April 15' Newsletter



Before work on the dorm.

April has passed so quickly here in Panama. We have made much progress this month on the dorms, farm projects, and the small house we occupy on the farm. When the farm was purchased, we were blessed to also have a small house for Corey and me to live as the property’s overseers. Theft is pretty common here, so having a mostly ready-made place for someone to live and guard the property and various other items on the farm was a huge blessing. 

One of our biggest praises this month was having a group of men from Missouri come to work on the dorm for the farm. Not only did these men bring the skills we needed to get the renovations on the dorm started, but also a heart to serve the Lord through their giftings. In just 4 days of work, the men were able to construct a second floor to the building and various other things that were needed. Check out our Facebook post to see how much work the men did on the dorm. The team also blessed us both by their skill and encouragement. It is amazing what God can accomplish when people have a heart to serve. The amount of progress on the infrastructure on the farm in just a few months is so encouraging, and we thank the Lord for both His provision of finances and workers to accomplish this task with excellence.

In regards to the projects on the farm, we are hoping to begin digging ponds very soon. We already have planted 35 different types of crops, and we will be continuing to add to their numbers throughout the year. Matthew, who joined LHI at the end of last year, has begun working on terracing one of our fields, that will be used to teach students how to do gardening on steep hillsides using mountain terrace farming. Corey and Matthew have also begun to lay water lines that will be used for the fish demonstrations. Needless to say this is not an easy process due to the extreme slope of the property; however, this will be a wonderful example of how to make agriculture projects work in the developing world where the terrain is less than ideal.  

We have been so encouraged these past two months by the Lord’s faithfulness and provision. The work at times can be discouraging, but we know we serve a risen Savior who meets all our needs according to His will and timing. Thank you for all your support and prayers. We look forward to sharing with you more over this year what God is accomplishing through LHI and your partnership with us.

Your partners in reaching the world,

Corey and Bethany Courtwright

 



4 days later!

February and March Newsletter Update

Greetings from Panama. We have had one busy February. We were able to take part in our church in David’s VBS at the beginning of the month. Corey led one of the small groups of upper elementary students in the daily lesson. There was about 150 children that participated in the VBS, and we pray this week of learning about Jesus left a lasting impact on their lives.

Throughout February, we have been working on recruiting students and preparing for upcoming teams this spring and summer. We have to do a great deal of preliminary work in regards to receiving teams and a lot of that takes place months before they arrive. Along with organizing teams, we are planning curriculum as well as farm development.

 Another highlight from February was participating in my (Bethany) church’s mission’s festival in Atlanta, Georgia. It was a wonderful time of connecting with other missionaries, getting to know both church members and staff, and networking with other ministries. It was so refreshing to be with such an encouraging group of people, who truly know the importance of supporting and praying for one another. We were also able to meet with one mission team leader that will be bringing a group in 2016, another leader that is bring a group this summer, as well as, visit the church we attended when we lived in Alabama. Needless to say it was a busy trip, but it was a productive and encouraging one.

Missouri group making progress on the dorm.

With a new month upon us, we are continuing the farm development and are hoping to make significant strides in building construction with one team coming at the end of March. We are so excited that God has provided us with short term teams to contribute to the development of the farm. In missions, it is important to remember that more is accomplished for the Lord through team work and support of one another in the body of Christ, then in our separate groups. During the mission’s festival in Atlanta, it was so rewarding to see that attitude of unity among the body of believers. Remember, united as followers of Christ we can change the world. We are so thankful for all of you that pray for us and support us. You are making the vision of Lasting Harvest possible, and God will bless your generosity. Let us always remember the words of Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Thank you for your partnership and prayers.

Your partners in reaching the world,

Corey and Bethany Courtwright