From 30 April to 3 May 2026, the Lowell David Camp facilities hosted 160 participants from 12 districts for “Kenosis Panama 2026,” a camp organized by the Central Field Nazarene Youth International (NYI).
The gathering brought together delegations from Costa Rica, Cuba, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, as well as special guests from Mexico, Belize, and Barbados. For several days, the young people shared worship, teaching, training, prayer, and fellowship, strengthening the identity and unity of the Nazarene youth of the field.
The camp’s name, “Kenosis,” comes from the Greek term meaning emptying oneself or being emptied of oneself. The theme was inspired by Philippians 2:7 that Jesus “made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.” This emphasis helped participants reflect on humility, service, and the willingness to allow God to shape the character of those who follow him.
The plenary sessions and conferences featured the participation of global, regional, and field leaders, including David González, global director of the NYI; Benjamín Soria, regional coordinator of the NYI; Danielle Miller, NYI Caribbean Field coordinator; Carlos de la Cruz, strategy coordinator for the Central Field; and Joel Bermúdez, NYI Central Field coordinator.
As part of the program, attendees received hands-on workshops on global and local missions, led by Marlen Soria, Elba Duson, Jael Estrada, and Eliezel Soto of Nazarene Mission Teams. Additionally, presidents and councils of the NYI participated in mentoring and planning sessions with regional leaders.
The camp was also a time of spiritual ministry.
“I was confronted with the idea [I was] serving half-heartedly,” said Ramón Bautista from the Dominican Republic. “I learned that one must completely detach oneself from what’s holding us back, and commit fully to Christ.”
From Cuba, Daylin Tejo shared that during the camp her call to ministry was affirmed, describing the experience as “a time of feeling God’s care and love.”
One of the event’s significant moments was the presentation of the Timothy Award to Gabriela Bustos, former NYI coordinator of the Central Field. Bustos faithfully served the NIY for over 10 years as district president and field coordinator. She continues to accompany and guide new generations through her pastoral work.
Kénosis Panama 2026 concluded with young people and leaders returning to their countries with a renewed vision of service, discipleship, and mission, remembering that following Christ means emptying oneself to live according to his example.