The beauty of Panama is only surpassed by the warm hospitality of its people. The flowers, trees, mountains and beaches provided the setting for the gracious leaders of CCI-Latin America to host the International Summit, April 21-26 in Panama City.

Board Members, Regional Representatives and Association Executives from more than a dozen countries as diverse as the Netherlands, Brazil, New Zealand and Russia gathered to set direction for CCI-Worldwide in the years to come.

The volcano wrecked havoc with travel plans for some but in the end only two were forced to cancel.  Five participants were delayed significantly but arrived in time to provide some degree of input.

Diverse perspectives, opposing views and varying opinions all surfaced in a room filled with flip charts, white boards, lap tops and projectors and overflowing with wisdom, grace, respect and unity.

Planning sessions were supported with seasons of prayer and Bible study.  Meeting times were augmented with visits to the Panama Canal and a leading Christian camp, Cresta del Mar.  In the end the strategic results were fantastic but the bonding aspects of the process were even more valuable to the long-term success of the movement.

Thanks to Mike Bates who facilitated the planning process, Bob Sabean who designed and lead the Bible Encounter Studies, and to Robert and Nina Bruneau who along with their host team cared for the participants and managed innumerable details.