We ran out of chairs

On a recent evening, we ran out of chairs.  Our sofas, benches, office chairs, and dining room table could not hold all the pioneer missionaries gathered at our house for a training session in “Healthy Boundaries for Ministry Leaders.

Some of these leaders from Young Life Panama had to stand, while others chose to sit uncomfortably on hard ceramic tile.  They had gathered at our house for fellowship, food, teaching and prayer.

When their team first started meeting in our house, there wereonly 2 or 3 leaders.  We had no problem sitting around our table and enjoying each other’s fellowship.

Now, we have run out of chairs.

Healthy Boundaries for Ministry Leaders

Our strategic location in Panama gives us access to many different ministries for training events.

The ministry of Young Life Panama has grown from serving in one community to serving in four.  Their four community teams arrived one evening so that we could invest in their leadership development.

These young adults are all learning about what it means to lead in a pioneer context, where they were sent out from their original group to reach at risk youth in new communities.  That kind of missionary work requires leaders to be self-nourishing and to be self-disciplined enough to grow.

This time, Brenda and I both addressed healthy boundaries to sustain long term ministry so they will not become a casualty of ministry:

• Time Management
• How to take time for yourself
• Protecting your integrity
• Are you their leader or friend?
• Boundaries for sexuality and attractions.

Personal Ministry Time

After the teaching, Brenda and I both led different prayer groups for some personalized ministry.  The whole group noisly went to the building rooftop on a beautiful night occassionaly lit up by lightening from distant thunderstorms.

Brenda led the women in prayer, and I participated with the men.  Each group had a ministry time with God to respond to the teaching.

• Tear-filled repentance
• Renewed dedication to walk with integrity
• A fresh outpouring of God’s spirit.

Intercession for Panama

The evening closed with strong group intercession for Panama.  These leaders have an emotional calling to reach the communities they have been sent into.  Taking the cue from Matthew 9:35-38, the group poured out their heart in prayer.

Thanks for Your Support

Your gifts keep us close to Young Life Panama, allowing us to minister and be a vital part of the training of these leaders.  The director has expressed her appreciation to us on several occasions over the 3 years we’ve been investing time and training in their ministry.

Help us finish 2013 in the black with your investment in these leaders.

Make your gift or monthly contribution by following the directions here.