This has been effective in building trust with the Indian populations because the remoteness of the villages makes it very difficult for the Indians to receive medical attention

A lot of the diseases treated at the jungle clinics are a result of, or are exacerbated by, drinking water of poor quality. Providing clean drinking water, as well as the Water of Life, will make a huge impact on the Indian’s quality of life. Just as the health of an individual’s body improves by providing it clean water, the health of a community improves by providing it a Christian witness.

The construction of suspension bridges in strategic locations throughout lower Talamanca, like the well drilling, will greatly impact Indian life. Drownings, especially of children are common. Mothers carrying infants, the elderly or school children trying to cross fast moving rivers over logs of mere inches in diameter are a recipe for disaster. Having a part in the prevention of such tragedies will aid in our trust building endeavors. The permanent bridges will also give us as Missionaries easier access to villages throughout the year without fear of being stranded on the wrong side of a river by a sudden flood.

In most of the jungle villages, animals are very important to the Indian way of life. Domestic animals such as pigs, chickens and occasionally cows serve as a food source. In certain areas of the jungle, horses serve as transportation for both people and goods. Dogs are also important for hunting and for early warning of approaching danger, such as snakes. As difficult as it is to obtain medical care for themselves, it is almost impossible for the Indians to find care for their animals. Providing even rudimentary care or treatments for their animals goes along way in our relationship and trust building.

The most important thing that we do is share the truth about Jesus Christ, the Savior, with individuals in a personal way. In order to be effective with our verbal witness, there must be a degree of trust between us and the ones with whom we are sharing. Without trust or a degree of curiosity, we would be in essence talking with a closed heart and mind. All our other efforts, whether it be medical clinics, well drilling, bridge building or  educating in some particular area, absolutely everything is aimed at building trust and/or curiosity.  This demonstration of God’s love serves to augment and give evidence for our verbal witness. We believe that whatever changes we can effect in the physical material lives of the Indians, it has no meaning at all unless there is a change in their spiritual lives. Seeing people come to belief in Jesus Christ is our priority and the thing all our efforts are geared toward.

In addition to witnessing on an individual basis, we often try to reach entire villages at communal meetings. Most of these meetings involve the use of movies with Christian themes or the use of verbatim scripture like the “Jesus Film”. After the movie, there is always an explanation and invitation, as well as an opportunity to ask question.

This effort targets children between the ages 3 – 12 years. This outreach is also coupled with a women’s ministry.

As the Word of God so plainly states, salvation is but the first step into a relationship with God. Salvation is but spiritual birth. Like a physical newborn, the spiritual newborn knows little about the truth of who God is or how to live according to God’s precepts. Discipleship is the process by which, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we attempt to guide the newborn into a relationship with God. Because the Word of God is not yet completely translated into the Indian language and because so much of the population can not read, discipleship must take place on a personal basis. The Word must be taught verbally and demonstrated outwardly. We must live what we advocate.

There are several other missionary families working in the Talamanca Valley. Each one of us with our own particular calling from God, however we share a common desire. That desire is to see the Bribri and Cabecar Indians come to faith in Christ. The efforts of Agua Viva are strengthen by the efforts of the other families. Likewise, we try to be an aid and comfort to the other families in their callings. It has been a blessing to be able to meet together periodically to pray together for and with one another. When the talents and resources of Agua Viva can benefit the furtherance of the Kingdom by aiding our missionary brothers and sisters, we try to respond in a timely and generous manner.