On July 18th, 2014, El Progreso Church of the Nazarene in Chorrera, Panama Central District, opened the Music Academy “Music Guitars”. This has been a dream at the heart of this church and community for a long time and was possible with the support of a Work and Witness team from Olivet University in Chicago, USA and members of the Mesoamerica Communications team: Yanina Gálvez, coordinator; Edwin Lopez, translations; Evan Mays, designer and Scarlin de la Cruz, collaborator, plus the support of Brother Hiram Galvez missionary in the Regional Office.
Activities began on Sunday Morning where they enjoyed a glorious worship service full of praises, testimonies and the Word of God delivered by the District Superintendent Rev. Carlos de la Cruz. After that the “Music Guitars ” Academy was officially opened.
“The Music Academy is a project for underprivileged children, with the idea of offering a space for children after they return from their regular schools. Instead of being on the streets, they go to church and receive instruction in music and in general arts”; explained the Regional Communications Coordinator, Yanina Gálvez.
The group worked on painting and upgrading of classrooms where classes are taught, they also donated a drum set, a guitar, a flute and an amplifier to the Academy.
Approximately 100 children attended the event from Monday to Wednesday to enjoy a healthy, friendly and educational environment. The Lord transformed the lives of these children. Many of the children’s parents do not attend church.
In addition to the work done in the academy, they worked strongly in evangelism at the “Cinta Costera” (walking seawall) where God worked greatly, 25 people accepted Jesus as their Savior. They also visited the Church of the Nazarene “Playa Chiquita” where they evangelized and shared with the children of the community and school. It was a wonderful time where 20 children opened their hearts to the Lord.
The event ended with a folk celebration from the local church and invited some churches that made a representation of their customs, costumes and culinary arts. Also God spoke powerfully through the preaching of the Regional Director Dr. Luis Carlos Saenz.
The church and the people were very happy and excited to see all that God did during the week. They are waiting to see what He will continue doing through this church and the academy in the community.
Information provided by: Scarlin de la Cruz, a partner in Mesoamerica Communications, Panama.
