CBF Youth Visit Costa Abajo Missions
Every trip to Costa Abajo is an exciting adventure in mission for me. The CBF youth mission team were looking forward to the experience. The 7:00am departure time drew multiple groans from everyone. Nonetheless, we agreed to leave Colon City no later than that, if we hoped to arrive at Piña Baptist by latest 8:30.
The day’s itinerary was a very demanding one. We were going out to visit all 4 missions specifically to film the work in Costa Abajo. There was a time for socializing for youth from coast, FIBC and CBF youth at the Central Panama Baptist Association’s Camp at Salud. Then we would end the day there with an evening conference.
After filming Pina, Palmas Bellas and Quebrada Leon we finally arrived in the town of Rio Indio. We were heading to the Buenaventura mission that was demolished during a flood November 2006.
The anxiety was palpable and this devilish Pastora was chuckling silently. I could hear the whispers, and low murmurs….”this is where we get on the boat”. We arrived at the dock and I had to hide my face with my handkerchief and cough. Surprise! I have seen this “boat” many times but never got into it. Well this one was a first for me too. Who laughs last…..
Dave stood on the banks of the river and waited until everyone got in the boat. Then he asked – “So I am to get in this boat”? And, “Why it so low”? They assisted poor Dave, who got in more delicately than a 90 year old.
At Buenaventura, Michelle being helped out of the boat while Melissa watched.
Pastor Oral scrambles downhill to get back in the boat for our return trip.
Xiomara is already in and Sophia is behind her.
Amidst all the fun though, there were some pensive moments as the youth were confronted with a different kind of poverty to that which they have seen in Jamaica. Persons were immediately moved to gratitude and spontaneous pledges to help when they realized that what seems small and insignificant to some, is wealth for others.
At the evening conference at Salud, Michelle and Keisha of CBF led a presentation and discussion on youth and morality where the ever burning issue of sexuality was also discussed.
The trip to Costa Abajo was well worth it. Demanding though it was, we all had a great time. I am already looking forward to my next adventure in mission.
What about you? Do you wish to join us in a mission partnership?
Marvia
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August 24th, 2007 at 8:16 pm
Boy the scandals I tell yuh, the scandals…I cannot believe that people would have the heart to spread such…such flawed information about others. My my…I thought I had good friends…
Dave
August 25th, 2007 at 12:44 am
Dave dear,
These photos speak eloquently. Wonder why everyone looking on had a smile on their face? Hmmmm?