The Narrow Road

October.

2009-10-01T05:58:00.000-07:00

I love October! I have several reasons why. The first reason is that it's the month of my birthday...yay!! I may be a little bias. And this year it's a big one folks. The big 25...yikes!

I also love October because it's the month when we celebrate thanksgiving. Granted we should be thankful all year round, but the same is true of every holiday. I still think it's nice to set aside special time for it so we can truly reflect and thank the Lord for his endless blessings in our lives, as well as enjoy a big turkey dinner (or whatever you eat at thanksgiving) with those you love.

Finally, I love October because that's when I feel like it's truly autumn. September is still a changing season, November is building up to Christmas and we see snow, but October is the climax of fall. Leaves are at their brillant best with their range of gorgeous colours. And when you walk in the midst of them it's like you're walking in one of God's masterpiece paintings.

So, happy first day of October everyone. I woke up this morning thankful and happy that this beautiful month is here. I encourage you all to spend some time with the creator of it all today and to maybe even walk in one of his breathtaking paintings. :)

Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. Psalm 33:8-9

With love,

Raquel

Beautiful people.

2009-07-29T16:36:00.000-07:00

I have been incredibly blessed and inspired recently by two women whom I have never had the pleasure of meeting in person, but I've gotten to know a little bit through their writings.

Since returning from debrief I read a book called Authentic Beauty written by Leslie Ludy. Leslie invites and challenges young women to live set apart lives for God (or as she tends to refer to him our Prince). She reminds us that no human being could ever fulfill us like Christ alone can and that we can never truly enjoy human relationships unless our relationship with our real Prince (Christ) is the number one relationship in our lives. God has been using Leslie Ludy to invoke an even greater desire in me than ever before to live a life that is set apart for Him. Being set apart doesn't just mean being a Christian, it's so much more than that. It means being different even among Christians, it means seeking complete holiness in EVERY area of my life. I'm reminded right now of the verse that says "everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial" (1 Corinthians 10:23). What wise words. I have a list of new goals. I'm going to start being more radical in my life. Time is precious and I want every day to reflect more and more Jesus. I don't just want people to think "oh there's Raquel a nice Christian girl," rather I want people to say "there's Raquel a set apart woman of God."

Another beautiful woman of God who has blessed my heart to no end is author and speaker Beth Moore. Many of you may be familiar with her and her Bible studies, but although I had heard of her before, it wasn't until a few weeks ago that I became more familiar with her. My Bible study group and I have been going through one of her studies called "Stepping Up: a journey through the Psalms of Ascent." This study explores Psalms 120-134. These are psalms that traveling pilgrims would sing as they travelled to the great Jewish festivals. I have been so filled with joy and inspiration as I watch the dvds and do my homework. I love the title of the study because it's very symbolic of where I'm at right now. God is calling me to step up. He's beckoning for me to come closer to Him.

God is so good. I love how he uses people in our lives, sometimes people that we have never met and maybe never will on this side of heaven, to draw us to himself.

May He be praised!

Raquel

Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who minister by night in the house of the LORD. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD. May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion. Psalm 134

A New Season

2009-07-28T13:29:00.000-07:00

As you can see I decided to change the layout of my blog.

I love symbolism, and I wanted my blog to change in order to reflect the change of season in my own life. As many of you know I have returned from spending almost a year in Panama and now I am in a season of waiting. It's interesting I was telling my sister Natalie today that I feel like the theme of waiting has been a constant in my life. I'll be the first to admit that I don't always like waiting but I know it's necessary. Afterall, the Bible tells us "to be still and know that I am God," Psalm 46:10a. So that's what I'm doing now; I'm being still and getting to know my God on a deeper level. For a while now God has been whispering to me that it's time to go into deeper waters with him, that I've done enough walking and now it's time to start running with Him. He has given me new specific prayer requests to pray over my life as well. I'm excited! Yes, at times it feels like the waters ahead are deep and scary, but I know Jesus won't take me to those waters without him going with me. And it is only Jesus that can give me streams of living water (reference to John 7:38).

"...Be still and know that I am God..." Psalm 46:10

Oh Canada!

2009-07-14T20:01:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

I am once again in the land of the maple leaf and Tim Hortons. I just realized that I have been in Canada for a little over a week and have yet to blog about it. Yikes, I apologize! My team and I returned to Canada July 4th and then headed off for a few days of debrief in Crieff Hills, Ontario. I am slowly getting back to the swing of things here and have begun meeting people for coffee dates. If you are in the Niagara region and would like to hear about what God is doing in Panama feel free to send me an email or give me a call.

God has been teaching me and reminding me of beautiful truths lately, which I hope to blog about later. I am excited to spend a summer resting in Him. Honestly, I'm just excited to fall more in love with Jesus. I can already feel it happening. Anyway, I can't wait to share some of the things I learned at debrief in another blog entry. I just wanted to inform you that my team and I are safely back in Canada and thank you for all your prayers.

To Him be all the praise!

Raquel

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8

Aqui Estoy (Here I am)

2009-07-03T12:55:00.001-07:00

Aqui Estoy (Here I am)
Por: Jesus Adrian Romero

No quiero perder las cosas que me
quedan por hacer las cosas que me
quedan por vivir en Ti.
No quiero olvidar las cosas que planeaste para mi
los sueños que me diste lo dare por Ti.

Coro:
No tienes que buscar a nadie mas yo quiero ir
Aqui esta mi tiempo, aqui estan mis horas
Aqui estoy Yo

Mi vida es para ti y en ti la quiero yo invertir
Aqui estan mis manos aqui esta mi voz
Aqui estoy Yo
Aqui estoy Yo

Listo quiero estar, los dones que me diste voy usar
los años que me has dado vivire por ti
Voy a conquistar la tierra que me diste
y sin dudar hare lo que me pides vivire por ti

Coro
No tienes que buscar a nadie mas yo quiero ir
Aqui esta mi tiempo y aqui estan mis horas
Aqui estoy Yo

Mi vida es para ti y en ti la quiero yo invertir
Aqui estan mis manos aqui esta mi voz
Aqui estoy Yo
Aqui estoy Yo

News about the Dominican Republic partnership.

