Serving Side by Side
The 2026 Panama Vision Trip
Fifteen Betenbough team members, representing five families, traveled to Panama City for a week that brought them into classrooms, onto athletic fields, and alongside local churches and families.
Led by SportQuest leaders Jacob Susud and Becky Bowden, the team served alongside local leaders Cesar and Irela Rodriguez and Kike and Zuleyka Catalan. These families have spent years investing in students, athletes, schools, and churches throughout Panama City. The Betenbough team joined that ongoing work.
Much of the week placed team members directly with young people. They visited elementary schools and high schools, shared Bible lessons and personal testimonies, led games, and talked with students about faith. Some students stayed after the lessons to continue conversations and spend more time with the team.
Sports provided another point of connection. Team members joined local volleyball and soccer programs, helped with practices, encouraged athletes, and shared their testimonies. They also partnered with a local church for a community festival, spending time with children and families through games, activities, and conversations about the Gospel.
Parents and children served side by side throughout the week, sharing their faith and working together in a culture different from their own.
One moment brought the experience within the team into clear focus. During the trip, a Betenbough team member publicly declared their faith through baptism. The team celebrated together as someone who had traveled to Panama to serve took a significant step in their own faith.
Throughout the week, Cesar and Irela Rodriguez and Kike and Zuleyka Catalan connected the team with the people and ministries they serve throughout Panama City. When the Betenbough families returned home, these local leaders continued the work they had invited the team to join.
Take the Next Step
SportQuest Vision Trips connect organizations and families with trusted local Partners around the world. Teams join ministry already underway, serve alongside local leaders, and build relationships across cultures.
To learn more about hosting or joining a SportQuest Vision Trip, contact Jacob Susud at jacob.susud@sportquest.org.
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