"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.