MISSION BELIZE

"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." 1 Peter 2:21

While the Mission Belize team may not have suffered, they certainly didn't find much rest as they are close to completing Phase II. All that is left is for the local workers to finish the walls and the upper beam.

The team of John Paget, John Grimes, David Nelson, Ken Franz, Don Mitchell, Jerry Sisson, and Matt Lewis left Bellville around 5:00 A.M. Monday, May 10, after starting with an early breakfast hosted by Mike Newman of Newman's Bakery. What a blessing his meal and prayer support offered.

Day One consisted of laying out and installing the plumbing and drains that were to be under the slab. The number of toilets and showers amazed the locals especially since 4" PVC drain pipe is hard to find and must be ordered from Belize City. This installation was the third most expensive element of the work thus far. In addition, on day one the men leveled and tamped the dirt and installed the expansion joints.  

Another day was spent laying out the plastic and rebar to be under the slab. While the men were working, the two 50 foot trailers filled with  blocks arrived. Each block weighed 15 pounds a piece and the men were ready to work.

Bright and early the next day, the cement trucks and equipment began to arrive. Three mixer trucks, a cement pump, a hopper, and a conveyer arrived along with a dump truck of cement. There was an estimated 69 cubic yards of cement. Already on a budget, the men worked to keep their measurements exact. They ultimately used only 63 cubic yards saving over $600 USD. Once again, God proved Himself faithful in every detail.

By Saturday evening, the men were exhausted, but didn't let that deter them from setting up "pews"  - basically blocks and boards - for a Sunday morning service. They even found the energy to build a pulpit for Brother Bob Farley to use. They had spent the week inviting people to the service to be held at the new training center. Sunday morning, Brother Bob picked the people up in the bus and God's sight was grand as He listened to the praises of His children. All gathered together, praising God on the site of His training center, Manuel, one of the workers sang in Ketches, and Matt Lewis sang in English. One of the people, Cristina, prayed to accept the Lord as personal Savior and the group praised the Lord for His continued blessings.

One of the events that only God could have arranged concerned Philip, the cement company supervisor. The men had visited with him during the week and he accepted their inviation to worship. He brought his wife and four children, driving two hours just to join their little service. Prayers are being lifted for Philip and family to come to know the Lord. 

Each team member had duties other than the work on the center. David and Ken cooked the meals often starting by 5:00 A.M. so work could begin by 7:00. Don showed a servant's heart handling the cleaning duties keeping the cabin comfortable. Jerry is a Gideon and was able to hand out Bibles much to the joy of the children and their parents. Matt, and both Johns served in worship. Once again, God brought together the perfect team filled with wisdom, energy, and a serving spirit.

The Seekers Bible Fellowship Group from First Baptist Bellville purchased a hot water heater for the Farley family, so in addition to their work at the center, the men also worked to install the unit. While a challenge to install, Jerry and Matt were able to get it working and Rhonda had hot water at her kitchen sink and washing machine for the first time in years.

The rainy season started early this year and the nightly down pours were quite heavy. The men were frequently rained on during the day and lightning and thunder shook the small cabin, but God's protection was enough to provide shade from the sun during the day, gentle breezes, and peaceful sleep in the evening. Another mission team working on other facilities had to postpone their cement pour and will have to return to finish. Even with daily rains not a drop of rain fell on the Sunday worship service - once again, to God be the glory.

The original plan was for Brother Bob to drive the team to Belize City Tuesday, May 18, but the rain washed out the bridges. The men were forced to take a small commuter flight from Punta Gorda, but it allowed them to get in a few more hours of work.

WIth Phase II complete, the entire team from the United States and Belize are still trusting God to provide the funding to complete the work. To God be the glory who continues to provide for His children as they serve Him.

"His eyes are on the ways of men; he sees their every step." Job 34:21

His eyes truly are on the ways of men and He has had his eye on every step that the Mission Belize Construction team has taken. From the smooth flight to the accomodating weather, from the material arrival to the "fire from heaven" concrete truck, God has had His hand on the workers and the work being done on the training facility in Belize.

A team of four men from Texas, (l-r) Ken Franz, John Paget, John Grimes, and David Nelson, arrived in Belize to meet Bob Farley and start the Phase I work that would get the project started.

 The first day primarily consisted of measuring and laying out the lines for the building. A lazer level was used to plan the wall layout and the arrangement of rooms and then the tractor was brought in to dig the trenches for the placement of  forms. Forms for the walls were laid and concrete poured to secure them while concrete blocks were hauled in by hand to stack. Once concrete was dried, the blocks were stacked and more concrete was poured into them for stabilization.

