Dear Brethren,

It was a blessing for Emily to be able to be part of GDMMissions field ministry team in Panama.  Emily enjoyed ministering with the team, and she proved to be a very valuable asset.  We are looking forward to future trips when finances will allow Emily to participate in more trips. Emily has written an account of our ministry in Panama below.

As a first time team member on the recent trip to Panama, I was tremendously blessed by the Lord’s Word, work, and workers.  When we read updates, or see pictures, or hear stories after a GDMMissions trip, we are always encouraged and excited, but to experience a trip first hand was even better.  Traveling with the team was like spending the day with good friends.  We met up with Steve Diem at the airport in Panama City.  Bryan and Jack helped us all through customs and then we met the missionaries Mark and Carol Mavar.

Sunday was the next day and most of us were able to share our testimonies with the help of the missionaries translating for us.  Then the clinic started Monday morning.  We began each day with team devotions and prayer.  We were strengthened and bolstered for the day ahead. Church ladies sat out in front of the church doors registering patients.  This provided the Dentists with the general needs of the patients and gave the missionaries contact information for future outreach possibilities.  Steve and Mark shared the gospel with all who were in the sanctuary waiting their turn.  Carol helped in translation between patient and dentist in Dr. Jack’s room, while Hope translated between dentist and assistant in Dr. Vicky’s room.  Dr. Jack took care of cleanings and fillings while, Dr. Vicky handled the extractions. I assisted Dr. Vicky handing her instruments and helping with the extractions.  This was difficult at first since Dr. Vicky didn’t speak any English and I didn’t speak any Spanish, but we were working pretty smoothly by the end of the week.   Bryan was the clinic “bouncer.”  He ushered the patients in, and kept track of whose turn it was.  Cuppy was very busy sterilizing the instruments non-stop, with a couple opportunities to share her testimony in the waiting room. 

It was amazing to witness the physical care shown to each patient and how that care softened their hearts to the ones giving the Gospel.  I’m sure they had never before had such kind dentists take the time to listen to their complaints, and then explain how to better care for their teeth and souls. 

On Wednesday night it was exciting to see some patients come back for prayer meeting.  Those of us who hadn’t been able to speak on Sunday got an opportunity to share on Wednesday.  Each new day the numbers of patients increased.  Friday was the hardest day because we had to turn people away and tell them that we could not treat them.  Despite the sympathy we felt towards those who didn’t get treated, we rested in joyful peace knowing that a contact was made for the work of the glorious gospel.    The most important part of these trips is the evangelism, so we took comfort in that.  I am so thankful that I was able to go on this trip.  It was an great blessing to me. 

Thank you for your faithful prayers and support.

In His Grace,
Bryan & Emily Bell