Mission EXTREME!

Panama | Debbie Meroff

If sleeping under the stars (and feeding the mosquitos!), cooking on open fires, washing in rivers, canoeing and trekking for miles and maybe meeting up with one or two witches while you’re sharing Jesus with indigenous Indians doesn’t put you off— check out OM Panama’s “Mission Extreme”!

This one or two-month challenge was created by veteran OMer Albin Villarreal for internationals aged 18 to 65 who want to stretch their faith—and experience another world. Participants start with a few days in Panama City, learning about the rainbow of races and religions hosted by this unusual country. Then they travel seven hours west to OM’s base, nestled at the foot of a volcano in the province of Chiriquí. The next weeks’ training equips everyone with a useful “evangelism toolkit” that includes drama, mime, sharing their story and leading others to Christ. And then—the team heads for the hills, to spread the gospel among the indigenous tribes of Panama!

The twice-a-year programme was originally intended to run on its own. However, OM Panama also offers a three-month School of Missions for Latinos, with half of that time devoted to practical evangelism. Leaders quickly recognized that putting Latinos and international young people together for several weeks of adventure could benefit everyone.

That strategy has paid off. Enthused Miriam Currie of Scotland after her summer of ’07 Mission Extreme, “I am so thankful for my team. We were from many very different countries, and even spoke different languages, but we grew close like a real family.” She added: “My eyes were opened to so many things. Whenever we’d do door-to-door (or ‘hut-to-hut’) evangelism we’d be welcomed in and often fed and watered. Although I couldn’t speak or understand any more than basic Spanish, the Holy Spirit still worked through language barriers. We saw many come back to Jesus or come to know Him for the first time.”

Kevin Cook (USA) agreed: “If someone told me two months ago I would experience the things I did on the Mission Extreme course, I would have told them they were crazy!I had always wanted to have a better experience with God, and by the end of the first week, I had received just that. For five weeks we encountered anything and everything the jungles of Panama could throw at us.--Every aspect of being a new missionary in training. I encourage anyone whose call in life is missions, or those of you who would like to experience it in a short-term form to make reservations now! Take it from me, the Lord will not disappoint you!”

Flexibility and willingness to “rough it” is important. Expect to hand wash your clothes, sleep on church floors, and eat a lot of rice and beans (as well as beef or chicken and a wonderful variety of fruits!). It’s helpful to be able to speak at least some basic Spanish; Latin participants must be bi-lingual. For those who have a particular interest in music, drama, sports or medical work it is possible to organize special focus teams. But act fast!--The next Mission Extreme is July 15 to September 15 '08, so applications must be received by May 17th. The course after that will be in February ’09. For more details look at http://www.om.org/item/G623/0037000000 or email Albin Villarreal: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Credit: Debbie Meroff
© 2008 Debbie Meroff