Buildings are happening and boy do they require a lot of work! Men from Virginia and from Cornerstone Church, S.C. have come ...but the cool thing is by far, the most work has been done by volunteers here. Both the Cabana here at camp and the new worship facility at Pomona church have consumed the hours of every able bodied man and a few women too! It's all a work of the Lord and exciting to see.
Families from Westwood spent a week at Light of the Valley school and focused on preparing the older students for testing and the younger ones we tutored in reading. Returning is building relationships in a good way. The teams aren't treated as guests anymore, but more like returning family. We work with teachers and are a part of normal for the kids. Sure they are excited to see their friends from the states, but it's sort of expected now. A very good feeling to be a part of ministry there.
The week before Easter we experienced the first Westwood / Light of the Valley Church mission week! We started with worship and Family Day on Sunday, full of games like sack race, Dizzy Lizzy, water balloon toss and lime in the spoon. Even the women got involved in a hair braiding race! After a fabulous lunch visiting families got to meet their Belizian partner families for the week. Each morning started with worship, the kids made the best leaders:) followed by a Bible lesson and then small group activities and discussions. After lunch each day we had harrowing games of UNO, Headbanz, basketball and did puzzles together...you learn a lot talking during games! And character does show through;) Mid week we all walked the neighboring communities to invite families to church services on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. The week culminated with Good Friday worship and communion, our hearts were full! My favorite moment: after visiting the first house with an invitation to church, one woman to another, "I can't believe I just did that!" She could be heard repeating that phrase throughout the day;) together we are better! Courage is contagious! Pray we are all bolder with our faith and live in a manner worthy of the gospel to which we are called.
West Bradenton friends had a similar week in Hope Creek Community, building on the same kind of ministry done in that community last summer. We believe we have found the way to best connect friends and families here with visiting teams. I'm sure Karen will continue to tweak each trip, but the concept of pairing Belizians with visiting teams in small groups to learn from one another is by far the sweetest and most fruitful we've seen, discipleship happens best that way! Check out kk4jesus.org for opportunities to come alongside us this summer!
Last week a dental team will be here from N.C. With one dentist, one hygienist, a husband for details and a son for fun...this team of 4 proved to be small, but mighty. We had a smooth 2 1/2 days at Pomona Church and took care of about 90 people! Our church family in Pomona really stepped up to help, could NOT have done it without them!
And finally, at the end of the month the Medical team will return for trip number 18 !! Come join us!
This has been our longest time in Belize. I've struggled with tears, more than a little from just plain missing family and friends. God is good, He DOES give me more than I can bear...almost every day. I'm grateful that He is able when I am not. Maybe the hardest and best truth yet!
Please pray:
We continue to grow closer to LOV church family.
Teams from the States come to share in ministry.
Buildings happen injury free!
Laura can balance ministry and school:)
Our family will manage to stay close in three countries!
Praise God:
Amazing weeks with teams during Spring Breaks.
We have completed a year!!
Cabana # 1 is done!
Michael and Amy celebrate a year of marriage April 20!
Steven sounds really good in Africa!
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