How Many Have the Name Onesiphorus?

Latin America Revisited

Back in Panama

      By God's grace I'm back in Panama to visit the church and to spend two weeks preaching, encouraging and challenging the believers.    Your prayers are vital in order for there to be a move of the Holy Ghost.  Please remember to ask God for His presence and power.

     The Naso are the smallest of the seven recognized tribes in Panama.  There are only a few thousand in the entire nation.  About 2,000 live in the region of the Teribe river in the northwest corner of country.  In the map above, you'll find it at the top, lefthand corner.  The orange region called, Bocas del Toro, is the state where the river valley of the Naso tribe is located. 

Naso child

     Even before leaving Venezuela we had already begun visiting this location.  God laid it upon my heart in prayer and a friend and I made a trip to see what God might do.  Eventually a church was born and many hearts were changed.

     In the years since that time, the Enemy has tried to destroy the work that God was doing.  The believers there have struggled through many disappointments and heartbreaks.  But a few have held on and are trusting the Lord to help.  Please pray for the Naso tribe.

     More than 10 years ago I knew that the Naso were about to be swallowed up in the troubles and trials of "progress".  Sure enough, a hydroelectric dam project in the lower regions of the Naso territory brought "progress" to the tribal region.  Political maneuverings divided the people, outside workers brought money,  money stirred up immorality.  Jobs brought entanglements that took men out of church, etc.  The story continues onward, but mostly downward. 

Clamoring for a "Reservation"

     I share this portion of the story to allow you to understand the need among the Naso.  Please pray.  Ask God to save and transform the lives of men who can be strong leaders among their nation.  The  tribe is clamoring for a government mandated reservation for their people to call home.  So far, that's not happened.  But what they don't understand is that God has a place for them that is more permanent and secure than a piece of land carved out by a changeable legislative branch.  He has an eternal home if they will only repent and seek after Him.


Venezuelan Tragedy   

     The pastor of the church we planted in Caracas has called in recent weeks to request prayer for Venezuela.  If you've paid attention to the news lately, you know that Venezuela has crumbled into violent confrontations between those who follow the empty dream of anti-American President Chavez who died a year ago this month and those who want a different world and a different life.  The President who followed him, Nicolas Maduro, like Rehoboam in the Bible, lacks the charisma and "charm" of Chavez (his political/spiritual father) and declares he'll rule by an iron rod if necessary.   

Tens of thousands march in protest

     22 have died thus far in the massive demonstrations.  Most have been killed by armed gangs of socialist thugs who cooperate with government forces to terrorize and threaten the opposition.  They swoop in on motorcycles, fire into the crowds, and dash away.  

     Government control of every aspect of life has led to horrible shortages everywhere.  It takes days to find sugar, flour and milk.  A whole day can be spent trying to buy a roll of toilet paper.  Venezuela now has one of the highest murder rates of any nation on earth.  More people die in Venezuelan crimes than are dying in war zones all over the world.  

     We're asking you to pray earnestly for safety for the pastor, the church and the people of Venezuela.  Please remember the hardship and danger that they find themselves in every day.  The slums where the church is located have always been dangerous places.  But the current crisis has made them worse than ever.  

     I have planned to return to Venezuela in July for the church Anniversary but Bro. Euclides has called to tell me not to come.  May God please help Venezuelans to turn to the only answer they'll ever find for their troubles:   Jesus!

Thank you for your prayers,

Beyond Frontiers