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The Ibero-American Missionary Congress Comibam 2025 was officially concluded in Panama City on Friday night, closing the four-day activity in the final session, focusing on appreciation, reflection and commitment to a new mission. The closing program included artistic presentations, biblical teaching, liturgical acts, and prayers symbolically asked participants to return to their homeland with an enhanced vision of their mission.
Awareness of past leaders and vision for the future
Comibam’s executive director Cristian Castro held the night in thanks to the former superintendent of the movement and the president. His remarks acknowledged the contributions made over almost 40 years of Ibero-American missionary cooperation.
“Thank you for coming to be part of your money, your time, and being part of the exercise. We ask each other for forgiveness if something is gone as we want it to be. But the important thing is that we will fire the flames and go home,” he said.
The Cultural Segment features performances in which individuals dressed to future visitors appear on stage, encouraging future generations to write letters with advice on continuing God’s mission in a complex world. The presentation was well received by participants.
Helderfabalin emphasizes heritage based on act 20
The final plenary session was provided by Dr. Helder Fabalin, a Brazilian missionary and CEO of Community Bible Study. He addressed the question, “What legacy are we leaving?” Based on Acts 20:17–38.
He organized his message around three key points. He said that he should characterize the legacy of the apostle Paul and guide the church today: honesty, humility, and radical obedience.
“Paul said, ‘You know how I lived all the time I was with you.’ Our legacy begins here: from a sincere life,” Fabalin said. “Money, sexuality, proper use of our way of speaking… our integrity is a gift for our loved ones.”
Fabalin said humility is essential to both mission work and true relationship with God. “Only humble people can learn. Humility allows us to live in Christ’s unity. It reminds us of who we are, not by merit, but by grace,” he said.
He also sought radical obedience, even when it was hardship. “The idolatry of success has produced thousands of disappointed ex-follows. God is not here to make our dreams come true, but he is with us. The mission includes pain.
The Lord’s evening up and the consignment prayer celebration
The evening also included a celebration of the Lord’s Eve Up, led by veteran Mysioologist Bill Taylor. Participants recited the apostle’s beliefs and read passages from one Corinthian. The Holy Communion Service reminded us of the importance of community in our mission and reinforced the theme of being symbolically sent to the world.
The Rev. Luis Marti of El Salvador led the final commission prayer. Participants were invited to carry their hands across the auditorium in a unified, unified act.
“Father, we will entrust each brother and sister with what you call from before the foundations of the world. We will use them with the power of the Holy Spirit, and bless the next generation.
Looking ahead
In his closing remarks, Christian Castro expressed his gratitude to those who attended and outlined the vision for the next decade.
“We are praying with 10,000 new workers and 20,000 new churches to join the movement over the next decade. Please continue praying and give us a mission,” he said.
Comibam 2025 concluded with a focus on future challenges, but also concluded with its continued commitment to participating in the global mission. Organizers and participants acknowledged the vision of the Ibero-American church who engaged in mission work with integrity, humility and willingness to endure through difficulties.
It was originally published in Diario Cristiano, the Spanish version of Christian Daily International.
