Panama Mission Report March 2026
The Panama Missions trip is an experience I’ll never forget! I was signed up to help with dance for the church VBS and of all the stations, dance was the one that was most out of my comfort zone!
I had so much fun along with my sister, Emery, Daphne and her brother Colten, Austin, Camden, Charlotte, Harper, Logan, Payton and Adison. When, not “if” I get to go again, I would sign up to dance again!
The best part of the trip was the people, not just the team who was amazing, but also the Panamanian people. They are so sweet and welcoming. You could tell how happy they were that you were getting to share in their wonderful experience.
Sharing Jesus with the kids there was incredible! When we passed out the Operation Christmas Shoeboxes, all of their faces, even the older kids, lit up!! It was so memorable and fun! I cannot wait to see all of the people again one day. “
~Finley age 14
After much prayer and planning, 30 of us met on February 23, 10 of whom rode the church bus, while the others met at the airport in Orlando to fly to Panama. Having never traveled to Panama, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but never once did I wish to be anywhere else! This was a super trip and God was faithful to go before us.
We arrived in Panama on Monday evening. We were met by a bus which took 14 of us from Panama City airport to Gorgona, near to Coronado Beach, where Pastor Ricky and Ingrid Fernandez’ church is located. The other half of the group stayed in Panama City to minister to the Chinese church. They rejoined our group on Friday. We were taken by bus to a large Panamanian Air B & B. It was spacious and housed all 14 of us. We even had a pool. One thing most of us didn’t have was hot water, but we all adapted well and enjoyed our time very much. We had quite a few children and teens on this trip which proved to be delightful with never a dull moment.
Our group worked in the Vacation Bible School at Pastor Ricky’s church from Tuesday through Friday. Tuesday, we spent the day at the church joining with the church leaders preparing for VBS. We made ourselves available to do whatever we were asked to do. Wow, do they ever decorate! We filled the walls with colorful, intriguing patterns with Scripture and Black light objects that shined up in the dark room! We cut out patterns, glued, and blew up balloons all day, making ready for 250-300 VBS children.
On Wednesday, it was such a joy to see 200-300 kids coming to enroll with big eyes full of joy and anticipation. Several of us worked each day in registration where tables were set up to give each child a nametag to wear daily. It was great fun asking each child their name and age in Spanish!!
By Friday, we had enrolled 377 children daily ages 3-16. The church was not expecting teens and had planned through age 12. What a pleasant surprise and gift from the Lord to have 19 teens the first day—growing to 29 by Friday! Ingrid, the pastor’s wife, was more than thrilled. I told her this may be a part of your youth group! She was thankful and excited. In fact, I was scheduled to teach the English class but the teens needed my decorated room, so as we were instructed, “remain flexible,” we cancelled the English class to make room.
There were six rotations: rally, crafts, Bible Study, choreography, missions and snacks. The enthusiasm was so contagious as the whole place sang and danced for God’s Glory. They were presented with the gospel message and every child received a gift on the last day—200 Christmas Boxes as well as bags of gifts for every child. Since parents typically wait for their children, there also was an adult class for them. I did hear 19 of the parents accepted Jesus to God’s glory.
I would be remiss not to mention the Kitchen! It was small but very organized and full of love. Everyone received a sandwich, fruit, and tea daily. It was quite a feat preparing and delivering for 300+ daily. One amusing experience, Melissa, the kitchen leader had never had a “Peanut Butter and Jelly” sandwich. They set peanut butter out for us however, so we made her a sandwich!! She loved it and the next day came into the kitchen and said, “I’m here for my peanut butter and jelly breakfast!”
All the men in our group began work immediately after arriving on building an addition to the church for Pastor Ricky’s office, I believe. It was quite a challenge, as much digging had to be done with little equipment. Tom led the endeavor and it was amazing how much was accomplished in 3 days!! The foundation was completed and the materials ordered, plus a carpenter hired to complete it. Praise God, it is now completed! We received pictures this week!
The people at the church were so grateful and appreciative that we were there! Little did they realize we were the ones who were blessed! There were so many hugs, kisses and thank you’s as well as a million pictures!!
Saturday evening was special as Pastor Ricky had a chef prepare the largest pan of Paella I’ve ever seen, as well as being delicious. We all gathered at the church and had wonderful fellowship together.
There was a lot of laughter as all the children and teens joined in the VBS festivities. We also took a couple excursions—one to Coronado Beach where the children swam and the sand was black and sparkled. It was quite amazing and such an enjoyable trip.
On Monday, before we left for the airport, we toured the Panama Canal. That also was a great experience.
The humility, joy and love we experienced were over whelming. I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to go and trust the Lord allows me to go again!
~Diane