Why Panamá?

I was recently told about a couple who may have the opportunity to serve here in Panama as missionaries. I thought that I would put in my two cents about why you would want to serve here.
  • First, it is not cold.. meaning you don't have to deal with the snow. You will never lose a car battery because it freezes over and you'll never have to deal with washing the salt off of your car.
  • It is tropical, meaning you get to eat a bunch of weird, but delicious fruit. The plants make you feel like you live in a jungle. That and MAN, you look at some of them and they make you marvel just about the creation of the world and its all for our benefit. (Example: Flower of the Holy Ghost)
  • Every day you will wake up to the sounds of tropical birds (like over 900 different species) that make you think you're inside the Tiki Room at Disneyland.
  • You will find so many friendly animals on the street.
  • Its a 1st world country at 3rd world prices. (Especially in the city)
  • A lot of tourist attractions.
  • You will learn a lot more about the history of the Book of Mormon (Alma 50:34).
  • Rice beyond your belief. 
  • There is a part of Panama where you can see both the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic.
  • The missionaries and staff here are just so friendly.
  • A lot of people speak English and those who don't normally speak Wali Wali which is really hilarious (it's like the difference between Spanish and Portuguese).
  • With your limited free time, you can fall asleep in a hammock drinking coconut milk.
  • They have some killer looking houses.
  • There are so many different tribes here with fascinating cultures. Some even with a belief that Christ came to Panama at one point.

But forget all of that. Forget that its one of the most beautiful places you've ever seen. Forget that you feel like you're on vacation half the time. Forget that currently, in Panamá the church has had the most progress in its entire history. Forget it.  Let's go and remember the scriptures. 

"Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature, destiny, ... eternal identity, and purpose." (The Family Proclamation to the World).  We are unique and we each have a very different type of personality that we grew beforehand. 

"...For behold, I know my sheep, and they are numbered." (3Nephi 18:31).
God knows us individually. and he knows our strengths and weaknesses. He knows us, loves us, and wants the best for us. 

"Even before they were born, they, with many others, received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth in the due time of the Lord to labor in his vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men." (D&C 138:56). Many of us were chosen for our great strengths and weaknesses to be teachers. He called us and preordained us to guide his sheep. As he taught Peter, I don't need you to catch fish, I need you to catch men. 

God could have sent anyone... literally anyone in the world. But he has chosen you for your unique experiences and abilities. He knows that there are people here that your unique abilities could affect. He knows every single person here who is just waiting to hear from you. He could have called anyone, but He Chose You. Don't hesitate to accept your call. I beg you to continue on this divine journey whether it be Panamá or a different part of the world.

 The Lord wants you to be there. Of this, I testify in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Elder Irizarry

Elder Cranney and I on divisions.
I finally got a picture in front of the "Church Party Tabernacle!"

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