A Visit to Panama
Will I visit Panama again? The answer is yes!
Read Time: 2 minutes
In August 2025 I visited Panama with my son, Bro. Caleb, and my dad, Bro. Clive. It was not the first time my Dad had visited Panama. He and my late mom (Sis. Christine) made several trips there. In fact, we heard so much about the country of Panama from them that we had to plan a trip. My first impression of Panama was how similar it is to Guyana, where I was born. The climate is hot, but not humid, and there is plenty of greenery all around.
The first meeting was a joint Bible Class held at the Colon Ecclesia, with members of the Panama City Ecclesia. Colon has fifteen members (six brothers and nine sisters) and there are eight members in Panama City (three brothers and five sisters). Bro. Clive led the class on the Levites, which had to be translated to Spanish. It was very interesting, and there were some good discussions during a nice lunch prepared by the sisters.
On the following Sunday, we attended the Panama City Ecclesia, where I gave the exhortation, being translated by the very capable Bro. David Timm. The fellowship was very nice there and plenty of good food also.
I want to suggest that anyone visiting Panama bring an exhortation or a Bible class with you so you can share it with the members. There is a definite need for speaking brethren, especially in Panama City.
Speakers Needed
I want to suggest that anyone visiting Panama bring an exhortation or a Bible class with you so you can share it with the members. There is a definite need for speaking brethren, especially in Panama City. Panama City only has three brethren, and one of them, Bro. Jose, has a heart condition and unable to attend. We are praying he will be well enough to attend soon. Just recently he was placed in the intensive care unit for treatment after a mild heart attack. The young people there in both ecclesias need a lot of encouragement, and there is work to be done to guide them and give instructions for baptism.
It is very easy to get around in Panama, and not too costly. Taxi fares can be negotiated prior to your ride anywhere. They also have a very efficient Metro railroad system which we rode around a few times. Buses run often, and are very cheap compared to some big cities. The Panama Canal is an amazing place, and well worth visiting. We were able to visit two of the three locks where very large container ships pass through from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, and the other way around. It was a great experience.
The Big Question
Will I visit Panama again? The answer is yes, God willing. I find the place very interesting and beautiful, but the members are very nice, hospitable and friendly. They made us feel very welcome and one of the sisters even took some time off to show us around Colon, for which we are so thankful. May God bless the ecclesias there and all those who labor in this part of Central America.
Tim Drepaul,
Brooklyn Ecclesia, NY