Griffin, GA Construction Team Starts New Phase at LM
By Rod and Sherry Boyd

An experienced team of 10, led by missions pastor Joe Crews, broke ground on the last phase of first floor construction at the Las Mananitas High School. Design changes were made to original plans to allow construction of sections of the second story floor. Metal “I” beams were used in place of concrete columns. Each of the 10 beams erected were carried and placed by hand.

The team also worked hard building the column footings and foundation pads underneath. The project was running behind in this preparation work when the group arrived due to unusually heavy rain for this time of year and extremely hard dirt. We were impressed with the flexibility and attitude of the group to do what needed to be done. The group was finally able to begin blocking during the last three days of construction.

Pastor Joe’s knowledge and experience as an ironworker was especially helpful for the start of this phase of the project. The Lord knows and always sends us the right people! He also sent us Robert, an experienced welder, who helped weld the anti-seismic baskets, pedestal bolts for the columns and wall ties.

The team enjoyed some of Panama’s sites, including a tour of different churches and school projects. The team was introduced to the ministry of Pastor Victor Rivas and the men from the “Centro Nueva Vida” (New Life Center)—a rehabilitation ministry for men. Six men joined the building crew for the first few days of construction. We went by the center on our tour day. The team was so impressed by these men and the ministry that they gave an offering to help the Center finish their kitchen-dining hall roof! The team ministered our last evening at the host church. Several gave testimonies. Pastor Joe preached a powerful message.

On behalf of the 251 teenagers in the high school and 404 children in the elementary school at Las Mananitas and the 50 plus men from the New Life Center, we say thank you Pastor Joe, Fidel, Ken and Nancy, Kristin, Angela, Neil, John, Dwayne and Robert!

Another team will be arriving in a few days to place additional columns, pour the second story floor and continue blocking. When finished the high school will have a new set of rest rooms and an additional classroom. Another classroom will be needed before school begins next March. Additional teams are needed. Construction funds are desperately needed to continue construction. Can you help? Offerings may be sent to:

Las Mananitas Project 7794
1445 Boonville Ave.
Springfield, MO 65802

What a difference we’re making! Thank you for your prayer and giving.