The first FIBC Youth Summer Mission Partnership concluded on Sunday August 5, 2007. Our congregation, First Isthmian Baptist received a group of 11 youth representing the Youth Department of the Caribbean Baptist Fellowship (CBF).
In picture with members of the CBF and First Isthmian, are Dave Collymore [front left] Marvia [front middle] and Pastor Francisco Medina, President of the the Panama Baptist Convention [kneeling in front right]
The members of the Youth Mission Team came from member churches of the Jamaica Baptist Union (JBU). There were 7 females and 4 males drawn from, Waterford Baptist, Sydenham Baptist, Bethel Baptist (Half-Way Tree). Included in the group were Dave Collymore, Chairman of the JBU Youth Department and Rev. Oral White, pastor of the Stokes Hall Circuit of Baptist Churches, St. Thomas Jamaica.
While they were with us, the youth joined with our congregation and either participated in events or led sessions. Their adventures included:-
Children’s Rally and Special Children’s Service
Visit & Devotions at the Hogar Atlantico (Home for the Elderly)
Filming of the work at the Costa Abajo Missions – done in order to produce a DVD for present and future mission partners
Mini Conferences on Youth related issues
Youth Revival
Rev. Oral White was the preacher at the 3 night Youth Revival. From Monday July 30- Wednesday August 1. He helped us focus on the theme – “Declaring Victory.” Of course he got me in trouble when he actually preached his sermon in Spanish on Wednesday night. My members will not let me rest now. “Pastora! Such a shame..one whole year and you are still not preaching in Spanish…tut tut tut” [I think I'll have to update the Pastor's Appreciation list..# 11. Do not badger thy Pastora to speak in tongues!!]
Sunday morning at 6am they began their journey back to Jamaica from Colon to Panama city and onward to Kingston.
We are thankful for the youth who came and shared with us. They were all gifted young people who made tremendous sacrifices to be here. Both youth and adults enjoyed their presence and talents and we all agree that their time with us was a blessing. We look forward to sharing with some or all of them again.
Friends, too many things happened in the short week to post here. Hopefully several posts will capture some of what we shared during the week. Pictures will tell an even better story…
Until,
Marvia
This is really kool. I wish I was there. Mayb the next run over the waters
I am glad to hear about this trip to Panama (i see dave got his leave). JBU started missions in Panama years ago, so i hope there will be a continuaion and increase in such visits. Pastora im not as young as i used to be, getting up in age not easy at all(lol) , but i hope to make the trip one day
Bjorn,
You would have had a blessed experience I’m sure. Do plan to visit us sometime.
Marvia
PastorD,
Dave not only got his leave, wait till you hear about his experience out in Costa Abajo. He made Kerry look like a spritely 5 year old. Ummm…don’t invite Kerry to read this ok
What’s that about getting up in age? Puuhhlleezzee…Such statements on MY birthday make me go ‘ouch’.
Marvia
I am so glad things went well for the Youth trip. The entire bunch appears filled with the Spirit! Their blessings will be multipled many times over!
John
It was so nice being in Panama..Please people I beg you, not to be swayed by every wind of doctrine coming from persons talking about I was afraid on the boat…I just dont understand how people would go around spreading such flawed information about me…..
Dave
Yes John, it was a blessed experience. The CBF Youth, Pastor White and our congregation will never forget this experience. Lives have been touched and are changing and we give God thanks!
Our congregation is looking forward to sharing with others who feel led to partner with us in fulfilling God’s mission in Panama.
Marvia
Dave,
Why are you squealing so loudly and I haven’t even posted a single photo of you yet? Hhahaha..dem comin!
Wow it seemed like they did a lot of work and had a lot of fun. It seems like its time for me to find my way to the passport office and renew ma passport! God willing i’ll make it to Panama some day. Looking forward to these boat pics which based on Dave’s comments promise to be funnier than Kerry’s.
Oh and Marvia thou shall not add to the 10 directives of Pastor Appreciation…
Bless