Imagine yourself in an apartment in Panama City, Panama surrounded by people from Panama, India and the United States. You’re enjoying chicken curry and rice and beans. You’re worshiping in English, Hindi, Spanish and Creole. It’s an interesting mix of cultures, but everyone is together for a night of fellowship and praise.
That is exactly what my team found ourselves doing on a Saturday night. For the last 10 days in Panama my team was searching for Unsung Heroes, men and women who are dedicated to serving some of the most impoverished populations in the world ultimately to build the Kingdom. They are people helping those in need, but don’t receive recognition for their work. They don’t have a lot, but they give everything they have to those in need. They spend their lives serving others and giving back to the community. Their love for Jesus is what motivates them. We were looking for Unsung Heroes so that future teams can come alongside them and provide lift to their efforts to further the Kingdom.
It was a hot and sunny day in Panama when Rick and I interviewed the principal at Panama Christian Academy. After our interview, the principle introduced us to another teacher, Gustavo, who works with a migration center in Panama. We interviewed Gustavo and afterwards he tried connecting us with another teacher who works with the Hindu community in Panama, but that teacher was in class. Rick and I decided to wait until he was done teaching to speak with him. When we found him, we explained what we were doing and he was so excited. Before we could ask him about his ministry, he invited the whole team over (all 10 of us) for dinner and a night of fellowship.
Meet Shibu, an Unsung Hero. Shibu is from India and his wife, Lily, is from Panama. They have 3 young adorable children and they currently live in Panama City. Shibu and Lily work with the Indian community who are Hindu. Shibu and Lily’s ministry focuses on forming personal relationships with different Indian families. Once a relationship is established they start talking about Jesus and the Gospel. The families are also invited to Bible study and worship meetings in various homes.
There was a lot of excitement and happiness when our team arrived at Shibu’s house. Some of Lily’s family was there and they welcomed us with open arms. We shared with them what we were doing in Panama City and they spoke about their ministry. We enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Shibu’s family and the chicken curry was amazing! We sang various worship songs in four different languages. Shibu and his wife also told us how they came to know the Lord and how they ended up serving as missionaries through OM (an organization that stops at different ports around the world in order to share the Gospel).
That night was filled with so much love, excitement and encouragement. Shibu and his wife are working very hard to reach the Indian population. Their love for the Lord pours out of them. They are very kind and welcoming. God set up a lot of new connections that day I spent at the Christian academy. He knew our team needed a night of encouragement and fellowship with a local family who is seeking the Lord. Please keep Shibu and his family in your prayers as they continue to reach out to the Indian population.
