Fruits of Righteousness

October 2010

It’s been about two months since my arrival to CC Panamá. Time flies here, just like it does everywhere else I suppose. I want to highlight a few of the things that have been going on.

Women’s Ministry:
We recently began our home Bible studies in three different neighborhoods of La Chorrera. One of those Bible studies is taking place at our home every Tuesday night. Last Monday, we went around and invited the ladies from our neighborhood to come out and join us. I must admit that I was a bit skeptical, thinking that maybe only one lady would show up, if that. I thank God that He is faithful despite my unbelief. On Tuesday night, four ladies from our neighborhood arrived, plus three of us from the church. The seven of us had a sweet time getting to know each other, spending time in the Word and in prayer. I ask that you please pray for these women—that they would faithfully come every Tuesday night and grow in the Lord. A couple of them attend a local church, others have heard of Jesus, but may not know Him personally. I look forward to what God is going to do with us on Tuesday nights as well as with the other two groups that are meeting on Monday nights in the other neighborhoods. Please pray that these ladies would be changed for eternity.

We have a monthly women's fellowship at the church.

Trip to El Salvador:
This coming week, I am privileged to travel to El Salvador with Pastor Bertin and Vero to a conference that will be taking place out there. Please pray for our safety as we travel to and from. Also pray for Pastor Bertin, as he will be one of the teachers at the conference.


Personal Note of Gratitude:
Most of you know that my grandfather Luis passed away a couple of weeks ago. It wasn’t easy being away from home and family during this time, but God has been faithful to give strength. I can say with so much certainty that His Word brings true comfort and peace. One of the verses that I was comforted by was John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” I am so thankful to God for His goodness toward my family. I also want to thank you for the encouraging notes and for the many prayers. My family and I are grateful! Please pray for continued strength and comfort. Thank you!

A Final Word: Fruits of Righteousness

Recently, I have been thinking about the fruit that should spring forth from our lives as believers. In chapter 1, Paul prays for the Philippians that they would be “filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Then in verse 22, he writes, “But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor...” Paul knew that while he lived here on earth, his life would be fruitful. Jesus, in the 15th chapter of John, speaks of the “much fruit” that our lives will produce as we abide in Him. Our lives are a gift from God and our time on earth here is short. May God produce much fruit in our lives so that He may be glorified!

 

One of the most recent couples to be married at CC Panamá.