Azucena Matute - First Baptist Church of Pine

AZUCENA MATUTE-May2026

Dr. Azucena Matute

Serving with World Outreach Ministries in Panama

Partners of Dr. Azucena Matute,

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving
thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

Health Update
My doctor told me to go back to living my life as normally as possible. That is exactly what I am trying to do—little by little, with God’s help and according to my strength—here in David, Chiriquí. I remain on track with my treatment (receiving a dose of the “red” chemotherapy—the strongest type—every three weeks in Panama City), and I hope to continue following God’s plans for me and the ministry. Please pray that everything goes well when I undergo the tests to determine whether I have responded to the treatments.

After receiving my first round of chemotherapy, I experienced my initial symptoms—nausea and headaches. However, four days later, my symptoms escalated to include fevers and vomiting; as instructed by my oncologist, I went to the emergency room. I was in critical condition and had to be hospitalized for nine days due to febrile neutropenia. I required two blood transfusions to raise my hemoglobin level to 11, as my immune system was severely compromised (my hemoglobin had dropped to 6). Then, I was administered numerous antibiotics and antiviral medications; although I underwent various tests—including blood cultures, urine cultures, swabs, and chest X-rays—all of which came back negative, the source of my infection was ultimately identified as gastrointestinal. The chemotherapy had damaged my gastrointestinal flora, leading to a strict prohibition against consuming any uncooked foods—ranging from fruits to vegetables.

My days in the hospital were extremely difficult; the medications were so potent that my veins could barely withstand them. I went to my scheduled appointment on May 8th for my second round of chemotherapy; however, after reviewing the test results I brought him, the doctor deemed it inadvisable for me to receive treatment that day. I was still very weak and experiencing symptoms of diarrhea, so he sent me home to rest until May 20th. Praise be to God, I have felt a marked improvement since May 11th. I currently have a strange taste in my mouth that makes it difficult for me to stay properly hydrated, and food tastes different to me now.

Upcoming Events
I am scheduled to undergo my second cycle of chemotherapy on May 20th, at which time I also have an appointment scheduled with my oncologist. I also have an appointment with a psychologist on May 29th to help me process this diagnosis and prognosis, as well as a palliative care consultation to assist in managing any pain.

Ministry

I give thanks to God because, amidst all these difficulties, He helps me continue ahead with work.

Pastor Oscar from El Salvador received the donation needed to purchase his leg prosthesis.

He has already begun physical therapy to learn how to use it, so we ask for your prayers that he may adapt to it successfully. Many thanks to every donor who made it possible for Brother Oscar to stand on his feet again and continue the ministry God has called him to fulfill. For me, it is a joy; and for him and his wife, it is a true blessing.

Sebastián continues with his chemotherapy treatments; he is currently on his fourth cycle. He landed in the emergency room after the fourth cycle due to a fever, but he is now in his rest week and is in stable condition. We received a donation of $1,000 from Central Baptist Church in New York toward the construction of the clinic in Divalá.

We have already begun installing sections of the zinc roofing. I am so excited to finally see this project beginning to come to fruition. We continue to pray for additional donations and/or construction volunteers who can come and help build this beautiful facility for the benefit of our Guaymí brothers and sisters in the local communities.

Expressions of Gratitude
Thank you to every donor who sends offerings to help cover the cost of my travel every three weeks to receive my medical treatments.

Thank you to ‘Fundacancer’ for donating my first wig. With so many medical expenses to cover, I didn’t have the funds to purchase a wig myself; however, this foundation made it possible for me to change my look after losing my hair

Thank you to Edwina for sending me mandalas and coloring books—along with markers—to help keep my mind

occupied during this process, as well as a bedside table for my bed and a pillow to keep my foot elevated.

Thank you to the Ortega family for opening their home to me and my family,

providing us with a place to stay every time I travel to Panama City for treatment, and for accompanying me to my very first chemotherapy session.

Thank you to every person whom God has moved in their hearts to send a financial

contribution or to lift me up in prayer. God has been so good to me throughout this process, blessing me with all of you—as well as with people I do not even know, who nonetheless offer me words of encouragement and love. I cannot thank each of you in person, but I ask God to provide you with His manifold blessings in everything you do for me and my family and provide you good health. Please continue to bless me and pray for me, for I truly need a miracle regarding my health, to the Honor and Glory of God.

Prayer Requests
Thank you for supporting me during this journey. I am grateful to you—for your prayers, your words of encouragement, and the other blessings you provide.

• Pray for my complete healing from the cancer in my body.

• Pray for the healing of my foot.
• Pray for my family, that God may grant them strength and peace amidst this difficult process.
• Pray for the construction projects for the mission house.
• Pray for the construction of the medical clinic, the procurement of construction supplies, the purchase of
medical equipment, and registering the clinic.

1. DONATE ONLINE!
(Use Cards, Bank Info, or Crypto)
www.WorldOutreach.org/858
(This link will take you directly to my page.)

Thank you all for your continued support and prayers! My heart is filled with gratitude, and I continue to trust that God will provide everything necessary to continue this mission.

I appreciate your taking the time for reading my newsletter and for praying for me and for the ministry I do. None of this would be possible without you. Thank you!

Tell us on Facebook on Instagram: Elizabeth Matute, Ngäbe-Buglé Missions

Azucena Elizabeth Matute

Your gifts can be sent immediately to my ministry through WORLD OUTREACH MINISTRIES – my U.S. headquarters. Here are the best ways to send your support:
Azucena Elizabeth Matute

1. DONATE ONLINE!
(Use Cards, Bank Info, or Crypto)

www.WorldOutreach.org/858

How to Support Doctor Azucena Matute’s Medical Outreach for Christ in Panama

2. MAIL CHECKS to:
World Outreach Ministries, Inc.
P.O. Box B
Marietta, GA 30061
(designate for #858 – Azucena Matute)

3. BILL PAY: free
option via your online
banking (designate for #858 -Azucena Matute)