2009-06-29T13:22:00.000-07:00

As many of you know my team and I along with Panamanian students and staff went on a mission's trip to the Dominican Republic back in November 2008. It was the first Panamanian missions project to the Dominican Republic to help with movements of evangelism and discipleship on the campus there (Universidad Autonomo de Santo Domingo, or UASD). Panama has a partnership alliance with the Dominican Republic similar to the partnership alliance that exists between Canada and Panama. The next mission's trip to the Dominican will be from February 13 - February 28, 2010. Please be praying for the details of this trip, including the students that God has set apart to go. It's exciting to witness Panama as a sending nation!

While we were there in November we were always being filmed as part of a reality tv show that was being made. The purpose of this show is to demonstrate to the rest of Central America how to do a Missions project, as well as to encourage other countries. Everyone had a blast filming! It definitely made our trip extra special and fun. Last week we received an email saying that the trailer had been finished and had been posted onYouTube.

Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrAhkJ1-Fsc

I hope this wets your appetite for what's to come! I am looking forward to seeing the completed product! Enjoy! :)

Home

2009-06-27T22:14:00.000-07:00

(Chorus)
In this life, you're the one place I call home
In this life, you're the feeling I belong
In this life, you're the flower and the thorn
You're everything that's fair in love and war

Head Over Heels (In this Life)
by Switchfoot

I have been wanting to blog for days but I couldn't bring myself to do it. My hesitation was that all I could think of to write about was how I have such mixed feelings about going back to Canada. Alas although I wanted to try and write about something different I can't help but blog about this transition. Honestly, I have been feeling super sad these days. Yesterday I told my teammates that I felt like I had a black cloud over me that I couldn't shake off. And being the wonderful team that they are they prayed for me. I began to pack today and it felt very strange. Don't get me wrong, it's not like I'm dreading returning to Canada; it's just hard to wrap my mind on the fact that I have to close the chapter on a season of my life that was very special to me. But that's life I know. It's weird though on Wednesday we were celebrating Karina's 25th birthday, yet it was also Steve's last day in Panama with us (he had to leave a week earlier than the rest of our team because his brother was getting married the next day). Contrasts have been a familiar theme in my life lately. Joys mixed with sorrows. I'm emotionally drained as a result of it all. Please lift up my team and I in prayer as we are all learning how to say goodbye.

Something God reminded me of yesterday morning is that home is where He is. My true home isn't Panama or Canada but rather my home is found in Jesus. I am always at home wherever I go because I always have Christ abiding in me and he goes with me everywhere. I take comfort in this, especially these days when I feel so lost at times. In this life Jesus is the one place I call home.

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. John 15:9

One of our last team photos in Panama

The Future...

2009-05-22T13:57:00.000-07:00

"Do not let your hearts be troubled..." John 14:1

Dear friends,

I have been thinking a lot lately about life after STINT (my short term internship international here in Panama). A few months ago I didn´t know what I was going to be doing afterwards but I was okay with that, knowing that God has good plans for my life. However, as time has progressed and I realize that I have a little less than two months before I leave this beautiful country, fear has crept in. I know in my head that God will direct my steps and take care of me, but worry has entered my heart like a rushing river.

My friend Emily flew down to visit me for a few days this past week. During my whole time on STINT she had been trying to come down but for some reason God kept saying no. And this time God opened the doors wide and said yes. I am convinced that God´s timing is perfect. During her visit I began to process my departure. She was a great friend as she listened to my mixed emotions, my apprehensions, as I reminisced about my experience in Panama, etc. I guess my most dreaded question when I get home is ¨So what are you going to do next with your life?¨ Honestly, I don´t know. I´m in the midst of trying to figure that out. I am asking God for the answer as I pray, read his word and seek wise counsel.

This is what I do know. I love God. I want to live for him and serve him the rest of my days. I want to give him every area of my life. I know that I always want to be involved in ministry, whether it´s in a career capacity or as a volunteer is something I still need to discover. In the meantime as I continue to search and seek I am trying to hold onto truths. My campus team did an inductive Bible study on John 14 this week and a verse that I need to stand upon is the following:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Please pray that God would give me his peace, and that he would iluminate my next steps. Also, please pray that God would prepare my heart as I leave Panama soon. I really love my life here and my friends. It´s been a hard and challenging year but also a year of beautiful blessings. It´s going to be extremely difficult to say goodbye to what has been my life for almost a year. One afternoon Emily and I went to one of my favourite cafes here in Panama City called ¨New York Bagel Cafe¨ and she comforted me as I wept and grieved for the loss that I will be experiencing. I can already feel that life is changing with the missions trip taking place now. But I do know God is good and I know that change is a necessary part of life. I am excited for what´s to come and I know that whatever happens God will never leave me nor forsake me.

Thank you to all who have been reading my blog and newsletters this year, and to all who faithfully pray for me and the ministry here. I wouldn´t be where I am without you.

I love you all.

Raquel

One Body.

2009-05-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

Our tourist visas expire every 90 days, therefore on Friday, April 17, 2009 my STINT (short term internship international) team and I left Panama and arrived in my homeland of El Salvador. My teammate Juan is also Salvadorian. All six of us stayed at my grandmother's house. Although our time in El Salvador was short (we returned to Panama Tuesday, April 21), everyone had a wonderful time. With the exception of Juan and I my team members had never been to El Salvador before so it was cool showing them around the country where I was born. We went to an art museum, saw a volcano, visited the ruins, ate pupusas, reconnected with a Panamanian friend, and more.

