For the first time in history the Chinese Music and Evangelism Festival, held February 13-15, 2025, launched a faith movement that regional church leaders say it is set to transform the spiritual life of the Chinese community in Panama. 

Organized by the Inter-American Division (IAD), the Panama Union Mission, and the Metropolitan Panama Conference, the festival brought together more than 50 people of Chinese origin, marking the beginning of the first Adventist congregation within this ethnic community in Panama. 

The event combined cultural elements with Western music, fostering an enriching interaction between Chinese culture and the Adventist Church. 

Held at the Central Park Hotel, located in the heart of Panama’s Chinese business district, the festival offered more than just cultural entertainment. Leaders noted that it represented a significant step toward creating a center of influence aimed at promoting the learning of the Mandarin language, offering health-focused treatments, and fostering spiritual connection among participants. 

A Spiritual Movement With Immediate Impact 

The event not only strengthened cultural ties but also had a direct spiritual impact, church leaders said. As a result of the festival, seven ethnic Chinese individuals were baptized, while 13 accepted Jesus, marking a new beginning of faith for the Chinese community in Panama. 

One of the most moving testimonies came from Yami Zhou Yinying. Sometime ago, as she was walking past the meeting venue, she saw an advertisement offering free health treatments and massages from the Adventist Church. Curious about the free offer, she decided to check it out. 

Yinying, who had been seeking help for some time after her husband suffered a stroke, saw this service as a chance to support him. She was surprised by the generosity, kindness, and selflessness of the offer. Thanks to the treatments, her husband’s health improved considerably. When Bible studies were offered, she became even more interested in learning about the Christian message. 

Grateful for the help she received, Yinying decided to give her life to Jesus through baptism during the festival. As she emerged from the baptismal pool, she said that even the rain, which was beginning to fall, was a blessing from heaven. 

Yinying served as a translator for the guest speaker, Chinese Union Mission president Daniel Jiao. On the first day of meetings, no one had dared to translate from Chinese into Spanish. Jiao, however, approached Yinying and asked her to take on the challenge. She accepted and bravely translated from Chinese to Spanish throughout the festival. 

The center of influence will continue its mission with Bible study groups that meet on Saturdays while also promoting the teaching of the Mandarin language and offering traditional health-focused services. 

Jiao expressed his joy and excitement after visiting Panama, noting that the Chinese community there now can get to know Jesus. IAD leaders also believe this event could serve as a model for similar evangelistic initiatives across the territory. 

A group of women recently gather for a meal at the center, which is located in the heart of Chinatown in Panama City, Panama. [Photo: courtesy of Samuel Telemaque]

International Recognition and Ongoing Support 

International leaders gathered at the three-day festival to share their experiences and vision for strengthening the faith of Panama’s Chinese community. “I encourage you to remain faithful to Christ and His church and challenge you to work for the salvation of your friends,” said Samuel Telemaque, Sabbath School and Adventist Mission director for the IAD. 

Also in attendance were Adrian Cotterell, Domingo Guzmán, and Jorge García, coordinators for the Chinese communities in Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico, respectively. 

Telemaque praised local church leaders and volunteers for their commitment to sharing the gospel through the center. “The conversion of migrant Chinese takes time, and we are grateful for the efforts of two missionaries from China who have worked with the community for more than five years,” he said. These missionaries have combined health and religious education to foster friendships, offering massages, religious instruction, social events, and other activities. 

The Future of the Chinese Adventist Church in Panama 

While organizers were thrilled with the immediate results of the event, they also have big plans, they emphasized. Thanks to ongoing support from the IAD and the Panama Union, leaders hope the church within the Chinese community will continue to grow. 

“This event has been truly a blessing,” said Metropolitan Panama Conference president Javier Espinosa. “More than ever before, our Chinese brothers and sisters feel they have found a spiritual home where they can grow together.” 

Espinosa emphasized the event’s cultural and spiritual significance.

“It allowed the Adventist Church to deepen its bonds with our Chinese friends,” he said. “More important, it has allowed us to take the first step toward establishing a church that will become a refuge of faith and unity. We are excited for what is to come and grateful for each person who has joined us in this new stage of growth and service.” 

The original version of this story was posted on the Inter-American Division news site.