It seems impossible to be writing it-2010. It seems as if just a short time ago, we were writing another number-2000. Now ten years have passed, and we are still here. Why are we still here? It most certainly is not because the Lord does not want to bring us home, nor is it because the world is not set for the final fulfillment of the prophecies. We, tragically, are still not ready to go home. Why are we not ready? Could it be because we neglect to examine ourselves as the time demands? “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” 2 Corinthians 13:5. “God forbid that at this important hour we should be so engrossed with other matters as to give

Pablo giving a treatment

no time to serious, candid, critical self-examination! Let things of minor consequence be put in the background, and let us now bring to the front the things which concern our eternal interests. Christian brethren, as Christ’s ambassador I entreat you to inquire into the character of your thoughts, tempers, purposes, words, and works during the past year. What has been the nature of your experience? … Do you see the defects in your character, and are you compelled to admit that you have made no decided advance in overcoming these unholy traits? Remember that if not overcome, these will surely separate you from the presence of a pure, holy, sin-hating God, and close the doors of the heavenly mansions against you.” Signs of the Times, January 4, 1883. May we take advantage of this new year and new decade and make a new beginning!

Not only are we to carefully and critically examine ourselves, but we must also be active in sharing the message of our crucified and risen Savior. One family that has left everything behind to do just this is the Acosta family. Several years ago, Brother and Sister Acosta (a physical therapist and nurse) left their secular vocations to start working for the Lord full time. They had been active in sharing their faith, but they wanted to do more. The Lord led them to a lifestyle center where they served as therapists, assisting the healing of many; but still they wanted to do more. Around a year ago, they stepped out in faith and relocated to Panama to set up a medical missionary outpost. Pablo and Zaida with their two daughters, Sandra and

Zaida with some of the local Indians

Danielle, began getting set up to share their faith through the entering wedge of medical missionary work. In the impoverished area, there is indeed much work to do. Beginning with the most receptive, they are sharing with the children the One who is the friend of children through vacation Bible schools and story times at a local Indian reservation. While they share with the children, the parents are not forgotten, either. Industrial classes are conducted, teaching the women how to sew for their own family and as a source of income. The entire family is also engaged in agriculture for their own needs, to share with others and in showing other families how they can work the land. As the people become more familiar with them and trust them more, they come with their medical ailments seeking relief. The Lord has blessed the ministration of simple remedies and lifestyle adjustments, leading even more to come for help. Then once trust is awakened, some become open to studying the Bible together; and thus Bible classes and studies are begun. The Lord is greatly blessing their all-around missionary activities as men, women and children are being led to the Lifegiver. Would you join me in prayer for the work of the Acosta family who left their home to minister to those in need? Would you like to assist them in their labor of love for the Master? Please mark your donation “Panama.”

Your brother in His service,

Danielle teaching the children at an Indian Reservation