The highlight of the trip for me was exactly two Sundays ago when the Panama STINT team (my group) and the Salvadorian STINT team met. We have a Panamanian friend Selegna who is a missionary in El Salvador working as Staff with Campus for Christ. We went to her church the Sunday morning and then as a team we went out to lunch with her. After lunch, 5 out of the 9 Salvadorian STINTers came to the fast food restaurant we were at and hopped into the van that we were renting so we could all travel to see the ruins together. The ruins are about an hour and a half from San Salvador so we had plenty of time to get to know the El Salvador STINT team that is composed of Americans. An interesting bit of information, all 9 stinters are from the state of California.

It always blows my mind how Christians who are strangers can have instant connections and depths of conversation that you can't have with non believers. Christ can unite and connect people like no one else can. And that is what happened during our ride to the ruins. All of us were talking about our experiences being on STINT in Latin America and it was encouraging to know that the two STINT teams understood each other. We talked about ministry and also about what God was doing in our own lives. I spent the majority of the time conversing with a girl named Jenna and I was so encouraged by her. I stopped her during the middle of our conversation because it hit me how special it was that we had just met each other and there we were talking about God and connecting on a deep spiritual level. I told her what a blessing that was and she agreed. She then went on to tell me how they used to be a team of 10 (6 girls and 4 guys), but that a few weeks ago one of their girls due to health reasons had to immediately leave the country. It shoke the team up and Jenna explained that it was extremely difficult because it was like loosing a member of the body...like all of a sudden a leg had been ripped apart. What she said really struck a cord with me.

Each member of the body is extremely vital. I know that we know this, but sometimes I honestly feel like we forget or we act like we don't care. This past Wednesday during a team meeting I asked Derek if he could read 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 (the section about One Body, Many Parts) because I felt that we all needed to be reminded of this. Later on this week I had a rough night and a fellow team member of mine took the time to come sit down with me, listen, pray for me and just be my friend. His actions said you are an important member of the body of Christ and when you suffer the rest of the body suffers. We are the body of Christ. As hard as it is sometimes to get along or understand each other we need one another. There is no way around it. Every part is valuable.

But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 1 Corinthians 12:24b-26

5 out of the 9 U.S. stinters that are working in El Salvador and 2 staff members

El Salvador and Panama stinters and El Salvador staff

P.S. Feel free to check out Jenna Lewis' blog at http://jennainelsalvador.blogspot.com Jenna is serving God in El Salvador with Campus for Christ. She's the Stinter that I wrote about in this blog entry.

A girl named Madeline.

2009-04-07T18:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was an exciting day for our team. As usual we went in pairs to share the gospel with students on the university campus, and each team witnessed a student come to Christ!

Lindsey and I went sharing together and we immediately came upon a 2nd year Science student named Madeline. She was super sweet and gentle and open to talking with us. After getting to know her for a little bit we began to talk about spiritual things. Something that she said from the very beginning caught my attention. She expressed how she loved God but felt that something was missing in her life. My heart broke for her as I saw tears in her eyes. I instantly started to pray for her in my head that we would be able to share the gospel with her and that she would accept Jesus' invitation of new life.

We shared the 4 Spiritual Laws with her, which is a tool that Campus for Christ uses to share the gospel.

1) God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.
2) Man has sinned and is separated from God.
3) Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin and rose again.
4) We need to individually receive Christ as Lord and Saviour in order for us to be able to experience God's love and plan for our lives.

We asked her if she wanted to receive Jesus into her life and she said yes. We have a new sister in Christ! Lindsey and I were both touched as Madeline seemed so sincere and hungry for God's love. She cried, and Lindsey and I couldn't help but be moved and cried as well.

What God impressed upon my heart the most was that he had been preparing this girl's heart. She was ready to receive the gospel. With all the students that accepted Christ yesterday God had already been working in their lives, preparing the soil, and when we met them they were ready to take that huge step of opening the door to their Maker. God is so good, and rich in mercy.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Please pray for our follow up meeting that we have with Madeline next Thursday at 11:30am.

And two were added on that day!!

2009-03-26T21:05:00.000-07:00

I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. Luke 15:7

This past weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to go on a youth retreat. Every Wednesday night I along with Lindsey, Steve and Juan Carlos volunteer with the youth at a church called Crossroads. We each lead a small group. I have the blessing of leading an amazing group of grade 8 girls. The youth ministry is called Crossfire, and I have loved being a part of it since September. It goes from grade 6 to grade 12. It's such a cool experience because Crossroads is a bilingual church with sermons done in English but people who speak Spanish have the opportunity to listen to the sermon in Spanish by radio while in the sanctuary. Crossfire also operates in the same way and during our praise and worship time we sing worship songs in both Spanish and English. If you want to learn more about this unique church in Panama you can visit the following website:

http://www.cbcpanama.org/

The retreat we went on was called "God's Will." During the weekend the youth pastor Mark Warder talked about how God has a sovereign will that everyone both Christians and non Christians are under. He also explained how God has a moral will, which is the Bible and pertains only to believers. He explained that God gives us free will and that just because we make mistakes doesn't mean that we have messed up our whole lives or that God can't still work in our circumstances.

For me the highlight of the weekend was Saturday night when Mark went through 6 different wills that God has for our lives. The first one was that "everyone would be saved." He went on to show a video of Jesus on the cross, did a gospel presentation and said a prayer for students who wanted to accept Christ into their lives. Before his message that night each student received a piece of play dough. After he said the prayer Mark asked those students who had just prayed to receive Jesus into their hearts for the first time to come up to the front and press their piece of play dough onto a large play dough cross that had been made. Two of my girls went up! I was filled with so much pride and joy to know that they had received Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. I gave them big hugs and told them that they had made the best decision of their lives.

Diana gave her testimony at Crossfire last night during large group and then expanded during our time in small group. Something that impacted me was when she said that she had experience more change in the last 3 days than during her fourteen years of life. My heart is full! I am rejoicing in the fact that two young girls have been added to the kingdom. Diana and Estefanny have begun the best relationship they will ever have...a relationship with Jesus! I made sure to convey to them that following Jesus isn't easy, but it's an amazing adventure and the best thing choice they could ever make. Praise God for my two new sisters in Christ! Please lift up Diana and Estefanny in your prayers. Pray that they will continue to read their Bibles as they have begun to do so in the last couple of days and that every day they will fall more and more in love with Jesus.