But the hand of God wasn't just on the construction. The Spirit was truly moving across Punta Gorda while the team was there. The Sunday service was an emotional time for the team as village leaders shared life changes and the entire congregation encircled them to offer forgiveness and friendship.

The small group of men  - older men by their own admission - had set out to do a monumental task, but the Spirit not only gave them physical strength, emotional and mental strength to meet the daily needs of their efforts was the Spirit'sblessing. About Thursday of the first week, they realized that they were setting a torrid pace when three of the locals shared that they were not able to keep up with the pace being set! The team claimed Isaiah 40:31 and continued on knowing that they would be tired, but not weary. Each day was filled with new challenges and God stayed one step ahead of them.

From bare dirt to wooden forms, from the cement pour to the last two courses of block stacking, the men forged ahead coming in not only under date deadline, but under budget.

The building is not the only success in Punta Gorda. The comradery that was built between the team, the villagers, and the staff will last a lifetime. Days started around 5:30 with devotion time and each evening was spent in personal reflection of work accomplished and hurdles overcome. The Spirit moved in more than physical accomplishments in the lives of the the Texas team. It was obvious to them that God's work was being done in this place and they just felt priviledged to be along for the ride.

While in Belize, only days away from finishing, team member John Grimes recevied word that his sister was losing her valiant fight with cancer. As God was preparing to move her to her heavenly home, John struggled being torn between his duty and love for family and his commitment to the project. John wrestled with God and his commrades surrounded him, praying as they laid hands on him for his decisions and choices. John stayed to see the finish line and although had to leave early, was able to be with his sister before she moved to heaven. Once again, God cared for every detail of the trip.  

The Holy Spirit and the plan of God is truly being brought to life in the building and the development of the training facililty in Belize. God's work is not only eveident on site as the building takes shape, but in the lives of the villagers and the Farley and Ezelle families. The team was able to bring a sermon message, worship with the villagers, and be a part of baptisms in the river. They visited in the homes of the villagers, shared stories and gospel messages with their fellow workers, and left their hearts there, with plans to return in a few weeks to begin Phase II.

Praise be to God for the work He has done and the work He still has planned as the team and their new workers are planning to return in early May.

"To God be the Glory; great things He has done."

     It's fascinating to watch God work. The Mission Belize Team is beginning to form and dates have been established for activities.

      Phase I will begin on March 20 when the team of John Paget, Jerry Sisson, David Nelson, Ken Franz, and John Grimes flies to Belize City and makes their way to Punta Gorda - about a 5-6 hour drive. The men will be staying in a temporary building which is a very basic shelter, hopefully with power. The environment will be primitive with cots (if available) and a privy already on site. Mosquito netting, bug spray and additional clothing are just a few of the things the team will need to bring in addition to their personal needs.

     The team is committed to completing Phase I before they return to the states on March 28. They will be sending updates on a regular basis, so please watch for progress as the Training Center becomes a reality.

     We are currently praying that God prepare them for the spiritual warfare they will face and open the hearts and doors for them as the come alongside Bob Farley and Cohen Ezelle in God's mission of this training facility.

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1

What a mighty God we serve that the works He began with creation are still in progress and we, His children, are blessed to participate! This progress continues with the Mission Belize Training Center. In the beginning, is was a vision Bob Farley had, a dream he felt God had given him. But when visions and dreams are set in motion by God, reality soon takes shape and He is glorified.

Currently the team is preparing for Phase I construction to begin. Funds are in place and available for the March trip where five men will begin work. John Paget, team leader, is currently securing and raising funds for Phase II which is scheduled in late April. Jerry Sisson, project manager, is scheduling workers, supplies, and equipment. Bob is coordinating the laborers and land preparation in Belize. All efforts are being made to get the center going before the rainy season begins in late May.

While the team is in Belize, we will be updating on a regular basis with photos and information. If you would like to be informed on these updates, check back with us regularly or e-mail us at missionbelize@yahoo.com and we will be sure to notify you with needs, prayer requests, and current activities. If you would like to contribute financially to this effort, simply click on God's Provisions at the right and you will be re-directed to addresses where you can share in the joy of this effort.

Most of all, be in prayer that our timing will align with God's, that our efforts will honor Him, and that His gospel will be shared in every aspect. Pray for the team and the Farleys and First Baptist Church as we work together to serve our Father.

"O Lord Almighty, God of Israel, you have revelaed this to your servant saying, 'I will build a house for you.' So your servant has found courage to offer you this prayer." 2 Samuel 7:27