Greetings in Jesus!

To our churches and friends in Southern California, thank you for the ongoing faithful support. Thank you to several unexpected donations in the midst of quarantine restrictions. We are extremely grateful for the prayers and support from all of our partners in SoCal.

To our churches and friends in Southern Missouri, thank you for open doors to continue itineration ministry. July was very fruitful for us in both scheduled church services and pastoral appointments, plus many drop-in visits along the way. We met new friends and even scheduled future services.

In Odessa, MO Life Point Church we met Pastor Danny & Sherry Davis and heard their amazing story of how God helped them restore their church to life-giving vitality. To say that Dr. Danny Davis wrote the book on the subject would be an understatement since he also pioneered the program of the same name. It’s titled “Rural Turnaround Church: Real Life Experiences of Rural Pastors and Lay Leaders.” Take a look!

Coincidentally, later in the month we also met Pastor Paul and Julie Richardson from Licking MO Assembly of God. Theirs is one of those rural turnaround churches featured in the book. While it may be located in a small town, truly this is a community church with a large scope outreach. Just the day before they held a massive food distribution for the extended community. We enjoyed lunch fellowship and toured their fabulous facility, including their massive missions wall!

Kevin & Tammy Fletcher are dairy farmers with 300+ cows. They are also pastors of Stoney Point Church AG, a thriving congregation in Jerico Springs MO. In honor of the visiting missionaries from Panamá, the church celebrated with a Tropical Missions Theme (I had to explain the colorful neckware)!

Following the Sunday morning service at Monett Real Life AG Church, Pastor Greg Gilliam pulled out three large boxes of gently used children’s ministries teaching materials. We appreciate the thoughtfulness. This donation will head to Panama to be distributed among churches who can use it. Many Panamanians understand English, and the visuals, crafts, and other practical ideas included translate well.

Also in Monett, we met Sister Trina, 73 years young, who shared with us her remarkable testimony of how God brought her back from death’s door. She told us that she had fallen backwards and hit her head hard on a curb. Her spirit temporarily left her body and in that state she told God that she could not die just yet. Her reason? “I promised to give something to the missionary who came to our church, so I have to go back and do that!” As you can see, God granted her request!

The tenth and final “Give God the Glory Story” in English and Spanish is posted! I was obedient to what I felt the Lord tell me to do with the downtime during the height of quarantine. My desire was to share what great things God has done that we have been a small part of. I trust it will give Him glory!

Fundraising progress report update:

   * WAS: $2,000; NOW: $623 in new monthly support still needed.

   * WAS: $27,000; NOW: $0 cash budget lacking—PTL! Thanks to your faithfulness and generosity! Now we are “saving up” toward the $50,000 Ngobe camp infrastructure project.

Before closing here is our prayer request for Panamá going through the pandemic: As of August 6, 2020, there have been 71,418 cases of COVID-19 with 1,574 deaths, which is 2.2% fatality rate. Since March, strict quarantine restrictions allow essential errands during two hours maximum—women on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays, men on Tuesdays and Thursdays—time of day varied by ID/passport number. Weekends are absolute stay-at-home. After five months of this, you can imagine that the country is growing weary. Please join us in praying for God’s grace to be poured out on Panamá and that people will come to know Jesus through this trial.

While at AG HQ recently, I happened upon the walking miracle COVID-19 survivor who is our AGWM Executive Director Greg Mundis. I said, “it’s so good to see you!” He replied, “Yes, it’s much better to be seen, rather than viewed!”

He is encouraging all AGWM workers around the world to pray and fast, but especially to listen, for 40 days from August 24 through October 2. If you feel led, please join us in this world-wide chorus of prayer and expectation.

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (ESV)