This isthmus nation of Central America received a special blessing Aug. 24 as President Howard W. Hunter of the Council of the Twelve dedicated the land for the preaching of the gospel.

The dedication of Panama followed that of three other Central American countries, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua, dedicated in the past two years. (Reports of the earlier dedications were published in the April 21, 1990, and June 15, 1991, Church News.)Although Panama was not dedicated previously, missionary work began here in 1965, and flourished to the point that the nation now has four stakes.

Stake leaders and other local members - a group of about 50 people - joined the General Authorities on the fresh, clear morning of the service. They gathered on Ancon Hill, which offers a lofty view of Balboa, a suburb of Panama City. The view from the hilltop includes the broad Pacific Ocean and the southern approach to the Panama Canal.

Accompanying President Hunter and his wife, Inis, were Elder Richard G. Scott of the Council of the Twelve and his wife, Jeanene, and Elder Ted E. Brewerton of the Seventy, Central America Area president. Nelson Altamirano, regional representative, and Pedro E. Abularach, Panama City mission president, and local priesthood leaders and their wives also attended. Stake presidents included Jose A. Garcia, Panama City; Gustavo Brandaris V., Bellavista; and Domingo Estribi, San Miguelito.

In the dedication, President Hunter petitioned, "On this occasion in this land of Panama, we pray that there may be a new day and that there might be a revival of the spirit of the gospel. . . .

"We have a desire to see the kingdom grow in this part of the world. . . and the gospel taught to every person in this land. We pray that their hearts will be touched and that they will respond to the gospel.

"We dedicate unto thee our hearts and our persons and this land of the Republic of Panama. Although we are only mortals, Father, we pledge our love and our appreciation. As we dedicate this land for thy purposes, we pray that thy Spirit may prevail here and turn the hearts of the people to thee and thy purposes. We, in turn, will never fail thee, Father, in doing what we know we must do and what we must teach. . . .

"With this dedication, we pray that the gospel will roll forward and that there will be a new day in this great Republic of Panama."

In his remarks, Elder Scott quoted from Doctrine and Covenants that "the works, and the designs, and the purposes of God cannot be frustrated, neither can they come to naught." (D&C 3:1.)

"Remember that this is the work of the Lord," said Elder Scott.

Elder Scott testified: "I know the Lord has prepared the way for President Hunter to be President of the Quorum of the Twelve.

"I have the privilege of serving under the guidance and inspiration of this servant of the Lord," he continued. "I have no words to express how each member of the Quorum of the Twelve loves him. Likewise, the members of the First Presidency. He is like this Ancon Hill on which we stand - solid and immovable, and always dedicated to do the will of the Lord."

Elder Scott explained that through the dedicatory prayer, "the Lord will put in place all that is required for His work to move forward according to His will, except for those things that we ourselves can do."

"There can be a great miracle. This is the beginning of a new era, but it is up to each one of us and the other members of the Church in Panama to cause those results to actually occur.

"The Lord will not do those things that are within our power to accomplish and we must inspire others to do their part.

"I have absolute confidence in the Panamanian people that this act today will signify a new trajectory for the work of the the Lord in Panama because Jesus Christ lives and this is His work."