Suggestions for using these articles

These articles provide background information and human interest stories about Panama. They could be used to demonstrate your Bible Society’s prayerful concern for and commitment to the people of Panama, illustrating:

• What life is like in Panama (for example in the poorer areas of Panama City, illustrated in the story about students under pressure).
  
  
• The opportunity of making the Bible the foundation of moral teaching in Panama (for example, the authorities’ commitment to the teaching of moral values, and the Bible’s place in this highlighted by Gisela de Quiros). The Bible Society has played a very active role in this (see the Society’s annual report for 2002 and its World Service Program projects for 2003. The Society is seeking further funding to continue this work in 2004).
  
  
• How the Bible is having an impact on the lives of individuals in Panama (for example the stories about prisoners and prostitutes).
  
  
• The challenges of Bible work in Panama (walking long distances to scattered communities linked by almost impassable roads mentioned by Catalina Rodriguez) and the commitment of those who do this (a modern-day Mary Jones?).
  
  
• Some of the needs for further Scripture distribution – “We need more Bibles,” says Professor de Chan, “and we also need a simple leaflet to hand out the first time we get in touch with someone.” “We haven’t got any Bibles at school,” says Catalina Rodriguez.
  
  Each of these could be made into a specific focus of prayer for the Women’s World Day of Prayer in your country. The underlying situation illustrated in these stories is also true of the neighbouring countries of Central America, and they could also be used in seeking support for Bible work there (thereby broadening the opportunities to seek prayer and support for World Service Program Bible projects).