Crossing Bridges in the Comarca

The Ngobe group is the largest of the eight indigenous peoples of Panama. Some 170,000 make up this group, the majority of whom live in an extensive area that was recently designated a comarca, or reservation. A large part of this area consists of rugged jungle mountains accessible mainly on foot, as well as beautiful coastal regions accessible by sea. Communities are often established near rivers, which serve as convenient arteries of transportation, as well as along the coast. Many of the residents of the comarca make a meager living on coffee plantations in the mountains, by fishing, or by working the land. Many are members of churches of Christendom. However, there are adherents of a local religion known as Mama Tata. Others turn to local sukias (shamans) for healing when they are sick or feel that they are being harassed by wicked spirits. Though many speak Spanish, the language best understood is Ngobere.

Rowing to Reach Hearts

Jehovah’s Witnesses realize that it is important to help people to learn the truth in a way that reaches not only their mind but also their heart. This can provide the needed motivation to make the necessary changes in their lives in order to conform to Bible principles. Therefore, the special pioneer ministers assigned to eight different sectors of the reservation have studied the Ngobere language with the help of qualified local Witnesses.

The 14 congregations that have developed in the area show remarkable potential for growth. For instance, a few years ago, Dimas and Gisela, a special pioneer couple, were assigned to a small congregation of about 40 in the coastal area of Tobobe. It was not easy for them to get used to the frequent trips in a canoe in order to preach to the humble people along the Atlantic Coast. Dimas and Gisela discovered that calm ocean waters can quickly become deadly waves. Their arms and backs often ached after rowing from one village to another. Learning the local language was another challenge. However, their sacrifices and persistence were rewarded in 2001 when some 552 people attended the Memorial of Christ’s death.

Across the bay from Tobobe is the village of Punta Escondida. For some time, a small group of publishers regularly rowed across the bay​—weather permitting—​to attend meetings in Tobobe, and reports indicated that there were good possibilities for forming a new congregation in this area. With that in mind, Dimas and Gisela were asked to relocate to Punta Escondida. In less than two years, the group in Punta Escondida became a congregation of 28, with an average meeting attendance of 114 at the weekly public talk. In 2004 the new congregation was delighted when a total of 458 attended the Memorial of Christ’s death.

Spanning the Gap of Illiteracy

For many honesthearted ones, overcoming illiteracy has helped them to develop a close relationship with Jehovah. Such was the case of Fermina, a young woman from the mountainous region of the comarca. Witness missionaries working in the isolated area where she lived found her to be very attentive to the Kingdom message. When offered a Bible study, she replied that she would like to learn more. There was a problem, though. She spoke both Spanish and Ngobere, but she could not read or write either language. One of the missionaries offered to teach her, using the brochure Apply Yourself to Reading and Writing.a

Fermina was an excellent student, eagerly preparing her lessons, doing all her homework, and practicing her spelling diligently. Within a year, she had progressed enough to study the brochure You Can Be God’s Friend!b When meetings were arranged, Fermina began to attend. Because of the family’s poverty, however, it was very difficult for her to pay the fare to get to the meetings with her children. One of the pioneers, aware of Fermina’s circumstances, suggested that she consider making and selling traditional Ngobe women’s dresses. Fermina did so and, despite other material needs, made sure to use the money thus obtained only to attend Christian meetings. She and her family have now moved to another area, and she continues to progress spiritually. They are pleased not only to have overcome illiteracy but, more important, to have come to know Jehovah.

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Kuna women holding tapestries

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A missionary preaching to a Ngobe woman

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Witnesses from Ngobe boarding a canoe to attend a special assembly day program

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Bible truth bridges culture and language differences in Panama