Here I am with my small group. Estefanny is in the yellow shirt next to me and right above her is Diana.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

Evangelism.

2009-03-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

Every Friday morning our team meets at the girls apartment to receive ministry training from Canada. It's called Ministry Prep 101 (Campus for Christ). We have been going through the section of Evangelism during the past few weeks and today as a team we had to discuss some of the struggles that we face when it comes to keeping evangelism a priority. As many of you know evangelism plays a huge role in what we do here in Panama. We are here as missionaries working at the national university in Panama City and the majority of our time on campus is spent telling students about Jesus. It was encouraging to know that all six of us have struggles when it comes to sharing our faith. A few of us talked about how it's hard to continually have passion for it when we seem to be doing it day in and day out or how discouraging it can be when we don't see fruit. It was good to discuss what our motivation should be for telling others about Christ. I love what 2 Corinthians 5:14 says "for Christ's love compels us..." Our love for Jesus should naturally draw us to want to tell others about God's love for them. We looked at some Scripture passages on evangelism as a team. I was really encouraged by them. Here are a few of the passages:

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Matthew 9:35-38

Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News! 1 Corinthians 9:16

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20

All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth. Colossians 1:6

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:14-15

A key point that a team member of mine reminded us of is how vital it is to be Spirit filled when we go out sharing. He mentioned how he needs to be right with God before he can tell others about Jesus. Often when there is garbage or something blocking his relationship with the Lord, he will go and spend time with Him before he goes out to evangelize. It's so true; we as Christians need to be continually abiding in Christ (John 15:5) so we won't be able to help but speak of God's great love for them (Acts 4:20).

A Heart Changed.

2009-02-27T21:44:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how God can change our hearts. Last Sunday, February 22nd the team and I along with our Pastor Todd and his wife Marielena went to the jungle of la Comarca de Kuna Madungandi. It lies between the provinces of Panama and Darien. Our mission was to go a Kuna Village (Kunas are a group of native people) and share the love and message of Christ with them.

I have to be completely honest, I was not looking forward to the trip. Not because we were going to be ministering to native people, but rather it was the idea of being uncomfortable for a few days (i.e. not showering, going to the washroom in a hut, sleeping uncomfortably, etc) that got me nervous. Ever since I was applying for STINT I knew that I was going to have to go on one of these missions experiences and that I was going to have no choice but to "rough" it for a few days. I had to do a lot of praying because I didn't want to go into this experience with a negative attitude. Well I have to say that what God did in my heart blew me away!

We had to take a bus and then a 45 minute boat ride to get to the village. As soon as we arrived we were received by many Kuna women and countless children. They came straight to our boat and started picking up and taking our things to the hut were we would be staying at. It was incredible to see how friendly and hospitable they were and I fell in love with them instantly! Any nervousness or dread I had disappeared completely and God melted my heart entirely!

For me the highlight of our trip was the children. I really felt like it was God loving them through me the entire time I was there. I can't even do justice when I tell you that I absolutely LOVE those kids! They have captured my heart like no one else ever has. They longed and craved from us the affection that their parents don't give them. They literally would cling onto us, and I tried to hug them and let them put their arms around me as much as possible. I wanted to pour all the love that I had onto them because I kept feeling that that is what Jesus wanted me to do. I couldn't help but think how Jesus would never ever reject any child, and how each one of those little ones is so precious to Him. From the bottom of my heart I desired to hug every single child, look them in the eye and tell them that God loves them and that he has given them great worth. During my stay at the village God continuely brought to my mind and heart the following passage:

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16

My heart broke for these kids. We returned to Panama City on Wednesday, Febuary 25th and the first thing I thought of when I woke up the next day was them. I could vividly see their beautiful faces in my mind and I wanted to cry. Please pray for these Kuna children that they would have a personal relationship with Jesus, that they would feel loved and valued, and that they would grow up to be men and women of God. They have all heard about Jesus and had the opportunity to see the Jesus film. It was so precious how they learned a song about Jesus. Please also pray for their physical needs; that they will have enough to eat, that they won't get sick (i.e. get diseases like malaria, which is very common there), etc.

I was humbled by God. I am thankful to him that he changed my heart and in the process taught me a lot. To think that an experience that I was hesitant about actually has turned out to be one of the most amazing things I have ever done in my life goes to show how we need to be available and open to the Lord and his plans. As much as we were there to bless the Kunas they blessed me too!

I have more stories to tell about this trip as well as let you know what it is exactly that we did there, but I felt a strong urge to write about what was pressing upon my heart. Thank you to all who pray and support what God is doing here in Panama.

Nuedi (thank you in Kuna),

Raquel

Beautiful Kuna girls that Karina and I got to bond with.

My friend Cristelana and I.

Life.

2009-02-04T10:00:00.001-08:00

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1

Christianity is hard, or maybe I should say life is hard. The older I get the more I realize this is true. I´m not a kid anymore, and I know it´s only going to get tougher. A lady from church reminded me of this yesterday.

People who think that once they have accepted Christ into their hearts their lives will now be pain free are in for a big let down. I was reading Isaiah 40 last night and verse 30 caught my eye; ¨Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall.¨ As I read this I thought this is so true. I have been feeling this way lately.

In December I was really sad to think that I would be leaving Panama in a few months, but these past few days I have been deeply craving home. I have been craving small things such as my bed, but deeper than that I have longed for what´s familiar, safe and comfortable. However, there are two things wrong with this picture. First of all, if I think that life back in Canada is going to be perfect I am completely mistaken. Just like there are challenges here in Panama so I will also face hardships in Canada. Tomorrow will bring its share of new problems. Secondly, I know that my character is being fashioned and developed as the Lord continues to polish and refine me here. Although, it´s not easy I will continue to run the race as God has called me to do. I desire to finish the race strong in Panama. I love how Isaiah 40 states that God will not grow tired or weary. Thank God for this truth.

