THE CHITREANO

This is Harder Than I thought it Would Be

2011-11-07T06:24:00.000-08:00


Cirilo, Katia, Michael and Ivan Mendoza. New pastoral family of the GNC.

Benjamin & Stephany (engaged) share their vision for
the new mission that they and the GNC are beginning in
Los Sauces-Chitre

In missions courses during college back in the 70´s we were taught the biblical method of beginning new churches, developing leaders and then moving on to new ministries, to begin the process again. I well remember when we installed a Panamanian pastor in the work in Parita. It was difficult to let go. In January of 2006 when we dedicated the church building in Chitré, there was excitement, growth, frequent baptisms and long work days. The same is true today of the work. Not much has changed. However, one very big and noticeable change is the leadership. We now have a mission committee that works hard every week in the opening of two new missions that our church is sponsoring. Yesterday, Sunday, November 6th, marked a life changing point for several of us at the church. During the business meeting after the morning service the members voted for two very important steps. First, they voted to receive Cirilo and Katia Mendoza and their two small boys as pastoral family. Cirilo and Katia will both graduate from our FWB Seminary in Chame in December. In the same meeting the church voted to begin the process of purchasing a house in Los Sauces where two more seminary graduates from our church are beginning one of the missions I mentioned previously. As I spoke to the members of these two steps, my emotions were uncontrollable. I wept, for joy and sadness. Joy because of the tremendously huge sense of gratitude and praise that I offer to God for allowing Brenda and me to be a part of this part of His great plan. I wept for sadness because with a Panamanian pastor, this marks the end of this particular relationship that we will enjoy with this group of people. Our relationship will be different as someone else steps in to take the leadership. I am incredibly pleased with both these decisions and steps of faith. However, I sense that we are not leaving a job as we step aside from the leadership of the church, rather we are releasing what has become a part of our very lives. Brenda and I have great peace in knowing that the Good News Church is a great congregation with great leadership. We are overwhelmed with a Spirit given satisfaction in knowing that this church whose vision is "To be a church that has a vision of planting new churches in Panama and the rest of the world where the gospel of Jesus Christ is not being proclaimed", will continue to be a part of who they are. God Bless the Good News Church is our prayer.

Do You Remember Me?

2011-04-09T15:03:00.000-07:00

Do You Remember Me? When I hear that question my brain hits the speed re-wind button and I try to relive that past 25 years in about 3 seconds. Since my re-wind is needing to be re-minded, I rarely answer to the affirmative and must, in an embarrassed fashion admit, "sorry, I know I should, but I don't". It happened today, in front of two new church planters that I am mentoring. So much for the demonstration of great name and face recall.
As we talked, and my memory was refreshed, I came to learn that the lady we were talking to, had attended gospel film nights in front of our house, when she was a little girl about 20 years ago. She also showed us a stuffed toy that she received from a Samaritan's Purse event we had. Another God moment was when she told me who her father is. He is a man who has begun attending our church on Sundays, attends a cell group on Friday nights and cut our grass just this morning.
For the last five years, The Good News Church has held an evangelistic outreach in this ladies neighborhood during Holy Week. We will do so again this year. However, our missions committee has targeted this area of our city as a possible site for a new church with the two church planters that I accompanied today.
As we conversed, I had several thoughts. First, a stuffed toy and some gospel films left a positive impression in the mind of this lady. Secondly, is it possible that God has been working in this ladies life for the last few years for such a time as this? Could she and her family become part of a new church to be born.
Do You Remember Me? "I'm sorry, I know I should, but I don't, but evidently God does, and that's what matters."

BTW... Thanks to any of you who have supported Samaritan's Purse or similar ministries.

Evangelical Ashes

2011-03-09T07:54:00.000-08:00

Marti Gras/Carnaval is officially over for 2011, although the effects will be felt for several days as the revelers recuperate from several days of non-stop drinking and vile living. Some effects will be seen in future weeks and months as there is no money to buy back what was pawned for the party, (one individual pawned his gold dental bridgework) marriages break down due to infidelity, venereal disease is discovered, and in November, the month with the most births nationwide.

