PANAMA | Michelle

Hi Y’all, My name is Michelle Kondrich, and welcome to the Charter Oak Church Missions Blog! This past summer marked my fourth trip to Panama, and each time I go, I fall more in love with the work God is doing there. One of my favorite parts of returning year after year is getting to build relationships and partner with the same faithful missionaries serving full-time. It’s such a privilege to step into a community that often doesn’t have direct access to medical care—or even the chance to hear about Jesus—and to be part of bringing both healing and hope. Experiencing God’s kingdom growing in that way is unlike anything else.

Two of my favorite moments from this year’s trip actually came in ways I wasn’t anticipating—both being experiences that I had not had on past trips.

The first was on Sunday when we attended church with the Buenos family. I was invited to lead worship, and it was an unforgettable experience. Now, I lead worship at home often and absolutely love it, but this was different. In Panama, I was standing before people who didn’t know me, who might not have even understood the lyrics of the song I chose—yet God was present, moving, and uniting us through worship.

The second happened twice during the week when we were invited to join the Buenos’ basketball clinic. While we travel as a medical team, the Buenos use sports as their own ministry—what Marinella likes to call “bouncing balls to share the love of Jesus.” As a medical team, we rarely get to see that side of their mission. Witnessing their passion, the countless hours and resources they pour into those children, and the way they make every kid feel loved and chosen was so moving. Seeing the kids’ faces light up when we showed up to cheer them on made it clear that kind of encouragement isn’t always something they receive at home.

God often works through people and experiences we don’t expect. The question is—are you willing to let Him use you in ways that may not be part of your plan, but are always part of His?

Michelle Kondrich, Panama 2025