Renee Brooks (45): Renee is joining the mission to Panama for the first time. She was aware of this mission trip in
Renee Brooks works as a nurse in the clinic
prior years, but was glad that her schedule, working as a Clinical Instructor for Information Systems, would permit her to come this year. One of the first impressions that Renee had of the Ngobe people was their dignity in the midst of their poverty. She said that, even though their living conditions are relatively difficult, they take the time to brush their hair and keep their brilliant clothes clean. Working with this team of missionaries has been also one of the most enjoyable experiences of this trip.
Renee is blessed that she is able to use her nursing skills on the mission field. She says, “Nursing is the gift that I’ve been given and I see this trip as an opportunity to share my gift with others. This is what I feel called to do.” Leaving family behind was difficult, but Renee, a member of Covenant UMC, believes, “this is exactly where I need to be.” She hopes that, through her acts of service, the Ngobe will be able to see the love of God.
Emily Jackson (17): Emily is joining the Panama mission for the first time. She has participated in many mission
Emily and her father, Doug, work in the clinic
experiences in the past through the youth ministry of her church, Covenant UMC. However, this mission trip is special for Emily. Not only does she have the opportunity to hang-out with her dad during the week, but she has the chance for a great experience during the summer prior to leaving for college.
One of the best challenges, according to Emily, is being pushed beyond her normal comfort zones in experiencing a new culture. As an American interacting with the Ngobe, she reflects, “We are so blessed in our society and most don’t know how much we have.” For example, she recalls being very tired one morning during the mission trip, and just about the time she wanted to complain of being tired, she saw a mother who had carried three kids very far in order to reach the clinic. Such a ‘reality check’ has helped Emily see her own life through a fresh, new perspective and be thankful to God for what he has given to us. She encourages other youth who have not been pushed beyond their normal comfort zone and make a difference in the lives of others through such a mission experience.
Bill Lee (76): Bill is joining the Panama mission for the first time. Being retired for 17 years from the responsibilities
Bill works in the pharmacy
of owning his own construction company, Bill enjoys controlling his own schedule during his retirement years. However, he has come to realize, “I’ve always been pretty generous with my money but stingy with my time” when it comes to serving in mission. As a result, Bill came to Panama because, simply, he knew that he could and because he thought he could really make a difference in the lives of the Ngobe people. Bill jokes, “My training as an engineer was perfect training to count pills in the pharmacy” that serves our medical clinic.
Bill has participated in other missions, both locally and internationally, and he believes that the Panama trip would be a great experience for someone who has never been on a mission trip. He says, “Some people my age aren’t interested in a mission trip because they think they’ll need to sleep in a grass hut” but Bill believes that this experience would be a good first-step for those who have never experienced such a mission. Bill, a long-time member of Covenant UMC, notes, “There is a great need here, and even though the Ngobe are a stoic people, you just know that they are appreciative of our work.”
Linda Johnston (49): Linda is joining the Panama mission for the fifth time. Linda returns to Panama, year after
Linda Johnston works as a nurse in the clinic
year, because of her desire to give herself away to God’s service. She says, “Its met a need in my life to witness to other people. It’s important to me to show God’s love.” After coming to this location so many times, she knows many of the needs of the Ngobe people, but she also knows herself better as well. She says, “I feel for confident in verbalizing my faith and less scared to try new things.”
On the field, Linda serves in a variety of roles, helping wherever she is needed. However, her experience as a nurse for the past 27 years has given her helpful skills to work in our medical clinic. Whatever skills that a person might have, medical or otherwise, she encourages others to take the risk of being in mission. Linda, a member of Covenant UMC, notes, “Don’t be scared to step out in faith. There is something for everyone to do.”
Lee Ann Boykin (44): Lee Ann is joining the Panama mission for the first time. As
Sterling and Lee Ann work on the construction crew
Director of Youth Ministries at First UMC in Dothan, Lee Ann has participated in, and led, many mission trips. The reason that missions are so important to Lee Ann is her conviction that following Jesus means more than sitting in a pew. Rather, she said, “It means going to the world. This is what we are supposed to do.”
Lee Ann is married to Sterling Boykin, Associate Pastor at First UMC, who also is joining us on the Panama mission. Together, they have two children. Of all the wonderful things that Lee Ann could say about her experience in Panama, her only wish is that her daughter would have been able to join them. Lee Ann participated in the construction crew, helping to paint and lay a foundation for a new addition to the clinic.
