Our country is located in the center of the continent, with just over 4 million inhabitants, and a receptive and happy people. However, according to a 2023 UNICEF report, 4 in 10 four-year-old children do not receive pre-school education. This clearly shows the need for more PEPEs in Panama!
We currently have 4 PEPE units, serving 79 children, and each one has stories of life transformation, both for children and their families. But it’s not just the lives of little ones that are transformed; ours too, as we witness how God cares for us as we carry out His work.
At the beginning of the year, we had the opportunity to meet again in person at our 2024 Missionary Educators Meeting. It was a precious time to share about the quality of ministerial life and also training.
Carmen Ligia Andrade, continental coordinator of PEPE America, was with us and led the workshop “Caring for those who care”. She emphasized the importance of taking care of our bodies, eating well, exercising and resting. It also reminded us that each of us is a key player in the success of teamwork, and that our total dependence on God is essential, as He always takes care of us.
During the training period, we all contributed ideas for the development of complementary projects: Preventive and Educational Dentistry Program, Health and Nutrition, Volunteer Day and Child Support Visit.
We took advantage of the opportunity to deliver to each unit the manuals recently published by PEPE International, so that they can continue their personal formation and in their churches. It was a moment of rest and renewal, preparing us to continue sowing seeds of eternal life in the hearts of little ones.
Panama needs more PEPEs. Pray that we can open new units and reach more children in our country, as we want to continue working to fulfill our mission!
In the power of the Spirit, we will complete the mission!
Belén Peñafiel – National Coordinator of PEPE Panama
Text editing: Carmen Ligia
