We are thrilled to have the opportunity to return to Panama in 2026 and we are now beginning to build our team. Panama is a beautiful country, with even greater beauty in its people. First Church has been deeply connected to Panama and the people there for over 15 years. Our connection is through a United Methodist missionary, Rhett Thompson, who has served in Panama for over 35 years. Rhett has connected us with people in Panama whom we now know by name. It is through these connections that many folks here at First Church have had life-changing experiences in Panama.
These experiences have focused on learning to be present in a community and to listen to its needs. Through this listening, Rhett and our teams who have gone to Panama can work with communities to build homes, an after-school recreation center, dental and medical facilities, teach English as a Second Language, and more. The point of Panama is not to change others through anything we, as Americans, can offer, but to be changed by our experience in Panama, with the hope of bringing life-giving experiences home to Birmingham.
Our hope and vision for the life of First Church is to help make Birmingham a city that reflects the Kingdom of God. One of the things that Rhett has been able to do in Panama is to be proximate to people, listen to them, and, in response, offer help out of his love for God and humanity. That is precisely what we do in Panama. I hope to learn and serve in Panama, and to identify tangible ways for our faith community in downtown Birmingham to do so in our own lives.
Beyond the significant spiritual impact and life-changing experience, Panama is a lot of fun! We take time to enjoy Panama’s beaches, culture, and cuisine. So know that if you make this decision, it will be a lot of fun too.
We look forward to building an outstanding team that can have a life-giving experience in Panama. A $50 deposit is due by January 30, 2026. Click HERE to sign up now.