Thus, as evangelical protestant Christians, and conservative to boot, it is easy to decry the absolute silliness of the millions who on this Ash Wednesday will step inside the Roman Catholic church and receive an ashen cross marked on their forehead by the local priest. This is a sign of absolution and cleansing of the sins committed during this party season. I confess, the actions of the priests disgust me. I have a deep disdain for the deception that they heap upon their blinded followers. On the other hand, a question comes to mind. Do we in the evangelical protestant church also have an ash pot? Perhaps ours is less obvious, but I think it is there.

Sadly, I know that some of our local flock, were just as taken in by, and participated in the recent debauchery, as much as the other thousands that came from far and near. The funny thing is, they won't be seen with an ashen cross on their forehead. Instead, their ashen cross is invisible to the naked eye, but the attitude is there. Prior to participating in sinful behavior a large majority of the people thought to themselves, "I can do this sin for a few days and ask forgiveness after the fact." Very convenient eh? On the same token, how many of us, as upstanding protestants, embrace the same attitude and action. We offend, lie, deceive, commit immorality and any number of favorite sins, all the while thinking, I'll ask forgiveness later, after all God is a forgiving God and His mercy endures forever, right?

What I am saying is that in reality there is probably little difference in attitude between those that I see today with an ashen cross in their forehead who have exited a Roman Catholic church, and many evangelicals who have been involved in the same behavior or worse. Both have a twisted and erroneous view of repentance and grace. My prayer is that God will help me and you to boldly face this reality and challenge and present the truth, graciously, lovingly and convincingly.

Now, I need to go look in the mirror and make sure there are no ashes on my own forehead.

Blessings to you.

Pretty, Dirty Feet

2011-02-12T10:11:00.000-08:00

Katia (a seminary student, wife and mother from the Good News church) Brenda and I went out to make a few visits this morning. Our purpose was to follow up on some previous visits and confirm days and times for the beginning of 5 new small groups. As we were walking through the three neighborhoods we were visiting we met several adults, youth and children who frequent the church. Two siblings began walking with us. Actually, Villo was riding his bicycle and Arelys was walking. We went to a couple of homes, talked, shared and prayed. Villo and Arelys in tow. These two children are Gnobe Indians. Their parents who emigrated to Chitre from the neighboring province of Chiriqui, prayed to receive Christ two weeks ago.

Our last visit would take us a little further from the neighborhood where Villo and Arelys live. As we walked along the pavement nearly a quarter mile, it dawned on me that Arelys didn't have shoes on. She was accustomed to going barefoot and evidently the hot pavement didn't bother her. Like most older brothers, Villo didn't offer to carry her on his bicycle.

At the last visit, we agreed on a day and time for the small group to meet. After I shared a story from Mark 2, Katia was praying. All morning long, Arelys had not said anything. As we prayed, "I peaked at Arelys". She was praying with her eyes closed, hands clasped and then I noticed her feet. Pretty, dirty feet. Although Arelys is just a little girl, with calloused, dirty feet, she was "helping" us to carry the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am totally confident that God sees those feet that helped carry the Gospel as some of the most beautiful in the world. They weren't pedicured, painted or well groomed, but yet precious and lovely in the sight of God. They were genuinely, Pretty, dirty, feet.

Disciples Discipling

2011-02-10T04:57:00.000-08:00

"Hey, I was the one that taught you that!" That is a strange and egotistical statement I admit. Especially when it goes through my own mind. It happened twice this week. First was Sunday morning when Cirilo, a third year seminary student from the Good News Church in Chitré was preaching at our church. He said something that I had taught him in one of our many discussions & classes. Then it happened again on Tuesday night. Stephany, a recent seminary graduate, was teaching a class on Life Stewardship that I recently taught her at the FWB Seminary in Chame, Panamá.

As Cirilo and Stephany were speaking I was intrigued by their growing level of confidence in what they were saying and the conviction with which they talked. It was also obvious that they had dug deeper into their respective topics and had done some preparation prior to engaging their audience.

As they both developed their messages, I realized that they were coming at the subject in a way that fit their personality and style. Both, a bit different from mine. Another thought came to me that is a bit more pleasing. As they spoke, I thought joyfully, "Hmm, I wish I had thought of that, I wish I had said that!" Quite a change from the first thought, huh!

