我和太太已經決定，若是神容許的話，我們每年都會參與巴拿馬短宣，見證福音在那裡生根成長。

今次巴拿馬短宣之行,我們各隊員分工合作,分別負責在當地探訪及招暮學生参加課後補習,英語班,音楽班及手工藝班,還有遊戲嘉年華及數次的福音晚會等等.而傳福音的對象就是來参加的學生及其家長們.他們大多是當地的中国大陸移民及土生土長的小孩或青年华人.

巴拿馬相比於北美洲,國家發展較落後,人民生活程度較遜 ,大部分在當地生活的中國移民,每天長時間工作忙碌困身,空閒休息的時间很少,實在是身心疲累,要靜下來思考人生或腾出時間参加教會活動.的確不容易.但他們待人接物都很熱情,這一點,從我們探訪及招生工作中體會得到.所以今年参加的學生很踴躍,在課堂上表現投入,對聽福音也感興趣.而在幸劳工作後能於晚間出席晚會的家長也很多.我们藉着举行福音佈道會中的唱詩,分享個人得救見證及牧師講道去宣揚福音,看見他們在長時間工作後,都能耐心聽神的話,有一些更被聖靈感動決志信主,讓我感受到[ 舉目向田觀看,莊稼已經熟了,可以收割了 ],但[ 要收的莊稼多,作工的人少 ],我深深明白到雖然巴拿馬是一塊福音硬土,而這裡的教牧傳道人及供給聚會祟拜的教會缺乏,但這卻是一片很大的禾場,只要能持續有短宣隊願意來接力做福音撒種工作,一定會有更多巴拿馬华人能得着救恩的福氣.

(一) 老將與新兵的互勵。「老」不是指年齡，而是形容有幾位曾二次或以上，多次參加短宣，重訪巴拿馬及事奉過的城市，他們願意出時間、出錢、出力，多次重訪及服侍，表明他們真的關心當地的人。看見他們一重遇當地的信徒，甚至小朋友，就熱情擁抱、親切問安，就知道他們的重訪，帶給當地人多大的鼓勵：的確有人因基督的愛而持續關愛他們。另一方面，這次又有多位新兵(包括筆者自己)，即第一次往巴拿馬短宣，甚至是第一次參加短宣，代表有新血，有更多人關心及參與宣教事奉，有更多人關心巴拿馬的事工。老將的榜樣激勵了新兵宣教的心，新兵亦激勵了老將，宣教的事奉不會孤單，不斷有新兵加入。

(二) 中年與青年的配搭。這次廿二人的短宣，年齡相距幅度甚大，最年青的只有十四歲，而另有多位十多、廿多歲的年青人，再加上十多位年近或年已半百的中年人。但在神恩典的使用下，卻有美妙的事奉配搭。年青人以精力及創意主力前線的事奉，中年人以經驗和閱歷在背後支援各聚會，並接觸、探訪當地的同胞，大家都深深經歷這兩代之間同心事奉的美善。從每次的分享聚會中， 大家都忍不住欣賞、大讚另一個年齡群體的表演時，就可見一斑。其中特別有一家庭，父親與兩位女兒一同參加這次短宣，父、女們一同在宣教上事奉，再有多對夫婦一同上陣，一同經歷、實踐神宣教的心意，幅幅都是美麗的圖畫。

(三) 中語與英語的互補。語言不單是語音的不同，其中亦包含了不同的文化傳統、人生價值觀，及使用者的人生經歷。這次短宣隊中，中年一群慣用中文，年青一群主要用英語，神卻使用這兩語互補，來服侍當地華人。兒童聚會因以教純正英語為號召，吸引了很多家長願意在兒女放學後，仍把兒女送來短宣隊辦的「放學ICU」活動。中年們的標準廣東話，亦令當地華人感到他鄉遇故里。在一個以西班牙語為主的國家中，中語及英語卻成了接觸當地華人的最好媒介，而且能兩語同用互補，更能產生吸引力。

