When John Upton and other Virginia Baptists travelled to Panama to celebrate the signing of a five-year ministry partnership agreement, little did they understand the significance of one official greeting they received.

Although other Panamanian Baptists had also welcomed Virginia Baptists to their convention, none were as humorous -- or as ironic -- as Alma de Ureña and her puppet sidekick, Juanita. The enthusiastic applause indicated Alma and Juanita were well known and highly regarded.

In 1982, Deborah Upton and others from Urbanna (Va.) Baptist Church travelled to Panama to teach creative ministries. Deborah taught puppetry to a group of eager young women -- including one named Alma de Ureña.

In the nearly three decades that have passed since then, Alma has traveled throughout Panama using humor and her puppets to take the gospel to children and adults alike.

Now, ironically, it was Alma, assisted by Juanita’s comical observations and penetrating questions, who welcomed Virginia Baptists, including Deborah’s husband, John, to their convention to sign the ministry partnership.

A more fitting or convincing proof of the value of partnership missions could hardly could have been imagined. Alma and Juanita symbolize the value of sharing what we know with others who are eager to advance the kingdom with what they learn. Alma and Juanita represent a ministry that has come full circle.

During the course of the partnership, Virginia Baptists will undoubtedly have more to share with their Panamanian counterparts. But we will also have much to learn from these courageous and energetic Baptist cousins.

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