Last October was First United Methodist McKinney's 9th mission trip to Panama and our church's first time to take an “official” medical team. To be a medical team requires a lot of advance preparation. Fortunately, our missionaries, David and Cindy Ceballos, were very experienced in preparing medical teams, Dr. Lee, our team’s doctor, had led many Panama medical mission teams, and Ann Spaight, our volunteer coordinator, was diligent in completing the necessary documentation for the country of Panama and purchasing the needed medical supplies. Our team was also very appreciative to all the Sunday school classes and small groups in the church that helped underwrite the additional expenses to be a medical team.
Finally, our team of 12 people made it to the mountains of Panama! The local school in Rio Louis let us use their covered play area for families to gather, provided chairs for a waiting area, tables for intake and supplies, a classroom for the doctor and nurses to meet patients, and another room for a pharmacy. We also set up tables outside to distribute reading glasses, cloth diapers, and children’s clothes, and we set up another area for fun children’s activities. It was amazing how each team member found their place to serve and worked tirelessly all week serving others.
To get to our clinic, many indigenous people had to walk up to four miles one way for a very basic examination and to receive the mainly over-the-counter medical supplies we provided such as vitamins, Tylenol, Benydryl, anti-fungal cream, and pregnancy tests. Team members who spoke Spanish and our local translators were invaluable in helping us communicate, meet needs, and grow in relationship with the indigenous people.
At the end of each day, we would store tables and supplies, load up the van, and wind through the mountains to get back to our lodging. Our hearts were full as as we looked out the van at God’s beautiful creation in the mountains all around us. Arriving back at our lodging, after a good shower and evening meal, we had nightly devotion time where each team member enjoyed telling their story about where they had seen God at work that day.
Upon returning home from such "mountain top experiences," people often ask, why we need to go all the way to another country to help others when we have those in need in our own community? I think anyone who has been on a mission trip will tell you that they come home from a mission trip seeing with "new eyes” the needs in their own backyard.
Not everyone can go on a mission trip, but everyone can support someone who is going on a mission trip. Pray for them. Pray for their mission. Financially support the mission. Invite them to come tell their story to your class or group.
God calls all of us to serve. All of us have something to offer in service to others. We just need to look with "new eyes" for where God is and go there.
Blessings,
Pastor Janet
There will be a Panama Mission Trip Informational Meeting on February 27 at 7pm in the Parlor and via Zoom. Our next mission trip to Panama is October 7-15, 2023. We will be celebrating our 10th anniversary of working under the leadership of Dr. Rev. David & Cindy Ceballos and alongside the indigenous people of Panama. Come hear more about this exciting trip that includes medical, medical support (no experience needed), construction, and working with children. There is a place for everyone! Want to know more? Email Ann Spaight.
