Sunday, November 30, 2008
Pictures Have Been Added...
Glad to be home...Sad to Say Bye
Our New Wheels
When the new bus arrived, our strong men pushed the bus off the road to a side street, and we were on our way. A stop by a Chinese restaurant on our way back to the YWAM base was our next stop, and we all enjoyed having some different cuisine options. Finally, we arrived back at our house, and by midnight we were packed and the house was cleaned.
Group Praying Prior To Leaving YWAM Belize
We left Saturday around 9am for the airport, and we arrived in Charlotte, NC around 5:30 pm. It was a very smooth process through customs, and we are thankful for the favor shown by God. Thank you to our drivers who picked us up, and we were back at the church by around 8:00 pm.
Note: I am adding pictures to this site soon, so check back for those which will be included in the texts of the posts below.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Live from Thatch Caye (pronounced "key")
Yesterday, we truly saw God's work being done! Our groups went in a few different directions, and I will not be able to do justice, but I will try. A group of 11 men went to complete the walls of the church we have been working on all week. We were joined by Taylor and Amy around 11:30, and they worked across a language barrier to bring joy to the children. Amy and Taylor read to the children, and then they made Salvation bracelets. To give you an idea of the poverty around this church, a 9-year old "hija" of the pastor Gilberto Perez approaced Amy and said, "My mom wants me to go back to the United States with you. This is a family that loves God despite some terrible adversity in their life. The men all worked great with some of the locals and the group was able to complete all the walls of this church. It was an amazing experienced, capped by one of the most powerful prayers as the Pastor and his brother prayed as we helds hands in a circle, and the power in their prayers was evident.
Block Team on Last Day Along with Pastor Perez and His Crew
Church From Front with Big Double Windows
Church Toward End From Side View
Pastor Gilberto and Lee
Mike Lackey and Richard Rice completed the cabinets, countertop, and sink for the classroom with the special needs children. Abby was overjoyed, and the children were pretending to wash their hands in the sink even before the men were able to get the cabinet set in the classroom. Along with Gary Weiss, they were able to get this done before the end of the day. It was a true God thing to complete that task, and a big Thank You is owed to those men for doing God's work!
The other ladies continued to work on behalf of children with special needs in the area. This is a passion of these ladies, and I thank God for their commitment! They made amazing progress, and even participated in a meeting offering insight for the writing of a grant asking for resources to support the special needs children in Belize!
Finally, last night was another amazing worship time! Omar and Alyssa shared their life story with us, and it was amazing here how God has led them to this place. In addition, Omar was given a "word of knowledge" during a prayer that led to a powerful time. The music by Beth and Omar was beautiful, and the prayers were powerful. Abby and Frankie also came over and Abby shared Psalms 72 with us about the God that loves and protects those special needs children. Frankie challenged us to think of not only "what did we do for God," but moreso "what did God do in us?" We prayed over Frankie and his family as well as Omar and Alyssa.
Today, we are at Thatch Caye (http://www.thatchbelize.com/), and we are getting ready to go snorkeling! Pray that there are no meetings with StingRays, but that we do get to see so many of God's creations. Thank you ELCC for your prayers, and we look forward to getting back tomorrow. We are scheduled to be in Charlotte around 5:30 pm. Continued prayers for safe travels and cooperative customs is appreciated!
Happy Birthday Bubba!!!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Dios Les Vendiga....God Bless You
Other notable events yesterday inluded Judy Brazzel's attempt to fall through the swinging bridge that we must cross to get to camp. Fortunately, Judy has been a trooper today and is keeping her knee elevated. Richard Rice took the liberty to eat a grub from a Belize nut from a palm tree on Monday, and he paid the price yesterday as his body was not feeling well. During our worship time last night, we laid hands on Judy and Richard, and we prayed that God would heal their injuries and sickness.
Judy in Trailer Behind Quad After Falling on Bridge
Our teams went back out this morning. Amy, Taylor, and a Stem Leader Shanda went to a preschool to share with the students. Peter, Eric, Robert, Beth, Lisa, and Sereta went to a small village on the Guatemalan border to pray for the village that has been recently hit hard by a flood. They also were able to give many clothes, thanks to ELCC, to many of the flood victims. They also gave school supplies to the local school. In addition, Beth and Lisa were able to work with Abby and a child that had been diagnosed with autism and work with that child's teacher. What a great opportunity to spread God's love!
