by Rod Boyd

February 1996–Island Rio Tigre, San Blas, Panama (go to map of Panama)— Missionaries Rod Boyd and Steve Alsup, with Carlos Guardia, Kuna pastor from Playon Chico, were arrested and detained temporarily for illegal entry onto the island. Rod Boyd stated: “We had no idea it was illegal to visit Rio Tigre.” The official position of island authorities was that during independence week–an annual commemoration of the independence from the Spaniards– it is illegal  for outsiders to visit the island. After paying a $2.00 fine each, the men were permitted to leave. Fines are used to fund a dinner for the children of the island the end of the week.

Rod and the congregation of the Rio Tigre church standing where the sanctuary once was.
The roof was blown off by a storm and now they must meet in a small classroom next door.

Kuna Yala Update...

Rod with the pastor and some members of the Narganá church.
Carlos is on the far right. This congregation meets in this small stick hut.

Last February, Missionary Steve Alsup, Kuna Pastor Carlos Guardia and I visited our three Kuna churches on the San Blas Islands– Playón Chico, Rio Tigre and Narganá. We had the opportunity to encourage and pray for the pastors and congregations. The Assemblies of God work with the Kuna is young. The congregations are small. The facilities are humble. The challenge is great.

The church at Rio Tigre lost their roof to a heavy storm some months ago. They also need a pastor. The church at Narganá has a small stick hut to use, but an energetic young pastor with a big vision. The church at Playón Chico is our strongest and largest. Please pray with us as we work to develop the work among the Kuna. Pray especially for the worker training center as Pastor Carlos teaches new workers for the harvest ahead.