Background: Explored and settled by the Spanish in the 16th century, Panama broke with Spain in 1821 and joined a union of Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela – named the Republic of Gran Colombia. When the latter dissolved in 1830, Panama remained part of Colombia. With US backing, Panama seceded from Colombia in 1903 and promptly signed a treaty with the US allowing for the construction of a canal and US sovereignty over a strip of land on either side of the structure (the Panama Canal Zone). The Panama Canal was built by the US Army Corps of Engineers. In 1977, an agreement was signed for the complete transfer of the Canal from the US to Panama by the end of the century. Certain portions of the Zone and increasing responsibility over the Canal were turned over in the subsequent decades. With US help, dictator Manuel NORIEGA was deposed in 1989. The entire Panama Canal, the area supporting the Canal, and remaining US military bases were transferred to Panama by the end of 1999. In October 2006, Panamanians approved an ambitious plan (estimated to cost $5.3 billion) to expand the Canal. The project, which began in 2007 and could double the Canal’s capacity, is expected to be completed in 2014-15.

Climate: Tropical maritime; hot, humid, cloudy; prolonged rainy season (May to January), short dry season (January to May)

Population: 3,360,474 (July 2010 est.)

Country comparison to the world: 135

Age Structure:

0-14 years: 29.3% (male 501,950/female 481,750)
15-64 years: 63.9% (male 1,085,435/female 1,061,530)
65 years and over: 6.8% (male 106,934/female 122,875) (2010 est.)

Religions: Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15%

Languages: Spanish (official), English 14%; note – many Panamanians bilingual

From: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/pm.html

Challenges for Prayer:

Major challenges facing Evangelicals:
a) Spiritual unity in vision. Although there has been progress made in recent years, too often local churches are more concerned about larger buildings, denominational loyalty and fame than they are in working together to reach the lost, especially beyond their own local interest.
b) The moral decay which impacts family life. Family conflicts and break-ups are common. Over 72% of births are illegitimate. Domestic violence has become a serious issue because of its increase. Pray that Christians may demonstrate an alternative Biblical model. Pray for the Holy Spirit to convict many of sin and lead them to the Savior.
c) Effective ministry to young people. Many are disillusioned by the traditional church and authority structures. While efforts to minister to teenagers and children have increased, dynamic ministries dedicated to their blessing need to emerge. There is an increasing problem with young people forming gangs and taking drugs.
d) Theological training that encourages holiness of life and spirituality. There are now 25 or more Bible schools (15 AoG with 500 students) and seminaries, as well as four TEE programmes. Pray for more Panamanians to be called into full-time service. Godly, mature leadership is needed to energize the church and combat the widespread activities of cultic groups.

From: http://www.operationworld.org/country/pana/owtext.html

Pastor Federico is located in Loma Cova, Panama. He had been working with Teen Mania’s Global Expeditions as a local pastor contact since 2001, when in 2008 he became our main Global Partner.

With 11 years under his belt as a partner in Panama, Pastor Federico understands how to plug in teens into ministry that will be meaningful and produce long-term results.

Currently, Pastor Federico serves as the Sila (Leader) and Senior Pastor to La Nueva Antioquia Baptist Church in his local Kuna community outside of Panama City and he is a Graduate of Panama’s Baptist Seminary.

 

 

 

 

 

**Note: These are basic phrases in Spanish, but the dialect will vary from region to region. Spanish will be spoken mainly in the city, while Kuna will be the primary language of the people you meet on village trips.

Basic Sayings (5):

Hello
¡Hola!

My name is ________.
Mi nombre es ________.
OR
Me llamo _________.

How are you?
¿Cómo estás?

What is your name?
¿Cuál es tu nombre?

Nice to meet you.
Mucho gusto.

Basic Questions (5):

How old are you?
¿Cuántos años tienes?

Do you go to school?
¿Tu va a la escuela?

Do you speak any English?
Tu hablas Ingles?

How many kids do you have?
¿Cuántos hijos tiene?

How do you say _______ ?
¿Cómo se dice_________?

