by Rod and Sherry Boyd

Meet Dick and Violet McKinley. Dick retired from the insurance business in Ohio a few years ago. They decided to move to a warmer climate and settled in Zephyhills, Florida. Dick is chairman of the missions committee at their church and sponsor a little girl to attend school at our Latin America ChildCare school in Doleguita, Panama.

We received a letter from them several months ago asking us if they could come to Panama to meet the child they sponsor. After several more letters and phone calls, the arrangements were made and they arrived in October. We showed them some of the sights of Panama City, including the canal, ruins, and of course, the tourist shops. Then we headed west for the six hour drive to David. We split the drive over two days since the school at Doleguita ends classes at noon.

We arrived to David at 10 am. We went to the David school first. The McKinleys were able to talk with the director and learn about this school of 350. The director mentioned that this was the first time a sponsor had visited the school. We traveled 10 minutes outside town to the LACC school in the community of Doleguita. This school is only in its second year and has only 35 students, kindergarten through second grade. We were welcomed by the students with folkloric dress, song and dance.

Director Aixa and teacher Dorita with Zynthia and her mother (middle).
The big moment arrived as we visited the second grade class. The McKinleys met Zynthia. She was very shy. But a big smile came as her sponsors presented her a new doll. The McKinleys brought candy for all the children. Also, Zynthia was made an honorary Prim by the missionette group from Zephyrhills First Assembly of God, and given letters from all the girls.

After school was over we took Zynthia and her mother home. We were reminded once again of the humble lifestyle and living conditions in Panama—the dirt road was filled with potholes, the home small and simple. The rest of the family greeted us as we arrived—father and an older sister and younger brother. They served us coke and crackers; simple, yet more than they could afford.

It is hard to describe this meeting of two cultures. As we left, one family expressed their thanks to the other for the faithful financial help for their daughter to attend Christian school. The other family shared the honor of doing so. After we left, we spent most of the trip back talking about this family, the contrast between the two countries and the ministry and needs of Latin America ChildCare in Panama.

The McKinleys left thankful for the opportunity of meeting Zynthia and her family, satisfied at knowing she is receiving a quality Christian education, and willing to do what they can to help other children. We received a letter from the McKinleys a couple of weeks ago. they told us they were going to sponsor another child from Doleguita. Praise the Lord for people like Dick and Violet McKinley and the other loving and faithful sponsors who provide help to 438 children in Panama. Our prayer is that God would lay the 65 children waiting for help on the hearts of other loving and faithful people. And He will!

If you would like to sponsor a child from Panama with your $24 monthly gift, please jot us a note. It’s as easy as clicking here. If you have any special requests (boy, girl, grade, etc.), let us know. Be sure to include your mailing address and phone number in your note. In advance, thank you for love expressed to the children of Panama.