Resort Day
Royal DeCameron Resort, Panama
I was recently privileged to go on a missions trip to Aquadulce, Panama. There were two teams on this particular mission: a construction team and a medical team. The construction team was responsible for erecting two church buildings (One in El Cristo, and the other in Guzman), while the medical team was responsible for setting up medical clinics throughout the area. The effort was a great success on both sides!
The medical team treated over 800 people for physical ailments and were able to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to them; over 600 people gave their lives to Him! I was on the construction team. I hadn’t gone on a missions trip like that since 2002, so my construction skills were a little rusty! I was fortunate enough to be a part of a well seasoned team that knew exactly what they were doing! We accomplished our tasks ahead of schedule and were able to tackle other projects as well!
As we neared the end of our trip, talk began to stir about “Resort Day”. We were scheduled to spend our last day at the ‘Royal DeCameron Resort”, located just outside of Panama City. Everyone had worked hard and was looking forward to a little rest and relaxation. The weather could not have been more perfect when we arrived, and the beach and surroundings were absolutely beautiful. It was a perfect conclusion to a job well done by all!
As the sun was setting on that final night I made my way to a recliner on the beach. As I watched the waves crash upon the shore and listened to the sounds of the ocean, I thought, “It doesn’t get much better then this”. During our trip we endured bruises, cuts, muscle spasms and heat indexes of 110 degrees. Though we would have made the trip if ‘Resort Day’ was not on the schedule, sitting on the beautiful shore with perfect climate conditions made it that much more rewarding!
As I drifted off to sleep on the recliner, I thought about the following scripture:
l Peter 1:3-7
3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, 4 and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 5 And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.6 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
Though the beach can in no way be compared to the grandeur of Heaven, I was reminded that we will face trials, tribulations, temptations, and persecution as we spend our days carrying the banner of Jesus Christ on this earth (Mat 5:10-12). Nevertheless, when our task is complete, ‘Resort Day’ awaits… and what a day that will be!
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