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Three E. Washington
Churches Continue Jireh Construction
By Rod and Sherry Boyd
Additional photos on
the Team Photo Journal page
 Thirteen
men and women from three eastern Washington churches spent six days the end
of June in construction at the Jehovah Jireh Good Shepherd School in
Pedregal, Panama. Pastor Darrel Johnsen from Faith Assembly, Pasco led the
team. Pastor Dick Malvaney from Central Assembly in Yakima and Pastor Larry
Malcolm from Stone Church in Yakima and members of their congregations
completed the team.
The team focused on laying block on the second floor. It
was difficult work as the previous team had laid the "lower" blocks. The
block layers spent most of their time on scaffolding. By the end of the
week, they completely finished five of the six classrooms, the storage area
under the stairwell and most of the two restrooms. They also completed half
of the remaining bond beams. In addition, they laid block for two classrooms
on the third floor.
The team also personally ministered to so many of the 438
children and youth that attend the school from kindergarten through 10th
grade. They brought several pounds of candy to pass out to the children,
making them an instant hit! They ministered in a school chapel sharing
testimonies and a devotional. The team presented the director with three
soccer balls for the school. Then the children presented songs and skits to
the team. The time of worship with the children was very emotional.
 After
the chapel, the team returned to their construction work. But they had
connected so well with the children that they lined up to get the autographs
of each team member! One team member said, "I feel like I'm a famous
person!"
Two more teams are scheduled to work at the school, one
in July and the other in November. We are hoping to have the roof over the
fourth floor before the November team arrives. When finished, the four-story
building will have 18 classrooms, some of which will be used as laboratories
(computer/keyboard, science and language), restrooms on each floor,
administrative facilities and a library. The school is currently renting a
small apartment building next door to the school.
 Even
though several couples from the church were away at a marriage retreat, a
good group came out for the farewell service on Friday night. Pastor Darrel
preached a great message from Acts 4-5, calling the church to unity,
community and sensitivity to the needs of the non-Christian neighbors of the
church.
We are grateful that members of the team became new Latin
America ChildCare sponsors. Seven children were sponsored! There are still
44, just from the Jireh school, who are waiting for someone to sponsor them.
 Thank
you, Pastor Darrel, Pastor Dick and Pastor Larry, and team members for
coming to Panama and for helping to make a difference in the lives of
children and youth!
If you would like to become a sponsor, please visit the
Panama page on the LACC website. If you would like to give an offering
towards the construction of the Jireh school, you can make a donation on the
Assemblies of God secure website. Please specify "Project 7795, Jireh
School" in the comments field. Or you can send your check to:
Assemblies of God World Missions
Project 7795, Jireh School
1445 Boonville Ave.
Springfield, MO 65802
Additional photos on the Team Photo Journal page
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