As a part of my Stint in the Dominican Republic this Fall I participated in this missions conference in Panama City, Panama called "Solo Uno: One God, One Community, One Mission."
It was a unique and once in a lifetime opportunity for students from 34 different Latin American and Caribbean countries. They spent a whole week listening to the voice of God through worship, speakers, breakout sessions, and Global missions opportunities.
Spending this week with the Dominicans allowed us precious time to reconnect and share life with one another. This was one of the most important things to me. We spent the week laughing, dancing (a lot of this) and creating memories we will surely cherish as the year continues.
The Dominican students sure brought a lot of energy and fun with them. They brought instruments from home and provided music and dancing for all of the students at the conference. It was amazing to see that just with a couple of percussion instruments, a giant dance party could break out and continue on for a while.
Experiencing the different cultures was also a beautiful part of the conference. Not just that they were foreign and new but that in their differences all still brought so much Glory and Praise to the Lord. I felt as if I received a little taste of heaven, a Revelation 7:9 type of experience. So many people who physically looked different, spoke over 3 different languages, with different life experiences and stories, ALL under one roof praising the Lord. Que WOW!
We did not spend our time solely in the hotel and conference center but we took all of the words and encouragement we had received and hit the streets of Panama. How Blessed was I by the urgency the students shared in their hearts as we went out to share the Gospel. My group actually went to a local mall and we arrived 30ish minutes before it opened. This did not deter the Dominicans.Without being told they broke into groups and began sharing with people standing outside waiting for the mall to open. It was so beautiful, people right there were giving their lives to the Lord. Not knowing that before they even began their day of shopping or work they were going to be able to be satisfied and saved by God working through students. This is what living life for Christ is all about; helping the world reach the source by being an ambassador for His purpose.
In fact there was a young girl who saw our group praying in the subway. She wanted to receive prayer from us but decided not to approach our group. She was at a place in life where she was not believing that God heard here or loved her. As a teen she has been the sole provider for her family, a family that is plagued by drugs and poverty. She was carrying this weight on her shoulder and felt alone and forgotten. Though we had strayed far from our group, we do believe that this was a divine appointment. That God brought us directly to her, We prayed with her, encouraged her, and allowed her the opportunity to know the truth of our Great God. She was able to experience his love through us and as we cried together she took a step of faith back to the arms of our Lord!
There are so many other great things I could share about this week but just know that is truly was a Blessing. I cannot wait to be back in the Dominican Republic where I can share life with these amazing students and go out and share hope to the DR. I ask for prayers as I continue raising support and prepare to transition from life here to life in the abroad.
For His Glory
Shanee Howard
Enjoy this video that I put together of the time!
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