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Editor's Note: Howard Walker, a retired parishioner who is a missionary in Panama receives specifically marked financial donations. Howard and his wife Mariela are on a two year mission in Panama at this time.
Howard writes: This is a country of contrasts in so many ways; unfortunately it is not just to be seen in the variety and beauty of rugged landscapes and ocean beaches but, particularly, it is marked by |  |
| the great divide between rich and poor. It is not only the Kuna or Ngobe Bukle, with whom we are
working, and other indigenous groups who must struggle to survive but also the large, poor white section of the population.
On the other hand, there is great wealth in Panama, but it is not shared between those who have and others who are not so fortunate. In other words there are really, really, poor people here. Without the tropical climate, survival would be impossible. Additionally, the Kuna, and other indigenous who immigrate to the cities, must seek their place in society in an inhospitable, hierarchical, class structure. One of our immediate projects is the construction of a capacitation centre on the island of Achutupu. The concept is an enlargement of my original design for a museum devoted to Kuna history and culture. As its name implies, it will house computer, video, seminar and other facilities for community advancement and healthful lives. At Christmas we distributed gifts to several thousand children on four of the islands. Our big challenge at the moment is to find financial support for our programs; in addition to the centre, we are focusing on AIDS and scholarships for children. The Foundation has been given space in the capital in the office of Dolphin Lodge (Mariela's family's island tourist lodge). It is a great personal reward for me to be associated with such devout Christians; our Panamanian colleagues have no inhibitions about proclaiming their beliefs during our morning bible readings and prayer (we use the Canadian Bible Society Daily Guide). They are also eager students who attend my English language classes from 7AM to 8AM each weekday. We are grateful for your prayers. Thanks to modern technology we can keep in touch with Trinity through the web. Mariela and all the members of Fundacion Uaguitupu join me in this greeting, we pray that the Lord will continue to uplift you in His service.  Mariela and Howard distributing gifts of clothing from friends at Trinity  Sharing the Good News  A church service in the evening |
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