Chuck Holton
Politics • Culture • News
Chuck Holton is an American war correspondent, published author, and motivational speaker.
Interested? Want to learn more about the community?
Why We Moved to Panama

Our family moved out of the United States in January of 2013. As a reporter for the Christian Broadcasting Network, I was covering the election in Detroit in 2012. The state of the city, with its vacant homes and industries replaced by criminal activities, was a look at what I believe lies ahead for much of America and was a pivotal factor in our decision to leave.

Detroit's decline, reflecting issues in the wider country, and the election results made me question my contributions to a system I felt was deteriorating the nation I loved. Verses like Mark 9:43 inspired me to take decisive action, including where to live.

My wife and I discussed moving to the Pacific Northwest, but the challenges of Obamacare and the harsh winters led us to consider Panama. We were familiar with Panama from previous visits and valued its culture, people, and language. By January 2013, we had packed and were ready to move.

Panama, a first-world country, is often misunderstood. While it has areas like Darien that fit the jungle stereotype, many regions are more temperate and less problematic in terms of crime, comparable to the U.S. in many respects.

In Panama, we found a balance between avoiding oppressive heat and winter in the mountainous regions. The town we settled in has a pleasant climate, reminiscent of West Virginia in spring, and a small, close-knit community.

Despite the challenges of expatriation, such as bureaucracy, limited availability of American products, and cultural differences, we found Panama to be a suitable choice for our family. We had to adapt to new food, time concepts, and the local job market, considering the unique legal system and schooling options.

Panama's advantages include a year-round growing season, a unified society without the polarized views found in the U.S., affordable and quality healthcare, a stable and business-friendly government, and a low cost of living. Although gun laws are stricter compared to some U.S. states, they are balanced and practical.

The deeply religious and moral culture of Panama was a significant factor for us. Prayer in schools, illegal abortion, and general adherence to traditional values resonated with our beliefs. The community's self-sufficiency and resilience, along with their welcoming attitude towards foreigners, made the transition smoother.

We found ways to integrate and contribute to the local community, particularly through our church. The benefits of living in Panama, along with the growing number of expatriates, highlight its appeal as a place to live with freedom and dignity.

While it was difficult to leave the U.S., we view our move as a stand for our beliefs and values. We hope our experience can guide others considering similar choices, and maybe, our actions can contribute to positive changes back home.

Our move to Panama was not just about personal comfort, but a stand for what we believe is right.

post photo preview
Interested? Want to learn more about the community?
What else you may like…
Videos
Podcasts
Posts
Articles
Israeli Drone Strikes Target HTS Forces Amid Sectarian Clashes Near Damascus

On April 30, 2025, violent clashes erupted in and around Damascus, Syria, as forces affiliated with the transitional government, including Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), engaged in confrontations with Druze militants in the Ashrafieh Sahnaya neighborhood. The violence has reportedly resulted in civilian casualties and raised concerns about potential mass killings.

In response to the escalating conflict, Israel announced that it had conducted multiple drone strikes targeting HTS militants in Sahnaya. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the strikes were aimed at extremists allegedly preparing attacks on the Druze community, emphasizing Israel’s commitment to protecting Druze populations with historic and religious ties to Israel and Lebanon . 

These operations mark a significant development, as they represent Israel’s first direct military engagement against HTS forces since the group’s rise to power following the fall of Syrian ...

00:00:17
Druze and HTS Fighting Near Damascus- Israel Strikes

Urgent: An Israeli drone targeted a Syrian government convoy heading to Sahnaya in the Damascus countryside.

The Druze community lives in the area, and problems have begun between them and the Al-Julani group.

Netanyahu: The Israeli army carried out a warning strike against extremists who attempted to attack Sahnaya today.

00:00:41
Massive Fire in Israel

Breaking: A massive fire has broken out in the Latrun area between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The fire is spreading rapidly and many fire departments are trying to take control of the fire.

00:00:09
Episode 622 - Field Producer Dennis Azato and Chuck Reminisce

My erstwhile field producer and cameraman Dennis Azato has accompanied me on ten years of adventures across the globe. Today he joins me in Ukraine and we spend some time remembering our many trips together.

Episode 622 - Field Producer Dennis Azato and Chuck Reminisce
Israel on Fire

Here’s a map of all the fires that are going on around Israel right now. Strange how none of them are in Arab areas.

post photo preview
Going LIVE FROM SYRIA on CBN at 10am EST

OH MY- I have been busy this morning and missed all of the lives..THIS IS HEART BREAKING😧 PRAY FOR ISRAEL...Pray for rain, pray for the firefighters, pray for the people that are losing their homes, PRAY THAT ALL OF THE ARSONISTS are STOPPED. 😦

post photo preview
Escape to Panama 🏖️ An Exclusive Retreat with Chuck
Secure Your Spot : October 2-7, 2025

Become a LOCALS Member and Unlock This Rare Opportunity 🌴

Access to our extremely limited Panama retreat is reserved exclusively for LOCALS members. This rare, private adventure with Chuck is your chance to experience deep connection, adventure, and relaxation in one unforgettable trip — but only members can claim a spot. Don’t miss out — join LOCALS today and secure your invitation to this once-in-a-lifetime getaway!

Only for Supporters
To read the rest of this article and access other paid content, you must be a supporter
Read full Article
post photo preview
The New "Black Widows" of Russia: When War Becomes a Business Plan

In a bizarre twist of modern warfare and desperation, a disturbing new trend has emerged in Russia. Nicknamed the new "Black Widows" — not for their association with terrorism, but for their calculated pursuit of financial gain through war widowhood — some Russian women are reportedly marrying soldiers bound for Ukraine with one chilling expectation: that they may not come back.

Only for Supporters
To read the rest of this article and access other paid content, you must be a supporter
Read full Article
post photo preview
Training for the Real Fight: What Is God Asking of You?

“Faith says go. Obedience says now.”

Chuck Holton

If you’ve been around long enough, you’ve probably felt it—that tug on your heart that says, “There’s got to be more than this.” You were made for a mission. And I’m not just talking about some vague sense of purpose. I’m talking about battle orders from God Himself.

Only for Supporters
To read the rest of this article and access other paid content, you must be a supporter
Read full Article
See More
Available on mobile and TV devices
google store google store app store app store
google store google store app tv store app tv store amazon store amazon store roku store roku store
Powered by Locals