Seeing disciples discipling. Thanks for praying.

Discipling Jesús

2011-02-08T11:54:00.000-08:00

God still speaks to us. That is a simple statement. Yesterday I was seated at our table in a discipleship talk with Jesús (the Divine and a new convert with that name) The topic of our discussion was "God speaks to us." As we talked I was a little bit sidetracked in my thoughts as I thought of the profoundness of that statement. Some serious questions came to my mind, and I confess that I found my mind wandering a bit. "How long has it been since God spoke to you Stan?" "How has God spoken to me lately?"

Jesús and I discussed the power and relevancy of God´s Holy Word. Jesús mentioned a passage that had really spoken to him in recent days. It was one of those ".... shall not inherit the Kingdom of God passages." Interestingly, we had just discussed the fact that the Bible was written over a period of a few thousand years by various inspired authors, yet it is like the Bible has a mystical way of knowing everything about us. Those of us who have been on The Way for a while know that the Holy Spirit makes the Scriptures alive and active in our lives. Jesús learned that yesterday. "how did God know which passage to bring to my mind and have me read?" he asked. I explained that God knows us, down to every small detail, and he uses his "God breathed" book to reveal to us, hidden things, shameful things, embarrassing things, humorous things, etc. etc. for the purpose of conforming us to the image of Christ.

I am glad that God still speaks. I look forward to hearing from Him again today. I am also thankful for the opportunity to disciple Jesús. Blessings to you.

Of Translators and Money Grubbers

2010-04-20T09:28:00.000-07:00

George called late last night. He is a retired medical Dr. from the US, 82 years old, who decided on a whim to come to Panama. He moved out of an apartment recently, which left the landlady angry. He speaks no Spanish, so when the contract was signed, he had no idea of what he was signing, plus, he was not given a copy. Being the trusting sort, he went on with life. George didn't know that he, being a North American, is a prime candidate for double charges since all North Americans own sky scrapers and practically grew up with one hand inside a bank vault. He was being charged twice what his fellow leasers were paying. Not a bad deal for the landlady. The landlady arranged for a cleaning lady to come and clean. The 250 sq. foot apartment with 1 bed, 1 table, 1 chair and a tile floor, and bare walls really didn't require a daily scrubbing. The cleaning lady wanted to work full time making sure that George's apartment was clean. After all, he probably keeps his skyscraper and bank vault back home in immaculate condition. When George left, to take residence in an apartment for half the price with someone to cook his meals everything seemed fine. Until last night. He was cited to appear before the local justice of the peace. The original landlord, being the money grubber that she is, (I speak from personal experience) had filed a case against George for several charges. Evidently, she sold him a refrigerator for $150 that wasn't worth even $50, she claimed to have filled the refrigerator with food, paid taxi chargers, cleaning charges, etc. Naturally, she did not have receipts. When I asked to see the contract, the duration of the contract was written longhand, and again George had no copy.
It was decided that George would pay several charges to the lady. (He offered to return the refrigerator but for some strange reason, she didn't want it back. Go figure) So, what is my part in this? Being a translator for a friend in need. Sadly, the landlady is also a friend, (in spite of the fact that I knew she is money hungry from previous personal experiences) and I found myself between the two.

Moral of the story.... As I walked out the door to go to the meeting with the JP I asked the Lord, "What is the purpose of this? I have dozens of things to do, much more important than deal with this case that really has zero to do with me. I sensed in my spirit, what Jesus said.... "A cup of cold water in my name is a good thing. Let me work out the details, you give your "cup" of translation, and I'll take care of the other points."
Fine, now I'm waiting to see how God uses all of this. It will be exciting.

Children's Crusade at the Good News Church, Sunday March 7, 2010

2010-03-08T07:12:00.000-08:00

Over 60 children and adults had a great time Sunday March 7th, for an afternoon of games and lessons to celebrate the end of summer vacation and the beginning of the school year. Guess who was REALLY celebrating???

