By Rod Boyd
"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For
what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
2 Corinthians 4:18
Here we go again! Every year, at this time of year, our thoughts turn to the new school
year in Panama. Each year we receive requests for assistance with classrooms. If you could
see the humble conditions of our schools you would understand the need. God continues to
birth new schools in Panama. Four years ago there were six. Today there are fifteen! Next
March three new schools will open. We are overwhelmed by the need. How will we ever manage
the growth?
 Two years ago we
were faced with the very difficult decision at the Las Mananitas High School: what are we
going to do with the ninth graders? We didn’t have any spare classrooms for these 35
students. And we didn’t have any funds to build. We just couldn’t see how
we could do it. We decided to not offer tenth grade that next year. Afterwards, I told the
Lord I never wanted to go through that again.
The Lord taught this missionary a lesson. He reminded me that His miracles come from
the eternal realm. We weren’t going to see them as long as we focused on what we
were able to see in the natural! Last year we were faced with the same choice. But we
chose to make a decision in the light of eternity! And God came through with several
miracles, including two MAPS construction teams, a variety of offerings, large and small.
We were able to build three classrooms: one for the tenth graders, one science lab
(required by the Ministry of Education) and a classroom for a second seventh grade class.
Here we go again! We need $10,000 by March 1st in order to build two
additional classrooms at Las Mananitas: one for the eleventh graders, the other a
classroom for a second eighth grade class. We don’t have any building teams
scheduled. In the last few weeks of itineration, we have made this need known. Already,
through individual and church offerings, nearly $3,000 has come in for the project!
 Can you help? Can your church bring a building team to Panama? Before March
would be great, but anytime will help us! (Click here for information
on MAPS construction in Panama.) Would your church be able to send in a special
offering? If not, would you be able to do something personally? Thank you, in advance.
Please let us know if you're able to help. We'll keep everybody informed.
Offerings should be sent to:
Division of Foreign Missions
Las Mananitas Project 7794 (Panama)
1445 Boonville Ave.
Springfield, MO 65802
Las Mananitas is just one of fifteen schools. There are other needs. Three additional
schools also need our help before March. But we are learning to look for miracles one at a
time. Lord, help us to live in the light of eternity.
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