I woke up in the middle of the night with the chorus of a song called "All that I can do." I leave you with it.

All that I can do is hold onto you
And follow where you lead
Where you're leading me
All that I can do is hold onto you
And let you bring me through
It's all that I can do

All that I can do is hold onto Jesus and I can't think of anything that makes me feel more secure than that. He's reaching for your hand too. All you need to do is grab onto it.

Keep fighting the good fight.

Raquel

Exciting things are happening...

2009-01-25T20:52:00.000-08:00

All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth. Colossians 1:6

Yesterday I talked with a friend from Canada and I was super encouraged by what God is doing at my old university, Brock University in St Catharines, Ontario. Campus for Christ is in its third year at Brock and has no staff. However, the ministry is doing so well that they won't be getting staff for another three years. Last year three of us went on differnt mission trips. In 2007 my friend Rachel went on Scotland Project, Daniel travelled to East Asia and I felt the Lord call me to Panama. In 2008 Amanda and I decided to intern as staff for a year overseas; she is in East Asia and I am in Panama. Projects are six week mission trips, and are a great way to become familiar with the vision of Campus for Christ and, to get awesome training on evangelism, discipleship; not to mention they are life changing. My friend told me that this year 13 Brock students have applied to go on projects!! And many of these students are in their first year. As I heard this I couldn't help but cry! I was completely overwhelmed by God's goodness and faithfulness. What's also amazing is that the first year of C4C there were only about 20 students who attended the weekly meeting, now 60 is the average of how many students come out.

I've also been touched and encouraged to hear friends of mine have gone out sharing their faith on campus. God is doing great things at Brock and the students there are so passionate about growing in their faith and telling others about Jesus. Please be praying for Brock University and for all the students involved with C4C who have a desire to make a difference on their campus and are being used by God to change the world.

God bless you,

Raquel

Happy New Year!

2009-01-24T12:34:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

I am finally settling back to my life in Panama. As a team we had about three weeks vacation and are now back to full swing ministry at the university.

I trust that you all had a wonderful New Year. I was blessed to get to spend it with a Panamanian family that has become like a family to our team. The Santanas made sure that Derek, Juan and I would not spend New Years by ourselves and took us to the house of some of their friends. Then on January 2, 2009 I traveled to El Salvador to visit my extended family. It was a blessing to see all my cousins, uncles and grandparents again and to eat all of the yummy Salvadorian food! On January 13th I flew directly from El Salvador to Costa Rica where I was reunited with my team. We spent four days on the beach in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in Costa Rica, reconnecting as a team and relaxing before heading back to Panama to begin work again.

I had some really good quiet times during my holidays. I was able to reflect on the past five months and am looking forward to the next five months. It's interesting to think that I am at the half way point of STINT. I have mixed feelings about returning to Canada. I will miss my life down here and all the wonderful friends I have made in Panama, but I'm also excited to get to see my family, friends and church in Canada once again.

Please continue to pray for our team as we begin a new semester on campus. Right now it's the summer semester and there are less students on campus, which has actually been nice as the university is not as crowded.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for man... Colossians 3:23

With my friends Andrea and Jose Andres Santana during New Years.

My maternal grandmother and I in El Salvador.

A Volcano in El Salvador.

Some of my team members and I in Costa Rica enjoying a delcious breakfast from "Caribeans Coffee." The owners are Christian missionaries.
www.caribeanscoffee.com

These are special times.

2008-12-26T10:55:00.000-08:00

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19

This verse captures how I feel. My heart is full. I had a wonderful Christmas with my team in Panama. Thank you to all who prayed for us during this holiday season. Although, I missed my family and friends God was beyond good to us. Yesterday was so special. The guys came over to our apartment around noon, and in the early afternoon we opened presents. What was so touching was that everyone put thought into their gifts and we had a great time opening them together. The rest of the day was a chill day as Lindsey and Steve cooked our turkey and prepared dinner for us. At different points throughout the day all 6 of us were able to talk with our families back home, which was a blessing. Our turkey dinner was delicious and before eating dessert we read the Christmas story, from the gospel of Luke.

There were so many times yesterday that I was on the verge of tears. As Karina and I walked to the grocery store to pick up some yams, we both talked about how blessed we felt and how it had been such a good day full of love. We both recognized that this was a unique Christmas, one that will never be repeated and one that we will always treasure in our hearts. God gave us a new family this year and I am so thankful for each and every one of them. Not only are they my teammates but they have become dear friends. Below is a picture of my team before they begin to eat the delicious meal that was prepared.

I pray that you all had a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones. It`s so amazing to think that God became flesh and made his dwelling among us and later gave up his life so we could enter into a relationship with him. My dear friend Melissa sent me a beautiful email this morning that made me cry. At the very end of it she wrote 1 Peter 1:3-9. It is such a beautiful and hopeful passage. I would like to leave you with the last two verses from it.

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9

May you and your family experience all the joy and love that can only come from Jesus. And may you like Mary treasure up all these things and ponder them in your heart.

Joy and peace,

Raquel

End of the Semester.

2008-12-14T21:44:00.000-08:00

Thursday, December 4th was our last day on campus as the semester is over and students are now in exams. Our time on campus during the last three months has been quite the journey. There have been tears, frustrations, and joys. I have been doing a lot of reflecting lately and am aware of changes that I need to make both in my ministry and in my personal life. As 2008 is quickly coming to an end I thankful to God for the countless blessings he has given me.

Last week the STINT team went to the mountains in "El Valle" for a Shepherding trip with two staff workers from Canada. Steve and Robyn Strongitharm and their two adorable children basically came down to Panama to encourage us, and help us to reflect and cast vision on the upcoming year. They also brought Jessica Fauvelle with them who was a part of the Panama STINT team last year. Steve, Robyn and Jess were a huge blessing and so encouraging to us. The love of Christ shines through each of them. We had a wonderful time in El Valle as Steve led us through devotionals on John 13-15. He reminded us of the bigger picture; of the importance of living with an eternal perspective and emphasized that what we are doing here in Panama is of great significance because we are investing our lives in the kingdom of God. God really spoke to my heart through Steve and I was so blessed by him and his entire family.

