If you still have businesses in the US, why do you need to fundraise?

Fair question—and we want to answer it honestly.

First, partnership in ministry is a biblical model. Paul—who could have supported himself making tents—was sustained in his missionary work by churches who gave: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ” (Colossians 4:2-3). The churches in Philippi and beyond didn’t partner with Paul because he was incapable of working; they partnered because they were investing in the gospel itself. We believe ministry was never meant to be done alone.

Second, raising a team of prayer and financial support is a requirement of Word of Life Global for all of their missionaries—regardless of role, background, or outside circumstances. Every WOL missionary builds a team, because a missionary without a team is a missionary without prayer cover, accountability, or community.

Third, and practically: the funds we raise cover our in-country healthcare and taxes, along with the portion that goes directly toward ministry expenses at PDV Panama—the camps, properties, and programs reaching kids year-round. We are not fundraising for personal gain. For now, our business income allows us to serve without drawing a full missionary salary, which means the support raised through us stretches further into the ministry itself and the felt needs of those in Panama. For now, that’s what we need. In the future, as we continue to sell off businesses, we will be looking to replace that income with full support.

We realize our situation is unique. But we also feel uniquely called to what God is asking us to do—and we feel secure in the knowledge and call He has placed on our lives.

Why Panama?

It started in 2017, when Cory was serving as Outreach Director at Pathway Church in Chippewa Township, PA, and led a couple of short-term mission trips to Panama. Then he brought Abbey, Henry (as a baby!), and his mother-in-law down—and from there, our family fell in love. In 2020 we spent a month in the country, then found a piece of real estate, and over the past six years we’ve continued building our bond with the ministry and serving alongside Palabra de Vida.

Beyond our story, Panama is genuinely the crossroads of the world. At our church there—Coronado Bible Church—there are often more than 30 countries represented on a Sunday. With the Panama Canal moving goods and people from every corner of the globe, Panama gathers backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultures like few places on earth. It’s a remarkable place to share the Gospel—because from Panama, it travels everywhere.

When are you leaving, and how long will you be gone?

Our plan—as long as we reach a few key goals—is to leave in January 2027, arriving in time to volunteer with PDV’s annual camp before beginning language school that spring. This is a long-term commitment—we’re not going for a season; we’re going to serve as long as God keeps us there.

What will you actually be doing there?

Cory will serve as Director of Operations for Palabra de Vida—overseeing finance, HR, and a major capital expansion of the 110-acre camp in Bejuco, with additional facilities in Panama City. The vision includes an equine program, a sustainable farm, a Spanish language school, and a K-12 English Christian school.

Beyond the camp itself, PDV is sending missionary teams into every province of Panama to build up Bible Clubs—missionaries partnering with local churches to help them establish youth ministries and training them to disciple students. Camp is the spark, but the local church is where lasting discipleship happens.

Abbey will continue homeschooling our four kids while the whole family serves in the life of the camp and ministry.

Do you speak Spanish?

We’ve been practicing for years! Between our time in Panama and our Spanish-speaking friends in the US, our life is already full of Spanish—we’re very conversational. Even now, Cory works hands-on with Spanish-speaking teams on real estate projects in the US, so he gets daily practice.

That said, fluency is a moving target, and we want to know as much as possible before serving full-time. Once in Panama, we’ll be doing a mix of in-person tutoring and online classes, and the kids will have a Spanish tutor as part of their homeschool curriculum. Combined with full immersion—living in the culture and attending both a Spanish-speaking and English-speaking church—we’ll keep growing.

What’s the weather like?

HOT. 😄 Panama has two seasons: wet (April–November) and dry (December–March). Either way, count on 90+ degrees Fahrenheit and humidity year-round. You get used to it. Mostly.

Is it safe to take your kids there?

Absolutely! After 9 years of involvement, we have a deep network of trusted friends and partners there. Not only do we feel safe raising our kids in Panama—we feel completely comfortable inviting other families to bring their kids to visit.

Some things that surprise people about Panama:

• It’s close. From Pittsburgh, it’s typically a 3-hour flight to Miami, then another 3 hours to Panama City.
• Same time zone. Panama sits due south of Pittsburgh—no jet lag.
• US dollars. Panama uses the US dollar as its currency. Spend US currency, get US currency in change.
• Modern infrastructure. Safe drinking water in most places, good healthcare, and modern amenities.

What does partnership look like?

We want to build a team of people who send us into the field—people who pray for us, challenge us, help bear our burdens, and support us prayerfully, physically, mentally, and financially.

We’re looking to partner with families, individuals, churches, small groups, and more. And partnership isn’t just from a distance: we want you to come visit. Bring your family, your small group, your youth ministry—come experience firsthand what God is doing at the crossroads of the world.

How can I give, and is it tax-deductible?

Yes—gifts are tax-deductible and processed securely through Word of Life, a registered 501(c)(3). You can give monthly or one-time at our missions page by Clicking Here. Word of Life provides giving receipts for tax purposes.

Can we visit or bring a team?

YES. This is one of our favorite questions. PDV hosts short-term teams, families, and groups year-round, and we’d love to help you plan a trip. Reach out to us at cstesprit@gmail.com or aistesprit@gmail.com and we’d love to discuss further!

How can I stay updated?

Subscribe on our website—every update we post is delivered straight to your email. You can also follow Palabra de Vida on Facebook (Facebook.com/pvpanama) and Instagram (@pdvpanama).