It seems like the Olympics ended ages ago, but we’d still like to report that the little country of Panamá sent 8 athletes to compete in the summer Olympics in Paris. And, more importantly, returned with the country’s fourth ever medal: silver won by Atheyna Bylon in women’s middleweight boxing. The Olympic athletes were honored by recently inaugurated José Raúl President Mulino.

Our Sunday afternoon Bible Club at the orphanage continues strong. For ice-breaker openers, we often play games, like the one shown here: “Island or Sea” where kids have to jump quickly behind the leader representing the word called out, or they’re eliminated.

A couple weeks ago several of the youths showed up in fancier clothes than the normal shorts, t-shirts and flip-flops. They told Yvonne they wanted to dress up because this was their “church.” That appreciative attitude is reflected in the increased spiritual fervor we’ve seen during worship in recent weeks.

Related to the orphanage ministry, after multiple interviews, paperwork and several months of waiting, we finally received authorization from Child Protective Services (SENNIAF) to officially mentor two youth boys who are twins. We get to take them off campus, which was not allowed for past few years. While enjoying lunch together at a fast food restaurant, we’ve begun working through a youth edition of A Purpose Driven Life, en Español of course.

While the approval process was arduous and annoying (if I’m being completely honest), we are hoping and believing it will pave the way for many more mentors to be able to share the love of Jesus with these precious kids from hard places. Please pray with us to this end.

We’d like to briefly mention the recent Missions Conference weekend at Panama International Church. Yvonne organized a Fine Arts Drama skit looking at various segments of the world population using different communion elements. Kirk helped serve with Epic Kids, with the theme of our Royal Identity in Christ, hence the crown and castle!

In our previous edition e-Mailer we rejoiced being able to share with you the video report of the inaugural Fine Arts Festivals in Panamá! If you missed it, the video provides a good overview of the various categories along with the amazing gifts and talents of the children who participated. The theme for 2024 is “Full of the Holy Spirit” from Exodus 31:3.

Since then we have held additional festivals for 7 more districts along with AD Kids’ Luis Mendoza and national team. Though we felt the need to change the name from “festival” to Talentos AD Kids (AG Kids Talents) when we realized that here in Panamá “festival” conjures up a different idea from our intent. People kept asking us, “so will there be clowns and a bounce house and hot dogs?” Nooo, it’s not that kind of festival…

It would be impossible to provide a fair representation of each district event, so allow us to give you a snapshot from the “AD Kids Talents” event at the Church Cristo Victoria Da (Jesus Gives Victory) in Colón:

After sharing the motivation and inspiration for her artwork, Tayshell listens while the mentor encourages her, and all children present, to continue developing their gifts and talents to minister.

After all the presentations are finished, each child receives his or her certificate of participation along with evaluation sheets. Then comes what we consider one of the most important moments—spending time ministering in prayer over every one who participated. Our host church Pastor Carlos Rosales leads in prayer.

All of our Talentos AD Kids (AG Kids Talents) events end with the celebratory large group photo. As you look at their faces, please pray for these kids, plus the hundreds more from the other 6 districts, that God will develop their gifts and talents in ministry in order to become ministers “Full of the Holy Spirit” to their generation!

… we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done….

…so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children.

I feel like I repeat myself saying the same thing here in every newsletter, but it’s true: your faithful prayers and generous financial support make these ministry reports possible. We thank you for it! And we pray for one of you each day, that God will bless you in return!