We had the opportunity to go to the beach when we were in El Valle and as I walked along the water Jesus painted me a picture that his love is like the ocean. His love is gigantic, majestic, powerful and beautiful like the sea. Simple I know, but it was a precious God moment I had and it made me feel so loved.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

The team after climbing a mountain in El Valle

The wonderful Strongitharm family: Steve, Robyn, Benjamin and Joshua

Jessica reading Scripture to us.

Dominican Republic Project 2008!

2008-11-29T05:39:00.000-08:00

The Dominican Republic Mission Trip came and went (Oct 31 - Nov 9) and was one of the best experiences I have ever had. I didn't know what to expect and to be honest was quite a bit nervous to be going. As I mentioned in one of my previous postings 16 of us went (the 6 Canadians, 2 Panamanian staff workers and 8 Panamanian students). The unity that existed among all of us was beautiful and strong. God's love poured out like a flood as everyone not only got along but deeply cared and loved one another. I don't take these things for granted because sometimes unity can be a big issue.

We spent Monday to Friday at the university in Santo Domingo doing what we do here in Panama; sharing God's love with students. La Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo is the oldest university in Latin America. It was so cool to know that we were in the first country that Christopher Columbus came across (I love history haha!). The students in the Dominican blew me away! They were even more open than Panamanian students to hearing the gospel and so friendly and warm. I fall in love with the Dominican Republic and with its people. We saw lots of fruit that week, which was very encouraging to everyone, especially to the Dominican staff workers Prospero and Leyla. I will share more specific stories in my newsletter.

If there's anything that God reminded me of during this trip was that we can have our own expectations, we can have our own plans and agenda but at the end of the day God is God and can do whatever he wants, and that's just what he did! :) He blew me away with what he did on that campus in the Dominican! I don't think any of us were prepared to see the fruit that we saw and not only that but the Lord granted us favour with the administration too. A few people from our team met up with the Vice President of the University, which was not in our agendas at all, but God blessed us with this appointment and as result of it we were able to have a concert and a big party with more than 300 Dominican students in attendance both Wednesday and Thursday. It was incredible.

The verse that God continued to bring to my mind was the following:

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

I absolutely love these two verses because I have seen this over and over in my own life, how I'll have my own ideas but then God has had even better and bigger ideas and plans for my life. God did some beautiful things in my own heart during the trip as well. I experienced an overflowing of his love and joy all week that at times I thought my heart was going to explode! lol! I knew it was God loving people through me the whole time and his joy in me even during sickness and despite other challenges that came up is something that I will always be grateful for. I serve an awesome God and I pray to Him that I will never forget all the things I saw and experienced, but above all that I won't forget that he was behind everything.

The team before our flight to the Dominican Republic

The team after the big outreach event on Thursday.

Prospero and Leyla (the Dominican staff workers)

I'm Back!

2008-11-29T05:30:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

I realize it's been a month since I updated my blog...way too long and I greatly apologize for that. Honestly, so many good and wonderful things have happened over the last month but I haven't been able to write about them. It's like I have had writer's block to a whole other degree (maybe some of you writers can understand me). My brain has been trying to process everything that God has been doing on a ministry level and in my own life and I'm still working through things. I even began journaling hardcore about the Dominican trip a few weeks ago, but for some reason couldn't finish. I know I will need to write quite a few blog entries to catch you all up on everything that's happened. Thank you for being patient with me and for your continued prayers, support and love. I often times think of all the wonderful people back in Canada who have demonstrated me God's amazing love.

To Him be the glory!

Raquel

Dominican Republic Here I Come!!!

2008-10-30T23:04:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

Tomorrow (Oct 31st) my team and I along with two Panamanian staff workers and 8 Panamanian students are flying to the Dominican Republic on a 10 day missions trip! This will be the first time that Campus Crusade for Christ in Panama sends a group of students overseas on a mission trip. We are excited for how historic and significant this is for Panama. Our desire is that the Panamanian students will take ownership and learn how to run a mission trip so they can do their own projects in the future. It has been amazing seeing these students take leaps of faith. For many this is their first mission experience and the first time they've had to raise support. It has been challenging but God has faithfully provided for them.

Although our time in Dominican will be short, it will be very intense. We will be focusing on the main university in Santo Domingo, the capital of Dominican. Apparently it is one of the biggest and oldest universities of Latin America. The reason we are going to Dominican Republic is because although they have many Crusade churches they don't really have a university ministry. There is only one staff worker at the university and very few students involved in the movement. Our desire is to go alongside them and help them out by basically starting a campus ministry. We will focus on evangelism, follow up, starting up a weekly meeting as well as showing the Jesus film in other parts of the country. Even though our schedule is jam packed and we won't have a lot of free time we are all thrilled at this opportunity that we have to go and share God's love with the Dominican Republic people.

Please pray for everyone who is going on the trip;

1) That God would unite us all
2) For strength and good rest
3) For a safe trip (we leave at 4:00pm and arrive in Dominican at 12:00am)
4) That we are all being filled with the Holy Spirit
5) That we will be bold in proclaiming God's message

Thank you so much in advance for your prayers. I can't wait to come back and tell you all about it. We return to Panama November 9th.

In his grip,

Raquel

A divine appointment.

2008-10-21T21:09:00.000-07:00

Normally Tuesday mornings we the STINT team have a meeting with the Panamanian staff, but today there was no such meeting so we were able to be on campus all day. I have to admit campus ministry has been a lot harder than I thought it was going to be and very different than how it was on Project, although I knew that it would be. It seems that a lot of the students that my partner Derek and I have talked to have not been interested in having a personal relationship with God or getting involved with the ministry. But I have been reminded lately that we need to continue to be faithful and continue to sow even when we don't see immediate results.

