Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Matthew 28:19-20

Our mission philosophy is simple and based on the examples given to us by the Apostle Paul from Acts 13. Paul and Barnabus were set apart and sent out to preach the gospel and start new churches. We have accepted God’s call upon our lives, and the leading of the Holy Spirit the people of Panamá. Based on the Great Commission given us in Matthew 28:19-20 we are teaching the people of Panamá about Jesus, baptizing, and discipling these new Christians in the doctrines of God’s holy word.

We started Iglesia Bautista La Gracia back in May of 2017 renting a store front property in the town of Boquete, Panama. The ministry quickly grew to capacity and we took over renting the entire building within the first year, but in this town there was no other larger locations available to rent, and property is extremely high because this is the coffee growing area and tourist area of the country. 

Also within this first year we were approached by Manna International about starting a feeding center for children. We began praying about this, and started making a few phone call to see what type of support we could raise. Within 3 hours we had all the support needed to open the feeding center! Even the Manna representative was shocked as he’d never seen support come so quickly for a new center. We opened as quickly as possible and soon were feeding over 80 children 3 days a week for lunch after their school day, providing supper for our youth class on Friday nights, and breakfast for our children on Sunday mornings. In addition we put together boxes of food for other families in need as an outreach ministry from La Gracia. This made the church known within the community and soon word spread about our desire to be a blessing to all the people in this area.

With the need for more space we began praying that God would provide us a piece of land to purchase and build a building large enough to accommodate this growing congregation, with classrooms, an area for a children’s feeding center, a room for a computer and homework area for students, and land for activities, and a garden for an outdoor baptistry. The average cost for a square meter of land is around $200. Making an acre of land about $900.000. We knew only God could provide the land needed, and one day as we were driving into town Jackie saw a sign with just a phone number listed on an old rusty gate just inside the town that wasn’t there just a day before. It was a little over an acre in size so we called and found out it belonged to a Catholic charity in another city. They were interested in selling the property. Asking the price and expecting an enormous amount we were shocked when they said they would sell it to us for $162,500. Quickly figuring that out we realized it was only $35 a square meter! Only God could provide this opportunity, and nobody else (realtors included) came across this property before we did. It’s completely visible from the main road coming into the town. We truly believe God has opened this door because of the faithfulness and dedication that Iglesia Bautista La Gracia has in spreading the Gospel to the people here. We have many different ministries, but only one mission! To reach the lost with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to follow the Great Commission!

By the grace of God we have acquired about an acre of land and currently building a 7,000 square foot church building! We’ve increased our sanctuary space to accommodate up to 300 people, including a feeding center, computer/homework lab, kitchen, and classrooms. 

Please be in prayer with us, and for our workers on the project. Materials cost have increased and we are doing everything possible to get the most out of our budget.

Letter Update:

La Gracia Father’s Day Recognition!

This is the 7th year we’ve recognize the fathers of La Gracia! Our first Father’s Day
recognition was in 2018. That photo is including 6 guests visiting from the States. This
year we had 18 fathers in attendance, and there were many others who were not able to
attend that day. Praise God for the growing number of fathers in La Gracia, and the
opportunity to instill the word of God into them. Teaching the importance that God places
on the family, and the responsibility that God has placed on the Fathers to be the godly
examples and leaders of their families.

Annex Expansion Project:

Everything is looking good with the project, and finishing up all the concrete work. We
are waiting for 3 steel beams to complete the steel work that will be the support for the
future second floor. We’ve challenged the La Gracia people to raise $8,000 before we
begin any work on the second floor classroom. The La Gracia family continues to give a
little each week, and we have a little over $1700. Please pray for the project, the steel
beams needed, the safety of the workers, and for the additional offerings to be raised.

Jackie’s Health:

We continue to give thanks for your prayers and for reaching out to us with
concern for Jackie. Jackie has always been careful in the foods she eats, but
recently she was having some digestive problems. She has had some tests done,
and the doctor has confirmed ulcerative colitis. He is also testing for Crones
disease. If you would please continue praying for answers and needed treatments
we would be so grateful.

In the service of the Savior,
Stan & Jackie Sherwood

Prayer Requests:

• The Fathers of La Gracia
• Our three grandchildren
• The La Gracia Leadership team.
• The Annex Construction Project and workers.
• Unspoken request
• Jackie’s health
• Stan’s Uncle Art: treatment and healing of esophageal cancer.
• Children’s Day Celebration July 20 & 21.
• Baby and Child dedications July 28th.
• Baptisms August 4th

Blessings:

• So many new visitors and returning visitors bringing guests to La Gracia.
• Thankful for the work on the Annex project, and for safety for our workers.
• Our children’s Ministry
• Jackie has been able to get some answers for her medical situations.
• Father’s Day recognition and the growing number of fathers in attendance.
• The La Gracia Teachers.

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If you would like to stay updated with the Sherwood family or feel led to give to help them on their journey, you can give your donations to Hickory Ridge Baptist Church. You can also stay connected with the Sherwood family through their website. Click the button below.