Information about this Mission Trip

The goal of this Mission Trip to Panama was to go into four isolated Kuna Indian Villages in the Bayno River Region of Panama and show the movie "The Passion of the Christ." The four villages were Martee, Walla, Nura and Wakuko.

Some have asked about our choice of the movie, "The Passion of the Christ." Our thinking was this. First, there is very little dialog in this movie. For our setting this was good - the movie is spoken in Greek and Aramaic but was shown with Spanish subtitles. From there, the interpreters translated from the Spanish subtitles into the Kuna language. The Kunas understood the movie through the translator.

Secondly, the graphic nature of the movie carries an additional credibility in many of the Central American Countries.

Thirdly, even though there is hint of Maryolatry in the movie, it helped convey a 'credibility' in Panama.

After each showing, we gave a short invitation through and interpreter inviting people to become a Follower of Jesus. The word "Christian" has a broader meaning in Latin America than it does here in America. We wanted to be crystal clear about what we were asking people to commit to.

In each of the villages, there are either existing churches or there are plans already in the works to purchase land and have churches started. It is imperative that each church have a Kuna pastor. These are their churches - not ours. We strive not to make "western baptist churches" in these Kuna Villages. There have now been over 25 churches started in various Kuna Villages and each church has a Kuna pastor.

The movie and our presence serves as an inroad to each village. It helps the church or future church in reaching their village for the Lord.

This is a continuation of the ministries of to Panama of Sam Craig and Sam Parker who have been going to Panama for over 20 years.

If you would like more information, or even a presentation for your church or community, please let me know by emailing me at mbredd@bayshorebc.org.