Children at the Pre-School
Barry, Chuck, and Gary went to the children's home to build a wall that would separate the children from the street. This is key to keep the children from running into the street.
Dan, Scott, Josh, Tom, Lee, and Bubba went to the church again today to continue work on the church. I can't even begin to describe the poverty level around this church. The pastor's house is next door, and I will put up photos for all of this when we return. Rest assured that unless you have been to a third world country, you have never seen anything like this. Their house is a one-room shanty that does not have doors or windows, or power, or even running water. Yet, here is this pastor and his brother working diligently and praising God the whole time for his amazing grace and faithfulness! That is a lesson in humility for all of us! We had some amazing time together with the local village, and several stopped by. Even Bubba learned to say Dios Les Vendiga, as well as Mi Hermano/a en Cristo (My Brother/Sister in Christ) when talking with the natives. We were able to deliver several of the children the clothes that had been given by East Lake, and within 30 minutes there were 10 or more children running around sporting the clothes we provided.
Pastor Gilberto Perez's Family and House
Taylor Reading to Children at Pastor Gilberto Perez's House
Finally, praise God that Richard is feeling better and is able to help Mike Lackey today as they are building a counter and cabinets to be used for life skills instruction with the special needs children. Mike has shown an innate ability to be precise with his measurements, as this job has only required 3 trips to the hardware store, compared to the 4 trips to Lowe's when he takes on a project back home.
Thank you East Lake for your prayers. Thank you for your words of encouragement! Please pray for our leadership as we determine if this is where God wants East Lake to partner in the future!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
The work begins!
The second group began working on the cabinet that will be used as a teaching tool for disabled children - the goal is to teach the children to cook and other life skills.
Mike and Richard Working on Kitchen Cabinet and Countertop for Special Needs Classroom
The third group began their day at the Children's Home - mixing and pouring cement that will be the foundation for a fence that will keep the children safe from the traffic that is 25 feet from their front door.
Barry Laying Block at the Children's Home
They spent the afternoon mixing and pouring cement that will be the foundation for a wall that will keep dust and noise down for a pastor and his family.
Chuck, Omar, and Eric Helping Pastor Frankie at His House
The 4th and last group spent the morning with 40 preschool children - you can imagine the fun we had! Stories, coloring, snacks, singing..,..etc!
Taylor Is Still Just a Kid Inside
Sereta with the Children
Beautiful Alexa Found a Comforting Place with Amy
Children's Home From Front - You Can See How Close the Road Is - And Footer for the Block Wall and Fence
p.s. pray for the team member that thought it would be cool to eat a grub worm - whole, he's not doing so hot today - but we found a use for that pepto!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Only a moment or two...
Finally, please be in prayer. there is a couple here at YWAM that are missionaries that are from Nigeria. They have come over on faith and during what was supposed to be a layover in Cuba, they were held for almost two weeks and all of their money was taken in "fees." They now are here with one child while a set of twins and their other child is left in Nigeria needing $2,200 each to get here.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
God is With Us…Safe Travels to Roaring Creek, Belize
After leaving East Lake Church around 6am, the team was driven safely to the CLT airport by Tom Chumney, Gary Shoults, and Wes and Donita White (thank you so much). We were able to check-in without interruption, although our fearless church youth pastor Barry Russell was “randomly” selected for an individual search.
Fortunately, we arrived in plenty of time including Richard Rice (pictured above along with Barry Russell, who also somehow ended up in 1st class) who was shown the favor of God by being given an upgrade to First-Class by US Airwways.
Richard Rice with his Favor From God (1st Class Upgrade) and Barry Russell
We arrived at the airport in Belize City around 12:30 Central Time. Amazingly, all of our luggage including the 18 bags of gifts donated by the wonderful family of East Lake Community Church arrived safely. However, it was at that time that we ran into a slight issue with customs as they did not like the idea of us bringing all of these gifts for the people and children of Belize.
