by Glenda Williams, (BNc) correspondent
MONTGOMERY, Ala (BNC) — The 30-year anniversary of Panama Missions banquet was held Saturday, April 12, at the University Church of Christ, Montgomery, AL. The four-hour affair was attended by approximately 160 people who came from as far away as Maryland, Colorado, Mississippi, and other surrounding states. Displays, videos, updates, an auction and a delicious meal were enjoyed by all present.
The highlight of the evening was 15-year-old Yati Chami, a Embera Indian, who took the microphone and told her life story with a Spanish interpreter. Yati was lovely in her native dress. Raised in a hut, and being very poor, Yati has been known by the Brady family all her life. She expressed a desire to come to the U.S. to study, and better her life, with the goal of returning and helping her people. Larry and Betsy Brady are helping her reach that goal. They brought Yati to live in their home in Hope Hull, Alabama. She will be a ninth grader in the fall at Prattville Christian Academy. Her goal is to become a registered nurse.
Larry Brady began the Panama Missions work in 1984 when he flew into Howard Air Force Base Panama for what he expected to be a routine two-week tour. Brady, who some called “Mr. Panama Missions,” said he never considered this as his private ministry, even though he began “solo,” responding to an invitation to come back to Panama to preach for and encourage the English speaking Balboa Church of Christ. He took the leap of faith and began using his personal time to return to Panama. Many doors have opened for Larry Brady to go through and extend help to the needy people of Panama. Brady and a team return to Panama regularly. Medical/dental, construction workers and evangelistic opportunities are available for those who choose to go. Vacation Bible School and edification workers are always needed. From the lay person to the professional, there is a need in Panama.
The flooding in 2010 made Brady aware of the serious contaminated water problems, especially in the Darien region where they concentrate their efforts. A water filter drive has supplied many filters to the people who were drinking water from the river where waste is thrown, baths are taken, and clothes are washed. The health transformation is amazing where they have installed water filters in each home. One filter cost $35.00, but will last many years with proper care.
To learn more about this work, contact Larry Brady at panmission@bellsouth.net or 334-303-4166. The work is under the oversight of the elders of the Childersburg Church of Christ, Childersburg, AL.
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