Hey Friends and Family,

Greetings from Panama! I've been here for a month now, so finally adjusting to the daily torrential rains. Our home base is located in the Town of Potrerillos Arriba, in the province of Chiriqui. That was for all you geography buffs. God has continued to 'shower' His blessings upon us and shelter us with safety.

GETTING OUR BEARINGS...A day after arriving, we were shown how to navigate the countryside, on foot, and where to access the bus route. So after walking a little over an hour, we finally made it to a bus stop where we set off to explore the city, David, Panama. Before coming to Panama, I had been praying to God to help me lose some of this weight (that so easily beset me). I think a plan has been set in motion. Two to three days a week, we will be walking 2-3 miles a day to get our bodies ready to do the work God has for us. That will entail trekking through the jungle to minister to indigenous tribes.

MEDICAL OUTREACH...The first week, we served with a medical mission team, caring for the Ngabe Native Indian tribe in the jungle of Bonyic, Bocas del Toro. Relationships were built and some strengthened. We provided medical treatments, exams, and medicines to over 600 patients. We took cold showers outdoors, and some in the river, and prepared meals over an open fire inside large cast iron pots. I wonder if this is how smokers feel, breathing smoke and soot throughout the day and smelling it on you well into the night? We were a sight for sore eyes, blackened faces, clothes dirty, hair sweaty with the sweet aroma of smoked wood, and service with a smile. All the covers of makeup and neatly combed hair wore off by the end of the day. We no longer cared how we looked. It became about serving and doing what was necessary.

COMMUNITY LIVING...After returning to the base (civilization as we came to realize), we were so happy to feel the heat of the water on our backs. Training began the next week. We attend daily bible lectures, preparing us to work in the field, and then are given opportunities to teach, share and participate in character building exercises. Living in community is the focus while on the base, sharing rooms, bathrooms, and working together. Also, throughout the week, we have several worship and intercessory prayer times, personal devotion and servings along side the locals. I am blessed to be a part of the worship team and have opportunities to lead in worship weekly.

JUCUM PANAMA...This base is living out the principles of feeding, clothing and housing the needy. They have established a program where they allow a number of indigenous children to come and live, study and get a chance at a better life. I get an opportunity to interact with them almost daily. One of the young ladies of the Bluglere tribe, whom I have been sharing with, told me if it were not for this program, she would be delegated to a life of slavery in her village, where they are given (forced) into marriage at the age of 12 and must then take care of the household, children they birth, etc. They are treated very poorly, abused and have absolutely no rights. Her father came to know the Lord through one of the missionaries who had visited their village and was offered the opportunity to send his children to get educated. After much consideration and prayer, he decided to break the tradition of his tribe and send his children away. One came first and three more followed years later. I will tell you the story of Mireya at another time. But thanks be to God for His mercy and grace on this family and others as well.

CHURCH LIFE...Each Sunday, we have visited different churches so we can decide which one we favor. Some churches are solely in Spanish, while others are bi-lingual. No matter what language, you can sense the presence of God there. God says in his Word, if you seek me, you will find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

WEEKLY OUTREACH...Each Friday, we visit Arturo Miro Boys Rehab Center. These boys are from various families, backgrounds and tribes. Some have been abandoned, some orphans and others got into trouble and was sent here. One thing is common, they all need love and to fill loved. Our objective is to build relationships, share with them the love of Jesus, teach and pray with and for them. Last week, I spoke on their identity in Jesus and how God loved them so that he called them His sons. Each of them were made in the image of God and God wants to have this Father/son relationship with them. All they need to do is accept His Gift (His Son) in their lives. We are God's children!

CONFERENCE...Next Monday, we will be traveling out of the country to San Jose, Costa Rica, to attend a week-long global gathering conference, hosted by the founder of YWAM, Loren Cunningham, and University of the Nations. This will be a great time of prayer, worshipping and seeking God with ethnic groups from all over the world.

PRAYER REQUESTS...I ask that you continue in prayer for my family, my children and protection for the team as we travel about. Please pray for resources and funding needed to reach the various people groups and villages. If you are so moved, please feel free to send a donation to assist me in this work. You can send a check to my P.O. Box 151, Hampton, GA 30228 or make a secure payment on my site (www.gogetfunding.com/musicmissionjourney). Any amount is welcomed!!

Thanks for reading. Enjoy the pictures! If you would like to send an email or text message, that would be great. I don't have daily access but will respond when I can.

Email: [email protected]

Text: 678-347-0423

Many Blessings to you all.

Love,

Marion (Virginia) Smith