Nearly 70 children attended the first Vacation Bible School in Carrasquilla, Panama, held 4-9 February. The theme was “Shipwrecked: Rescued by Jesus.”

The idea came months before when the GENESIS team in Panama asked God for a way to reach children and families with the gospel. They came up with the idea of bringing a VBS to a new area.

They worked with the Carrasquilla City Council to make the event possible. The City Council donated piñatas and food for a celebration at the end of the event, and they also provided volunteers to support the activities.

Several youth from the Panama Central District served throughout the event. There were also volunteers from other denominations that represented six different countries — Venezuela, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Japan.

"We thank God for each one of them and for their efforts,” said Keila Molina, a volunteer missionary. “Each day some traveled more than two hours to arrive at the worksite in order to be part of this event. They not only donated time but also their resources for this event to happen. Each of them was the feet and hands of Jesus during this week, and it is our prayer that their lives will continue to be a light and an instrument in the hands of God.”

At the end of the VBS, leaders handed out Samaritan's Purse boxes and shared the story of Christ with the families. As a result of the church’s outreach during this VBS, 23 new children and three new adults attended Sunday School.

--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica