Pre-trip

We gathered as a group on November 1 with Cynthia Pine (our MOST Ministries host) to discuss the trip and have another opportunity to ask any lingering questions. We will be distributing eyeglasses at clinics located in Redeemer (Balboa), God Is Great (Loma Coba), La Chorrera Mission, and Castillo Fuerte / Strong Fortress (Los Andes) - the churches which, together with Emmanuel (Sorah), form the Lutheran Church of Panama. 

We also packed lots of eyeglasses into our luggage and set them in the music room until departure.



Pastor then led a Bible study, focusing on how compassion moves the hearts of God's people to carry on ministries of justice and mercy, such as this trip to Panama. 




We remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 9:36-37: When he (Jesus) 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."


And so we pray that we would look around in our world and have compassion on those around us - the sick, the lonely, those struggling to make ends meet, those in prison, those battling addiction, those who suffer from traumatic events, those grieving loss, the unemployed, the forgotten, the ones whom life has passed by, those with poor vision who cannot afford to visit the eye doctor or purchase eyeglasses, and so many more.  May we see their hurt, have compassion and respond with "Yes, Lord send me". 


As we prepare to go to Panama, we look forward to the opportunities that await us there:

- To care for the physical needs of those who cannot afford glasses.

- To connect with and support the Lutheran church of Panama.

- To share the Gospel message with all who come to the eyeglass clinics.


We gathered again the following day (Nov 2) for Commissioning. We embark on this trip to Panama as representatives of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Iowa City - The thirteen of us traveling to Panama are so thankful for the prayers and support of this congregation. 

 



May the God of peace equip us with everything good for doing His will and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him. Amen.

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