Another area that God is moving through CBC is in Panama. Through the efforts of Libia Gutirez, a CBC pastor in the Southern region, and Scott Kinnick, a door that was opened by Libia has turned into a very promising future for our denomination to do work in this new region. 
Libia had been asked to come there to speak at a women’s conference in Panama. While there, she told them about Covenant Brethren Church and what God is doing in this new denomination and what it stands for. They were interested, and she went back to report to her Regional Elder, Scott, about what she had learned. A return trip was planned, and this time Scott was able to go with Libia and a translator. They met with Pastors Jorge and Norma Cieto, of the Evangelical Church of a New Beginning. The people there were given more details on what CBC is doing, and they got to look at what was already happening in the ministry there. They took a close look at our statement of faith and Brethren doctrine and thought it was good.
Scott meeting with pastors Jeorge and Norma Cieto
An evening worship service was planned with Scott preaching. There were eight churches represented, all with an interest in a future with CBC. The churches there intended this to be an all-night vigil, but at some point, they let our team leave as they had to make plans to visit another church in Panama City the next day. Of the churches present, they expressed that they had been praying for the opportunity to join a group that could give them more guidance and training; they believed this was an answer to prayer. One church has already applied to join CBC, and there is a lot of interest with tremendous opportunities for ministry in this country. Many of the outlying areas have few church options, if any. Many of the areas of the cities are difficult to minister in, but provide a ripe field for harvest. God seems to be opening the door for CBC to fill that need to His Glory.
Submitted by Craig Howard – Publications Committee
