Moving where God Calls

“Why are you going out there? It’s dangerous. It’s ugly. It’s hard. You don’t have to go there. And you certainly shouldn’t be taking your wife there.”

This is what many people told Einer Zuluaga when he and his wife Girlesa felt God calling them to move to the town of Yaviza. Einer and Girlesa had been serving as missionaries with MB Mission among the Wounan and Embera people in Chepo, Panama.

Now they were moving to a small Latin town at the very end of the Pan-American highway. Living in Yaviza is a difficult adjustment for those who are not from this town. There are many insects and it is very hot. There is also no drinking water and lots of tropical sickness.

At first, many people did not understand why they were moving and tried to convince them to rethink this decision. But Einer and Girlesa knew that God was calling them to work with the Wounan and Embera people in Yaviza.

With patience and guidance from God, Einer and Girlesa have been adjusting to life in this new town. Their vision is to plant a church in Yaviza among the large population of Wounan and Embera. Einer and Girlesa also want to open a Ministry development centre for Bible teaching and discipleship programs, and to start a small radio station so that they can spread the good news to people along the rivers.

Their neighbors are curious about what Einer and Girlesa are doing in Yaviza and are still wary of them. But some have asked them to visit so that they can talk about God. People are ready to hear the good news and are hungry for the truth.

Pray for strength and health for Einer and Girlesa during this transition. Praise God for their obedience and willingness to follow Him where He is calling them. Pray that God will continue to lead and guide Einer and Girlesa and that He will open the hearts of the people of Yaviza to know Him.

“Because of Your great compassion You did not abandon them in the desert. By day the pillar of cloud did not cease to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take. You gave Your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold Your manna from their mouths, and You gave them water for their thirst.” – Nehemiah 9:19-20