When a team immediately following H&H but in another field that would have nearly doubled my time away from home didn't materialize, I gladly volunteered to stay on in Panama and support what was rumored to be a sizable FORO. While it wound up being fairly manageable - five volunteers from the week prior plus Kris, the Mission Board chair from my home congregation in St. Louis - it was a chance to beta test some of the processes I've helped implement in the DR elsewhere, bringing standardization to the LAC FORO experience region-wide.
An "introvert day" of barely leaving my hotel room on Friday rejuvenated me to kick off the weekend with a Lebanese feast that evening.
Saturday's long day of presentations began with Matins in the sanctuary.
I took minutes from my seat on the corner of the "L" on the right of the photo.
Deaconess Marina deftly did simultaneous translation nearly all day.
The youngest member of the FORO was Pastor Alejandro López's infant son, Facundo.
Deaconess Griselda (who did triple duty representing Iglesia Luterana Dios es Grande, MOST Ministries, and LeadaChild) & I.
Deaconess - and Bible study buddy - Eva Rickman & I.
We went back (I'd taken the H&H team Sunday) to a staple restaurant on the Causeway for dinner that evening. You can't tell in this photo of Panama's two missionary pastors & I that the wind off the water was blowing right in our faces or that we could barely hear ourselves think for the live music just outside the frame to the right.
Sunday saw the group worship at the newly refurbished Iglesia Luterana Castillo Fuerte.
Rev. Raphael Voigt dedicated the altar, pulpit, and sanctuary to the glory of God at the outset of the service, which also featured four Baptisms.
The congregation provided a festive lunch of arroz con pollo, coleslaw, and cake.
Most of the FORO guests Ubered to the airport straight from church, leaving Kris as the lone US partner. The Rickmans made plans to pick us up for dinner; at my suggestion, we spent my last of 10 nights in Panama at a place in Casco Viejo with a lovely back patio.
Thanks be to God for how He is using His Church to sustain the work of Spreading the Gospel, Planting Lutheran Churches, and Showing Mercy in Panama. I am eager to see how ministry morphs in the coming months and years as the team grows, new opportunities arise, and relationships deepen. Contact the
Rev. Dr. Arthur Rickman if you, your congregation or organization, your district, or otherwise would like to be a part of what's on the horizon.
Until next time, blessings in Christ!
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