Panama is a country of 3.4 million people (UN, 2008), famous for its canal of strategic importance. Its population is a mix mostly made up of mestizos (over 60%), and people of African and Spanish descent (20%). The Amerindians represent a minority.
Lucinio Santos is an Ameridian student. He is one of the student leaders of CEC (the IFES movement in Panama) and tells us about his involvement in the student movement.
'It was 10 a.m. and I was really excited because within the next two hours, we would start the training week for our student leaders in CEC. It was the first time that I was going to take part in the training week. I had great expectations of what God would teach me in that meeting through his word. And God didn't disappoint me. He even exceeded my expectations as he spoke to me through the tracks, the Bible expositions, the times of silence, the times of sharing with other student leaders and staff. One of the things that stood out most for me was: 'Who is God and who I am in him'.
'I remember the first time I arrived in Panama City. I was born in Kuna Yala. I come from an indigenous ethnic group of the country called Kuna. When I arrived in the city, my dream was to study and go to university. I didn't speak Spanish well. I didn't know how to take the bus. I didn't know the city. I felt rather strange there. When I eventually started university, I didn't know that God had a plan for me and that his plan included not only me and my life, but my class mates as well. God used CEC to show me that I am a missionary in my university.
'When I'm reminded of my story, I cannot stop praising God because of his wonderful plans. God didn't just want me to study but he wanted me to be his voice in my university. Even though I didn't know how to lead Bible studies, I didn't know how to lead meetings generally, God called me. I have learned that God equips those he calls. God gave me the opportunity to work with him for the advancement of his kingdom.
'So as I went to the training week for the student leaders of CEC, I was sure that God would teach me and would show me his purpose. He confirmed my calling and he said: 'Lucinio, remember who called you.' I came out challenged by God. So I have used what I heard and learned. Today I dream and pray that many students in my course – I study Physical Education - would come to know the love of God.'
Praise God for Jesus' work in Lucinio's life. Like him, several students have understood their calling and have taken up the mission of sharing Jesus in their university. Please pray that Lucinio and his friends in CEC will be faithful witnesses on their campuses through their words and deeds.