Arrived in Panama City. Focusing on the South of Panama, specifically an area called the Darien Gap. The Darien Gap is one of the most remote jungles in the world and the connecting point between South America and Central America. There are various remote people groups that inhabit the region (Embera, Wounaan, Kuna) all of which live a jungle life resembling Amazonian tribes. It is strange to think that vast remote regions can be in such close proximity to metropolitan cities, but that seems very common here in Latin America. Very different from anywhere else we have traveled.
We are prepping various expeditions and will most likely set in motion our plan and return to undertake these ventures in the near future. May the Lord open doors for the gospel and each and every tribe hear the good news.
Dangers on such a mission, and there always seems to be some, include *FARC rebels, drug-runners, snakes and the standard physical challenges of bush travel. The FARC rebels are the only real concern as the tactics of kidnapping is common. The use of the Darien Gap, as a safe haven, by the FARC is also on the rise as the Colombian Military has put more pressure on the rebels within the last few years. (*The FARC are a rebel group fighting the government of Colombia and are notorious for kidnapping. Highly public events include the most recent rescue of Three American pilots and French-Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt all of which were rescued this year after six years in captivity. Video Below.)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuVtzZL_dfc]
Next missions will also include Colombia and Peru. Please pray for more open doors and Merry Christmas to all.