Panama Essay Research Paper Panamanian ArtsPanama has

Panama Essay, Research Paper

Panamanian Arts

Panama has rich folk culture, which Panamanians at all levels of

society enjoy. The country s folk music reflects Spanish, West Indian,

African, and even North American influences.

The mejorana is a folk song probably imported from Spain in the

eighteenth century. It can be either vocal or instrumental but is seldom

used for dancing. The national folk dances are the tamborito and the

cumbia. Couples perform the cumbia in a rotating circle to the sound of

maracas and drums. The dance reputedly mimics the behavior of the

colonial Spaniards and was brought to the area with the African slave

trade. The tamborito is also a dance with and old Afro-Spanish history. It

was popular in seventeenth-century Spain and is based on African

rhythms. The tamborito is performed to clapping hands and several

drums. Both dances are traditionally seen during fiestas and Carnival

festivities throughout Panama.

Nationalism has been the major theme of most Panamanian

literature. Ramon Valdes published Independence of the Isthmus of

Panama just after the country freed itself from Columbia. His work

became the basis for most of the historical treaties that followed. Ricardo

Miro became the national poet during this same period, and his

work, Patria inspired both schoolchildren and adults with feelings of

national unity.

After independence, the national government promoted cultural

pursuits. It founded the first national music conservatory and helped to

build the National Theater. Panama s rich cultural life now centers on the

Panamanian Art Institute, the National Institute of music, and schools that

focus on instruction in music, art, dance, and theater. Traveling musical

groups and drama companies–as well as artists and poets–bring cultural

events to residents throughout the nation.

Missionaries

John and Daisy Whited are a non-profit, non-denominational ministry and

not affiliated with or supported by any one particular group of people.

They are members of the body of Christ, born again by the Holy Spirit and

therefore members of what the New Testament calls “Christ’s Church.”

They believe that they re called of God to the work which they are

currently about. That work being the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus

Christ to those who have not heard the good news. According to a study

done by “overseas Ministries Study Center,” in New Haven, Connecticut: 23

percent of the current world population or one billion two hundred thirty

one million (1,231,000,000) people have no knowledge nor have ever heard

of Jesus Christ and His Gospel. Also according to the study, 90 percent of

all evangelism is directed at Christians and 99 percent of the Christian

world’s income is spent on itself. This is a sad report card for us as

Christians. It is a sad commentary on how vital and significant we view

Christ’s Great Commission. It appears as though we have pushed the

spreading of Christ’s Gospel to the back-burner of our Christian walk.

In praying about this situation, God has given John and Daisy a burden. A

burden for those who might never have heard that precious name of Jesus.

A burden for the Indians and isolated peoples of Central America,

beginning with Panama. There are 8 different tribes of Indians in Panama

alone. Each with its own unwritten language and totaling approximately

33,000 people. In all of Central America there are 55 different tribes with

over 4.65 million people. These people are very isolated. They are scattered

throughout the jungles and mountainous rain forest of Central America.

Some still live in the same manner that they did hundreds of years ago. In

addition to these Indians, there are many Spanish speaking people who

are also very isolated due to terrain and the lack of road systems. These

are the people to whom they have been called.

Plans have been investigated and set in order for reaching these isolated

peoples. Simply put, they have made a long term commitment, a life long

commitment to the spreading of the Gospel to those who do not know

Christ.Mission Statement

After the resurrection of Christ and before His ascension into heaven, He

gave His final command in person. Furthermore, Jesus stressed this

command no less than four times and it is recorded in Luke 24:46-47, Mark

16:15, Matthew 28:19 and Acts 1:8 to go and spread the Gospel into all the

world. Christ’s command is the reason for the existence of this ministry.

There are seven countries in Central America. Within each of these

countries are people who for various reasons are isolated from the world

and therefore from the Gospel. There are fifty-five aboriginal Indian tribes

which are isolated by language, culture and terrain. Also many of the

Spanish speaking people are isolated by terrain and a lack of roads. The

harsh conditions require a more extensive and intensive effort to reach

these people for Christ.

their mission, regardless of the difficulties, is to spread the “good news” of

Jesus Christ. They attempt to do this by evangelizing, planting churches,

building church structures and related activities. An important part of

their mission is working with the national church leadership. They also

endeavor to provide medical, agricultural and educational support as part

of their ministry in the name of Christ. The use of modern technologies,

where applicable and where they will increase their ability to minister, is

readily employed. They do not and will not seek to alter the individual

cultures to fit what we think they should be. Trying to “improve” the lives of

particular peoples by making them adopt our standards is not their goal.

Their main and only purpose, first and last, is to introduce the lost to the

saving power of Jesus Christ. Jesus will make the changes He sees fit in

those who accept Him.

National Anthem

We finally attained victory

In the happy field of union.

With glowing splendor,

The new nation is illumined.

It is necessary to veil with a curtain

The Calvary and Cross of the past,

And for you to adorn the azure of your skies

With the splendid light of concord.

Progress fondly touches your homes,

In time with the music of a sublime song.

You see, roaring at your feet, two oceans

Which give direction to your noble mission.

On your flower-covered soil,

Kissed by the warm breeze,

Warlike clamour has ended

And only brotherly love reigns.

Ahead, with spade and stone-mason’s hammer!

To work, without more delay!

In this way we shall be the honour and glory

Of this fertile land of Columbus.

Adopted in 1925

Words by JER+NIMO DE LA OSSA (1847-1907)