Panama | Ruth

I've been going on the Panama mission trip ever since we started with Charter Oak Church. Every year it's so awesome to see the amazing things God does through the medical team and most importantly through evangelism. This year the highlight for me was on our last day of clinic. 

We were at a small school, and I met a young lady "Y" who spoke English very well. She was a college student who went to various schools and taught the children English. Because of the clinic, I think she was just sitting back and observing everything that was going on. We were slowly getting to the last of individuals being seen, and I questioned her about whether she was going to see a provider. She seemed somewhat shocked that she was welcome to take part in the clinic, and she agreed to be seen. 

Afterward "Y" was directed to head to evangelism while her prescription was filled. I was sitting in adult evangelism and welcomed her over to come talk. After a little small talk, I brought up the question as to whether she had faith in God. She confessed that she was Catholic but that she had a strong feeling within her to get to know God more and explore her faith. She said, "I feel like something in me is telling me to learn more about God.” It was confusing for her to see people who professed to love God act in a way that was contrary, and this made her slide back in her faith. I knew God sent her there for a reason. I let her know that the feeling inside of her was the Holy Spirit nudging her. I expressed how God loves her and would love for her to search Him out and know who He truly is. The joy in her face as I talked with her about God and His love was such a precious thing to see. I thank God for allowing me to go to Panama so that I could have a simple conversation with a fellow believer to build her up in the faith.

Ruth Jenkins, Panama 2026