2010-03-08T07:08:00.000-08:00

Larry, Harry and Moe... The Three Stooges

The Coordinator in Chief

2010-03-08T07:06:00.000-08:00

Brenda does a great job of coordinating various children's ministries

2010-03-08T06:59:00.000-08:00

The entire group who enjoyed the afternoon of fun games and a Bible Lesson

Children's Crusade at the Good News Church

2010-03-08T06:55:00.000-08:00

Over 40 children from the Good News Church participated in the Children's Crusade on March 7th.

Cuban Convention March 2010

2010-03-08T06:45:00.000-08:00

The music, drama, preaching and fellowship we excellent during the 2010 Cuban FWB Convention.

Cuban Convention

2010-03-08T06:41:00.000-08:00

Over 350 people attended the 2010 Cuban FWB Convention in the Cedars of Lebanon Seminary.

Baptism at Good News Church

2010-01-03T12:48:00.000-08:00

Marlenys has gone to our church for the last 4 years. It was encouraging to hear her share of her mother's influence in her life. Each person who was baptized gave a short testimony of what Christ means in their life and the difference He has made for them. It was a good day.

Baptism

2010-01-03T12:42:00.000-08:00

Sunday January 3, 2010 we started the first Sunday of the year with 5 baptisms. We will have two more next week at the National convention.

Christmas Program 2009 Highlights

2009-12-23T20:51:00.000-08:00

The ladies put together candy bags for all the children. The lady in the blue shirt is a new believer. She and her husband will be baptized on January 3rd. Thank you for having a part in changing lives such as these.

2009-12-23T20:44:00.000-08:00

Irish Christmas anyone? The little folks did a good job of saying verses and remembering their lines.

Christmas 2009 at the Good News Church in Chitre

2009-12-23T20:41:00.000-08:00

The entire cast of the 2009 Christmas Program at the Good News FWB Church in Chitre, Panama.

Christmas Program at Iglesia Buenas Nuevas

2009-12-23T20:37:00.000-08:00

The children and youth of the Good News FWB Church presented the 2009 Christmas program. Nearly 100 people were present. Stephany, one of our seminary students in yellow was the inn keeper's wife. Benjamin, another seminary student was the inn keeper. Gabriela, who came to our church when she was 4 years old, was Mary.

Leadership Matters Course- Chantemarle, England

2009-11-17T11:01:00.000-08:00

In October Brenda and I were privileged to participate as Table Trainers during a Leadership Matters Course in the Bristol, England area. It was a beautiful area, and a great time of learning from mission workers from 15 countries.

Back in Panama

2009-11-17T10:27:00.000-08:00

After a year on Stateside Assignment, a trip to England and another to Uruguay, Brenda and I are back in Panama. We are very happy to be back with our Panamanian brethren.

Después de un año en los EEUU, un viaje a Inglaterra y otro para Uruguay, Brenda y yo estamos de nuevo en Panama. Contentos estamos de estar con nuestros hermanos Panameños.

While in the US we had the opportunity to see our children and spend a few days with them. We spent a few special days with Jonathan and his wife Amanda in Washington DC, where they live.

Durante el tiempo que pasamos en los EEUU tuvimos la oportunidad de pasar unos días con los hijos. Pasamos unos días muy especiales en Washington DC with nuestro hijo Jonathan y su esposa Amanda.

Missouri FWB Bless Panama

2007-08-06T14:34:00.000-07:00

Missouri FWB blessed the Panama FWB association during the week of July 29. It was a very eventful time. Special thanks to and blessings upon all participants. Click on the title above to check out the details.

Thanks to all the folks from:
Calvary Chapel FWB Church
1st FWB Church Lebanon
Hartville FWB Church
And Missouri State FWB Leaders Gary Fry and Frank Webster

Marriage Seminar in Chitré

2006-11-26T16:55:00.000-08:00

On November 24, 2006 the Ladies Auxillary
sponsored a marriage seminar in Chitré.
The churches from Las Tablas, Parita,
Los Castillos and Chitré participated with over
110 adults present. Three people were saved
and several couples responded to strengthen
their marriages. Rolando Delgado, pastor of the
First FWB church in Panama City was the speaker.

Cirilo and Kathy are a young couple
in the Chitré church who are making plans
to formalize their marriage very soon.

Rolando Delagado of the First Free Will Baptist
Church in Panama City was the speaker for the
marriage seminar.

