Jones Journal e-Mailer for 2015-07

jonesjournal.org > newsletters > e-Mailer for 7/2015

Dear Friends,

Happy-Birthday-USA greetings from Panamá. In the US we get just one Day of Independence, but in Panamá we party all November long... well, almost.

If you'd prefer you can read this e-Mailer online, or see past issues on "Newsletter" page at jonesjournal.org. This monthly e-Mailer includes updates on our life, ministry, praise, and prayer.

Yesterday the Assemblies of God of Panamá celebrated the official anniversary date of our 48 years. In 1967 Panamá’s beloved pioneer missionaries David & Doris Godwin began a tent crusade that has grown into a thriving movement of approximately 1000 churches, over 1500 ministers, many Bible training institutes, dozens of Christian schools in addition to many other ministries.

I was five years old then. During an earlier celebration service in the Darién (services happen in different locations during the month so that executives can attend) I realized that was the very same year that I gave my heart to Jesus. I remember kneeling beside my bed and praying with my mom. I have always thanked the Lord that He saved me as a child so that now as a missionary to children I am convinced He saves and uses children. God has a purpose and a plan for our lives. It’s great when we get reminded of how He works things out for His glory and our good in all circumstances. We are so grateful to be here right now doing what He purposed for us all along.

This was made very clear to us in the past 24 hours in what our Christian lawyer called a “miracle.” Very briefly, Panamá Immigration had previously rejected our missionary visa application based on a name discrepancy. Our lawyer said, “pray!” We did. Yesterday we were to submit our appeal for reconsideration and they inexplicably approved our two-year visa. Government bureacracies don’t normally work like that, but thank God He does!

Part of this past month’s ministry, Yvonne & Kirk ministered to the terrific kids of Monte de Sión church at the conclusion of their camp. Their leaders impressed me with the quality of praise and worship as they ushered the kids into the presence of the Lord. The kids blew me away as they fervently prayed and worshipped. You can also see their fun-loving side in the group picture on our missionary Facebook page.

Kirk got to meet the energetic Green family at the training seminar they held here in Panamá for kids ministry leaders. CYCAS uses sports as a vehicle to minister to children & youth especially in difficult communities. Many of our AG MININFAD leaders were there, plus a few dozen from other church groups and ministries.

More and more people are joining together answering Jesus’ call to “…let the children come to Me” (Matt. 19:14). This past month I was part of two other meetings, coalitions of like-minded believers, who want to work together on behalf of Panamá’s children and youth. God is doing something with Panamá’s kids and we look forward to being a part of it.

This upcoming Saturday’s seminar focuses on forming a local children’s church. Our national team is encouraged that so many churches and kids ministry leaders are eager to reach and prepare kids to share Jesus with their friends. The main purpose we are highlighting for children’s church is to prepare the children to do the work of ministry (Eph. 4:11-12). With that focus in mind, please pray for the morning session in Panamá and especially for the new seminar in Colón in the afternoon. Most of our Colonense brothers & sisters have not received this material before.

Later this month I welcome a team from the Northern Pacific Latin District of the AG (NPLAD en español) who will be doing a construction project, ministering in churches in the central provinces, and blessing kids in need.

We appreciate your faithful prayers and support. Summertime typically turns up the heat and down the donations with vacation and travels. If God prompts, we would appreciate your consideration of a one-time or increased donation to help fill the gap.

Our National Superintendent Rev. Lowell David closed his message last night with this admonition to the newly credentialed ministers. I pass it on with heart-felt affection, since it has been our verse as a married couple:

Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.

Psalm 37:3-5 ESV

Yours for Them,

Kirk & Yvonne

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