In Cerro Cama, Panama, a local church is making a difference by serving with passion and faith. This is a testimony of transformation, unity, and hope in action.
Through the leadership of Pastor José Navarro and the support of the Nazarene Missions Teams (EMN), the Church of the Nazarene in Cerro Cama has brought light and tangible help to hundreds of people, proving that when the church mobilizes, God moves powerfully.
In Cerro Cama, located in Panama’s central district, the Church of the Nazarene is experiencing a move of God that is evident in its service to the community. Under the leadership of Pastor José Navarro, together with local and district volunteers, and with the support of Tammy and Eliezel Soto—coordinators of the Nazarene Missions Teams (NMT) in Panamá—multiple high-impact social initiatives have been carried out.
These initiatives have included Vacation Bible Schools, medical mission teams, support sessions for teenagers and families, hot meal distributions, and support for public schools and families in need. All of these actions have been made possible thanks to the commitment of the local church and the NMT.
It is worth highlighting the valuable participation of the districts that made up the EMN teams and traveled to support this work: the Philadelphia District, Eastern Michigan District, Indiana District, and Western Canada District, during the period from February 2024 to March 2025. Each brought hands, resources, and willing hearts to serve alongside the local church.
In 2024, with the support of the Nazarene Missions Teams, the Church of the Nazarene in Cerro Cama began construction of a new sanctuary, a children’s dining area, and a pastoral apartment on land donated by Pastor José Navarro himself. This infrastructure project aims not only to strengthen the spiritual life of the congregation, but also to offer social assistance and practical support to the community. The construction continues steadily, reflecting the vision of a church that understands its role beyond the temple walls: to be a refuge, a resource, and an active presence in the lives of its people.
Pastor Navarro’s personal testimony is a vital part of this story. Transformed by the power of God as he overcame alcoholism through the ministry of the Church of the Nazarene El Progreso, he now passionately leads the work in Cerro Cama. He not only helped plant the church but also donated the land for this project, showing his full commitment to God’s call.
Eliezel and Tammy Soto highlight the involvement of the local church: “Whenever a mission team arrives, the number of local church participants is equal to or greater than the missionary volunteers. This shows that this project belongs to them as a church, and that the teams have simply come alongside to support them.”
On May 3, with their own resources and willing hearts, the church brought hope to a neighboring community. There, around 100 people received food, gifts, and a message of salvation through the Word of God.
These actions are not isolated events, but the reflection of a living church—committed and aware of its calling. Cerro Cama is not only building a physical temple but also a strong testimony of what God can do when His people choose to serve with faith, generosity, and unity.
Today, the Church of the Nazarene in Cerro Cama reminds us that you don’t need to have much to give everything. All it takes is a willing heart and the certainty that in serving, we are participating in the greatest miracle: transforming lives for the glory of God.
Source: Eliezel and Tammy Soto, Coordinator of Nazarene Missions Teams
