Project ID: PA0001-65804
LCMS mission work in Panama began with service to military personnel during the Canal Zone era, as early as 1941. The ministry expanded and led to the formation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Panama (IELPA). Together, the LCMS and the IELPA maintain their commitment to Spreading the Gospel, Planting Lutheran Churches, and Showing Mercy, now in five church plants across the country.
An Alliance Missionary from Brazil, Rev. Raphael Voigt, joined Rev. Dr. Arthur and Deaconess Eva Rickman, LCMS missionaries, in Panama in 2021. Rev. Voigt serves as a church planter and revitalizer in Los Andes. Likewise, Rev. Rickman serves in Balboa, where the refurbished sanctuary now warmly welcomes visitors and members from the bustling community. They join a small handful of national pastors. The IELPA continues to identify prospective church workers and provide for pastoral formation through Concordia the Reformer Seminary.
Six 2022 deaconess graduates serve their congregations with outreach activities, teaching women and children and caring for their neighbors through acts of mercy. In addition, Lutheran Hour Ministries assists with outreach efforts in Panama. The harvest truly is plentiful in Panama, with its multitude of classes and nationalities. We thank God for His mercy in raising up faithful Church workers and supporters who provide for their needs.
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Panama Mission
Checks should be made out to Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod or LCMS
Memo Line: PA0001-65804
Mail to:
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Mission Advancement
P.O. Box 66861
St. Louis, MO 63166-6861
FORO Contact:
arthur.rickman@lcms.org
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