(四) 佈道與牧養的並行。起初我假設這次短宣的重點必在佈道方面，但去到才經歷，神使用我們的短宣，不單在佈道上，亦在牧養上。當地信徒人數不多，信主年日不長，屬靈資源非常缺乏，而且所到四城，有三個仍未成立教會，當然亦沒有穩定的教會活動。短宣隊的來到，對當地信徒已是一個很大的鼓勵，再加上在短短一週內一同配搭事奉，對他們來說好像經歷一次靈裡復興，其中一隊短宣分隊在一間教會中舉行了事奉訓練聚會，亦大大激勵了他們成長及事奉的心志。

(五) 福音信息與全人關懷的持續努力。短短一個多星期的短宣，雖然處處經歷神奇妙的作為，看見祂的賜福，但必需承認，我們所做的實在非常有限，面對當地華人極大的屬靈需要，又經歷神確能使用我們成為當地的祝福，我們就應把握機會持續努力，不單佈道，更能關懷他們的全人，使福音能對他們的處境說話。他們一般早出晚歸地工作，目標是賺錢卻不知人生意義，有忙碌的工作卻沒有生活，更在治安不佳的生活環境中惶恐度日，他們在等候有人把一個全人關懷的福音告訴他們。

「主……差遣他們兩個兩個地在他前面，往自己所要到的各城各地方去，……無論進哪一家，先要說：『願這一家平安。』 那裏若有當得平安的人，你們所求的平安就必臨到那家。」(路10:1, 5-6)

神能使用任何年齡，任何語言，任何事奉背景，或老將、或新兵，成為一個傳和平的福音、賜平安的使者，願更多弟兄姊妹可以「起錨！隨主行。」透過短宣，更深經歷神的大能，又能成為多人的祝福。

Taking a leap of fait by traveling all the way to Panama City and helping out, among other thirty-plus helpers, in this English Youth camp marked the beginning of a new adventure in my spiritual life!

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

James 1:22

Jesus had spent his whole life as a witness of His Father’s Love. Just as God has sent his one and only son into this world to be a witness for him, God has chosen each and everyone of us, as followers of Christ, to be visible signs of God’s sacrificial and unconditional love in this world. So the question becomes: How can we be witnesses in the Name of Jesus, especially when we were currently living in a world so torn apart by hatred, rivalries and selfishness?

Here’s another question good for pondering: why would I want to spend money out of my own pocket and travel all the way to Panama just to do some volunteering and/ or teaching in an English Youth camp when I have never even met any of these youths before? How can I justify joining such a mission trip in return for sacrificing my precious summer holiday with my family?

The short answer to that question is: we would not know what we have missed out in our lives and the blessings that were above and beyond our imaginations that would have come from God. Sometimes, our fear gets in the way because we aren’t sure what we are supposed to say or do to make people accept the love that God offers them and how to react afterwards when they reject the truth.

Over the 5 days 4 nights English camp, each of us as servants are grouped into the various swat teams comprising of 3 non-local servants, a local servant and 4 to 7 campers. Despite the fact that most of us are strangers since the first day to meet each other, it was fascinating to witness how God’s love was among us and that we grow to love one another just like in a big family in a short period of time. It was also in this environment where the non-Christian youths could catch a glimpse of the Kingdom of God that Jesus proclaimed and they were drawn to it like a magnet.

The servants are all called upon to come forward to Panama for a common cause: teaching English to the local youths, sharing the gospel with non-Christians and making disciples of all nations. Throughout the camp, there were also lots of fun and exciting activities such as team-building games, amazing race, praise and worship as well as skit performances.

Through daily personal interactive small group gatherings, we all came to know the youths really well so that we have opportunities to move and touch their hearts and lives. WE shared out lives’ experiences and impact one another. Every day presented great opportunities to share with the youths how having faith in God shapes, molds and transforms our characters, our value systems, our purpose in life – to live a more abundant and fruitful life. And, as they grow, they are equipped to share their experiences just like us to influence others whom they come across in their lives.

During the bedside fellowship times, we were all so willing to open up freely to share out joys as well as our personal struggles so that we learned to carry each other’s burden to Christ through prayers. There were tears, laughter, encouragement and fellowship with one another in the Holy Spirit.

