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by Steve Alsup and Rod Boyd Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life...he who comes to me will never go hungry.” Or in Kuna the verse reads: “Ani an madu-burba-duladid. Ar dule anse danikile, bar gwen ukume-sosulid.” Madu is the Kuna word for bread. Truly, the Kuna are hungry...in desperate need of the Bread of Life. The NEED... “Our goal these past 8 years has been to stimulate a grassroots movement that would cause the Kuna in the few established churches to reach the many villages of Panama” report Steve Alsup and Rod Boyd…“We are happy to report the Church among the Kuna tribe continues to grow as new churches are established and God calls workers into the harvest.” Plans are underway to establish a workers training center in the village of Playón Chico. Workers from the surrounding island villages are receiving biblical and ministerial training. There are about 40 Kuna villages in the San Blas Island region; most are island villages. The Assemblies of God have just three churches in the islands. The church at Rio Tigre is without a pastor and the roof of the church blew off in a storm a few months ago. The church at Playón Chico was damaged very recently by a storm. The church in Narganá is new; they worship in a small stick hut but hope to purchase property and build something more permanent. More than anything, there is a critical shortage of workers in the region. In the past, Kuna workers were encouraged to attend Bible school away from San Blas. Workers would make the cultural transition to city life, but many times would not return to the islands. Currently Carlos’ living room just won't fit all the workers who want to study. And the program needs to be expanded to include guest professors. The PRIORITY... The Kuna Worker Training Center started classes last fall. The program of study is simple–the Christian Worker Training Series from ICI University. Kuna pastor, Carlos Guardia, teaches ten workers, two evenings a week in his living room. There are many more that feel the call of God on their life for ministry--for good reason. There is such a need for the Gospel among the Kuna. Also, Carlos says that 85% of Kuna adults do not know how to read and write. So Pastor Carlos is teaching them reading a writing skills two evenings a week, using the new Kuna New Testament. The Kuna Worker Training Center will provide needed space and resource. It will be centrally located in the San Blas--on the mainland, just 200-300 yards across from the island community of Playón Chico. Workers who make the two to eight hour canoe trip from the other islands will have housing and meals available. The program will consist of a two to three day seminar format each month for those from the outer islands, and the weekly program for those who are able to travel the shorter distance weekly. A private room will be available for guest professors. The Center also has plans for micro-enterprise. Pastor Carlos and his wife Bertiana have been baking bread for the Kuna families on the island. This service will be expanded to include those training at the Worker Training Center. In addition, Pastor Carlos has the vision to plant fruit trees along the perimeter of the property. These small businesses will provide needed funds for the Center and assistance for those attending. The OPPORTUNITY... We need your help. We believe now is the time to encourage the Kuna church. The Kuna Bible Institute will provide needed leadership for our future. Land is available for the Institute, but the Kuna church has few resources to invest in it. The national church of Panamá is helping with architectural and building expertise. They also lack the financial resources to help the Kuna. Can you help? If so, please send your gift to: Project MADU #7623 We believe if we share our loaves He will multiply them. In advance, thanks for sharing the Bread of Life with the Kuna people of Panama. |
