Saturday, July 30, 2005
Blitz On Belize
July 30th Vacation Bible School
There is excitement in the air. Our team arrived an hour late but with no problems. The weather has been kind to us. The hurricanes have missed us and only a few thunder showers everyday this time of year. It is their wet season. We have all worked hard for weeks getting ready. So we decided we needed a couple of days of much need rest before we started. We went to Windy Hills a beautiful place that was cool and restful. The next day we went to Five Sister Lodge it was also beautiful. With 5 waterfalls off a bluff. After being refreshed we were ready. The Arkansas Team settled in. Don Brad Frank and Ernesto went to get the Alabama Teams. Thirty stayed here at the mission house. The rest were in Sand Hill and Hattieville. Their were about 50 people here. It was a bit like a circus at first everyone was so excited to see each other and to catch up on the news.
A youth Rally started off the Blitz all the Churches were a part. It was like heaven all the people could not get in the church. The groups were wonderful. All talented young people. Sand Hill and Hattieville came in a big bus. Fire Bun a truck. Guinea Grass had a truck of young men and sound equipment San Lazaro was cooking and also had a great youth group. The preaching was spirit filled. It was a great start for the Vacation Bible School and revival .The Bible School was well attended everywhere. Their was revival everywhere except one church.
At Guinea Grass the highest day was 350-400 children and Adults .The classes were great the nationals taught all but August Pine Ridge and they are in the middle of changing pastors. All the churches had great attendance. We rode thought the back roads about 40 minutes It looked like jungle. We sang did craft and glittered and glued. But most of all we worshiped the Lord. Hilliberto taught my class. Their was a about 86 the last day .All of the nationals knew their material and did a great job. Don preached the revival. The alters were full. And it was attended well. I led choruses for the Americans, The Carpenters Tools sang. As well as the Team. Their was a lot of Spanish music .I love the Latin beat. Everyone was involved . That the way it should be. The last night their were tears as we departed. How quick the time went. It week went like only yesterday. It was time for everyone to go home. We loaded up 3 vans, 1 rodeo and 1 trucks and headed to the airport. The time was good we were in a different position than the years before. It was sad to see everyone leave at one time. We said our tearful goodbyes and they all flew away to their homes. Don and I stayed Ernesto Meriela Angie Myra and Stacy they said they were family now and we all got a van and started toward San Lazero. We found out none of them had eater that day so we stopped in Orange Walk and Don bought them something at Lee’s (a Chinese restaurant) .The house had a strange quite about it. It is the first time we have been alone here. It see strange to be here alone. Today I started cleanings and washing. I didn’t know we were so tired. I a little while some of the children came in. Finally we went to Orange Walk with a family from the village to get School Supplies. They came home with us and we ate ice cream. Bro. Clifford came in and will spend the night. Don is watching Fox news .It is about 9:00 at night .God had truly blessed. All the efforts.
The paint team did a great job. The school looks beautiful. They worked hard, everyone is pleased about the work they did. Mrs. Jewel kept us in homemade cake. Brownies. Lime Juice, Tea, Plus food of all kinds. . Tomorrow a new day starts.. We are anxious to see what it holds
There is excitement in the air. Our team arrived an hour late but with no problems. The weather has been kind to us. The hurricanes have missed us and only a few thunder showers everyday this time of year. It is their wet season. We have all worked hard for weeks getting ready. So we decided we needed a couple of days of much need rest before we started. We went to Windy Hills a beautiful place that was cool and restful. The next day we went to Five Sister Lodge it was also beautiful. With 5 waterfalls off a bluff. After being refreshed we were ready. The Arkansas Team settled in. Don Brad Frank and Ernesto went to get the Alabama Teams. Thirty stayed here at the mission house. The rest were in Sand Hill and Hattieville. Their were about 50 people here. It was a bit like a circus at first everyone was so excited to see each other and to catch up on the news.
A youth Rally started off the Blitz all the Churches were a part. It was like heaven all the people could not get in the church. The groups were wonderful. All talented young people. Sand Hill and Hattieville came in a big bus. Fire Bun a truck. Guinea Grass had a truck of young men and sound equipment San Lazaro was cooking and also had a great youth group. The preaching was spirit filled. It was a great start for the Vacation Bible School and revival .The Bible School was well attended everywhere. Their was revival everywhere except one church.
At Guinea Grass the highest day was 350-400 children and Adults .The classes were great the nationals taught all but August Pine Ridge and they are in the middle of changing pastors. All the churches had great attendance. We rode thought the back roads about 40 minutes It looked like jungle. We sang did craft and glittered and glued. But most of all we worshiped the Lord. Hilliberto taught my class. Their was a about 86 the last day .All of the nationals knew their material and did a great job. Don preached the revival. The alters were full. And it was attended well. I led choruses for the Americans, The Carpenters Tools sang. As well as the Team. Their was a lot of Spanish music .I love the Latin beat. Everyone was involved . That the way it should be. The last night their were tears as we departed. How quick the time went. It week went like only yesterday. It was time for everyone to go home. We loaded up 3 vans, 1 rodeo and 1 trucks and headed to the airport. The time was good we were in a different position than the years before. It was sad to see everyone leave at one time. We said our tearful goodbyes and they all flew away to their homes. Don and I stayed Ernesto Meriela Angie Myra and Stacy they said they were family now and we all got a van and started toward San Lazero. We found out none of them had eater that day so we stopped in Orange Walk and Don bought them something at Lee’s (a Chinese restaurant) .The house had a strange quite about it. It is the first time we have been alone here. It see strange to be here alone. Today I started cleanings and washing. I didn’t know we were so tired. I a little while some of the children came in. Finally we went to Orange Walk with a family from the village to get School Supplies. They came home with us and we ate ice cream. Bro. Clifford came in and will spend the night. Don is watching Fox news .It is about 9:00 at night .God had truly blessed. All the efforts.
