PANAMA CITY, PANAMA
In 2002, President Gordon B. Hinckley announced the Church would build its first temple in Panama.
That historic news prompted a wave of enthusiasm among Panamanian members. For six years, people throughout this Central American nation prepared and worked hard to serve in the new temple. Many who had been less active returned to full Church activity. Others became involved for the first time in family history, eager to submit names for temple work on behalf of a beloved relative in the new holy edifice. Children tacked images of the picturesque temple in their bedrooms. Countless Relief Society and priesthood lessons focused on temple worship.
Their enthusiasm and preparation was rewarded Aug. 10 when President Thomas S. Monson dedicated the Panama City Panama Temple. Thousands participated in the ceremony and, for many, witnessed a Church president up close for the first time in their lives. (Please see Church News, Aug. 16, 2008.)
Now Panama's one and only temple is up and running. Families have been sealed. Marriages have been solemnized. The day-to-day operations are underway.
Priesthood leaders throughout Panama want to ensure that the devotion thousands felt before the temple dedication continues throughout their lives. The counsel they share can benefit temple-going people throughout the world.
The recent dedication of the Panama City Panama Temple need not close out a period of spiritual preparation and excitement for the Panamanian members, said Central America Area President Don R. Clarke of the Seventy.
"The work has just begun," he said. "The important things really start now."
Elder Clarke said the spirit that members felt listening to President Monson and the other Church leaders during the dedicatory sessions can best be remembered and utilized via their own written words. He hopes members throughout Panama have filled their journals with personal accounts of their temple experience. It's essential that the special, life-changing memories experienced inside the temple on that historic day are not etched only in one's mind.
"We want them to write down what they felt," said Elder Clarke.
Priesthood leaders in Panama are also challenging members to plan to attend the temple as often as possible by writing down the dates they will attend the temple during the year. In the past, members here have had to schedule temple excursions to Costa Rica months in advance. Now most Panamanian members can visit the temple inside a day's drive. Such convenience could prompt complacency. Dutiful scheduling can help.
Panamanian member Beverly Smith has been called to work in the family history center in the temple offices. She hopes that members in Panama, and worldwide, can know the joy she has felt performing sacred work for the dead. Finding such enthusiasm in Panama won't be difficult, she said.
"Now they have come here and felt the spirit of the temple."
E-mail to: jswensen@desnews.com