My journey this week takes me to Dr. Daniel M. Gruver of San Marcos and his mission to an indigenous people group, the Kunas, of northeast Panama. They occupy a strip of land on the Kuna Yala (formally known as San Blas) Islands and in the mountainous mainland. They are known for their seclusion, fishing, farming and artwork. They have been intentional about preserving their culture, language and way of life.
Due to their seclusion, they face daily issues of starvation, medical attention and education. Thankfully due to the work of past missionaries, many of the villages have access to the Gospel.
The vehicle for ministry is KAF, Kuna Agriculture Foundation, a working farm that promotes physical and spiritual health. Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:11-12: “And He gave some… for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ.” The KAF's organizational roots began under the influence of Dr. Daniel I. Gruver who, along with his wife, Jane, established a hospital in the remote Kuna Yala (San Blas) Islands in 1961. Their vision lives on through the agriculture training, food stability and the pastortraining work of his son, Dr. Daniel M. Gruver. We met at a Missions Fair held at First Baptist Church.
