March Newsletter 2020

Max Perez
Mar 31, 2020
3 min read

Update about Coronavirus in Panama

For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning. Psalms 30:5

What We’re Up To

Hello friends and family! Let me give you an update from Panama. Our first case of Covid-19 was announced on March 10. The schools closed down the first week and everyone was strongly advised to stay home. The country gradually started shutting down. Last week the airport and boarders were closed and the whole country was put on lock down. However, gas stations, food markets, and clinics are opened. We are only able to go out for an hour a day to buy groceries according to the last number on your ID. Max's number is 6 so he was able to go daily between 6-7 pm for groceries or medical needs. They check your ID at the store and the police check it in the streets. They have been arresting people not complying with the order. As I'm writing this there are 1079 cases with 27 deaths. We are now going into a more strict lock down. Too many people are not staying at home and the cases are increasing too quickly. So as of tomorrow, women are able to get groceries Monday, Wednesday, Friday during their one hour time slot and men can go out Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. No one is allowed out on Sunday. Schools will be closed until June at the earliest. The airport is suppose to re-open on April 22nd.

I can't imagine going through this, or anything, without having hope. It is difficult enough knowing that God is in control and He has a plan. Just being out of the house you can feel the tension and uncertainty. Will there be a food shortage? How am I going to pay for food, rent, lights, etc.? What if I get sick?

We, the Perez/Clark family, are doing well . We are praying for our friends and family in Texas and all over the world. In Panama, there is a campaign, "Quedate en casa!", which means "stay at home!". We encourage you to "Quedate en casa". Enjoy family time. Learn to connect with people outside of your house with technology. Take an online class. There are tons of free classes out there right now.

Verna started working as online teacher for students in China. She is really enjoying teaching. The kids are still homeschooling, no break for them! Max is able to attend meetings and have prayer with the pastors and leaders through Zoom. Our friends in Puerto Gavilana are doing great. We had to stop our weekly trips but we are using the internet to stay connected with them. Instead of us asking about them, they are concerned about us. They are the ones encouraging us now!

Pics.

Please pray for: As missionaries, we want to be ready to

As we stay in our house to use this help. There will be a great need every-

time to seek God more than ever. where. We want to help the pastors,

We have a close friend that has been churches, single moms and widows. If God

infected with the Coronavirus, her name leads you to help financially, you go push

is Nancy the "Donate Now" button It is in te top right

Wisdom to know how to minister to our corner. Thank you again for your prayers

brothers and sisters in Puerto Gavilana and and support.

Urgandi

This is Ray and Yeya. They got married this month. They have a great testimony, which one day we will share it with more detail. We have seen the change they have made in their life. It has not been easy for them. We have also seen God's hand upon them.

Last year they decided to do things right for God's glory. God has given them a new start. They have decided to live for Christ as husband and wife along with their two children. Soul Seekers is blessed to have them as a part of out church plant team. They are such a good help for SSM as a part of our church plant team.