On the last day of the camp, we as servants in the group were so eager to talk to a few youths and find out whether they were ready to make a decision for Christ We spoke whatever language that worked under the guidance of the Holy Sprit. When a youth nodded her head, we all jumped off our chairs hugging her and welcoming her into this big family. The sower and the reaper were all joyful together, giving the glory to our God.

In a world so torn apart by hatred and rivalry, God has given all of us as Christians the privilege to be his Kingdom’s precious children and be living witness of his love – such a powerful love that can bridge all divisions and heal all wounds.

First, the energy of the Chinese youth in Panama was impressive. From early morning until late every night, there was non-stop activity. Classes, games, crafts, waterslides, skits , memory verses, meals, devotions, workshops, competitions and challenges kept everyone busy. Close to 100 campers attended and many new friendships were formed. Perhaps most surprising was the energy displayed by the leaders. Coming mainly from Vancouver, Calgary, Regina and New York, the leadership team quickly bonded together and worked hard all week, tirelessly preparing lessons, teaching, speaking and assisting in many areas. Not a single voice of complaint was heard; instead, there was an atmosphere of cheerful service.

The second impression of English Camp was enthusiasm,. The campers were a diverse group from ages 11 to 21. Some were already fairly fluent in English while others spoke only a few words, Some had been in Panama their whole life and a few were new to the Latin culture, Yet every one of them enthusiastically strove to improve their English and became whole-heartedly involved in the program. They were glad to be there and did not want to waste a single opportunity for fun!

The most meaningful impression of the entire week, however, was excitement. The highlight occurred on the final evening of camp when a high percentage of the campers responded to a call for a closer, deeper walk with Jesus. Some were meeting Jesus for the first time, and many others renewed their commitment. The room was certainly full of excited souls answering t God’s calling, and I was aware of excitement in the heavenly realms as the angels rejoiced over the new believers.

It was a time of rejoicing for me, too, because, after all, that was why I had come to Panama: to make disciples of all nations. Once more, God has shown Himself faithful when we step out in faith and obedience to his call. Who know? Perhaps next  year it will be your turn!

The first day of camp was chaotic with busloads of kids arriving to “English Camp.” And I remembered him. He had very little English and seemed a troublemaker. Somehow, the staff organized him and the shouting, laughing young people into groups and cabins and got everyone squared away. It was no small task, and I am still amazed at the hard work our team members from many difference churches across the US and Canada did that day. But it didn’t stop there

Each day was packed so full that it even exhausted the youths. There were the English lessons, devotions, preparing our skits and plays, swimming sports, teaching, and ministry. The long days were made longer as they stretched into the evenings. As soon as the campers were in their cabins, we staff held our meetings which lasted until ten o’clock and sometimes later. Sleep came easily, despite the heat. But mornings came even more quickly.

By the middle of the time spent at camp, it was good to see the campers each day. We were becoming friends that could laugh and joke, even if English was more a barrier than a connection. Our skits were coming along, and we were getting used to the routine of this place. Mealtimes were become like sitting around the table with family. Still, I was not prepared for the last two nights.

The gospel had been told, the Bible used the help with English lessons, and the truth taught. Prayers had been said, too. Many had been spoken long before even reaching Panama. It was on one of the last evenings that we saw the work of those prayers being answered.

Many young people today are not interest in Christ. They are blinded by the world and what it says is important to have and do and to be. It takes a strong effort to counteract all of that- a lot of prayers and a lot of work. I am sure that God could do it all without our effort, but He has chosen this way. So, the night the 7 gave their lives to Christ should not have been surprised me, nor the 46 who recommitted to Christ, or the several who came forward to commit their lives to Christian service. Almost everyone in the entire camp had been touched, somehow, for all eternity

Sometimes we wonder if missions trips are worth it. There is a lot of discouragement surrounding outreach, and fewer in our country are interested in going out for even a short time. I get more excited at this, because I know that of all the things in the world, mission is one of the very few things that is worth it. And when fewer want to be involved, it makes it all the more valuable. It is a wonderful opportunity to gather the kind of wealth Jesus spoke of when he said in Matthew, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

I had not expected that I found in Panama, but of course, it was my first treasure hunt there.