February 13 was a day of street protests that got out of hand. Demonstrators closed principal traffic arteries, police used tear gas, and protestors were hurling rocks and rebar off of skyscrapers under construction. 
Visit PanamaGuide.com to see images, video, and play by play of the accounts of yesterday.
The images in the news really put a damper on the image of Panama as a safe country.
February 14 sees the US embassy issuing travel warnings for Americans in panama, schools closed, and people a little on edge.
As of this writing however, the demonstrations continue, but in a calm way, unlike yesterday. No rocks, no fires in the streets, no stone by stone live TV coverage.
The economy lost thousands if not millions of dollars yesterday because of the inability of people to get to work, the concern for personal safety, and the images broadcast on TV of the stone by stone action. A cruise ship with 2000 tourists decided to not disembark yesterday because of the protests.
Life Disrupted
Life was disrupted by some angry demonstrators.
The consensus emerging today is to remind people that demonstrating is a right of the people, but a reminder to do it non-violently. Allow the rest of us to go on with our life. The organizers of yesterday’s events have a big PR problem now.
The typical Panamanian opinion is this: "Go to your corner, chant your slogans and wave your placards, but dang it, allow me to go work since I have to feed my family."
A Call to Prayer
As I watched the events of yesterday, and in my prayers this morning, I felt a brokenness in my heart for this nation. Panama is the hub for which we are called to minister in the Americas. This is the nation we live in by choice. This is where God has called us and He has given us a passion for this culture. We invite you to join us in prayer for this country.
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