Praise God with us for three souls who prayed
to receive Christ.

Maria Hanna is the wife of Asael. Asael was saved
over a year ago. He and the entire church in Chitré
have been praying for Maria´s salvation.
She confessed Christ as her savior during the
invitation of the marriage seminar.

2006-10-31T05:16:00.000-08:00

On October 17, Don Barger and Stanley Bunch
representing New Tribes Mission and Free Will
Baptist International Missions respectively, signed
a purchase agreement for FWB to purchase the
former NTM Missionayr Children Boarding
school which, which FWB will use as a Seminary
and Bible Institute for training church leaders.

2006-10-30T07:47:00.000-08:00

On October 28-29, Forty three local church
leaders participated in the leadership retreat
held in Chame, Panama. This is the first meeting
we have had in the recently acquired property.

Grimaldo Vera, (white shirt) is one of the
professors in the FWB Bible Institute.

Panama First FWB pastor Rolando Delgado
sharedprinciples of Christian Education.

New Tribes missionary Don Barger
challenged us to greater missions
commitment.

2006-10-09T14:29:00.000-07:00

Missouri Pastor Doug Earls and his wife Betsy ministered to the Panamanian leadership families July 12-14, 2006. What a blessing to end several workshops with a prayer of consecration asking for God's unction upon our lives, families and ministries.

85 year old Elvia was baptized on July 16, 2006

2006-10-09T13:54:00.000-07:00

September is the Month of the Bible in Panama. The Good News Church finished out the month long emphasis by hosting a "Festival de Musica". All songs were taken directly from the scriptures and arranged to original music. What a blessing to hear the Word of God sang as well as seeing many Christians use their talents in music and poetry for God.

First place in the trio division of the Music festival went to a group from the Good News FWB Church. Batherline, Stephany and missionary Steve Torrison were the members of the group. Lori Torrison was one of the judges.... now we know...!

15 Baptized on July 16th

2006-10-09T11:17:00.000-07:00

2006-05-14T17:26:00.000-07:00

Training puppeteers

Summer intern Josue Droz

Brenda training puppet workers

2006-05-14T16:41:00.000-07:00

Three ladies from Chitre who participated in
the Children's ministry workshop.

Brenda and two ladies at the Children's conf.

Brenda training puppeteers.

Summer Interns (l-r) Lyle Williams,
Phillip Kennedy, and Natalie Carter

2006-05-01T13:25:00.000-07:00

The congregation in Chitre, Panama
April, 23,2006

2006-04-16T14:35:00.000-07:00

Nothing spiritual going on here, but they sure
had fun doing it whatever it was.

THE CHITREANO: April 2006

2006-04-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

THE CHITREANO: April 2006

2006-04-16T14:26:00.000-07:00

Ladies preparing Sunrise Service Breakfast

Stephany, one of our colleges students.

A few of the youth of the Good News Church

Gaby and Batherline both came to Christ as
small girsl through the ministry of the
Good News Club. They now are responsible for
the music, crowd control and some teaching.

2006-04-16T11:19:00.000-07:00

Taking Communion on Easter Sunday 2006

The first foot washing (John 13) service for our
congregation.

Mirelda is the first lady to come to know Christ
in the Good News Church. Her daughter Batherline
started in the Good News Club and then Mirelda
came to faith in Christ.

Several ladies participated in the foot washing
service.

2006-04-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

Singing Easter Songs

Hallelujah.... Jesus is Risen !!!!

Below is a stick drama that presents the
crucifixion and ressurrection of Jesus.

The stick drama of the crucifixion.

Chitre Children's Easter Program

2006-04-16T09:51:00.000-07:00

(Above) Some of the children that attend the
Good News Bible Club that is the founding
ministry of the Good News FWB Church

(Above) On Good Friday we celebrated a Children's
Easter program. Missionary Brenda Bunch works
with these children weekly in the Bible Club.

The children presented a singing drama for Easter 2006.

Adam Morgan, son of missionaries, Clint and Lynette Morgan

2005-12-31T11:58:00.000-08:00

Adam Morgan, son of missionaries, Clint and Lynette Morgan spent part of his Christmas break from teaching in Colombia to help work on our church building. We enjoyed having Adam with us and look forward to a return visit.

