His Power in Us — Cynthia So
The TJCAC team made its fourth trip to Panama in August. This year, we had a good representation in our team of 10, in that team members were from both congregations and various fellowships. The team served in Panama City and in La Chorrera, in addition to our main focus in Santiago. Together we worked with other teams from Calgary, Toronto, Regina, Vancouver and San Diego, USA.
Recognizing that this was my fourth time to Panama, many people would think that the intricacies of planning and preparation for the STM would be relatively straightforward. In a way it was familiar territory to me. But on a personal level, it was increasingly challenging for me as the team leader. As I persistently desired to share the gospel in Panama, Satan tried his very best to discourage me. He did not want God’s name to be proclaimed in all the ends of the earth and in particularly, Panama. To me, it was an intense test on my faith. During the past year, the Lord allowed many trying circumstances to besiege me – physical ailment, financial instability, family obligations and pure fatigue. As I became doubtful and weary at times, ready to give up, these verses came to my mind: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:7-9. It seemed as though giving up was the easy way out, but as I chose not to admit defeat, the spiritual battle continued and became more intense. Satan tried to convince me that I had been forsaken, unworthy, weak and fighting alone. Instead of giving up, I chose to stay the course and trust in His heart, the Almighty One who is trustworthy and never-changing. I am truly convinced that He who accomplished great things in the past will continue to accomplish great things for His name’s sake. God has never promised smooth sailing but He assures me that this is a path of grace and that He will never forsake me. He does promise that if I love and obey Him, He will make my paths straight. The short-term mission work in Panama is not about me, nor is it about TJCAC, but it is all about God. It is about bringing people to the saving knowledge of Christ. However unworthy and weak we are, He uses us as instruments to bring peace to all nations.
When I returned from the Panama STM last year, I asked the Lord to show me clearly whether He wanted me to lead the 2009 team. Since then I did not have it easy because I was continuously confronted with obstacles. But the Lord has been faithful and provided me with spiritual “comrades” who walked close by my side, to assist and encourage me, so that I could carry on with His work. Best of all, He gave us an incredible team this year. Through the supplication of others and waiting upon the Lord, the obstacles were removed one by one. “Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” Ecclesiastes 11:4. If I were to look at my own circumstances, I would have most certainly quit long ago. He had carried me through each step of the way. He unlocked all the doors and showed me that this was the role that He wanted me to play. While I am aware that our ministry in Santiago has a long-term commitment, I have been constantly asking myself, “How many more years are we going?”, “What if nobody wants to go?” Just as I thought there wouldn’t be anyone going this year, He graciously provided a team of ten. On the one hand, I was ecstatic about the prospect of having a big team, but on the other hand, it would usually be tougher to work with a group of this size, many of whom I had not even crossed paths with. How could 10 people from diverse backgrounds and varying age groups work in harmony? I embarked on the training sessions in May with great trepidation. From past experiences, this was going to be a “bumpy” ride. Praise the Lord! None of my worries were substantiated. The team members brought a variety of gifts. They were “young” and convivial, yet ever so committed. They were also very energetic and submissive. Everyone worked wholeheartedly, willingly and in unity. It was true team spirit in action! All of these positive outcomes were attributable to prayer and supplication by faithful prayer warriors – over 100 of them. It was definitely through prayer that we were empowered to share the gospel with the people in Panama. God answered everyone’s prayers! He is able to accomplish things over and beyond what we could ever hope for.
This year’s mission was yet another spiritually enriching experience for me, despite the small glitch that we had at the beginning of trip. A week before we left for Panama, I prayed to God and asked Him to show us ways that He would like us to experience Him as a team, as I realize that there would be last-minute changes and unknowns, making these perfect opportunities to see God at work. Two days before we left for Panama, I received an email from my coordinator in Calgary that there might not be any VBS classes this year because of the teachers’ strike and the delay of the spring break in Panama. At that time, I did not even know how to break the news to my team members, since a few of them had spent an incredible amount of time preparing for the VBS. I could see the excitement on their face when we were commissioned the Sunday before. How would they react? What if they become disheartened? I began to pray to God about how I could communicate this to the team and how He could use my past STM experiences to encourage everyone to fix our eyes upon Him and to follow His leading. In the end, God touched everyone’s heart in His own special way as He allowed the VBS to proceed. He provided us with 22 students! He also added six adults and 12 children to our family in Christ. Praise the Lord!
Our prayer is that someday, brothers and sisters in Santiago will have their own local church and in turn, bring others to Christ and make disciples. They covet our prayer and financial support. Yes, we are in it for the long haul! Through it all, the message is clear: if God is for us, who can be against us? What God desires to accomplish, nothing can stand in the way! Hallelujah, for we serve the risen Saviour, whose name is great through all the nations. Let us continue to pray for Panama and fight this spiritual battle! Mission is a relay. Are you willing to join us next year and carry the baton?