Last year, over 14,000 people were trained through Langham Preaching workshops (known as seminars). It’s a huge number to get your head around! So let’s focus on just 25 faithful believers in the country of Panama, who were brimming with excitement after attending a 4-day seminar in Panama City last month.
In the UK, Panama is perhaps most famous for its 51-mile-long canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, providing a shipping shortcut. But did you know that Panama comprises more than 1,600 islands, only 50 of which are inhabited?
Not all these islands have a church, and those that do often have a lone unpaid pastor – so Langham Preaching plays a crucial role in equipping such leaders.
‘Openness to learn’
Conducted in Spanish, the ‘Level 1’ workshop in July welcomed participants from six denominations, 12 men and 13 women, with ages ranging from 23 to 60. And they weren’t all pastors: university students and professionals were also represented.
Dionisio Orjuela, regional coordinator for Langham Preaching (Latin America), was particularly encouraged by the participants’ “openness to learn”. He highlighted examples:
“A leader from Bocas del Toro participated for the first time in the workshop and is very excited to take part in a Preaching Club [known as an ‘escualita’].
“And six members of one family who are all involved in pastoral and church ministry attended for the first time.”
Preaching Clubs crucial
Dionisio was joined by five other trainers, including Langham Scholar Jocabed Solano, an indigenous believer from the Gunadule community in Panama. On a Langham Live call in 2022, Jocabed shared prayer requests for Preaching Clubs in Panama.
Preaching Clubs are a vital part of the Langham Preaching programme. Seminar attendees are encouraged to take part in a small group of 8-10 fellow preachers. These groups meet monthly to share fellowship, practice sermons and discuss the preaching training.
As a result of this training in Panama, there are plans to start two new Preaching Clubs. Three Clubs are already up and running, including a virtual Preaching Club in Bocas del Toro province which comprises several islands. Travel between islands in Panama can sometimes be challenging.
Grateful for God-given opportunity
Dionisio said that he and his team are grateful for the opportunity God has given them to serve and work together in this way.
Find out more about the Langham Preaching programme.