Ministry Sayings (5):

God hears our prayers
Dios escucha nuestras oraciones

God can do miracles.
Dios puede hacer milagros.

We must put our trust in God.
Tenemos que poner nuestra confianza en Dios.

Jesus loves you.
Jesús te ama.

God bless you.
Dios de bendiga.

Ministry Questions (5):

What do you think about God?
¿Qué piensa usted acerca de Dios?

Can I pray with you?
¿Puedo orar con usted?

Do you know who Jesus Christ is?
¿Sabes quién es Jesucristo?

What do you think?
¿Qué piensa usted?

Would you like to trust Jesus and
have Him be your One, True, God?
¿Te gustaría confiar en Jesús y
Pedirle que sea su único y verdadero Dios?

Testimony Introduction:
I like your country and I am happy here. I have come here _______, because God changed my life and I wanted to share my story with you. Will you please listen to what I have to say?

Me gusta tu país y estoy feliz aquí. He venido a_______, porque Dios cambió mi vida y queríacompartir mi historia con usted. Haga el favor deescuchar lo que tengo que decir?

Gospel Introduction:
God created you and he loves you. He has made it possible for you to know him and to have eternal life. Can I tell you how?

Dios te creó y te ama. Él ha hecho lo posible para que usted lo conozca y que tenga vida eterna.¿Puedo saber cómo?

We have been working in Panama for over a decade and so in the process we’ve collected some stories and videos from past participants.

We hope seeing Panama through their eyes and hearing about it in their words will inspire you to share your faith on a mission trip too!

If you have been on any Panama mission trips with Global Expeditions and would like to share your story or a video, please email geinfo@teenmania.org.

Schedule:
• 11 June –Arrive in Garden Valley, TX and meet your team
• 12-13 June –Train for mission trip to Panama
• 14 June – Depart for texas to Panama
• 15-5July – Minister in panama
• 6 July –Spend the day touring Panama
• 7 July –Depart for home and change the world

Travel:

All participants will be responsible to make their own travel arrangements to the trip’s starting point: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

Once you are accepted for this trip, a representative will work with you to let you know when you are expected to arrive at DFW and suggest options. We have a travel partner that we work with that will allow participants to have their domestic flights added to the cost of their trip, so that they can include that cost in fundraising!  If you are arriving by airline you must book with our partner Skypass Travel.

Once you have registered for your project, the round-trip flight to Panama and all other travel will be secured by Global Expeditions.

The flight itinerary to Panama is password protected for security purposes and only students confirmed on this project will be given the code to view this flight. Click here if you have the code and would like to view this information.

Schedule:
• July 7 – Arrive in Garden Valley, TX and meet your team
• July 8-9 –Train for your mission to Panama
• July 10 – Depart Texas for Panama
• July 11-29 –Minister in Panama
• July 31—Spend the day touring Panama
• Aug 2 –Depart for home and change the world

Travel:

All participants will be responsible to make their own travel arrangements to the trip’s starting point: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

Once you are accepted for this trip, a representative will work with you to let you know when you are expected to arrive at DFW and suggest options. We have a travel partner that we work with that will allow participants to have their domestic flights added to the cost of their trip, so that they can include that cost in fundraising!  If you are arriving by airline you must book with our partner Skypass Travel.

Once you have registered for your project, the round-trip flight to Panama and all other travel will be secured by Global Expeditions.

The flight itinerary to Panama is password protected for security purposes and only students confirmed on this project will be given the code to view this flight. Click here if you have the code and would like to view this information.

Schedule:
• June 11 –Arrive in Garden Valley, TX and meet your team
• June 12-13 –Train for your mission to Panama
• June 14 –Depart Texas for Panama
• June 15- 31 – Minister in Panama
• August 1 –Spend the day touring Panama
• August 2 –Depart for home and change the world

Travel:

All participants will be responsible to make their own travel arrangements to the trip’s starting point: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

Once you are accepted for this trip, a representative will work with you to let you know when you are expected to arrive at DFW and suggest options. We have a travel partner that we work with that will allow participants to have their domestic flights added to the cost of their trip, so that they can include that cost in fundraising!  If you are arriving by airline you must book with our partner Skypass Travel.

