Everett Team "Takes It To the Next Level" at Mananitas
By Rod and Sherry Boyd

Fourteen men, women and young people from Bethany Christian Assembly ministered recently at the Las Mananitas El Buen Pastor (The Good Shepherd) School. Their “taking it to the next level” was both literal and figurative. Literally, the team started construction on the second story of the new secondary school. Figuratively, the team “connected” with the school. A big plus was the medical team that ministered at Las Mananitas and at another school.

The construction crew, led by team coordinator Fenton Rees focused on laying block during the two weeks. The crew was small, but dedicated. By the end of the two weeks, the team had laid almost 2,500 block… all of which needed to be brought up to the second story floor, along with sand an cement. Our goal was to raise a perimeter wall to window level. As the team laid block, a Panamanian crew worked on placing the columns and trusses for the coming roof. The team saw first hand the importance of completing the work. Torrential rains slowed the team and washed out classrooms below. We’re grateful that progress continues and we expect the roof to be finished within two weeks. In addition to laying block, Senior Pastor Rob Carlson, his wife Lisa, their son Reggie and Reggie’s friend Brian also spent a couple of days painting another new area of first-floor construction.

The medical team, led by Dr. Pat Rees and two nurses, ministered to more than 600 of the kindergarten through 12th grade students at Las Mananitas. They also attended to almost 150 at another LACC school nearby. Their ministry included a medical screening check-up (weight, height, questionnaire, etc.) as well as vision testing. Follow-up was given when problems were discovered. The team opened the clinic to school personnel and church members the final day.

They also visited classrooms to discuss health and nutrition. In the end, Dr. Rees was able to make some very helpful suggestions to school leadership to improve the overall health of the students.

The team also enjoyed touring Panama City, the Panama Canal and visiting a Pacific beach resort on their day off. We were touched as we heard testimonies at the team dinner at our home. We were impressed by the team’s interaction with Panamanians that worked side-by-side. God had fulfilled his purpose for the Bethany team. Many children, youth, parents, teachers and workers received God’s love in action. But members of the team were equally touched by what God is doing in Panama. Different members of the team chose to sponsor a child at Las Mananitas… six in all.

Thank you, Pastor Rob, Lisa, Reggie, Fenton, Dr. Pat, Sandra, Reggie, Lilly Ann, Rick, Kevin, Brenda, Harold, Julene and Bungee (Rick)! You have left your mark and will not soon be forgotten.