LCMS World Mission Blog

“In preparation for Mother’s Day, James and I were able to help our friend Demetrio in an outreach project at a mission plant where he is working. Demetrio is a new pastor and is starting a church about a 10-minute bus ride from his home church. Since there was no church in La Esperanza, Demetrio started making house calls and got to know the community. He now has catechism class with the kids from the village who meet at a house a community leader lets him use. They have made benches outside the house and use the inside of the house for storage of tables and things necessary for the class.

“It’s so awesome to see God at work here working through Demetrio. They are starting from nothing and working solely with the Word of God. No building, no pews, no music equipment, only what was offered from the community and the sending church. It can be a struggle to keep it going that way. When you first start any ministry, there is always the momentum that makes it seem that everything is possible and everything will be a success because you are working for the Lord. But then it seems as though reality sets in-worldly reality.

“Then, issues start arising; you start wanting things to make the ministry more effective or run better. You have other churches that want to help, people who want to give money, and organizations that want to be a part of this great new venture as a small part in your decision-making. These issues become roadblocks to what seemed to be a great work of God. How to build a church, a mission plant, or a ministry is a challenge in creating a healthy future for the group of people to whom you are ministering. These are just some of the struggles that Demetrio faces along with community challenges in leading these people to God. However, he has a gift and God is guiding him every step of the way.

“Demetrio wanted to do something for Mother’s Day in order to reach out to this community. An idea was to go from house to house and take a family photo. James and I were privileged to help Demetrio and work with him in taking the photos and talking with the people. This allowed time for contact and the ability to return on a later date with a photo to give them. Demetrio was also able to talk with the families about coming to an event he was planning for Mother’s Day, which is just down the path from most of their houses. It was a beautiful opportunity to be with God’s people and share His love by seeing the work He is doing through Demetrio. I ask that you please keep Demetrio in your prayers and his sending church as they continue to work in sharing the Gospel with the people of La Esperanza.”

• Pray for the Neuendorfs in Panama
• Learn more about the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Panama
• Search for open service opportunities in Latin America

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