September 2011
Dear Cyber Friends,
With thanksgiving for you and your prayers, this comes to update you on the ministry here in Panama. Your prayers and support make it all possible.
To begin, the retreat in Boquete of national pastors and missionaries was well attended. The messages brought by Bro. Bill Bender really hit home as he challenged us with very practical lessons on the home, leadership and killing giants. Though some were unable to attend because of illness those that did attend were greatly blessed. The property has changed owners and it remains to be seen how things will go in the future. Pray with us about next year’s meeting as we seek the Lord’s leading in this.
Peregrino, one of our faithful men in Bethel Baptist in Suntracs has taken over the Saturday ministry with the young people. Please pray for him and his wife Rosa as they seek to develop leaders among the teens and singles.
Suntracs has become more of a “red” or “hot” area lately with shootings and/or stabbings almost nightly. The police are spending a lot of time there. Some of our members live near where these events are taking place. Pray for their safety and for the church to reach more of those involved in these activities. Many come from outside of the area. Only the Lord can change their heart and their behavior.
During a recent youth conference at a sister church, several of the teens made decisions about a more consecrated life. Pray that they will keep those commitments. As in any culture, there is a lot of peer pressure that leans the other way.
Following the retreat in Boquete, some issues in the Veracruz church (Iglesia Bautista Maranatha) have meant that we needed to return to a more active presence. Please pray with us that those little foxes that spoil the vine will be eliminated and that the work will continue to move forward. Souls are being saved and the church is growing and Satan is not happy about any of it. The church did celebrate twenty-one years in August with over one hundred in attendance on the closing night of the three day conference.
Your faithfulness has meant that we have been able to remain on the field. In the current economy, we are keenly aware of what a challenge that has been for many of you. God is able and you have been willing to be used of Him to make this possible. Thank you so much!
We are currently planning a short furlough from mid-January until mid-April. Our plan is to focus on the Southwest, i.e. California, Arizona and New Mexico. As with nearly all missionaries, new support is needed and we would appreciate your prayers about that.
Thank you for standing with us. May the Lord richly bless our combined efforts as we await His coming!
Love and Prayers,
Dan & Cricket Young