Luis and Jessynet Bruneau stand with their daughter, Pamela, far left, a college student in Panama.
HUMBOLDT — As they relocate to Gibson County to help plant Hispanic churches, Panama missionaries Luis and Jessynet Bruneau come to Tennessee with strong Southern Baptist roots.
Bruneau’s maternal and paternal grandmothers both came to faith in Jesus Christ in the 1940s in Colombia under the influence of missionaries from the Southern Baptist Foreign Mission Board (now International Mission Board).
Bruneau’s parents, Roberto and Aida Bruneau, met and were married in Colombia.
“My father traveled from Panama to study law,” Luis said. “He accepted Jesus in an evangelistic campaign, then he met my mother.”
They were married and went together to study at the Baptist Seminary in Cali, Colombia. After finishing the seminary, they returned to Panama. After graduation they returned to Panama and worked with IMB missionaries to plant several Baptist churches.
The Bruneaus had two sons and two daughters. Both sons were called to the ministry and attended seminary. Luis’ brother Robert is now a missionary serving with his family in Colombia. He was influenced by IMB missionaries while working at a Baptist camp in Panama.
Luis Bruneau also was influenced by SBC missionaries, including Mike and Kathy Kemper, who he met while they were serving in Buenos Aires, Argentina, while he was attending seminary there.
Kemper, now director of missions for Gibson Baptist Association, had a part in bringing the Bruneaus to Tennessee to plant Hispanic churches in Gibson County.
“I am amazed at the full circle demonstration of God’s plan and providence through the Cooperative Program and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering,” Kemper said. “Luis and Jessynet, who were under the witness and influence of IMB missionaries, are now missionaries sent out from Panama to the United States.
“We are blessed and thankful for what the Lord has done, what He is doing and anxious to see what He will do,” Kemper said.
Luis Bruneau agreed. “Looking back, I can see how God worked. Now that I am here (in Gibson County), I have seen God’s hand in all that has happened.” B&R — Wilkey served as editor of the Baptist and Reflector for 26 years prior to retiring at the end of 2024. He is continuing to contribute to the B&R as a freelance writer.