Merry Christmas 2014

We’ve completed two months of very active itineration ministry, driving more than 6,000 miles in Washington state alone! We’re thankful for this opportunity to reconnect with church and individual supporters. We were spoiled by the extended summer-like weather in late September and even into October. The vibrant yellows, oranges and reds of the fall leaves was breathtaking! We’ve thoroughly enjoyed our return to the Great Northwest.

Even more special has been our time with family and friends! Long-time friends Steve and Viriginia Bjorklund met us at the airport with the car that we are using during our nine months in the States. Thanks Steve and Viriginia and the Missionary Car Program. Less than 24 hours later our official “grandparent” car seat was installed. We’re blessed to have nearly daily contact with our youngest daughter Jennifer, our son-in-law Geoff and their two kids, our two youngest grandkids, Anastasiya (almost 5) and Finnian (18 months).

We traveled to the northeast the end of October to participate in Bethany Assembly’s missions convention in Agawam, MA. We stayed with our oldest daughter Stephanie, our son-in-law Andrew and their two kids, our two oldest grandkids, Tate (8) and Calvin (5).  What a special time!

We had a special Thanksgiving with Jenn and family. With the sub-freezing temperatures the last few days, our attention now turns to Christmas. This year we trade our hot and humid tropical Panamanian Christmas for the deep freeze, maybe even white Northwest Christmas! We will miss the annual Christmas celebration with our missionary family. But we will enjoy ever moment with our kids and grandkids here!

The work continues in Panama! We continue to coordinate the work of our ministry in Panama with our team. We’re grateful for the work of Randy and Lynne Forsyth in the Latin America ChildCare area, capably filling in while we are gone. Missionaries Miguel and Maria Morales are carrying forward plans and ministry of the Latin America Resource and Training Center. Please pray with us as we are currently juggling various stages of planning of three large events:

• International Educational Leaders Dialogue in Panama, March 3-6, 2015

• 2015 Educators Summit in the Dominican Republic, Sept. 14-17, 2015

• 2016 Educators Summit in Panama, April 18-21, 2016

We will continue to travel in missionary itineration through June 2015. We need to raise an additional $1,200 in monthly commitments. In addition, we need to raise some cash for our budget and are also promoting the Latin America Resource and Training Center (www.LARTC.net) project. Once again, we ask you to pray with us that:

God would give us favor with pastors, churches and individuals

Sufficient new monthly commitments or increases to meet budget

Sufficient cash offerings for both our missions budget and for the LARTC

We also ask that you consider helping us with a monthly commitment or increase! You can complete the online commitment form or write us at Panorama@Boyds.org.

Our plan is to return to Panama July 1st, 2015. Thank you for partnering with us to make this possible. Together we are raising up Christian leaders in Panama and throughout Spanish-speaking Latin America!

Richest blessings... Rod and Sherry