Bullets are Cheaper than Firework

Panama City, Panama.

Rev. Lau and I arrived in Panama late last evening.  Before we left Toronto, on the car ride to the airport, we had an interesting conversation after driving pass The Prayer Palace Church near 400/Finch.  The discussion revolved around a question Daniel had asked: How do we identify wolves among the flock at church?  We came up with a humorous conclusion that if we were to ask each individual congregation members if they are willing to be a Stephen (Acts 7) then that member is not a wolf.

"So,  inset name here , I think you have the calling to become a Stephen."

Do you have what it takes to be a Stephen?

What an interesting question to linger in the mind just before a missions trip.  Rev. Lau joking stated that "pastor Joel have no problem being Stephen".  We all laughed and in response I said "there's nothing wrong in getting to see Jesus."

5 years ago, on the mission trip to Thailand and Vietnam, that very question was on our minds.  There was a chance that we would be captured and imprisoned by the authorities.  But what can go wrong in Panama serving at a youth leadership camp?

While reading "Uncensored Grace" by Jub Wilhite on the flight, I came across the story of Sgt. Henry Prendes from Las Vegas.  On Feb 1, 2006, Sgt. Henry Prendes was killed on duty in Las Vegas.  Similar to the story of Sgt. Ryan Russel in Toronto a few weeks ago, the news shook the city of Las Vegas.  However, it was the faith of his wife and daughters during the widely televised memorial at Central Christian Church to impacted the community of Las Vegas and brought many to return to Christ.

Sgt. Henry Prendes was a Stephen.  On that fateful day on Feb , 2006, God placed him exactly where he wanted him to be.  But long before he gave his life on duty, he already died to himself.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)

Are we willing to be a Stephen, dying to ourselves, and letting God place us exactly were he wants us to me?

Chinese New Year Fireworks at Panama City

When we arrived in Panama, the Chinese community was in high spirits celebrating Chinese New Year with fireworks.  I was informed that people in Panama knows how to celebrate.  During the New Year and other celebrations, the streets are filled with people.  However, there was a story that after one of these celebration a sister from church found a bullet shell on pillow next to where she slept.  Apparently, bullets are cheaper than fireworks.  So instead setting off fireworks, some would randomly fire their pistols in the air.

Do you have what it takes to be a Stephen?  It does not take much for God to call you home.