New graduate and recipient of a New Testament in Panama. Photo by Chris Leaman.

The first thing that strikes you is the laughter — it's contagious as each child holds for herself, a first, personal New Testament. It is not the sound you expect, given the lives too many of these children have experienced — abandoned by parents, forced into drug trafficking and even prostitution.

But through the larger programs of outreach and compassion, partnering with Operation Christmas Child and the Bible Society of Panama, these are lives being changed. As ABS International Ministries Manager, Jacqueline Nasreddine reported as she helped 250 children receive their first New Testaments, “the graduation ceremony was like a night at the Oscars and all were movie stars and winners. The eagerness to have their pictures taken, new diplomas and New Testaments in hand, was contagious, and I rejoiced with all of them.”

Pray for these children as the promises of the Scriptures find a new home in Panama — “those who wept as they went out carrying the seed will come back singing for joy.” Psalm 126.6 (GNT).