JESUS TO THE STREETS of Panama

Dave Terranova
Aug 3, 2017
3 min read

Its hard to believe that in tomorrow I will be leaving Panama and moving on with what God had called me to. I can't fully explain everything that has happened over the last two months, but the Lord has moved radically in the ministry of Christian Skaters Panama and in my personal life. I am overwhelmed as I reflect on all the answered prayers and miracles that have been going on during my last days in Panama. I also want to thank every person that played a part in this season through your prayers and support. God is SO REAL!!!

We recently had the honor of hosting a missions team from a Church in Bogota, Iglesia El Olivar. A few months back I communicated my fears of transitioning away from Panama to the pastors of this church. Very quickly and through a series of God ordained circumstances this church put together a team to come to Panama and serve our ministry during this season of transition. It took weeks of hard work to prepare for this team and get all the logistics together to host a team of 21. I spent countless hours on the phone, sending emails, and praying and planning with the local team here in Panama. At the time we didn't know what God had coming our way...

I have hosted and been a part of so many mission trips and never have I witnessed a group with such love, wisdom, passion, and heart to serve Jesus. Together we held a skateboarding event to celebrate the 5 year anniversary of our skatepark ministry "Canal Skate". This event was a blessing and by applying our gifts from God like skateboarding and graffiti we were able to hold a skate contest and present our Lord and savior Jesus Christ in a creative way to the skateboarding community. 3 skaters accepted Jesus into their hearts that day and I trust many seeds were planted that will bear fruit in Gods timing. There is a party in heaven when ONE sinner repents, we also celebrate this memorable day.

The team also came to hold a 3 day seminar to equip our local leaders to continue in fruitful and focused ministry. The team encouraged and trained us to be more bold in sharing the Gospel and living a life of evangelism and discipleship. Together with kids as young as 8 years old we went out to the streets of Panama and shared the Gospel with this renewed passion brought from the El olivar team and their unique ministry called Jesus A Las Calles (Jesus to the Streets). We received so much council and wisdom from this team. I have more peace about leaving Panama knowing the local leaders have clarity about how to continue with the calling to share the Gospel and make disciples in the skate community. The Bogota team was so active and truly brought a wave of Spirit led encouragement and inspiration that I believe will lead the ministry in Panama forward. I cannot include all the Lord has done in Panama over the last few months but I can give ALL the Glory to GOD.

Personally I have been CHALLENGED and INSPIRED! I am excited to continue serving Jesus and sharing of His saving Grace. I will be home tomorrow and look forward to catching up with people and sharing more stories of Gods goodness and leading in my life.

Blessings from Panama

DAVE