This child lives in the mountains of Panama, and between home and school there is a river.
Most days it is a crossing.
When it rains hard, the river wins, and the walk does not happen. School is missed. The clinic is out of reach. Families wait on the wrong side of the water.
Twenty five dollars a month is what changes that, and not just for one child.
A bridge serves everyone who uses it, for decades.
Keep the card. It was made to be prayed over.
Best Value
Sponsor a Child
25
Every month
Somewhere in the Comarca a child crosses a river to reach school. When the water rises the crossing stops, and so does everything on the other side of it. Less than a dollar a day builds the bridge that ends that.
Valid until canceled
A prayer card with your child's face and name, to keep and to pray over
About Us
Before he built bridges in the jungles of Panama, Joe spent 22 years as a Navy Seabee officer leading crews around the world. This book is what he learned about building teams that keep going long after the leader leaves, and it’s the same way the Ngäbe crews on the Cricamola now build bridges on their own.
Joe will inscribe your copy personally, and your gift goes straight to the next bridge.
The Carpenter’s Crew
How Serving Like Jesus Builds Teams That Outlast You
One Book Bought. One Book Sent.
I Am Gravel: A Story About a Little Rock With a Big Purpose is a children's book written by Noelle Charles, founder of Ember Foundations — born from the bridges we build and the children who inspired them.
A Note from Noelle:
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I wrote this book because of them.
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The children of the Ngäbe-Buglé Comarca in Panama who live along rivers with no safe way to cross. Who watched their villages transform when a bridge appeared. Who reminded me what it means to be gravel — small, rough, and absolutely essential to building something that lasts.
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And for my husband. Who inspires me daily to be obedient to God's calling.
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And for our children, whom I love more than there are stars in the sky.
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Every copy ordered through this page includes a donation to Ember Foundations and sends a piece of this story back to the community where it began.
Build Both Sides
You keep one. Two go to the Comarca.
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Your autographed, inscribed English copy stays with you. Two Spanish editions travel to children living near the bridges we built in Panama's Ngäbe-Buglé Comarca.
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What is included:
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One autographed English book with your personalized inscription
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Two Spanish editions sent to children in the Comarca
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Financial donation to Ember Foundations in your name
Share the Journey
Two for your home. One for theirs.
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Two autographed, inscribed English copies come to you — one to keep, one to give. One Spanish edition is sent to a child in the Ngäbe-Buglé Comarca.
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What is included:
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Two autographed English books with personalized inscriptions
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One Spanish edition sent to a child in the Comarca
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Financial donation to Ember Foundations in your name
FAQ SECTION
How long does shipping take?
Orders ship within 2 to 3 weeks. Inscription orders may take a few additional days.
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Can I include a gift message?
Yes. All inscribed tiers include a message of your choice. Add it in the order notes at checkout.
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Can I order in bulk?
Yes. Churches, schools, and organizations ordering 10 or more copies can contact us for group pricing. Bulk purchases are a meaningful way to send a large number of Spanish editions to the Comarca at once.
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When do Spanish editions reach the Comarca?
Spanish editions ship to Panama each time we visit the Comarca, next trip scheduled for July. We will share photo updates when they arrive.
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Is my purchase tax-deductible?
The donation portion of each order is tax-deductible. You will receive a receipt from Ember Foundations and can deduct the $15 cost per book for items received.