AWOL in Panamá
July 25 - 31, 2003

Sign-up for more information or to go

 The young people, pastors and laymen of several churches in the country of Panamá have invited the students of our church to share in an innovative outreach that could dramatically impact one of the most historic and beautiful countries in Central America.

You are invited to make a difference in your world during your 2003 spring break: Go AWOL!!  Not “absent without leave” but “A Work of Love!”  We are going to live in the homes of the young people of the churches and do what they do:  school, work, athletics, you name it.  That will help everyone share of God’s plan for every life.

You are invited – actually commissioned by Jesus himself – to be a part of this strategic opportunity.  Cost is not a factor: God will provide!  Language is not a barrier: enthusiasm speaks to the heart of every person, beyond the ability of tongue to communicate!  Your availability is the gift God asks. Our youth will combine with the Panamanian and other Central American youth to sing in the rallies.

There will be meetings from December through June to help us get ready.  You will have your own testimony translated into a bilingual witnessing tract.  Translators will be there to help as well.  We will help you prepare, but God will meet your every need.

Details

u    Cost: about $495.⁰⁰

u    Departure date:  very early morning of Friday, July 25, 2003

u    Return date: evening of Thursday, July 31, 2003

u    All lodging and meals are included

u    Airfare from Dallas

u    No other costs at all, except for passport and souvenirs.

More Information

u    Grant Byrd, FBC McKinney, (972) 542-6480

u    Elisio Rosa, FBC McKinney, (972) 542-0041

u    Jerry Byrd, Office: (972) 569-9006        Home: (972) 562-3078

Important Information

Itinerary

Friday, July 25

We will leave on an early morning flight from Dallas to Panamá City, Panamá, with a connection in Miami.  We will be met and taken by bus to the main church in downtown Panamá City.  On the way, we will stop at the historic Panamá Canal and see huge ships navigate the narrow locks.  At the church, we will meet our host churches and families, and have a service of dedication and consecration for the work of the week. It will be a time of worship and celebration in three languages: English, Spanish, and music!

Saturday, July 26

This morning you will have breakfast with your family and then go with your partner to participate on evangelism assignments.  Lunch is provided.

In the afternoon, we will have a parade!  It is very typical for the Latin culture to have religious parades.  For some of our hosts, it may be the first time they have ever had the opportunity to express their religious convictions so openly.

Tonight there will be a city-wide youth evangelistic rally in Panamá City.  The local young people & other guests will join our worship team.  People will have an opportunity to respond to the gospel.

Sunday, July 27

This morning you will go to your assigned church and share your testimony and lead in the worship service.  Lunch is provided.  In the afternoon, you will again go with your partner on evangelistic assignments and share your faith as you go.

Tonight, there will be services in each participating church.  We will sing, give testimonies and invite people to receive Jesus.

Monday, July 28

This morning you will have breakfast with your family and then participate in special morning projects.  Lunch is provided.

This afternoon, evangelism projects will be planned in each church.

Tonight, there will be services in each participating church.  We will sing, give testimonies and invite people to receive Jesus.

Tuesday, July 29

This morning you will have breakfast with your family and then participate in special morning projects.  Lunch is provided.

This afternoon, evangelism projects will be planned in each church.

Tonight, there will be services in each participating church.  We will sing, give testimonies and invite people to receive Jesus.

Wednesday, July 30

Today, we will have a time for recreation.  Tropical rain forests and beaches may be included on our itinerary.  Our hosts and the youth from other countries will go with us.

We return to Panamá City to share in a final, giant victory celebration this evening.

Thursday, July 31

We fly back to Dallas via Miami (where we clear customs), arriving about 9:30 pm.  Our bus will bring us back to McKinney, with a sense of obedience and joy and accomplishment for what we will see the Lord do this week!

 

Relationship with the SBC International Mission Board

The local churches in Panamá have invited you to come and the missionaries will be please to see you add your witness to theirs.  Travel health insurance is provided by the IMB for all volunteers and the cost is included in the program.  This is a cooperative venture with the IMB and will be assigned a project number.

Costs and payments

Every effort has been made to keep the costs as low as possible. The cost includes preparation, air travel, bus, homes for accommodations and most meals.  We have not secured as many seats to Panamá as we have to Mexico in years past.  Consequently your place is not reserved until a $200 non-refundable deposit has been received by March 20^th.  All payments are non refundable!  The next payment is due by April 20^th of $200.00.  The Final balance of $95.00 is due June 20^th.  After 50 people have paid their deposit, a waiting list will be set up for late signup and a $200 deposit is required to be put on that first-come, first-served waiting list. This mission effort is a tax-deductible donation for tax-purposes.  All checks should be made out to First Baptist Church of McKinney.  For those who also go to Germany, there will be a discounted price.