San Carlos, Panama West. From April 30 to May 3, 2026, the Lowell David Campgrounds welcomed 160 participants from 12 districts during Kénosis Panama 2026, a camp organized by Nazarene Youth International (NYI) of the Mesoamerica Central Field of the Church of the Nazarene.
The gathering brought together delegations from Costa Rica, Cuba, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, as well as special guests from Mexico, Belize, and Barbados. For several days, the youth shared times of worship, teaching, training, prayer, and fellowship, strengthening the identity and unity of Nazarene youth in the field.
The name of the camp, “Kénosis,” comes from the Greek term that refers to emptying or divesting oneself. The theme was inspired by Philippians 2:7: “…rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” Based on this emphasis, participants reflected on humility, service, and the willingness to allow God to shape the character of those who follow Him.
The plenary sessions and conferences included the participation of global, regional, and field leaders, including David González, global NYI director; Benjamín Soria, regional NYI coordinator; Danielle Miller, Caribbean Field NYI coordinator; Carlos de la Cruz, Central Field Strategy Coordinator; and Joél Bermúdez, Central Field NYI coordinator.
Other participants include Marlen Soria, Mesoamerica Child Development coordinator, who shared about generational leadership; and Ana Zoila and Wilfredo Marciaga, from NDI and Regional Literature, who addressed the importance of discipleship in youth ministry.
As part of the program, participants received practical workshops on global and local missions, led by Marlen Soria, Elba Duson, Jael Estrada, and Eliezel Soto from Nazarene Missions Teams. In addition, NYI presidents and councils participated in mentoring and planning times alongside regional leaders.
The camp was also a time of spiritual ministry. “I was confronted regarding serving halfway; I understood that we must fully empty ourselves,” shared Ramón Bautista from the Dominican Republic.
Another participant expressed, “I received the fullness of the Holy Spirit; I received a reminder of who I am and where God wants to take me. I could feel His love and mercy; I felt His favor and how He gave me strength.”
Daylin Tejo from Cuba shared her call to ministry was affirmed during the camp. She described the experience as “a time of feeling God’s care and love.”
One of the significant moments of the event was the presentation of the Timothy Award to Gabriela Bustos, former Central Field NYI coordinator. This recognition highlights the work of leaders who have dedicated their lives to modeling the character of Christ, discipling, and guiding Nazarene youth with integrity.
Gabriela Bustos faithfully served NYI for more than 10 years as a district president and field coordinator. Today, she continues to accompany and guide new generations through her pastoral ministry.
Kénosis Panama 2026 concluded with youth and leaders returning to their countries with a renewed vision of service, discipleship, and mission, remembering that following Christ means emptying oneself in order to live according to His example.
Source: Joél Bermúdez, Mesoamerica Central Field NYI coordinator.
