FOCUS Youth Conference, Panama City, July 2012

Hello,

David getting ready to translate for workshops.

I just wanted to share a few photos and some basic info about what David and Joshua have been doing for the last week.  They left last Tuesday for Panama City.  David translated for workshops for the FOCUS event and Joshua helped with the Central Church team from Lenexa, KS. 

The FOCUS conference is the first of its kind since it is first youth conference held for the new Mesoamerica Region.  There are 30 countries on the Region now, and the majority were in attendance (which is an amazing feat when you consider all the visa regulations, border crossings, expenses and long travel days required to arrive.)  More than 600 people attended the conference which lasted for 5 days. Translation was necessary with English, Spanish and even some French speakers on site.

There were many highlights, but one special moment was when the 5 youth from Cuba finally arrived in time for the end of the Thursday night service.  It is a total miracle that at the last moment they were given visas to leave Cuba for this event.  When it was announced that they had arrived, they stood, and the cheering lasted for quite some time!  An amazing moment to be a part of - even if by streaming!

David in one of the many workshops.

Joshua (in blue Tshirt) at La Pesa construction site.

The Central Team, among others, with Joshua in the background, probably helping the team to order from the menu.

Shelley and Kayley stayed at home, but were able to watch much of the event through live streaming.  It was fun to see Joshua and David there in Panama. 

Joshua is working with Stephen Sickel, the W&W Coordinator, to assist in leading the Central Team.  They are working in La Pesa, a community where there is a Church of the Nazarene, a preschool and a Child Development Center.  Shelley has been there since she worked with this Child Development Center in her previous work for Compassionate Ministries.  On the service day for FOCUS, a group from the event went to La Pesa and helped for the day.  Great experiences for all!

The Webb boys will return to Costa Rica on Saturday, after they finish up their work with the Central team at La Pesa.  Stephen Sickel will return home soon to be here in time for the birth of their baby boy!  YEAH!

Joshua leaves on August 3rd for the USA, first for the MK Retreat in Oklahoma City, then a couple of weeks touring on deputation and then to Ohio and MVNU for this move in day on the 31st of August.  What a whirlwind!  
 

Also, a quick update on the Las Marias church construction.  Here is the most recent photo I have from the site, but I know that two local churches are planning a trip in the next week or two to try to complete the work.  The team from Kansas City did a great job and completed the vast majority of the new parsonage for a well-deserving Pastor Franklin and his family.  Thanks!!!

Thanks for keeping up with the blog and for all your prayers and support.  We hope to see you soon!
The Webb Family