Today was an encouraging day. Lindsey, Karina and I went sharing together for over an hour. We were praying that God would led us to two or three girls that we could talk with, but got rejected four times in a row. We didn't let that discourage us and finally we came across a girl named Yisa who not only said we could talk with her about spiritual things, but was also genuinely interested in conversing with us. As we were discussing what a personal relationship with God looks like her friend Idalises came up to us and shortly after Yisa's boyfriend Joel joined the group. It was pretty awesome as our conversation ranged from the importance of spending time with God, to whether Evangelicals should date Catholics, to Postmodernism in Canada, etc. We spent over an hour speaking with these students but it didn't feel like it because they were so eager in hearing what we had to say and expressing what was on their hearts. It was also cool how we had been praying to come across a group and just when we had given up on that God surprised us!

Please keep these three students in your prayers. We plan on meeting with them next Tuesday for lunch so we can cast the vision of Vida Estudiantil (Campus for Christ), and challenge them to get involved in a Bible Study and take steps of faith. It was a wonderful gift to meet them and so amazing how we could spend over an hour on a university bench talking about our awesome God!

Love in Christ,

Raquel

He loves me and that's enough.

2008-10-12T16:50:00.000-07:00

There have been times on STINT when I have felt lonely or craved to talk with people that know me really well (like my best friends back in Canada), or just wanted to cry on someone's shoulder. I knew I was going to experience moments of loneliness and I remember telling a friend that those moments I was going to embrace because they were going to draw me more to Jesus.

Lately, I have been reminded of God's unconditional love. People fail us, we fail people but God's love is steady, unfailing and unchanging. I feel so loved by Him and I know that it isn't because of anything I've done, which makes it all the more amazing! My friend Emily sent me the verse:

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8

She pointed out a very good point. There have been many heros in movies and in real life that have died to save people. Yet a hero always dies to save good people. But Christ died for people who were full of sin and didn't deserve to be saved. Jesus hates sin, but loves the sinner. His love is incredible and enough for me.

The following song has been on my heart a lot recently. Here it is: (Writer's note: I was going to translate this song into English but I'm not feeling so great so I translate it another day).

De Tal Manera Me Amo
por Jesus Adrian Romero

De tal manera me amó que su vida no escatimó
hasta el final El se entregó y a la muerte fue porque me amó
De tal manera me amó que no hay forma en que podré pagar
el precio de su grande amor pero toda mi alma quiero dar.

Coro
Por su amor yo viviré, de su amor yo cantaré
con mi Jesús caminaré porque El me amó a mi
Por su amor yo viviré, de su amor yo cantaré
con mi Jesús caminaré porque El murió por mi
le seguiré     (se repite todo)

I have never experienced love like His.  I know that he loves
me just that way I am and his love for me will never change
and that gives me comfort and peace.  The fact that
He first loved me makes me want to praise Him all the more.

It is my desire that you will long to experience His great love.

Love in Christ,

Raquel

God is good...all the time.

2008-10-02T04:29:00.000-07:00

As many of you know I came to Panama for the first time on summer project (i.e. mission trip) in May of 2007. I remember one night in particular, it was towards the end of our campus cycle and we the Canadians were having a barbecue with the Panamanians at our hotel. I was feeling very broken, frustrated, and discouraged as there was a lot of internal questioning going on inside of me. I went to the washroom inside the hotel and started bawling my eyes out in one of the stalls. And then all of a sudden God brought to my mind Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

I began to repeat it over and over again in my head, clinging to it and claiming it as my own. I remember saying to God "Lord, I'm really hurting right now, but you say that you have good plans for me and I'm choosing to believe you." I prayed and told him that even though I still felt broken I was going to trust him with my future and my life. This verse became my verse for the rest of the year.

If there's something that I know about God is that he's good. If I could describe how God has been towards me my whole life it's good. In fact I tend to say God is good a lot, but that's because I really believe it. I have tasted and seen his goodness and to say otherwise would be an absolute lie. I want my tombstone to say two things: Raquel walked on water, and God is good... all the time.

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8

May you delight in his goodness today.

All my love,

Raquel

Newsletter on the way....

2008-10-01T21:01:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

First of all, I'm sorry for not having updated my blog in more than a week. These last two weeks have been crazy as the team and I have been taking a theology course called Christology, as well as going to campus. I feel like a university student again, having to do homework, write tests, a final paper and having to prepare for our final exam on Friday. haha! Please keep me in your prayers as I'm feeling very exhausted. It's been an interesting course and it's really a great opportunity to be taking it.

On another note, I already wrote my newsletter for September. If you're on my support team you should be getting it in the mail within a few days. If you're not on my support team but would like a copy feel free to send me an email at rockingraquel@hotmail.com Thank you for your interest, prayers, love and support! I am forever grateful!

In Him,

Raquel

Love one another.

2008-09-22T21:57:00.001-07:00

From left to right: Karina, Steve, Lindsey, Derek, me (Raquel) and Juan Carlos.

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8

I was reminded this past week how relationships take time. Friendships don't just happen from night to day, but rather require time to develop. The only team members I knew coming into STINT were Karina and Derek from Project last year. I feel like I'm slowly getting to know my teammates better. We are such an interesting mix of people, all so different. And yet I'm really embracing our uniqueness.

I spent some time this afternoon praying over our team, but more specifically praying for my relationship with each of them, and their relationship with each other. I started thanking God for the qualities that I admire about each of them.

Something I'm very grateful for is that we're learning to be open and honest with each other. We also have a lot of fun together and laugh a lot. I know we're not perfect and there will be times when we'll get frustrated with each other, but my prayer is that we will learn to deeply love one another as it says so in 1 Peter. Only by abiding in Christ can that occur.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

It's all about love.

2008-09-12T12:28:00.000-07:00

Well this past week we began our campus ministry at "La Universidad Nacional" (The National University). Derek and I are focussing on the Law and Architecture Faculties with Steve overseeing, while Karina and Juan will be working at the Science Faculty with Lindsey supervising them. Steve and Lindsey are our team leaders. They are both restinting, which means this is their second year in Panama on STINT.

