Bible Chapel Mission Trip Blog
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The day started with a delicious breakfast, which the kids absolutely loved. One of the best parts of camp is that the kids get to enjoy three full meals a day—something that, for many of them, isn’t always guaranteed at home.
While the kids tidied up their rooms, our team gathered in the office for a presentation from Jon Fowler. He shared their journey—where they’ve been, where they are now, and their vision for the future. It was so encouraging to hear how much God has already provided, and it left the team feeling inspired and excited about what’s ahead.
The rest of the day was packed with fun activities for the kids. The younger girls on our team ran craft time, where the kids got to paint and decorate their own cinch sacks. Honestly, we’re not sure what ended up with more paint—the bags or the girls! The evening gospel show was even better than the day before. You could see the joy on the performers’ faces, and it completely drew the kids in—they were loving every minute of it.
It’s so uplifting to see our team growing closer and supporting each other, even when we’re running on fumes and feeling all the emotions. One of our team members really stepped up when the counselor for his cabin had to leave for a visa appointment. Even with a language barrier, he made sure the kids were cared for and had a great time. Our daily debriefs and devotionals—both in the morning and evening—have become such special times of connection and honesty.
It’s been incredible to see how God is working in every moment—through the laughter, the challenges, and the connections being built—and we can’t wait to see what the rest of the week holds.
Today, the kids arrived! The Panama Word of Life team went into the surrounding areas to bring the kids to camp. The staff and our team lined the walkways to greet and cheer for the kids as they arrived. It was a beautiful thing to see some of the nervousness on their faces transform into smiles as they walked through the spirit tunnel.
The day flew by quickly once the kids arrived. They were assigned counselors and settled into their cabins. After that, the real fun began! The afternoon was spent at the zip line and the pool. I’m not sure who enjoyed it more: the kids or our team! It was so heartwarming to see our young adults playing and bonding with the kids. The slide and the climbing wall were huge hits!
At the end of the day, everyone came together to sing some songs and hear a gospel message. The Word of Life team brought so much energy and excitement that the whole crowd couldn’t help but join in. After the message, the kids were invited to pray and give their hearts to Jesus. The counselors then spent a few minutes with their cabins, answering questions and giving gospel bracelets to the kids who made that decision. It was such a powerful moment to see how many kids chose to follow Jesus.
Tomorrow brings more games, gospel messages, and of course, pool time!
Oh, the joys of traveling in the winter. Our team landed in Panama City on Sunday, but it wasn’t without its challenges. Saturday morning, the first leg of our flight (Pittsburg to Atlanta) was canceled as Delta couldn’t get a flight crew there. Thanks to the persistence of our fearless leader, Brad Bridges, he was able to work with the Delta representative to find a flight for all 13 team members. The catch? The 6 AM flight now took off from Cleveland instead of Atlanta. What the enemy didn’t count on was the grit and the will of this team to get to Panama. The travel fun didn’t stop after we arrived in Atlanta either. The second part of the flight was delayed so we were an hour late landing in Panama City.
Through the generous donations of our friends, church family, and neighbors, we were able to take 26 pieces of luggage filled with donations for the missionaries and the kids. It’s always a challenge when you take that much luggage plus 13 carry-ons, both logistically and getting through Panama customs. Once again, God showed up: only two pieces of luggage were opened but they were allowed through!
Monday brought beautiful weather, good coffee, and a day full of hard work. After starting the day with a delicious breakfast, the team split up to divide and conquer the two tasks we were handed. Half of the team spent the day around the zip line clearing trees and making a path with machetes and a chainsaw. Yes, that team still has all their limbs intact! The other team painted the walls in the dining hall, and what a difference a coat of paint makes!
The kids arrive tomorrow and we could not be more excited! We can’t wait to share the love of Jesus and support the Panama camp team…..a modern-day version of washing feet.
When we showed up to deliver the bunk bed Dan and Dilo built, the family welcomed us with open arms and so much excitement. We carefully unloaded the pieces and got to work assembling it in their home, and you could just feel how much this bed meant to them. It wasn’t just a bed—it was a place where their kids could feel safe and cozy every night. Two of their children were still at school when we arrived, but I could already picture the smiles on their faces when they’d come home and see this surprise waiting for them.
Dan and Dilo had poured so much care into making this bed, and it was more than just wood and screws—it was a symbol of comfort and hope. Seeing the joy in this family’s eyes reminded me of the impact a simple gift can have. It’s amazing how something as basic as a bed can bring so much peace and security. For this family, it’s a reminder that they’re seen, loved, and supported by their community. Moments like this make all the work worth it.
Our team taught a group of high schoolers the Inductive Bible Study Method, helping them to dig deeper into Scripture through three simple steps: Observation, Interpretation, and Application.
We also shared the gospel with the children at Kings Kids Preschool through songs and a puppet show. Seeing the kids’ joy as they heard about God’s love was a heartwarming reminder of how the gospel reaches all ages.
Both experiences affirmed how God’s Word is powerful, timeless, and accessible to every heart.