Once you have registered for your project, the round-trip flight to Panama and all other travel will be secured by Global Expeditions.

The flight itinerary to Panama is password protected for security purposes and only students confirmed on this project will be given the code to view this flight. Click here if you have the code and would like to view this information.

Schedule:
• July 7 –Arrive in Garden Valley, TX and meet your team
• July 8-9 –Train for your mission to Panama
• July 10 –Depart Texas for Panama
• July 11-19–Minister in Panama
• July 20 –Spend the day touring Panama
• July 21 –Depart for home and change the world

Travel:

All participants will be responsible to make their own travel arrangements to the trip’s starting point: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

Once you are accepted for this trip, a representative will work with you to let you know when you are expected to arrive at DFW and suggest options. We have a travel partner that we work with that will allow participants to have their domestic flights added to the cost of their trip, so that they can include that cost in fundraising!  If you are arriving by airline you must book with our partner Skypass Travel.

Once you have registered for your project, the round-trip flight to Panama and all other travel will be secured by Global Expeditions.

The flight itinerary to Panama is password protected for security purposes and only students confirmed on this project will be given the code to view this flight. Click here if you have the code and would like to view this information.

Required Items
• One carry on (generally a backpack)
• One sleeping bag, pillow, and sheet
• One large duffle bag with wheels (airline regulation says it must be less than 50 lbs.) You must be able to carry it yourself.
• A,B, and C Trips: 1 medium duffle bag for trip to islands (suitcases are not allowed on boats)
• Y Trip: $20 for Hammock to sleep on (yours to keep at the end of the trip)
• A,B,C Trips: $25 for Hammock to sleep on (yours to keep at the end of the trip)
• 1 set of personal camping dishware (1 cup, plate, bowl, knife, spoon, fork etc.)
• Mosquito netting (enough to cover your entire hammock)
• Twine/rope to hang up your mosquito net
• $2 for purchasing calling cards in Panama
• Bible, notebook, and pen
• Nalgene or Wide mouth water bottle
• Mini flashlight and batteries (remember there is no electricity where you are going, you probably will want to use a headlamp so that both hands can be free)
• Money Belt (required)
• Battery operated alarm clock
• Reusable Work Gloves

Clothing
• 5-6 t-shirts
• 2-3 pairs of pants (light weight hiking pants or khakis)
• Jeans are very uncomfortable in village trips
• 2-3 pairs of shorts (must be knee length)
• 1 church outfit (Girls: dress, 3-4 long skirts (in some villages you may have to wear these every day), or dress pants. Boys: khakis and 2-3 collared shirt)
• Pajamas, undergarments, and socks (enough for 8+ days)
• Swimsuit (Girls: One piece – Guys & Girls must wear shirt and shorts to and from the water)
• Light jacket or nice sweatshirt, nothing with stains or holes
• Hat and sunglasses
• Tennis shoes/boots – it can be quite muddy in the villages
• Water shoes or Hiking Sandals for river, ocean, etc to shower (not flip flops, but full cover water sandals for rocky surfaces, etc)
• Flip Flops (for showers in Texas)

Toiletries
• 1-2 towel(s), wet wipes, and washcloth
• Camping/travel toilet paper
• Sunscreen (at least SPF 30)
• Bug Spray (with high % of DEET) – (Including any outdoor citronellas)
• Personal Items, chap stick, vitamins, toothbrush, etc
• Dramamine if you get easily car or sea sick

Food
• Y Trip: 1 plastic jar of Peanut Butter and 1 plastic squeeze bottle of Jelly
• A and B Trip: 2 plastic jars of Peanut Butter and 2 plastic squeeze bottles of Jelly
• C Trip: 4 plastic jars of Peanut Butter and 4 plastic squeeze bottles of Jelly
• Candy, Toys, Prizes to give away to children you meet (must be packed in your bag)
*Due to airline regulations, your PB &J must be packed in your checked baggage.

