The Soto Family Newsletter December 2019
Hola from the warm and rainy Panama!
So here’s our most recent Soto Family update!
Our Ministry
Some of you out there may wonder, “What is it exactly that the Soto’s do there in Panama?” Well, let us explain a little about our ministry! We are missionaries for the Church of the Nazarene. Years back, our family was called to serve the churches and people of Panama through missions via a ministry called “Work & Witness.” W&W is a ministry opportunity for teams of around 20 members (more or less) from around the world to go and serve in whichever country God leads them to. We are the coordinators for W&W Panama. We coordinate with the teams and local churches to meet needs around the communities in Panama. Much of our work involves getting to know the local people and learning about their true needs. There are many details and much work to take care of from way before the teams arrive, until way after they leave.
Once here, we host the teams from transportation, lodging, food, and everyday needs as we serve together! Teams may come to serve through construction for churches or Child Development Centers (CDCs provide meals, clothing, education, teach the hope of Jesus, etc to children in need), medical clinics (giving medical care to the less fortunate. Many times the medical clinics are the only medical care some have received in their entire lives), children’s programs, evangelism, music ministries, etc. Anything a team has on their hearts to come and serve with, we are here to help make it happen, with God’s help!
December 1st made four years our family has been serving and living in Panama! I remember some had concerns about us moving to a different country as I was over 6 1/2 months pregnant at the time, but God seriously ALWAYS knows what is best for us and this has been an awesome change for our family and we are thankful!
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Work & Witness is not only about the construction, it is about witnessing, and so many wonderful relationships are built!
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In the past year, we have received 12 teams/volunteer helpers here to serve the people of Panama. Our teams represented seven US states, including; Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Illinois, and Florida. These teams served through church constructions, Child Development Center constructions, medical clinics, music ministry, pastoral training, and Mother/Daughter ministries. Each team has definitely been an answer to prayer to each one of the churches they have served with. We praise God for His blessings and protection as He continues to meet the needs of the of the churches here in Panama and for our family. Working alongside the teams is an honor and blessing to us here as they become like family to us!
Our Family
Wow, this year has just flown by! The kids are growing so fast! This month Elianny (14) finished up her 8th grade year and Esteban (6) wrapped up his 1st grade year! They both did awesome in school, and we thank God for His faithfulness to help them!
It’s been a big year for Esteban as he has not only started losing his teeth, but has also learned to read and write in both Spanish and English! Whew, that’s a lot for a little guy! We are a unique family as Esteban’s 1st language is English, yet he learned to read and write in Spanish 1st, which has come easier for him, but his English reading and writing skills are kicking in! He also learned to ride his bike without training wheels. But most importantly our sweet boy recently prayed to give his heart and life to Jesus as his Papi lead him in prayer.
Little Esther Rose turned three this past February 24th and she is just precious! She is so funny and at times she certainly earns the title “threenager.” She is such a blessing to many and we like to say she balances our family out. Rosey and big brother are besties and she loves to dance with big Sis. She also gives the best neck hugs! While brother and sister are in school, she spends her days with Mommy, whether that be working from/in the home, or working at the Regional Office with us. And no worries, she still hasn’t lost that contagious “Rosey Smile” of hers!
This past July the Lord provided a way for Elianny to attend the Nazarene Youth Conference in Arizona. This was also a blessing of an opportunity because of those of you who support our ministry. We can’t express enough how grateful we are that she had this opportunity. As we all know, the teenage years can be difficult and the enemy is out to steal them from the truth of Jesus. Elianny definitely grew spiritually through this experience! We could tell from the moment she came home that she had experienced God’s presence and was different for Jesus! She couldn’t tell us enough about the wonderful experience she had, mostly with getting to know and worshipping with other missionary kids (MKs) who truly understood her life. Over five months later, and she is still talking about NYC and how she misses her time there! She is looking forward to attending NYC 2023. When she is able, Lanny is a translator for our medical teams, at construction sites, and also at services. We are proud of Lanny for preaching her first sermon at our church recently! God is good! . 
Eli and I have been keeping busy with the ministry and family. We are learning everyday, that’s for sure! Our hearts’ desire is to live a life pleasing to God, be a better spouse, and to be the best parents we can be for our children, most importantly being an example of Jesus to them. The truth is, we are just two very ordinary people doing God’s work in Jesus’ name. We are proof that God does not always call the equipped, but He certainly equips the called. We fail, we make mistakes, but God is always there to pick us back up. Forgiveness. Jesus is our Only Hope. He is the Answer to it ALL. If you haven’t given your heart and life to Jesus, I recommend this over any decision you will ever make in your life.
We would like to express our love and thanks to each and everyone of you again for your continued love, prayers, and financial support! We love each of you and are grateful the Lord has blessed us with your friendships and support! Thank you for your investment in our family and ministry! May our God continue to bless you and your family richly.
If you feel led to donate to our ministry, here’s the link:
Prayer requests:
-Please pray for Eli and I that we always draw closer to God and for our children that they grow to love Jesus more and more everyday.
- Please pray for God’s hand to be upon us during our upcoming Deputation Tour in the United States beginning in December and ending in February. We ask for His protection in every way as we travel. We also ask for His wisdom and presence to be with us as we speak in various churches, that hearts would be touched for His glory.
-Please pray for our construction, ministry, and medical teams who are planning to come this next year, that God will use each team to meet the needs of the people of Panama. That God will speak to each heart.
- For our Work and Witness ministry in Panama. We continue to pray for God’s provision in every need. We are in need of property for a W&W team house and a van for their transportation.
We love you all! May God bless you mucho!
Eliezel & Tammy
Lanny, Beban, & Rosey
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