The Panama Canal has earned the country of Panama the nickname “crossroads of the world,” and for good reason. At the mouth of the canal sits its capital, Panama City. Packed with high-rise buildings and one-third of Panama’s population, it is a center of international commerce as well as the seat of government. Many languages are spoken here. The city’s relative stability and prosperity also make it an attractive destination for those who have lost hope for such things in their nearby home countries, most notably Venezuela.

In this place of both plenty and want, God has used the MTW team to plant Iglesia Comunidad de Cristo (Christ Community Church). Fueled by their desire to be an international church that impacts its community with the gospel, the church is reaching out with basic acts of mercy like rent and food assistance. People are drawn in by this visible witness and by the life-giving message of the gospel of grace. As the church grows, the team is also preparing future church planters. God is growing His church here in this international city of great opportunity.