Panama Mission Trip 2026

Another incredible day!

Yesterday was another incredible day in Panama. Our school outreach team spent the day with approximately 160 elementary aged students at a local school in Panama City, sharing a message of hope and encouragement, leading the kids through a fun craft they may recognize from this year's VBS, and placing Bibles into each student's hands.

One of our favorite discoveries? We started the familiar "6-7!" chant with the students, and they immediately knew exactly what we were doing and enthusiastically joined right in. It gave everyone a good laugh and was a fun reminder that some things really do transcend cultures. Another incredible day of seeing God at work in the hearts of these precious children.

Meanwhile, our work crew tackled projects all across the ministry center, dividing and conquering to make great progress painting dorm rooms and hallways. The never ending de-ashing project continued as Josh, Alexis, and Ashlee jumped in to help, and we're expecting to wrap up this massive undertaking today. We also began painting several outdoor areas, with the Panamanian humidity making the occasional mandatory jump into the pool feel like a reasonable occupational hazard.

Rick and Jeff accompanied Rich on a trip to one of the largest hardware stores known to mankind. They assured us they were just picking up supplies, but considering the store is called Discovery, we suspect there may have been a little exploring involved too. They were gone for a bit. We'll let you decide.

Early this morning, a few team members discovered an unexpected overnight guest who had checked into the center without permission. Thankfully, Angie courageously handled the eviction process like a pro. You'll want to check out today's pictures and videos for the full story. Let's just say our eight legged visitor won't be leaving us a review.

Last night, Alexis trained the team for our first mani/pedi evangelism outreach, which begins today. Josh and Dave graciously accepted being voluntold as practice models. Dave's hands had certainly earned a little TLC after days of ash removal, and we're happy to report his nails have never looked better.

Today we'll finish the de-ashing project, continue both indoor and outdoor painting, and head out for the first of our two days of mani/pedi evangelism. We can't wait to see how God uses simple acts of kindness to open doors for meaningful conversations.

Enjoy today's photos and videos, full of smiles, hard work, a few laughs, one very memorable spider encounter, and plenty of evidence that God is moving here in Panama.

We came to serve, and apparently to break landscaping records

Yesterday was one of those days that left us tired, sweaty, and incredibly grateful. Our team hit the ground running, jumping into their projects with joy, flexibility, and a whole lot of servant hearted enthusiasm.

The landscaping team's assignment was to plant 45 plants around the LARTC campus. We figured it would take most of the day. Ninety minutes later, all 45 were in the ground. With time to spare, they kept serving by weeding around the pool, power washing the courtyard, and giving the sand volleyball court a refresh. Then, after working in the Panama heat, the team agreed there was only one reasonable way to cool off. They jumped in the pool, fully clothed.

The painting crew is making incredible progress and is on pace to wrap up their original project list today. Finishing early just means more time to bless the LARTC with even more completed projects before we head home.

Remember Dave's mission to tackle years of ash hiding in the ceiling tiles? The project turned out to be more extensive than anyone realized, but Dave has handled it like a champ. Josh jumped in to help yesterday, and somewhere between vacuuming ceiling tiles and knocking loose years of ash, the two found their rhythm. With a few more teammates joining today, we're confident they'll finish with excellence.

Some of the sweetest moments happened during our first day of school outreaches. Because these are sponsored schools, many students have very limited resources at home, and for some, the only Bible they regularly access is one they use in the classroom. Yesterday, every student received a Bible to keep as their own. Watching them write their names inside the cover, flip through the pages, and decorate them with stickers was something our team won't soon forget. It wasn't just another book. It was their Bible.

Enjoy a few snapshots from yesterday, from landscaping victories and painting progress to school smiles, dusty ceilings, the fully clothed pool jump, and our Arroz con Pollo lunch that earned two enthusiastic thumbs up.

We made it!

After a very early 5:00 a.m. start at the Indianapolis airport, our team officially made it to Panama City, Panama. Nearly 12 hours later, with a few weather systems and slight flight delays sprinkled in, all 20 of us arrived safely at the Latin America Regional Theological Center (LARTC).

One of the biggest blessings of the day? Despite the travel hiccups, we still sat down to an incredible dinner prepared by the amazing LARTC staff at 6:20 p.m., just 20 minutes behind schedule. We would call that a travel day victory.

After dinner, Rich and Wanda gave us a tour of this incredible ministry center that will be our home base throughout the week. You will see more of the campus in the coming days as our teams begin tackling projects here while also serving throughout the community.

This morning, the center is beginning to stir as our team gathers for breakfast before heading out to our different ministry assignments. The excitement is building, and we can't wait to see what God has in store.

Enjoy a few photos from our travel day. We can't wait to share what God does next.