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Panama Open Team

Project Full
Dates
January 28, 2015 - February 9, 2015
Location
Panama
Participation Fee
$1,325
What's Included

Overview

Maranatha groups have been very busy in western Panama and have constructed churches for many congregations that previously did not have an adequate place to meet for worship. Volunteers on this project will construct block a church for the Las Tablas congregation, outside the city of Changauinola in the province of Bocas del Toro. They will also paint an existing church built by Maranatha in 1996, which is in need of a facelift, and assemble a One-Day Church structure for a small congregation up the coast from Changuinola. Volunteers will also help refurbish the Changuinola School, which was built by Maranatha over 18 years ago. In addition, volunteers will have the opportunity to join in local community outreach projects including medical clinics and children’s ministry.

Scope

Two One-Day Churches

Block walls on one structure

Paint an existing church

Refurbish the Changuinola School

Medical Clinics

Children’s Ministry

Leaders
Merrill Zachary,
Project Coordinator
George Alder,
Construction Superintendent
Jim Kincaid,
Spiritual Coordinator
Dolores Morgan,
Head Cook
George Hill, MD,
Medical Team Coordinator
Itinerary
Wednesday, January 28
Arrival in Panama City
Thursday, January 29
Domestic Flight to Changuinola
Friday, January 30
Orientation and First Work Day
Saturday, January 31
Worship with the local congregations
Sunday, February 1
Work days
Saturday, February 7
Worship with the local congregations
Sunday, February 8
Flight back to Panama City and visit the Panama Canal
Monday, February 9
Departure from Panama City
ARRIVALPlease plan to arrive in Panama City (airport code PTY) in the afternoon or evening of Wednesday, January 28, 2015Please wait for confirmation from Maranatha before purchasing your airfare to ensure there is still space on the project.
DEPARTUREPlease plan to depart from Panama City (PTY) in the morning of Monday, February 9, 2015
Hotel
VIEW ACCOMMODATION DETAILS
Travel Information

Volunteers will purchase their own plane tickets to the capital city of Panama City. The following day, the group will travel together on a chartered flight by Air Panama from Panama City to Changuinola, saving the volunteers a 24 hours bus ride.

Please note that Air Panama has a strict baggage limit. Passengers are allowed one 14-kilo checked bag and one 5-kilo carry-on. Volunteers should pack so they can give all luggage, except an overnight bag, to Maranatha upon arrival in Panama City. A luggage truck will transport their luggage to Changuinola and will meet the Air Panama flight the next day.

Travel Resources

Azumano Travel:
800-454-4099 or by email with Erle at edpenha@azumano.com

Butler Travel:
503-879-5005 or by email with Nathanael at nathan@butlertravel.com

Kayak:
www.kayak.com

When contacting the Azumano or Butler travel agencies, make sure you mention Maranatha for the best fares.

 

Excursions
Panama Canal

Volunteers will have the unique experience of seeing Panamanian and American history when they visit the Panama Canal, which cuts across the Isthmus of Panama. Completed in 1914, the canal enabled cargo ships to take a more direct route from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific, instead of traversing the dangerous waters of Cape Horn. The Panama Canal is considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world. This short excursion includes an overlook of the working canal locks and entrance to the canal museum, which walks visitors through the history of the canal. This excursion is included in your participation fee.

Optional Midweek Excursion - Manatees - $30 (approx)

During the project, volunteers will have the opportunity to travel to the Caribbean for an afternoon excursion with Panamanian wildlife. Volunteers will see monkeys, turtles, and feed manatees in a nearby cove. This excursion is an additional cost, and is not covered by your participation fee. It is approximately $30, and if you would like to join this excursion, please bring cash with you on the project.

Panama Facts & Figures

CAPITAL

Panama City

POPULATION

3,510,045

LANGUAGE

Spanish and Some English

CLIMATE

Tropical, hot and humid. Long rainy season from May to January.

RELIGION

Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15%

CURRENCY

U.S. Dollar

Entry Requirements
  • Passports valid for at least 6 months from date of intended return.
Medical Requirements & Precautions
Contact Us Want to speak with someone at Maranatha directly? Please call our office at 916.774.7700 to speak with a volunteer specialist. Alternatively, you can send us an email.

 

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