We hope this letter finds you all well and enjoying the
start to a new season. Here in Panama we have been “enjoying” rainy season
since May and will continue with this type of weather until “summer” begins in
December. This year seems to have been a truer rainy season, whereas my
(Bethany) past 4 years here has not been the norm. I personally prefer all the
beautiful sunshine, but the rainy days bring cooler temperatures like 74F where
we live, and that is a blessing.
This has been an interesting year thus far to say the
least. Financial support has been very low this year, which has added a great
deal of stress and has put us in a position of having to slow (and at times
stop) development on the farm, as well as projects in the mountains, to keep
costs in check. After our last newsletter it was very encouraging to see old
friends send unexpected gifts that really helped us through some unplanned
truck repairs and other expenses.
However, as we look ahead to the end of the year, yes, even in
September, we see a number of large bills coming due for Lasting Harvest and
right now the finances are not there to pay them. Every missionary has those
seasons of support loss or lack, and God is faithful and will provide; however,
we need your support, whether financially or through prayer. We have our land
payment we must pay or we will lose the property. We have insurance to be paid,
farm upkeep, materials for training programs, worker pay, etc. that must all be
paid. We like to be open and honest with our supporters, so we are bringing
this need to you and pray that God moves in your hearts to answer in whatever
way He leads you.
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We are also about a month from welcoming a new little one
into our family. Due to baby Courtwright’s arrival being in the fall, we will
not be back in the US until the end of February for our yearly support raising
trip. With our low funding, this does not help our already anxious hearts, so
please pray for God’s provision for us. We will be spending the rest of the
year developing some of the farm, adjusting to our new addition to the family,
and trying to get all of baby Courtwright’s papers in order (both for Panama
and the U.S.), so we can travel in February. Please pray for this for it is
quite a process and will involve a number of long trips to Panama City (the
capital) to deal with getting these documents processed.
In other news, we are happy to announce that we have been
given a grant for research work on the farm, and in the Comarca, from a
development fund administered by Auburn University. This is a huge blessing
because it provides funding for some equipment on the farm, and the research
will help further knowledge of fish production methods at high altitudes here
in Panama. We are very excited about this wonderful opportunity and look forward
to sharing with you as the research unfolds. The funds from the grant will not
be available to buy equipment for the farm or to begin the research until next
year Therefore, We will be conducting research from 2019 until 2020.
As I mentioned above, farm development has slowed due to
finances; however, we have found some other ways to creatively continue
development. One of the biggest developments has been terraces on one of our
many mountainsides. Fermin and Oracio, our fellow co-labors on the farm, have
done some hard work hand digging terraces that will serve as an example for
those around the world who live in impoverished, mountainous regions. This
project was very time consuming, but has yielded some excellent results.
Please also be praying for me (Bethany) as I will most
likely be undergoing another cesarean delivery with our little guy. The
recovery is long and will be harder with a little toddler involved. We are
however so incredibly thankful to have Corey’s parents coming to Panama to help
take care of us all, but specifically Annie, during my hospital stay. Please
pray for things to go well with Annie as we add a new little one. She is very
excited to be welcoming her new brother into the family soon.
Your partners in reaching the world,
Corey, Bethany and Anne Courtwright
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