Panama – Thirty tribal church leaders across Panama gathered for the annual Shepherd’s Conference, overcoming their cultural and lingual differences. The leaders represented churches from the Embera, Buglere, Guaymi and Kuna tribes.
"We are excited to see this glimpse of glory as we all look forward to that day when believers from every tribe and nation will gather from around the world and worship together before the throne of the Lamb that was slain,” said attendants Terry and Lori Hyde.
According to the Hydes, missionaries from New Tribe Missions, the most surprising aspect of the gathering was the strong imitative undertaken by the indigenous church,
"It's good to see the indigenous church wanting to take the responsibility for the conference,” said Terry. “We would like it to be something they do for themselves, not something the missionaries do for them."
Throughout the conference, the leaders shared devotionals, church reports and messages with one another.
"One of the most valuable things is the time they spend talking and fellowshipping together. ...” Terry said. “Hearing them pray together is a thrill,"
