Monday, October 19, 2015

Expats in Panama: Notes from the Wilderness, Part 2‏

by Jonathan Israel, www.ConnectionMagazine.org

This is part 2 in a series of notes from the wilderness, which is meant to provide insight for those prayerfully considering leaving America as it continues morphing into Daughter Babylon. This article features information regarding the cost of living in Panama including housing, food, transportation and more.

Obviously, Panama is not the USA, but those coming from big cities such as New York, Chicago and L.A. will experience a lower cost of living here, much like they would moving to mid or small town America.

Restaurants

For the most part, it would be better to eat at home, but there are independent very reasonably priced hamburger joints that are hit-or-miss on flavor, and a few American run spots around town that feature familiar American entrees. Of course, American restaurant chains such as Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut and Fridays are just a car ride away.

Retail Stores

You have access to department stores, furniture stores and computer stores, but often the prices on these items can be a bit higher due to import fees. For example, my new ASUS laptop purchased here in Panama costs $900, but a comparable model in the US is only $700.. Of course, you can often save money if you're patient, and order from the US by mail for the additional cost of international shipping.

Grocery Stores

Grocery stores are stocked with many of the same foods and brands that you have in the US, but not all, and prices are just as high in most cases. However, things like ground beef and some produce and honey are half the price currently charged in the US. Additionally, we are told that fish is also lower priced here, but fish served at an American run restaurant here can be pricey.

Taxi Service

If you don't speak Spanish, it's not easy getting door to door taxi service; however, taxis are plenteous and you can hail a cab on the street just as quick for sixty cents per person, for a quick ride a few miles in or out of town. Be advised; however, the driver often stops to pick up others, so you may have a car full of people by the time you reach your destination. A 40-minute taxi ride going 30 to 35 miles down the road costs around $35..

Auto Sales

Cars, trucks and SUV's can be purchased new or used, but at slightly higher rates due to import fees. You can hardly go anywhere without seeing "Se Vende" (For Sale) on a vehicle.

Housing

For those who are humble or on a limited budget, you can rent a furnished one-bedroom cabana for $200 to $300 per month; a furnished 2-bedroom house or duplex for $350 to $450 per month; or a small brand new 3-bedroom unfurnished house for $450 per month.

For those who desire middle-class American styled housing, a larger 2-bedroom furnished house with property or 2-bedroom furnished condo can be rented for $750 per month on average.

Meanwhile, those who want to live in larger and more modern newer 3 or 4 bedroom homes will pay $1100 to $1400 per month for a dwelling that would easily garner twice the price in the USA.

Finally, supply and demand is in favor of renters of the million-dollar homes, which rent as low as $2000 to $2500 per month since there are simply not many renters in Panama willing to pay $8,000 or $10,000 per month.

Leaving Babylon America

For many, moving to Panama, or any other country for that matter, seems to be filled with insurmountable obstacles, namely the costs.

Yes, punishments are coming to America, but if you are not being led by the Lord to depart the USA in faith, then stay in faith. But you must understand, not all have faith and not all have ears to hear. There is only a remnant, which the Lord is leading by faith. If the Lord leads, He meets the needs. Where Abba guides, He provides.

Lesson from the Jews

When the call went out for two decades, since the Balfour Declaration in 1917, inviting and compelling the Jews in Europe to leave and return to Israel, only a small remnant responded. While some six-million Jewish men, women and children who remained in Europe were captured and killed by the Nazi Germans for their faith, there was only a remnant who departed in time. Sadly, less than a million Jews (reportedly 750,000 to 800,000) were living in Israel after World War 2, when Israel prophetically obtained nation status once again in 1948.

For many Jews, returning to the Lord's covenant land of Israel was a financial impossibility to do on their own. It was only by uniting with friends and/or family members that a many of the Jews were able successfully flee the impending doom in Europe.

By coming together to form co-ops, called kibbutzim, the impossible became possible for many. Most kibbutzim were set up as working farms, where everyone pitched in and worked together for the success of all. As time went on, some kibbutzim included hotels and retail establishments. Currently, there are still over 250 of these farming communities in Israel.

Only the humble and unselfish with a mind to work can thrive in this type of co-op. In fact, we've met a young woman here in Panama who lives on a 10-acre farm, and she recently explained that her parents have a vision to see their farm become filled with followers of the Lord working together in unity and true fellowship.

Be Encouraged

Obviously, Panama is not your only option for residency outside of the US; there are many countries to consider that will welcome you. In fact, Americans can live in a plethora of nations as a visitor for up to two years before making a decision to obtain permanent residency. You will not have lived in all the nations of the world before the Lord has come.

Meanwhile, prayerfully consider leaving the US before the extreme persecution of Christians becomes the norm, and before the punishment of the Lord greatly humbles the land and His judgment purges the church. And never forget WHOSE you are.

Obviously, most Americans who claim to be followers of Jesus/Yahshua will stay in the land and be destroyed. I believe only one-third will survive the fall. After all, of the 9.5 million European Jews, only about 3-million Jews survived. According to the prophecy to the backslidden nation of Israel in Ezekiel 5:12, One-third of you shall die of the pestilence, and be consumed with famine in your midst; and one-third shall fall by the sword all around you; and I will scatter another third to all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them.

Set your eyes upon the Lord and His Kingdom and His righteousness!

Clearly, just departing from the USA does not guarantee safety or salvation, but the one who delights in the Lord and His ways, putting their trust in Jesus/Yahshua, will be eternally sheltered and saved. After all, Psalm 31:3 describes the Lord as a FORTRESS, "For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name's sake, Lead me and guide me."

1 Peter 2:11, "Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims,…"

Philippians 3:20, "…our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ (Yahshua the Messiah),…"

Mark 16:15, Jesus/Yahshua said, "Go into ALL the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

WARNING! Because of sin and rebellion among the people of God, only a REMNANT will be saved! Only one-third will be REFINED!

Zechariah 13:9, I will bring the one–third through the fire, Will refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, And I will answer them. I will say, 'This is My people'; And each one will say, 'The Lord is my God.'"

Bible prophecy in the news revealing the truth, prepared by editor@ConnectionMagazine.org to help explain the end times, last days revelation and prophecy in the news that is beginning to happen all across the United States of America and around the world. Those who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, confessing and forsaking their sins, will be forgiven. Rom. 10, & 1 John 1

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