[CBS 뉴스] [미션리포트] 중남미 선교의 전초기지 될 '파나마'

[CBS News] [Mission Report] Panama, a Mission Outpost for Central and South American Missions Mission Report, delivering mission news from around the world, today we head to the Republic of Panama, a Central American country. Among the Central and South American countries, Panama, with its relatively stable socioeconomic status, is a country with great missionary potential. Various missionary efforts are needed, including countering heresy and missions to ethnic minorities. Missionary Tae-gyun Kim reports from Panama. Q. What kind of country is Panama? Panama is known as the Hong Kong of Central and South America and is a hub for banking, economic trade, and logistics. Its capital is Panama City, and it has a population of approximately 4.45 million. Spanish is the official language. After the Spanish conquest of the New World, it was under colonial rule until the 19th century, when the Colombian Independence Movement gained independence along with the state of Colombia. Panama was exploited like a colony by the Colombian government, and occasionally launched separatist movements, most of which were suppressed by force by the Colombian military. Then, starting in the late 19th century, as the United States began expanding its influence in Central and South America, it began to focus on Panama as a key base. When indigenous rulers in the region revolted against the Colombian government, the United States dispatched troops and secured Panama's independence from Colombia in 1903. Since then, the United States has operated the Panama Canal. In 1999, ownership of the Canal was transferred to the Panamanian government, and Panama has enjoyed stable social, political, and economic development. Q. What is the missionary situation in Panama? While accurate statistics are not available, it's estimated that 84% of Panama's population is Catholic and 15% is Protestant. Recently, Protestant churches have been very active, with the largest, Hosanna Church, boasting over 10,000 members, and other churches with 3,000 to 5,000 members. Most churches are concentrated in Panama City and its satellite cities, focusing on urban evangelism. There is a pressing need for missions among the Kuna people living on the Caribbean islands, the Chiriqui Indians in the mountainous region bordering Costa Rica, and the Embera Indians living in the jungle region of Darien, bordering Colombia. However, due to a lack of understanding of missions within the local churches, missions for these people are virtually nonexistent. I work in campus ministry, and I see that many young people on campus don't know the gospel, have no interest in it, and, influenced by Catholic culture, greet others with "gracias adios" and "gloria adios," but live lives completely devoid of God. Consequently, the Indians and young people on campus are largely neglected. Q. What are the challenges of missions in Panama? The door to the gospel is opening in Central and South America. However, in most countries, including Panama, cults like Park Ock-soo's Salvation Sect, the Church of God under Ansan Hong, and Lee Man-hee's Shincheonji Church of Jesus have deeply entrenched themselves in the churches, politics, society, and culture of each country, exerting tremendous influence. Most local pastors in Central and South America are unaware of the cults originating in Korea, so they unconditionally welcome them because of the generous support from Korea. Although it's late, missionaries working in Central and South America are trying to address the cult problem together, but the deep-rooted nature of the issue makes it difficult to respond. Furthermore, prayers are desperately needed for the salvation of 400,000 Indian souls. They are unable to accept the gospel due to a lack of people to share it with. When we come and share the gospel, countless young people respond, and the hearts of students and the people are opened. Therefore, we welcome the gospel, and we appreciate your participation in the harvest, not only among Indian tribes but also through campus ministry. Q. The Importance of Missions in Panama The entirety of Central and South America is a Catholic cultural sphere. While the culture appears Catholic and Christian, the reality is far worse than any non-Christian country, and Latin America is a place where this decline has been so profound. As a result, drugs, violence, and murder are rampant in Central and South America. We need people who can sow the seeds of tears here. Panama is a very stable country economically. The income from the Panama Canal is enormous. Large churches, in particular, have amassed astronomical financial reserves. Furthermore, Spanish is the common language of Central and South America. Therefore, if the Panamanian Christians truly awaken to the importance of missions in Central and South America, I believe the Panamanian church and its members will be able to play a significant role in missions in this still-unevangel...