Agawam MA Continues Final Thrust at Las Mananitas
By Rod and Sherry Boyd

Our goal in 2002 has been to finish the structure of the secondary school building, complete the two science labs and finish two bathrooms at the Las Mananitas Good Shepherd School.  Fifteen dedicated men and women from Bethany Assembly of God in Agawam, Massachusetts, led by Associate Pastor Ken Bryars continued with this “Final Thrust” campaign. Their generous construction material offering was made possible by the proceeds from the annual singing Christmas Tree, which is dedicated to MAPS construction. In addition, the church raised funds to purchase a cement mixer! It has been a tremendous blessing.

Bethany Assembly of God is committed to Latin America ChildCare. In 2000 they built the second story chapel at the Santa Librada school and poured the third story floor. The congregation sponsors dozens of children.  Members of the team became new sponsors and were able to personally meet their child. The interaction between the team and the children and youth was special. The team bought several different types of sports balls for the school. Each day they would blow up another couple of balls and join the kids at recess in the daily soccer match. They presented each class with their own ball on the last day!

This year the team focused in two areas. First, they finished blocking the lower library and administration area including the stairwell, and continued blocking the perimeter of the second story. Second, a small experience welding group assembled the metal truss system for the roof over the administrative area, the final section of roof for the building, erecting half of the trusses.

The team enjoyed touring Panama City in their free time. The team split up on their day off. Half enjoyed a gondola ride through the rain forest in the community of Gamboa. Others enjoyed a day of bass fishing on Lake Gatun. The team ministered at the farewell service on the last night. The team ministered with both English and Spanish songs; Pastor Ken ministered the Word. The church and school recognized the good work of the team.

Thank you Pastor Ken and team! You did a great job and have blessed a needy Christian school with your building and ministry.