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Bethany Team Launches
Tocumen School Construction
By Rod and Sherry Boyd
 Do
you remember Jose Angel, Raquel and Linneth? (For background
information on the Tocumen Living Water School, visit the
Project Tocumen
page.) We had talked about them during
itineration—three young people touched by the Lord through
the ministry of the Tocumen Living Water School. They are in
7th grade now, thanks to so many that have invested in this
school. We were able to give Pastor Carlos the green light
the end of last year. The funds would be there for necessary
construction so that the school could offer 7th grade.
Several teams have committed to come and
help. The first of those teams arrived on July 2nd! The
small group led by Fenton Rees from Bethany Christian
Assembly (Everett, WA) started construction on the lower
level. Four different churches sent members and raised
construction funds. In fact, they raised enough to not only
build two classrooms, but also for most of the fortified
footings and I-beam columns needed to support the two upper
stories.
 While
the men were building, Dr. Pat Rees and the ladies conducted
health screenings for the children and young people of the
school. The team was also able to minister to a number of
the school staff and church members. The results of the
screenings (height, weight, special needs, etc.) were left
with the school for follow-up.
All were amazed at how well the team
worked together. In fact, relationships were the highlight
of the trip. We were reminded again that the focus of
ministry of MAPS construction teams is not blocks or
concrete, rather the lives of children, youth and adults.
Buildings are tools to help us reach out to people.
 How
precious it was to see the different members of the team
choose to sponsor a child or two from the school. Some of
these children had been waiting more than a year for help to
arrive from Latin America ChildCare. It was easy for the
team to see how a small amount can make such a difference…
just $28 a month can affect the destiny of a child or young
people.
The Bethany team inspired the students
and staff of the Tocumen Living Water School and the
congregation of the Living Water Church. Thank you, Fenton,
Pat, Norm, Paul, Sharon, Max and Carolyn, for making a
difference. Your investment will motivate the church and
school to do even more.
 Please
pray for the children, young people and staff of the Tocumen
Living Water School. Pray for the ongoing construction, that
there will be sufficient funds to complete each phase. Pray
for the six teams scheduled to come in October, January,
February, March and May. Please pray that the couple that
owns the house located behind the church and school will
reconcile and follow through with the verbal purchase
agreement.
 Can
you give an offering for the Tocumen Living Water School?
It’s easy! Go to the Direct Giving Form on the secure
Assemblies of God website and give an offering online.
Please include Project 8571 in the comments field. Or
offerings can be sent to:
Assemblies of God World Missions
Project 8571
1445 Boonville Ave.
Springfield, MO 65802
Can you sponsor a child? Go to the Panama
page of the
Latin
America ChildCare website where you can choose
your child online.
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