Panama’s cities have areas of high risk for children and young people. Children and young people living in ‘red-light zones’ in Panama’s cities are falling prey to violence and street crime.  With few good role models they fall into delinquency, drug use and promiscuity.

The Bible Society, together with strategic partners, is working to rescue 3,000 children through breakfast clubs, workshops, sports, schooling, mentoring and support.

Maria Isabel Valdés is a partner in the project.  “This Project has been very challenging and dangerous” she says, “we go out in the afternoon and enter in the buildings without knowing if you will find someone with a weapon or any gangs, we are sometimes filled with fear. Actually we do it because we want to break this vicious circle of drugs and violence and we believe we should start from the basis.”

The Bible Society of Panama provides Scripture and resources for the workshops so the young people are able to continue reading and learning when they go home.  The Scripture is vital to the project as the teaching and morality from God’s Word is at the core of attitude change in the young people’s lives.

Enrique Rodriguez, 14 years old:  “My mother sends me to take my brother to these classes while I was waiting, the games called my attention, I not just take my brother, I like to watch movies and also the explanation that Pastor Nestor tells us. Is our responsibility to change our lives or still being the same as walking on the street.”

Please pray for the impact of this important, frontline ministry. God has the power to break strong social holds on children and young people. Pray that good role models, healthy teaching and ongoing support will continue to change lives and impact communities.

In Northern Ireland we, rightly, place great emphasis on the care of our children. Churches, schools and other organisations must give the highest priority to Child Protection policies and measures.

In many South American countries children are at huge risk of physical violence or exploitation. We want to support the Bible Society of Panama as they seek to break the cycle of poverty, drug abuse and despair. Their classes to teach the Gospel of Christ combine the spiritual resources of Scripture publications and films with a soup kitchen to provide physical nourishment.

We ask you to consider if you are in a position to send a gift for this special ministry which will distribute:

1,500 Bibles                                       20,000 Portions for new readers

1,000 New Testaments                 

3,000 Bible-based Pamphlets

 It will touch the lives of children in a special way that only God can bless.

‘How can those who are young keep their way pure? By living according to your word.’

Psalm 119v9 (TNIV)