March: New Goals

LITERATURE.- The ministry produced and distributed the booklet “Women who leave footprints” to celebrate the International Woman’s Day.

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The month of March has been very special, mainly because we celebrated Lent, and also the school classes began in Panama. It is a month that we must adapt to changes, among them, a new government and a new Minister of Education.

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FAIRS. - The ministry center had a very interesting contact with the IMA’s Public Relations Officer (IMA in Spanish: Agriculture Institute) the brother in Christ Bienvenido Mojica, friend and partner of our ministry some years ago. Mr. Mojica asked the ministry to participate in some of the fairs that are held at various locations in the Capital City. These fairs are called “Compita Fair”. At these fairs agricultural products are selling at low cost. The ministry had the opportunity to be present to make contact with visitors:

 

The first occasion took place on March 2. The fair was located in one of the most transited antique street of the city called Peatonal. Vendors and IMA officials were present at this activity, and the ministry had the opportunity to talk with people who came to our booth. We share with them brochures about Lent. The Secretary of the National Lutheran Church gave us their support.

 

The second opportunity was held on 4 March. The fair was located at the entrance to the community of Los Andes. Volunteer members of Gloria Dei Lutheran congregation were present in this work support the ministry. The brochures were distributed. In addition, one of the volunteers, dressed as a clown, encouraged visitors with balloons and special messages.

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VISITS OF HOPE.- To celebrate International Women’s Day, held a special presentation on March 10 in the External Room at the Pediatric Hospital. The booklet “Health and Beauty,” which emphasizes the role that Jesus gave to women, was distributed.

On March 25 we were also present in the same hospital and we prayed with the children and their parents. We shared with them specially.

For the development of both activities, the Department of Social Work gave us their support.

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El Marañón public health center celebrated its anniversary on March 30. The ministry was invited to participate in the celebration. The material on Lent was shared with the audience. A special presentation was made, which was focused on a message of encouragement, the love God had for mankind when he offered his only son, Jesus, so that when he died, we had the hope of eternal life with Him.

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PROJECT JOEL.- In Panama, on March 8, the period of the new school year began, and at the same time, Project JOEL continued developing its orientation work in schools and colleges:

 

In the American Christian School held a 6-days work to introduce the new program would be featuring to students by Project JOEL. The video The Miracle of Life was the main tool to develop the activity, which is supervised by volunteer teachers.

The objective of this presentation is to encourage reflection and study on the life but with the Christian perspective. Thirty hours were dedicated to this program. During that period the next themes were presented: The Miracle of Life: 9 months pregnant, and The Human Footprint and the Theory of Creation: A Christian perspective on life.

This is the basis for the development of a comprehensive program of Christian formation, which creates the conditions to start Bible studies and connect youth to the Church.

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The program described in previous lines, was also presented at the Estela Sierra School. In this school we have the support of Professor Tatiana Cornejo, who is volunteer at the Lutheran church.

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At Jerónimo de la Ossa School held a work for three weeks, which is the introduction to encourage Bible studies, and at the same time, motivate the interest in participating in the church.

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One school where Project JOEL has greater acceptance is Without Borders School, because of the opening managers had given to the Christian faith. We hope this year have a greater impact on these students, while continuing the follow up to some of them.

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Personnel from the Department of Pharmacy of the Social Security Fund received two specialized seminars. Project JOEL participated in these presentations with the support of Jorge Lasso, volunteer ministry, and young students-volunteers who also shared a message on Global Warming. These students participate in the Social Work program in their schools.

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PARTNERSHIP.- The ministry was represented at the Ordinary General Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Panama (IELPA in Spanish). Five congregations were represented by their delegates and pastors, in addition to the Board. 

During this meeting, the new Board 2010 -2013 (three years according to the reformed statutes) was elected. Milton Castillo Arosemena was elected President of the IELPA; and the ministry expressed its desire to continue serving the church and to sign cooperation agreements with each one of the congregations.