by Sherry Boyd

Uncle LeRoy and Aunt Loraine Hopkins.

Aunt Loraine went to be with Lord on February 13^th. For over 45 years Aunt Loraine and Uncle LeRoy have been members of the Assembly of God church in Yoncalla, Oregon. Aunt Loraine dedicated her life to being a teacher and was a dedicated Christian in her church. She was always teaching a class, directing VBS, playing the piano—helping with whatever needed to be done.

Last July, Uncle LeRoy, their son Gary and family, and their daughter Jacki came to visit us in Panama. Aunt Loraine could not come because of her health. During the week we enjoyed many fun activities together. But, as usual, there was work that had to be done. We put them to work folding, stuffing, sealing and stamping envelopes for a special mailing to raise money for Project MADU. We had a great time telling them about the need for a Bible training center for the Kuna Indian workers in the San Blas Islands of southeast Panama. They were a tremendous help to us.

Little did we know that their visit, and the opportunity they had to be involved in this outreach to the Kuna Indians, would lead them to make an important decision. Immediately after Aunt Loraine’s passing, they set up a memorial fund to be given to Project MADU to help in the construction of the Kuna Bible training center. More than $1,200 has been given to date! Praise the Lord. Next month we’ll have an update on Project MADU.

Even though Aunt Loraine never had the opportunity to come to Panama to see the Kuna people and their need, her memory lives on in the ministry on the San Blas Islands. Pastors will be trained and sent out to the various islands and will preach the Word. Many Kuna will be won for His Kingdom. There will be many Kuna Indians who will look up Aunt Loraine in heaven some day to tell her "thank you."