Every Wednesday Derek and I will be going to UTP (La Universidad Technologica de Panama - The Technological University). There is only one staff worker there full time and the ministry only began in May so there's a lot of work to be done, but both Derek and I feel very honoured that we get to be pioneers in this adventure. We love the vision that is held for this university.

Ministry is hard! I was reminded of this this past week as we all faced challenges and hardships during our first week of being on campus. However, something that God has been reminding me of a lot lately has been that what needs to drive my ministry is my love for Jesus. Above all else God cares more about my relationship with Him than how many people I've led to Christ or discipled. A friend preached on Revelation 2:2-5 last week at church and it struck me how easy it is for us to loose our first love, especially if you're like me someone who has been a Christian all her/his life. In fact we can be doing all these great things for the Lord but if we aren't being driven by our love for Christ and are neglecting our relationship with Him than none of these things matter. My greatest desire for this year is that I will fall deeper in love with my Saviour. I want to be so in love with Him.

"I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love." Revelation 2:2-4

Jesus, help us not to loose our first love. Help us to fall more in love with you every single day, because without your love our words are meaningless and empty. I pray that as we fall more in love with you that your love will overflow and spill onto others that they might experience your unfailing love. Thank you that you first loved us. Amen.

My STINT team!

2008-09-03T10:39:00.000-07:00

"Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name - the name you gave me - so that they may be one as we are one." John 17:11b

I really love my STINT team. I've been thanking God for them each morning. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity not only to do ministry with these people but also to get to live life here in Panama together. God knew who was supposed to be placed into this team. We are each different with different gifts and talents and my prayer is that we will all use our gifts together for God's glory. Please continue to pray for our unity. I know Satan likes to break unity, which is why it's so crucial that each of us regularly spend time with the Lord.

My team from left to right starting in the back: Karina Campbell, Raquel Meza (me), Lindsey Davies, Steve Scott, (in the front from left to right) Juan Carlos Herrera and Derek Radcliffe.

We have appartments!!

2008-08-31T12:48:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that tomorrow is September 1st and that we will have been in Panama for two weeks now! In some ways I feel like I have been here for a month.

I have some good news! Last Monday we found two apartments; one for the guys and one for the girls. It was such a God thing how it worked out. We had been looking for almost a week and nothing and then last Monday we found both apartments within an hour of each other and just within our budget. And we are only 10 minutes walking distance from each other. Praise God for his provision and goodness! We moved in on Wednesday and have been slowly settling in. Our third girl and teammate (Lindsey) comes to Panama this Wed, Sept 6th and then sometime after that we hit the campus.

God is good and worthy to be praised! Thank you for your continued prayers, I can feel them.

All my love,

Raquel

Panama, My New Home.

2008-08-21T12:56:00.000-07:00

Where do I begin? I feel like there´s so much to update you with. I´m sorry I haven´t done a better job at keeping everyone posted, but today is only the second time I have been able to use a computer in the last week.

Orientation was in Crieff Hills from August 13th until August 17th. It was wonderful! It was so good to be reminded of why we are doing what we´re doing, and it was powerful to be there with teams that are going to North Africa, East Asia, Scotland and of course our team that is going to Panama. It was at Orientation where I met the rest of my team. We are six in total, Lindsey, Steve, Karina, Derek, Juan and I. I really love them already.

We arrived safely in Panama Monday at 1:00pm Panama time (3:00pm Ontario time). God was beyond good to us during our travels. Everything went so smoothly. Thank you SO much for all of your prayers.

Right now we are staying at a hotel called "Hotel Venecia" until we find 2 apartments with 3 bedrooms each. We have spent the past two days looking but the real estate market in Panama is becoming more expensive every day due to all the tourists that are coming. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue to look. We probably won´t start ministering on Campus until we find our apartments. Anyway, thank you again for all of your prayers, financial support, and love. I couldn´t do any of this without a strong support system.

Lots of love,

Raquel

Getting there

2008-08-04T09:25:00.000-07:00

Chorus:
So I'm gonna lay it down

I'm gonna learn to trust You now

What else can I do?
Cause everything I am depends on You
And if the sun don't come back up
I know Your love will be enough
I'm gonna let it be, I'm gonna let it go,
I'm gonna lay it down.

Lay it down
Sung by Jaci Velasquez

It's hard to believe that a week and a half from today I will be at Crieff Hills (Guelph area) for Orientation and exactly two weeks from today I will be in Panama (Monday, August 18th). I'm feeling a mix of emotions right now; fear, anxiousness, sadness, and excitement. This song describes my desire of letting go, trusting God and surrendering everything I have, feel or desire to Him so I can fully be the person he wants me to be. I love God and He's the reason why I'm going on STINT. He's more important than my family or my friends. He's my everything.

Welcome!

2008-06-26T12:23:00.000-07:00

Welcome friends to "The Narrow Road." The inspiration for the name came from Matthew 7 as you can see on your right, and the picture I found was exactly what I had envisioned in my mind, a narrow road that leads to a garden.

You see our instinct as human beings is to take the broad road in life (i.e. the easy road) yet Jesus never said that if you follow him life would be easy. In fact quite the opposite tends to happen, the path becomes bumpy and hard with many challenges along the way. Yet, from personal experience I know that it's the best way and that at the end of the journey I'll come across a beautiful garden.

The title and picture also have another symbolic meaning as I'm about to embark on a new and exciting journey. At the beginning of September I will be heading to the beautiful country of Panama to work as a staff worker at a university campus. I will be going with Power to Change (Vida Estudiantil is what they call it in Panama). If you would like to know more information about this minstry or would like a copy of my support letter please feel free to email me at rockingraquel@hotmail.com If are interested in supporting me financially there is information on the right side of this blog on how you can do so.

I look forward to updating you all on what God is doing in Panama and in my life this year.

God's richest blessings,

Raquel