What happens when six extra people converge on your home for two and sometimes three days a week? We thought we were prepared, but we had no idea what lay in store for us. They came off the train that first evening, tired, hot, but sweet-faced and cheerful. The table was set for supper and the six of them, Norman Fadelle from Colon, plus our family of seven crowded around. The conversation quickly turned from one subject to another. The heat the joy of finding people who actually wanted to hear more of the Bible, the dogs that were ever present to scare the wits out of one. The table was quickly cleared, groups gathered to wait for the evening reading. Tho these young people had been up early to study, have devotions, prepare classes and had worked all afternoon in Colon, their day was far from over. After the readings (we were amazed at the points they discovered when so many times we had found the readings a bit dull), many headed for the tennis courts for some exercise. You would have thought walking around the city and going up and down stairs would have left them exhausted. Still their day was not over. They all gathered at a set time for prayers; for themselves and their contacts and then for hymn singing. What a joy it was to hear so many voices in our home lifted up in joyful praise to God. Then came the sleeping arrangements. Who should get the beds available and who would sleep on the floor. There were at least 3 to 4 every night on the floor and not one word of complaint was ever uttered.
On Saturday, their free day at the island, we were in for yet another surprise. Bibles were brought, readings done with a real thrill, subjects were discussed of various problems here and ecclesially.
The brothers exhorted also and participated in our fraternal gathering as well as our devotionals.
This schedule went on for approximately 6 weeks before the special lectures began. Then they not only went around visiting contacts and inviting them to the lectures, they gave out handbills, continued Bible classes and were at every lecture on both sides of the Isthmus to meet and greet those they had been teaching.
Now they are gone. The emptiness is incapable of words. The house looks empty in the mornings with no bedrolls around. All the toothbrushes have disappeared from the bathroom, the piles of books and clothes are gone and those cheery, sweet faces so terribly missed. But what is left? A new life. We have all found new things in ourselves. We have become more aware of the need to do more ourselves for the Lord. But most of all we have really felt God present in our home and in our hearts. We have seen miracles! What else can you call changes in peoples lives? We have learned to really pray for all things and to expect great things, mountains can be moved. Our faith has been increased and now we pray this feeling will not be allowed to die, but that we will continue in the example that has been left us to live each day truly close to God. As these people have changed our lives by their presence, we feel they will return to their own ecclesias and do the same there. We thank God for the privilege of being a part of this year’s Truth Corps.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One