Living Springs of Patience

God sustains missionaries through challenges in mission work.

“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience” Romans 5:3.

We do not usually go through life looking for tribulation. But as pilgrims in this world, we cannot avoid it. For those of us here at Living Springs, 2017 held its share of tribulation.

Earlier in the year, we faced an unfair lawsuit. But by God’s grace we were able to settle it, and His mercy sustained us. Then just as things began to settle down, we received word that one of my dear nieces had been diagnosed with cancer. She is Catholic, but leans toward agnostic views. Because of the way the medical system is organized in Panama, she faced possibly having to wait months for treatment. We were able to talk to her about God’s healing ways, and
she agreed to let us help her until she could receive medical treatment. God not only blessed the treatments, but He also provided much-needed help in the form of a friend visiting for ASI meetings, giving us the time we needed to look after my niece. Now that she has been able to start chemotherapy, she is still doing alternative treatments. The doctors cannot believe how well she is doing. Glory to God!

In our little town, an evangelical organization offers help to troubled young ladies. Through mutual friends we were able to meet the couple that runs the organization. We offered them Bible studies, and after a few months of studying with them, they asked us to study with the young ladies that are under their care. Most of them have little knowledge of the Scriptures, many of their comments being drawn from movies they have seen on television. It has been so rewarding to see them growing spiritually. All of them are now reading the Bible, and one has recently expressed her desire to be baptized.

One challenge that we have faced giving Bible studies is that many people do not know how to read. One family we visited had three members that were going to school, but could not read. Those that did know how to read were reading at a very low level. We offered to teach them to read and promised them a Bible if they were successful. We used the Bible as our textbook. It began slowly, and we had to summon a lot of patience, but they have now all learned to read. They love to show off their new reading skills whenever we have a Bible study.

As we begin a brand new year, we want to pause and give thanks to our wonderful God for His goodness and faithfulness toward us. He sustained us through every challenge we faced in 2017. We also want to thank our faithful partners in ministry that give of their means and keep us in their prayers. A friend of this ministry calls periodically just to let us know that she and her husband get up at 4:30 each morning to pray. We are so grateful to all of you!

As we see end time events unfolding, we are especially praying that we may develop the patience that will take us through the final events of this earth’s history. Christ is coming soon. May we all be faithful, no matter what tribulations lay ahead on our path.

Author: Zaida Acosta and her family run Living Springs Health and Education.

How You Can Help
Pray for the troubled young ladies that they are ministering to, the Bible studies they are giving, and their medical missionary work among the sick in
their area, especially their niece.

Donate. Living Springs needs funds to pay for their medical evangelism needs. Specific needs include housing for volunteers, and a tractor to help with the upkeep of the property. Donations may be made through Mission Projects International marked “Panama.”

Thank You
To all who send funds to assist Living Springs with prayers and donations, the Acostas say, “Thank you for being part of our ministry through your prayers and support!”