Optional Miscellaneous Items
• Anti-diarrhea medicine (preferably tablets), Kaopectate or pill equivalent
• 2 packages of anti-bacterial hand wipes and antibacterial hand sanitizer
• Band aids, cold medicine, Aspirin/Tylenol
• Anti-itch Cream
• 1-2 Packages of Rubbermaid disposable Rubber Gloves
• $10 (cash) to purchase a professionally taken project specific photo
• Spending money (suggested $50 US per week)
• Cash is preferred. Small bills are a must (nothing larger than $20 bills)
• Camera
• iPod or MP3 player (free of secular music)
• Books for travel time (free of secular authors)
• Universal Power Adapter suitable for Panama (for use while in Panama City only)
• Raincoat or poncho
• Personal mirror
• Powdered drink mix (Gatorade), candy, gum, granola bars, etc.

Theft is always a possibility when you travel. Please don’t bring anything that you can’t afford to lose. We recommend that you label items with your full name. Make sure that all your luggage meets standard flight/boat/truck check in codes (No more than 50 lbs., not a suitcase) and that it can be easily carried by you!

Important information for A, B, and C trips:
While you travel to the Islands, your luggage will get wet! If you pack your clothes in zip lock bags, or use some sort of plastic or waterproof cover, you can help keep these dry and undamaged. It is also recommended that you wear sunscreen and a hat during travel as you will be under the sun for a long period of time.

A Trip: Ed Giles
Ed Giles is a man of humility and joy; he is devoted to God and lays his life down daily to follow Christ. He graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Health and a minor in Biology. He has completed four internships with the NFL in sports medicine and loves assisting people in their health and athletic abilities. Through missions Ed has impacted many and gone to over 23 countries with Global Expeditions. Ed has a passion for pushing people outside of their comfort zone, mentoring this generation, and for missions. Ed’s care for those around him is contagious and we are sure you will be encouraged by his spirit.

A Trip: Eunice Vielmas
Eunice Velmas is a wonderful woman who has chosen to advance the kingdom by helping others achieve the goals set before them and inspiring them to attend college. She has obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Radio and Journalism. Soon she is planning to graduate with a degree in Fashion Design in order to use the very popular desires for clothing in our culture to benefit the cause of Christ. The Lord has given her eyes to see the good in others and she is dedicated to helping them achieve that! Eunice has served in youth ministry for many years and attended mission trips with Global Expeditions to Costa Rica, Peru, Baja Mexico, and India. She is a devoted woman who sees the need in the mission field and continues to take the gospel to the ends of the earth.

B Trip: Ana and Steven Benitez
Ana and Steven are co-owners of an architectural design company and Ana has also graduated with Accounting, Architectural Design, and Interior Design Degrees. She is currently working in the area of taxation and helping those with small businesses lower their taxes. Ana and Steven have been married for 23 years and they have two adult children who both love missions. Ana has been to Alaska, Costa Rica, Peru, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Guatemala, Argentina, and Kenya with Global Expeditions as a Project Director and has sharpened her leadership throughout the years. Steven joined her as a Project Director in 2009 and they are both cherished members of the Global Expeditions family.

Y Trip: Glenn and Anita Climer
Glenn Climer has been a youth pastor for over 15 years now to varying ages of teens from junior high to college and loves every minute of it. Anita is Glenn’s wife of 22 years and they have four wonderful children who all love advancing the gospel through missions. Glenn has a passion to see our young generation rise up and live lives of honor and discover their God-given purpose and call on their lives. Glenn has been to Mexico, Peru, Washington DC, Costa Rica, and Scotland with Global Expeditions. He is also the President of Ezekiel Ministries which reaches out to teens through extreme sports in central Florida. The Lord has blessed the Climers with a willingness to love this generation of teens and guide them along the way to righteousness!

Anita Climer is a wonderful leader who is filled with compassion and love for those who are hurting. Anita has been to Washington DC and Mexico with Global Expeditions. She has been married to Glenn Climer for 21 years and has stood alongside and supported him on many mission trips while she has been a stay at home mom for their 4 children. Anita loves mentoring young people to see what God can do in their lives and transform them from their past to His glorious future. She has been involved in youth ministry for over 15 years and we are excited to have her serve in this capacity.