Our Belize Team was humbled to serve and love on our brothers and
sisters in Belize. This year marked our 10-year anniversary partnership with
Grace Covenant and Belize, it was a special time of celebration and renewed
vigor. God moved in us and through us all week as we talked, laughed, cried,
hugged, prayed, and worshipped together with our extended Kingdom family all
across Belize.
Our first ministry opportunity was Sunday morning, July 13th.
Several hundred people gathered at LifeNet Church in Belmopan to worship. It
was a blessing to witness a tongue spoken by one person and an interpretation
from another congregant that edified and united the church. After this
special time of worship, our team lead children's church by utilizing puppets,
skits, crafts, a message, games and snacks all incorporating the idea of our
Identity being formed in Christ while Pastor David preached this theme to
the adults. Our efforts were well received as we prayed with many people, both
adults and children.
The next day our team headed from Belmopan up to San Ignacio in the
mountains of Belize. The team checked in the Venus hotel and then headed
over to the Lighthouse Church in Santa Elaina. We partnered with young
people and adult leaders to pass out flyers for the VBS which we would lead the
next day. Each member of the team was given the opportunity to share a
devotional with the group and to share their testimony throughout the week;
this became some of the most impactful times of ministry as different team
members shared their personal God-stories at each place of ministry.
The following day was VBS at Lighthouse Church in Santa Elena.
98 kids showed up for crafts, sports, snacks, a mini-drama, and a message with all
areas focusing on our identity in Christ. 33 of the children made commitments
to Christ. In the evening the team led a church service at Arms of Love
in San Ignacio where Don Bishofberger and Natalie Johnson shared their
testimonies and Pastor David spoke.
The next day was VBS at Arms of Love Church in San Ignacio. 130 kids came
out as we led with the same theme through crafts, sports, a mini-drama, a
message and snacks. 35 of the children made commitments to Christ. In the
evening the team led a church service at the Tabernacle De Fe (of Faith) in
Benque, Belize. Aisha Sangare, Christine Bishofberger, Joanna MacCutcheon, and
Aaron Hosea shared their testimonies and Pastor David spoke on James 4:8;
drawing near to God. The night ended with a powerful prayer time where 2 received
the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
The following day we traveled back to Belmopan and in the evening the team led
the LifeNet Youth Group at Pastor Lee's house. Maria Kozoman, Skye Linfoot, Zoe
Hosea and
Chris Sanchez all gave their testimonies of how they are discovering their
identity in Jesus. Pastor David followed up about how we see ourselves versus
how God sees us. We then led small groups and had some great interaction
with kids who were very open about sharing what was on their hearts. There
were many divine connections and hope and restoration filled the room.
The next morning we ministered in Mayo Mopan, a Mayan village just outside
of Belmopan. Our team partnered with local leaders and we canvased the
village for all the children to meet us in a particular field. Then we broke
off into groups as they started gathering in – there were over 80 kids gathered
in various groups playing soccer, duck, duck goose, listening to stories, and
much more. In the groups our team was able to spend time with them, share the
gospel, and pray with the precious kids.
In the afternoon our team headed to Marla's house, a girl’s home in
Belmopan, to spend time with girls who had been removed from their homes due to
abuse or neglect. Natalie Johnson and
Jessica Sanchez shared their testimonies and had everyone in joyful tears about
the victory of Christ in their life. It was a very moving time and genuinely
inspired the girls at Marla’s House.
In the evening we hosted the largest leadership event ever at LifeNet
Church. Nearly 80 leaders from churches across Belize united together to grow
and learn. Pastor David led a leadership development course while our team
served dinner. Our hope was to make these local leaders feel special. Having
limited leadership development resources or events, it was Pastor David’s
desire to leave the local leaders motivated, inspired, and well-resourced to
continue making disciples who make disciples long after our team heads home. Pastor
Lee and Pastor Caleb will continue to mentor the leaders by utilizing a book
called "Disciples of All Nations" along with a workbook from the
night that we gave to each leader in attendance.
It was hard to say good bye after such a fruitful week, however, we must return
to our homes, our families, and our local mission field. Each member of the team
now has a special place for Belize in their hearts that will never go
away. God bless Belize!
