Embera church Holy Week conference
During Holy Week, Chaz had the privilege of attending the annual conference of the Embera church. This year the meetings were held in Lajas Blancas, an Embera community in the Darien province in eastern Panama. There were about 300 people from eight churches attending. There were sessions each morning and evening, with plenty of singing, usually a brief Bible reading and then a featured speaker from one of the churches. Sessions during the second half of the morning were offered for mature believers, new believers, non-believers, children, and youth. The youth group from one of the churches presented a drama one evening.
The afternoons were used for various matters including personal evangelism. At least one young man received Christ into his life and an older man who was estranged from the church for years came back. A number were baptized as well.
Cesar (facing camera) and Angel, who are among the first Embera Christians, baptize a man in the Chucunaque River.
A black spider monkey decided to observe the Saturday afternoon sessions.
On Saturday the church dedicated the people selected to take part in the final revision of the New Testament. Here Doug (L) asks prayer for Filipenses, Abundio and Cornelio.
Elvira and Plinio (front) are supported by Gregorio, Bienvenido and Doug.
Please be praying for them as they prepare for this very important time in their lives. Some will be bringing their families to live with them in the village of Piriati where the translation checking will take place. The plan is for the committee to start working the first week of May. Chaz plans to join them as often as possible and Doug will be with them full-time.
Please go to our web photo gallery (link at right) to see more pictures.