Howard & Mariela

Newsletter Archive - 2006
Newsletter Archive - 2007
Newsletter Archive - 2008

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.

Panama Update - July 2008

Thanksgiving greetings to all of our friends and supporters at Trinity. Regarding our mission work on the island of Kuna Yala, the evangelical churches continue to grow in the Kuna islands despite obstacles. However, there are many problems relating to drugs, HIV, AIDS, alcohol etc. especially among the youth. Parental concern is sadly lacking, aging grandparents are left to cope with much of the burden. Civic leadership and control is not exerted. The church we support on Achutupu has attracted a large number, too many to suit some of the community and chiefs who, ironically, contend that Christianity is destroying their culture, (400 children in Sunday school). They have limited the church services to two days a week.

To counter this, Mariela’s family’s eco-tourist lodges hold regular, staff bible study, praise and worship; usually 20 -30 attending. These men and women are parents, or of marriage age, our prayer is that they will build their lives on Jesus and that they will be disciples bringing their children and others to His Way. Mariela has been sharing the Gospel with them each day this past week, hearing moving testimony as the Holy Spirit leads to confession and repentance. There is a great thirst for God’s love and to hear about salvation.

This year, we had several U.S. volunteers teaching English at the school (escuela Iguanaisy) in Achutupu, also two business administrators who gave seminars on money management - very important now that the barter economy (coconuts for goods) is being replaced with dollar exchange. Thanks to a dedicated volunteer from the faculty at Stanford Univ. we had an English –teaching summer school, very well attended by many eager students. She was not daunted by the rain dripping through the many holes in the roof, frequent requests for repairs having been long ignored by the ministry of education in Panama.
   

A fish co-op so that local fisherman can receive a good price for their catch		The local church is thriving

We are preparing to give Christmas gifts to the children of all employees, somewhat along the lines of Samaritan’s purse, and with emphasis on the Good News of His birth. We are looking forward to having the Old Testament in Kuna soon, to add to the New Testament Kuna translation. The fishing co-op is producing results, helping the members families to feed themselves and make a small profit. Also bringing them an awareness of the source of this blessing and our Lord’s provision for His people. This is indeed a time for all of us to give thanks to God and reflect on His great goodness and mercy. Blessings to everyone at Trinity.

-- Mariela and Howard Walker

The local school receives scholl supplies