| The temperature is warm; the air feels heavy without a breath to disturb the leaves. Small white clouds drift lazily overhead. Then a faint breeze fans the clouds as they grow, turning from white to gray, then black. Suddenly, the sound of a hundred hammers beating on the tin roof begins, and we are in the middle of a tropical rain shower!
 Our mission team of 16, representing four churches, is serving in Belize. We arrived on Sunday, in time for their customary main service of the day that evening. Their youth group band led worship, and Danny Quintanilla brought the message.
On Monday we joined the Belizean church to celebrate their Independence Day, September 21. Every year the Ebenezer church plans a celebration for the whole community, offering an alternative to the drunken revelry that is traditional on this day. STCH Ministries was invited to participate.
Confidently, church members move forward all morning with preparations, although the forecast is dismal—rain all day. Tents, chairs, benches and three barbecue pits take their place, as groceries are purchased and individuals prepare coleslaw and beans.
At the appointed hour, a crowd gathers, waiting expectantly for God to stop the rain. Amid sprinkles, the celebration began. Standing at attention, they sang the words of their national anthem: By the might of truth, and the grace of God…
 Land of the Free by the Carib Sea.
Many can remember with pride the actual day, 45 years ago, when British Honduras formally became Belize. Pastor Mike Whittle brought a message – the privilege of freedom for Belizeans, and the opportunity to experience God’s freedom through Christ.
We joined our Belizean family’s celebration, dividing ourselves between white and green teams. Team members joined the competitive activities – sack races, wheelbarrow runs and more. Those of us on the sidelines cheered for our team and were kept supplied with Gatorade, cold soft drinks and slices of watermelon and cantaloupe. Finally, the main event of chicken and pork chops was ready. A gorgeous sunset climaxed the event as families scattered for home and the inevitable cleanup concluded the day.
Over the following days, the group divided into several teams. One team provided medical care to 84 patients, while another worked on construction projects, including building beds for children. Other team members prepared hygiene kits to distribute to elementary school children and shopped for groceries that we delivered to families in great need. As we delivered a small bag of rice, one widow shared, “God saw my need. I used my last bit of rice today.” We were invited to present to individual classes in a local high school. The groups divided into seven teams to share the Gospel as we also interacted with some ice-breakers for the young people.
We have had a blessed mission experience, and our own vision has grown and our faith has been strengthened through the testimony of these Belizean Christians. Pray for this church and their leadership, as by faith and the support of many STCH Ministries donors and churches, they are extending the size of their church to reach their growing congregation! |
Land of the Free by the Carib Sea.
Over the following days, the group divided into several teams. One team provided medical care to 84 patients, while another worked on construction projects, including building beds for children. Other team members prepared hygiene kits to distribute to elementary school children and shopped for groceries that we delivered to families in great need. As we delivered a small bag of rice, one widow shared, “God saw my need. I used my last bit of rice today.” We were invited to present to individual classes in a local high school. The groups divided into seven teams to share the Gospel as we also interacted with some ice-breakers for the young people.
When God Calls a Welder