The Good News FWB Church as of 12/31/05

2005-12-31T11:54:00.000-08:00

2005-10-30T15:08:00.000-08:00

10-19-2005. Street view. The stairway leads up to a balcony area that will seat approximately 75 people.

2005-10-30T15:07:00.000-08:00

10-19-2005. Side view facing the north. The University of Panama is 100 feet north of this side of our church.

2005-10-30T15:05:00.000-08:00

Photo taken Oct. 19-2005. This is the front of the church facing the street.

Cuban Youth Camp 2005

2005-08-18T15:51:00.000-07:00

The following eight photos are of the Cuban Youth Camp 2005. The theme of the camp was "True Love Waits". My wife and I were invited to teach this material which we had taught previously in 1997. God is doing some wonderful things in Cuba.

2005-08-18T15:44:00.000-07:00

The Spirit of God moved during the Cuban Youth Camp invitation time.

2005-08-18T15:33:00.000-07:00

Brenda on stage doing a teaching activity.

2005-08-18T15:32:00.001-07:00

Stan Teaching the "True Love Waits" seminar.

2005-08-18T15:32:00.000-07:00

Alicia Bunch with Pastor Lazaro Riezgo and his wife Ariadna

2005-07-06T15:19:00.000-07:00

Front of the church with stairs and columns in place. 7-6-2005

2005-06-30T11:41:00.000-07:00

TEAM Panama 2005. Five adults made professions of faith in Christ while TEAM was here. 6-24-2005

2005-06-30T11:40:00.000-07:00

A few local Christians and construction workers.

2005-06-30T11:39:00.000-07:00

The Calvary Chapel Missions Team with a few local Christians and construction workers.

2005-06-30T11:38:00.000-07:00

Ernesto Ascarraga was saved during the visit of TEAM. 6-24-2005

2005-06-21T05:57:00.000-07:00

Children in a bell choir led by pastor's wife Betsy Earls.

2005-06-14T20:55:00.000-07:00

After a day to get all the bugs worked out the crew picked up the pace.

2005-06-14T20:52:00.000-07:00

The construction team from Panama is also continuing work on the building

2005-06-14T20:50:00.000-07:00

The building crew was able to get 3/4 of the roof on before leaving the site for supper and evening church services.

2005-06-14T20:44:00.000-07:00

Brenda closes VBS each day with a bible lesson. On Monday around 40 children attended and today nearly 60 children enjoyed the fun and lessons.

2005-06-14T20:43:00.000-07:00

At VBS the Kids made shirts and played games.

2005-06-14T20:41:00.000-07:00

Monday afternoon around 40 children showed up for VBS.

2005-06-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

Monday afternoon lunch is served. The morning was busy for everyone. The drama team set out going door to door inviting children to the VBS, the VBS crew started preping crafts, and the construction crew did what they could at the building site in the rain.

2005-06-13T11:55:00.000-07:00

This crew is preparing for VBS this afternoon.

2005-06-12T20:55:00.000-07:00

Steve and BJ at the Canal before leaving for Chitre.

2005-06-12T20:54:00.000-07:00

Having Lunch at the church.

2005-06-12T20:51:00.000-07:00

Reunion of friends

2005-06-12T20:33:00.000-07:00

Ladies from the Calvary Chapel Church waiting in the airport.

2005-06-05T06:10:00.000-07:00

Our dauthers Alicia and Amanda. Alicia graduated from John Brown University on May 7th. She works with TEAM ministries in Antioch, Tn. Amanda is working this summer at Kamp Kanakuk in southwest Mo. She is a resident assistant at John Brown Univ. where she is a junior.

2005-06-05T06:08:00.000-07:00

Our son Jonathan and his wife Amanda. On May 15th Jon received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Mo. Amanda is doing her post grad work at UM in Special Ed. We pray that God will continue to use this couple for His glory.

2005-04-24T19:02:00.000-07:00

4-24-05 Pastor Uriel Velasquez (left) and Stanley Bunch (Right) baptizing believers from Chitre and Parita.

Why We Are Living in Chitre

2004-11-10T18:54:00.000-08:00