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Greetings Friends and Supporters of Cleft Of the Rock Ministries, It seems almost impossible that another year has passed. We were sidelined for a few months this past year for medical attention in the States. However, we never really felt removed from the ministry as the Children’s Feeding Programs and other project considerations continued to move forward even in our physical absence. We are eternally grateful for your continued support through all of these events! Reflecting on the ongoing activities- we can tell you that the community of Suzama in the Oma District of San Felix reports that since we put the water well in operation the people are not getting sick anymore! PTL!!
In llano Tugri we are re-evaluating how we can be more effective in our Children’s Feeding & Education Program. Armando Dixson-FICADEN (Ngobe organization)states that there 35 more children that would like to be registered for the afterschool program, but they would like to have the new Education Center built first.
In Chorcha Community we have the water tank in place and water in the tank and the local Ministry of Health is maintaining the quality of the water. We recently met with the President of FICADEN to implement a plan of action for the Adult Education Program whereby those adults who sign up will be able to learn to read and write. They want to be able to write their names instead of using their thumbprint. Many of the adults had not attended school because some parents didn’t see education as necessary or, because of just everyday survival and long distances to attend the nearest school. This presents a real challenge as it will involve having a Ngabe Teacher work with them in very basic education and making certain that progress is achieved in each one enrolled. Our other project in Chorcha will be that of “latrines”. There is a great need there for this as the people living there only have had the bushes and nearby designated places where they can relieve themselves; whereas we have the luxury of a bathroom/restroom ! We have a couple of churches that have committed to helping us get a minimum number of latrines to some of the homes. It will probably be in the physical form of a bamboo structure over a 4’x6’ area on a small cement slab with a “stem” (crude cement type toilet) set over a pit with a bit of bamboo privacy. Each family that receives a “stem” will be responsible for digging the pit and the cement floor. We anticipate that this will be a community effort in getting these latrines and structures in place. A very rough sketch follows…
Our latest project is assisting a local Pastor Marco Delgado in rebuilding his church (Church Of The Eternal God) in El Salto. This area is close in relationship to where we live -only about a 30 minute drive, depending on road conditions. We have visited there on several occasions. This month, December, marks a lot of activities. December 8th is Mother’s Day here in Panama and Jane is readying some “Blanket Blessings” to take up there on the 9th. We also will be giving out underwear/socks to the children and t-shirts for the teenagers- they have close to 90 all together plus 60 adults. Later on December 23rd we will participate in a Christmas Celebration there also which includes community- and the numbers increase for that day!
Should you decide to make a year end contribution please do so with a postmarked date no later than December 31st. It is our sincerest desire that you and your families will experience the Joy of this Christmas Season now and through the New Year 2019! Sam & Jane Ruth
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