Dear Friends,
The Lord is building! Nearly two years ago the idea to build a medical clinic of excellence to serve the poor in Panama began to form. Lord has taught us many things and already has worked wonders.
Over the last two years there have been two mission trips at the site of the future Clinic. In the combined three weeks of these trips there were 108 baptisms, nearly 4,000 patients seen medically, 4,000 pairs of eyeglasses and nearly 800 boxes of clothing distributed. Greater than 5,000 Bibles were delivered, and many who received these had never owned a Bible. Fifty-four families were provided with enough food to last each family for one month. Thousands of children were ministered to and thousands more witnessed the gospel at work. Since these trips began, the Torto church, the closest church to the site of the future clinic, has tripled in size.
The Clinic project has progressed. Four acres of land were donated by the people of the Higueronal community. These people, who by United States standards possess little, donated a $10,000 plot on faith that God would work a great thing at that site. The initial portion of the land was cleared and the foundation to the first building, the church building, was laid. The people of the community look eagerly for construction to begin again. North Americans visiting the area are approached by strangers and asked if they are with the Clinic project and when will construction begin again. The sick long for the improvement of the new clinic.
In the united States the organization of the project took shape. The eldership of the Royal Oak Church of Christ assumed the oversight of the project. The organization was granted status by the IRS as 501(c) (3) tax-exempt. Churches in eight states have heard presentations of the project. A professional feasibility study was performed to guide strategy. Numerous architects in both countries were interviewed regarding design and construction. Cost analysis, timeline and preliminary drawings were completed.
Now, in 2007, we are ready to move forward. We have committed to an architect and builder for the first building, the church building. This building will also be used for multiple functions, including medical clinic functions. The cost estimate to complete this building, including operations, is $450,000. If 150 people gave $3,000 dollars this need is met. Perhaps you can donate this amount, or $500 - any amount that you can give is a help. We can complete the church building or more in 2007 - but we need your help! The church and the people of Panama wait eagerly for what God has prepared. Thousands sick in body and spirit await the working of God through us. The foundation is laid; let us build!
In faith in Christ,
Jason Moore, M.D.
Medical Clinic Director
