St. Charles MAPS Team Ministers in Chepo
By Rod and Sherry Boyd

Thank you First Assembly of God St. Charles, Missouri! Your MAPS team was an answer to prayer to a visionary pastor and congregation in Chepo, Panama. We remember when Pastor Salomon Sampson came by our offices a few years ago to talk with us about his vision to open a school in Chepo. Chepo with a population of about 25,000 is located about an hour east of Panama City, along the Pan-American Highway. Pastor Salomon and Coralia have been pastoring Centro de Vida Cristiana (Christian Life Center) in Chepo for 25 years. This long-tenured pastor has seen how a church school can be an effective outreach into the community. But he needed help to turn his vision into reality. The school opened in 2008 with 56 pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and first grade students in crowded church facilities. The school now has 150 students through 4th grade. Two years ago, construction began on the new school—a three-story building that will include 12 classrooms, offices and library. A building team led by Missionary Nelson Lugo completed one classroom and half of another. The church completed the second classroom in time for classes last year. And in the last six months we’ve helped the church complete the third classroom in time for this school year. The large team of 40 ministered on three fronts. The construction team worked to fill and level the floor and block two classrooms, then to form and pour the intermediate columns and large support beams that support the second-story floor. They also worked on the foundation of the stair/restroom area. The medical team, led by two doctors and three nurses, attended more than 800 people during the week. They visited several shut-ins in their homes. The children’s outreach team conducted a Vacation Bible School in the afternoons, ministering to more than 100 children during the week. We are grateful to fellow Panama missionaries Chad and Amber Burgbacher who coordinated the medical and children’s outreach teams. Dozens of church members and school staff worked side-by-side with the team during. Ministry and logistics required help and coordination in several areas: kitchen, office, construction, medical and VBS. Team leader Dave Bundy effectively fostered a spirit of service within the team that resulted in strong bonds between team and church members. Hugs and tears in the concluding service evidenced the depth of these connections. Thank you St. Charles MAPS team for leaving a legacy of ministry and facilities. The Chepo Good Shepherd School is our featured project for 2011-12. The school will have a capacity of more than 300 students when finished. The next team arrives the end of April to continue school construction. A small crew from the church will continue construction to prepare for the next group. Please pray for the continued construction; that all needed funds are given and necessary work is completed before the next team arrives. If you would like to give to the Chepo School Project, please send your offering to: Assemblies of God World Missions Chepo School Project 14456 1445 Boonville Ave pringfield, MO 658022 Or you can visit the Assemblies of God secure website and give by credit card to our account 239271, with Project 14456 in the comments box.Or you can visit the Assemblies of God secure website and give by credit card to our account 239271, with Project 14456 in the comments box.Or you can visit the Assemblies of God secure website and give by credit card to our account 239271, with Project 14456 in the comments box.and give by credit card to our account 239271, with Project 14456 in the comments box.