“From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!” Psalm 113:3 ESV
The sunset is a reminder to me of God’s beauty and His goodness. It continues every day… a sunrise, a sunset.
These last few months have passed quickly and were filled with both difficult and beautiful moments. However, the same God that makes the sun rise and set, cares for us. God is good. He is faithful. And He alone continues to meet all our needs, every day.
GlobalFingerprints Medical Clinics…
One important focus of the GlobalFingerprints Program is the health of the children. Although healthcare is available here in Panama, the process of simply seeing a doctor for an annual checkup can be a very time-consuming and tedious process. Thanks to our partners at Springs Church, we were able to provide medical checkups for over 200 of our GF kids. Here’s a peek at what that looks like.
STATION 1: Registration
During the week, we had clinics in 5 different locations. Our GF careworkers worked alongside with us to greet the parents and kids and help keep the process running smoothly. They are such a blessing to this ministry!
STATION 2: Vitals and measurements
STATION 3: Anti-Parasite meds
Let’s be honest… this is not a favorite for the kids. However, this year we learned that we could crush the medicine and add it to a bit of fruit punch. This was a win and helped the medicine go down just a bit easier.
STATION 4: Medical Evaluations
As we are approaching our 6th year in GF, we can see improvements in many of the kids. PRAISE THE LORD! There were a lot fewer stomach problems noted; I believe this is due to the distribution of water filters and the periodical parasite treatment. God is good!
STATION 5: Vision Testing
This year we saw several children with vision issues and/or headaches when reading. Thanks to the program, these kids will see an optometrist and receive glasses if needed.
STATION 6: Sponsor Letters and Arts & Crafts
The kids were happy to reach the last station where they each filled in a letter for their sponsors and made a craft to take home. The Springs team even made sure to have a craft for the moms to remind them of God’s truth for their lives.
Two thumbs up.
It was a fantastic week! We were able to identify the medical needs of the kids and will follow up as needed. Also, this year we partnered with Reeves’ school and had the high school students serve as translators for the clinics. It was a great experience for these youth to share Christ.
BIG THANKS to each of you who sponsor a child or sponsor our ministry. You are the reason that we can be here in Panama and serve these kiddos.
God is moving in the hearts of these families. Pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen the local churches and change the lives of people.
While we have had great things happening, we have also experienced great loss. Matt’s sister passed away suddenly during her sleep in January. This was a surreal happening. Isabel was full of life and loved to just laugh and have fun. Please pray for her 2 sons, her daughter and her husband as they continue on without her.
Matt’s family of 4 is now a family of 2 as Matt’s mom died in 2020. Thankfully, Matt was able to fly home and be with his dad for quite a while. Pray that Matt can care well for his dad from afar. Pray for Matt’s dad as he copes with this great loss.
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