This week's header...
...photo came from my personal photo library. I have been taking a much-needed opportunity this past week to organize photos. Jen and I are often asked about what we moved from the states when we retired. As many of you know, we moved to Panama with only what we could fit in 6 suitcases. When we were packing to move, we sorted through several boxes of photos that we had accumulated our entire lives. We separated the ones that we could not part with and threw out the rest. We then shipped them to a company who advertised that they would put the photos on a disc. We had not sorted them in any way other than that we knew these were the photos we wanted to keep. A few weeks later we got a disc with over 1600 treasured family photos. The pictures were wonderfully preserved, but in no particular order. I sorted them last week into folders to organize them. It was a great opportunity to reflect on some long-forgotten memories. The disc, by the way, was easy to pack into our move to Panama.
Watch this spot for...
...excerpts from my book. I will be sharing informative paragraphs that people who are relocating to Panama or taking a vacation will find helpful. This week I am sharing chapter 35, which gives a little background of The Word of Life Camp. The reason I am sharing a bit about the camp will become apparent as you read on.
One of the missions of The Coronado Bible Church that has become near to the hearts of Jen and I is the Word of Life Camp. We have found it on our heart to support the camp financially and by volunteering our time there. Word of Life Panama was established in 1992 and directed by Mirko & Traci Delibasich. The highlight of the ministry is summer camp with an average of 1500 young people attending each year. Their ministry also includes Bible Clubs, drama presentations such as "Born Again to a Living Hope", Children's Shows, sports marathons, and other evangelistic outreaches. They also minister with orphanages and indigenous tribes.
The camp runs for the summer vacation of Panamas children, January through February. Each week around 300 children from around the country are welcomed for a great time of fun, fellowship and Christian learning.
Volunteers are recruited to offer first aid, as lifeguards, and kitchen help. Jen and I have been volunteering in the kitchen to help with the preparation of meals for all of these children. It is such a small thing that is so appreciated. We have also sponsored campers. The families of many children in Panama do not have the means to afford the camp experience.
Coronado Bible Church...
...will continue to have in person Sunday services at 8:30am and 10:30am as we move forward in the new normal. The health protocols will be in place at the church, and everyone is asked to register in advance for the worship services. The registration link will give times and describe the health protocols and what must be done by attendees who intend to be with us in person. Join us in person, by YouTube, or on Facebook.
Last week the Coronado Bible Church received an urgent request from Word of Life Camp. Here is the short story...WOL Camp has been hit hard by the COVID shutdowns. A significant part of their annual budget simply disappeared because they were unable to rent their facilities to other Christian groups. What I understand is that they are to the point of having difficulty feeding their students and staff.
1 John 3:17 says, If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?
Our brothers and sisters at Word of Life are in need. If you do not have the resources to help at this time, that is fine...but if you do, please join me in helping to meet this urgent physical need.
Last Sunday the elders at Coronado Bible Church agreed to give everything that was placed in the baskets directly to WOL Camp. If you are unfamiliar with the WOL ministry and/or could give on line click here.
Thank you for considering this urgent request.
This week's fan photo...
...is my brother-in-law Bill Jewell. Bill and his wife Deb hosted Jen and I when we were in Michigan last month. Both of them are recently retired and are looking forward to traveling and enjoying their retirement. Last year before the pandemic they enjoyed a trip to Panama. We were able to do a little exploring while they were here and look forward to a time when they may be able to come for a longer visit.
I have a few copies of my book left that I had shipped to Panama. Including the shipping cost these paperback books will cost $12. Let me know if you are in the Coronado, Panama area and I will get a copy to you.
I love getting original fan photos, so if you are willing, and can share a fan photo with me it would be greatly appreciated. It will appear in an upcoming newsletter.
It would also mean a lot to me if those of you who haven't, would go to Amazon or Goodreads and leave a review. This makes my book easier for people to find.
You can get a copy of my book by clicking the link here, or the link on the blog. It is exclusively available on Amazon or Kindle. Kindle Unlimited subscribers read it free.
Blessings from paradise, Greg
