FOCUS ON PANAMA

Photo: A boy who attends a rural school looks at a Bible comic supplied by the Bible Society of Panama. La Bonga, Panama. Photo: UBS / Dag Smemo (PAN03DJ-231.JPG)
A boy who attends a rural school looks at a Bible comic supplied by the Bible Society of Panama. La Bonga, Panama. Photo: UBS / Dag Smemo (PAN03DJ-231.JPG)

The following stories and images were gathered by Dag Smemo of the Norwegian Bible Society, on behalf of the United Bible Societies, during a recent trip to Panama. They give an insight into how the Bible Society of Panama and its partners are seeking to reach those who are on the margins of society and to encourage the growth of spiritual and moral values among young people. As discussed in the lead article in World Report 382 (December 2003), this material can be used for communicating about Bible work to the Women’s World Day of Prayer movement, which has selected Panama as its focus country this year. Guidelines for using the stories and images can be found at the end of this section.



Contents

Panama: a land of diversity and opportunity
Bible-based teaching makes a difference in Panama’s schools
The Bible as a foundation for values in nursery schools: an interview with Gisela de Quiros
The Bible teaches values to students under pressure
Teaching the Bible far out in Panama’s countryside
Sunday School teachers share their passion for the Bible
The Bible offers a fresh start to Panama City’s prostitutes
Former prostitute grows in faith
Women prisoners show great interest in the Bible

Suggestions for using these materials