They especially had their eye on Mike Lackey after they asked him what was in his second bag, and his response was “stuff I’m going to wear.” Unfortunately when the bag was opened, it was full of children’s’ socks and underwear. The customs lady held up a small pair of pink footies and responded, “You are going to wear this?” Those of you who know Mike Lackey can imagine how funny this was, and Mike even can look back and enjoy this moment now that God delivered us after we paid a $25 “fine” to the customs’ agents.
Our leaders from STEM, Rachel and Shanda, were there to meet us and we loaded our luggage on the school bus from the YWAM campus.
Our partners from YWAM, Omar and Alyssa Myrie took care of transporting us to Rolling Creek, Belize campus about a 50 mile drive away. During the drive, Alyssa told us about Belize and helped us understand YWAM. Upon arrival, we went to the cafeteria area to have sausage and beans and rice. We then were introduced to our living quarters for the week, which the counselors refer to as “The White House.” If you are thinking 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, you are a little off-base as we are going 5 deep in the rooms without any sign of hot water.
Omar and Alyssa
Our Wheels for the Week
Suspended Bridge over to YWAM Belize
Welcome to YWAM
YWAM Dining Hall
Our Wonderful Living Quarters, The White House - I LOVE HOT WATER!
After settling into our rooms, we had an amazing time of worship and prayer. We were absolutely in the presence of God as Beth Tuten played the guitar and we all sang and prayed to worship God. Tomorrow we are going to a church within walking distance, and they are having a special service as they have invited many of the children with special needs from the community to this service. We are so excited!!!
Beth Playing Guitar and Leading Us in Worship
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Authentic Worship…Truly In His Presence
This entry is at 4:00 p.m. eastern time. We have truly been in the presence of God already today. After the morning devotion by Richard Rice, we all prepared to go to River of Life Community Church. Omar came by to lead us over to the church, and the service began at 10:30. We arrived early enough to take a group picture in front of the church.
Group Picture at Church
We settled in for around 45 minutes of pure worship, and it was amazing! God was in this place! I would challenge anyone to find that kind of commitment and desire in their own place of worship. I hope to have a few videos up of that service on Sunday, because no words can describe the people truly giving themselves up to the Lord.
Picture of Sanctuary from Front of Church
Picture of Sanctuary During Worship
Pastor Frankie Preaching During Service
After the worship, we were given the opportunity to share with the church. The congregation of approximately 125 was blessed to listen to Taylor Winesett and Robert McCardle give their testimony. Both of them did an amazing job, and it was a blessing to hear them tell their “story.” All of the children, approximately 50 in number including many with special needs, were then sent outside as we handled the children’s service for the duration of the time.
After Barry Russell gave a brief devotion to the children, Amy Long led them through an arts and craft session making faith bracelets with all of the children. As expected, sports was the universal language with many of the children as we played soccer, volleyball, and even introduced many of the children to Futbol Americano.
Barry Leading Children in Lesson
We have come back to the house to prepare for the rest of the week. At around 4:15 central time, we are going to the home of Pastor Frankie and his wife Abby from River of Life. It is such an honor to be invited into their home, and we look forward to learning other ways we might be able to help glorify the Lord and share his Kingdom with many more in this area!
Cookout at Pastor Frankie's House
Pastor Frankie's Wife Abby Speaking About Special Needs Children in Belize
Please keep praying for God to show us the best way to increase his kingdom! Please continue praying for our team unity! Please continue praying for our leaders to have discernment and clarity. Thank you already for the prayers you have lifted up, and please know we feel those prayers being lifted!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
East Lake is Walking Across the Street...to Belize!!!
We Praise God for all of you who are sending us for we could not do this without your support and prayers. Thank you East Lake for walking across the street with us in Belize! Praise God for your obedience and faithfulness!
Please continue to pray for this trip.
The Belize 2008 Team
As promised, here are pictures of the gifts from ELCC!
Picture of room full of gifts for Belize!
Another table of gifts!
Clothing Gifts
Soccer balls and footballs with pumps!
Thank you Scott and Judy!
Team working hard to pack bags!
If God is for us, Who can be against us!
Prayer over the packed bags!
Thank you Lord for a church that responds! God, please give us wisdom!
What a marvelous sight! Youth praying over the gifts!!!
Thomas Praying over the Gifts