09/06/2026
Lessons from a Medical Mission in Panama
When I was invited by my friend Dave Werner to apply for the privilege to join GPA’s medical mission to Panama, I was excited. But that excitement soon gave way to a thousand forms of fear—except for Dave, I did not know anyone I would be traveling with, I did not know about flights or seats on the plane. Where would I stay? Would I be able to treat these people? Was I knowledgeable enough? An abundance of “I’s”. Looking back, I was trying to control every unknown instead of placing them in God’s hands.
But beneath all of those fears was a quiet certainty that this opportunity had been placed before me as a somewhat stern push to exit my comfort zone. As is so often the case, God’s plan looked nothing like the uncomfortable scenario I had imagined. From the moment I met the Pennsylvania GPA mission team at the airport at 5am, my fears began to fade. This mission team, the local missionaries, and the villagers themselves all became the blessing I never expected.
The medical clinic spaces were concrete buildings, the first had windows for ventilation and required a generator to sustain the dentists’ busy practice. The second site was a new, half walled concrete structure destined to be a new church and had one electrical outlet dangling from the roof. Both lacked running water. It was astounding to see the team come together to turn both spaces into viable, organized, and functioning clinic spaces in short order.
While the makeshift concrete clinic spaces were more than adequate once the team settled in and got to work, the environment itself was undeniably challenging. The heat and humidity settled around me like hot pea soup, and it often seemed like the insects outnumbered us. Yet once we were set up and the villagers began arriving, those discomforts faded into the background. By the end of each day, the heat, bugs and primitive surroundings had hardly been noticed at all. We simply focused on serving each person as best we could with the resources we had. We were told that we treated and ministered to a record number of people that week, but the numbers were never the goal. There was gratitude, kindness, and a certain joy that could not be measured.
As this was my first mission trip, I was ill-prepared for the way of life in the communities. These villages seem to have very little by our standards and I still struggle with thoughts of what more I could have done had I the resources to which we are accustomed. But that is my worldview. What soon stood out most wasn’t what the community lacked, but what they had in abundance. I will never forget the excitement and hugs we received from a sea of children when stepping off the bus that first evening to visit one of three small churches supported by tireless GPA missionaries Alex, Mariella, Moises and Abi Melendez.
In the clinic, my focus shifted completely from my own comfort to simply helping in whatever way I could. These families possess little by worldly standards, yet they radiated a peace, gratitude, and contentment. It made me reflect on how often those of us who have so much can still find ourselves dissatisfied. This experience became a lesson in humility, gratitude, and the faithfulness of God—one I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I am deeply grateful for the GPA and Dr. Gary Moore for giving me the opportunity to serve, and in so doing, receive far more than I gave.
-Lisa Marcinko, PA-C
