First Church plans to return to Panama in July 2027 and we are beginning the work of building a 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 16 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. Through these connections, many folks here at First Church have had life-changing experiences in Panama. A $50 deposit is due by January 30, 2027.
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 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 Rhett has been able to do in Panama is 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.
One other thing about the trip, beyond the significant spiritual impact and life-changing experience, is that it is a lot of fun! We take time to enjoy Panama’s beaches, culture, and cuisine. So know that if you decide to go, 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. If you have any questions, please email Jonathan@firstchurchbhm.com.
Click HERE to sign up to join the team now.
