Remembering Gil Reimer

FeatureMissions

Mar. 29

Written By Evangelical Mennonite Conference

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)

GILBERT A. REIMER was born in Steinbach on March 31, 1938, to Benjamin L. and Elizabeth Reimer.

*Left: Gil Reimer with sister Vange at the piano. / Center: Jean Little and Gil Reimer on their wedding day. / Right: Jean, Gil, and their children.*

As a family we treasured the years growing up on the family farm near Steinbach, Manitoba. Later when Gil was teaching and came home on weekends, Gil, Vange and I spent many hours singing around the piano. I value my special times with Gil while in Panama as a summer worker (1971). He left us much too soon.
-Noreen Klassen, sister

After visiting his brother Cliff and Diana Reimer, missionaries in Panama under Gospel Missionary Union (now Avant), he applied to GMU to serve in Panama. In the meantime, he met Jean Little who was already a missionary in Panama; they were married in June 1962.They were commissioned and sent out as missionaries by the Steinbach EMC in 1963. Gil served first as a pastor in a Santiago church and then as a seminary professor for Panamanian youth.

In 1973 Gil and Jean moved to Panama City to begin a witness to university students and conduct Bible studies with the motive of beginning an urban church.Two children, Glen and Betts, were born to them in Panama. As an adult, Glen with his wife Ruth and their three sons served in Mongolia and in a restricted country. Currently he is a pastor working in the Indigenous community of Saskatoon. Betts along with her husband Bevan and two children served with the Greiner family musical ministry in Philadelphia for many years.

Gil’s ministry came to an abrupt end fifty years ago when he was abducted and murdered. He is remembered for his dedicated service to God through his love for all people and his faithful teaching ministry.

Gil Reimer. *Born in Steinbach, Manitoba, March 31, 1938. Died in Panama on February 11, 1974*

Despite half a century having passed since the departure of Don Gilberto Reimer, a few lines cannot describe what Don Gilberto accomplished in his life and ministry for God. The indelible traces of memories are invaluable treasures that we carry in our hearts. He was a very pleasant person, very open, and knew how to listen and advise. He was full of energy, sincere, a family man, knew how to reach students, of a kind character, and preached and taught by example with his life. In his ministry, it was evident that with great compassion and dedication, he loved the work of the Lord. He never said no. In the daily classes, we always started with prayer, and in his life with God, one could see and feel it through the classes he taught. Every weekend, as a group of students we went out to evangelize in the fields, and on trips to the provinces of Panama with musical presentations from the quartet of which I was part, we evangelized. He directed with so much musical talent, and many accepted the Lord. For me and the student body of his vital ministry, Don Gilberto and Doña Juanita and their family have been a great blessing from God that changed our lives, with their lives and examples. Until we meet again, Don Gilberto.
-Abilio Fernandez, former student

Uncle Gil was charismatic. He was one of those individuals who lit up a room and made you feel as though the fun was about to begin. If we were able to convince him to play “Flight of the Bumblebee” (Rimsky-Korsakov) on our battered piano when he came down from up country to give us lessons, it was magical. Many of my memories of Uncle Gil involve music or Scrabble games with Dad. The mental image that defines him for me is of him standing in front of the Panama missionary cohort of the time—wearing his lime green pana-brisa shirt—leading us all in the singing of “And Can It Be.” Although he has been gone for 50 years his legacy remains—in his children, of course, and in his refurbished cello that is still making music in southern Manitoba.
- Corinne Klassen, niece

*Gil Reimer was a talented musician—a talent he put to use in spreading the gospel in Panama.*

*Gil Reimer, second from right, with a group of students.*

Over 50 Years of Ministry in Panama

The Evangelical Missionary Union of Panama (UMEP in Spanish) is the association of evangelical churches that was founded by the Gospel Missionary Union (now Avant Ministries) over 50 years ago in Panama. Gospel Missionary Union began sending missionaries to Panamá in the early 1950s that resulted in numerous churches being planted, medical clinics being opened, and the establishment of a beautiful campground that ended up serving also as the headquarters of the work in Panamá.
In 1970, GMU missionaries began working with Panamanian nationals to establish an association of evangelical churches that would have legal status in Panamá. In 1977 the UMEP finally became a registered legal entity in Panamá. GMU missionaries continued working alongside the growing national association throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and into the 2000s. Although the GMU/Avant missionary presence in Panamá has greatly decreased, a partnership remains in place between the UMEP and Avant with the goals of working together to see Panamá reached with the Gospel.

The influence and reach of the UMEP has grown over the years, and presently the association consists of 30 churches established in three provinces of Panamá. The association carries out missionary work among various indigenous groups in Western Panamá and also has supported and sent missionaries to other countries.