God is in control

Panama | Becky Barends

“It’s interesting to see how God works,” pondered José, a student of OM Panama’s International Intensive School of Missions. During the three-month course, the students have learnt that God often has plans that are different from their own. 

In February, the time neared for the students to spend a few weeks ministering in the Ngöbe and Naso tribal groups in Panamá; however, the country experienced disruption as the indigenous people protested against the government.

Road blocks along the Pan-American Highway stopped vehicles from passing. The situation quickly became unstable and the leadership of the School of Missions decided to keep the students at the training centre rather than send them out to the tribes.

This was discouraging and disappointing for all the students. But while everyone was waiting for national situation to be resolved, God opened a different door of opportunity: the team helped lead the summer kids’ camp at Iglesia Casa de Luz (Lighthouse Church) in Volcán, Panamá.

While this was different ministry than the students had planned, each learnt that the Lord’s plans are always perfect. During the camp, the team met two siblings, Yuli and Roderick. Afterward, the siblings came back to the church to ask for food because they had none at home.

The students gathered the money they could find and brought money and food to the family. Through this, the team ministered to the mother of the family and she recommitted her life to the Lord. None of this would have happened if the team had gone to the tribes.

The students learnt an important lesson that day: that God is always in control, even when situations seem discouraging.

Credit: Becky Barends
© 2012 OM International