The paint team did a great job. The school looks beautiful. They worked hard, everyone is pleased about the work they did. Mrs. Jewel kept us in homemade cake. Brownies. Lime Juice, Tea, Plus food of all kinds. . Tomorrow a new day starts.. We are anxious to see what it holds
Monday, July 18, 2005
Work-shop & funeral
July 18th
Workshop & Funeral
July 18th
The workshop turned out great. .Twenty – Four attended everyone was their, but August Pine Ridge and they were in the process of changing pastors. Their were some ladies from San Lazero that said they would teach their also if needed. Everyone was in good spirits and shared about their Bible schools. What they loved and how perhaps it could be improved to meet the needs of the village. But one thing was certain they wanted the VBS.
Praise God the storm missed us. We were prepared it if hit but thank God it went around. We pray for those it struck though. We went to church yesterday morning and headed to a Funeral for Gloria’s dad. She works for the mission. Her dad was 98. He had the same Birthday as I do. He had 12 children. It was a two hour ride in their past Kings College in the middle of no where. We arrived their was no place to sit the church was full. Their was a tarp but it was also full. We found a large tree. Their was about 75 people standing their, someone brought a bench out .That I sat on. We were given programs. I was very proud of mine. It gave the mans history and a lot about the family but the old lady next to me had none. As we talked she said he was a dear relative. She had so many good memories. I gave her my program; perhaps she needed it more than I did. Their were several hundred people their. The funeral lasted about an hour and a half. It was very impressive. Gloria came out and spoke to us. someone must have told her. We were their. All the daughters sang. Their were testimony’s of their love for him and also sorry that they had not always obeyed him and followed a Godly life. It was very impressing. Their was a lot of singing. And Praise. The message was well put together. After the service they followed the casket for a mile walking. Don and I decided we would leave at this point .Their was a bad storm coming in from the hurricane. The roads were terrible and water gets over the road. We had a two hour drive ahead of us. We made it to the main road before it hit. I don’t know if they had him in the ground or not. I hope so. We got back in time for church. Clifford had not come up because of the storm. He had ask Don to preach in his place. Morning and the afternoon. He went to preach but people from camp started to testify and make amends for a problem they had with each other. Everything was worked out with the youth. It started a testimony meeting and Don chose not to preach but to follow the Spirit and let God lead it was a good night of prayer.
We have worked all day getting ready for the teams. We will pick up our team tomorrow and the Alabama team on Friday. We have had a lot of company all evening the ladies in the village and their families... Shelly has started a large pot of corn on the cob >I will go and help now. I love it with lime and salt.
God Bless.
Workshop & Funeral
July 18th
The workshop turned out great. .Twenty – Four attended everyone was their, but August Pine Ridge and they were in the process of changing pastors. Their were some ladies from San Lazero that said they would teach their also if needed. Everyone was in good spirits and shared about their Bible schools. What they loved and how perhaps it could be improved to meet the needs of the village. But one thing was certain they wanted the VBS.
Praise God the storm missed us. We were prepared it if hit but thank God it went around. We pray for those it struck though. We went to church yesterday morning and headed to a Funeral for Gloria’s dad. She works for the mission. Her dad was 98. He had the same Birthday as I do. He had 12 children. It was a two hour ride in their past Kings College in the middle of no where. We arrived their was no place to sit the church was full. Their was a tarp but it was also full. We found a large tree. Their was about 75 people standing their, someone brought a bench out .That I sat on. We were given programs. I was very proud of mine. It gave the mans history and a lot about the family but the old lady next to me had none. As we talked she said he was a dear relative. She had so many good memories. I gave her my program; perhaps she needed it more than I did. Their were several hundred people their. The funeral lasted about an hour and a half. It was very impressive. Gloria came out and spoke to us. someone must have told her. We were their. All the daughters sang. Their were testimony’s of their love for him and also sorry that they had not always obeyed him and followed a Godly life. It was very impressing. Their was a lot of singing. And Praise. The message was well put together. After the service they followed the casket for a mile walking. Don and I decided we would leave at this point .Their was a bad storm coming in from the hurricane. The roads were terrible and water gets over the road. We had a two hour drive ahead of us. We made it to the main road before it hit. I don’t know if they had him in the ground or not. I hope so. We got back in time for church. Clifford had not come up because of the storm. He had ask Don to preach in his place. Morning and the afternoon. He went to preach but people from camp started to testify and make amends for a problem they had with each other. Everything was worked out with the youth. It started a testimony meeting and Don chose not to preach but to follow the Spirit and let God lead it was a good night of prayer.
We have worked all day getting ready for the teams. We will pick up our team tomorrow and the Alabama team on Friday. We have had a lot of company all evening the ladies in the village and their families... Shelly has started a large pot of corn on the cob >I will go and help now. I love it with lime and salt.
God Bless.
Friday, July 15, 2005
Youth Camp
July 15th
We have been very busy the last few days at church, We had a great time. Their were about 87 young people their. It was very hot and mosquitoes were terrible. But the Spirit of the Lord was their alters were full. The music was great. We enjoyed all of it. I feel that it was a special blessing from the Lord to have the pleasure to go. This would have been the first year in more years than I could count that I would not have been at church camp. We have always been blessed by it. Children are all the same even in this culture. They have the same needs that we have at home. I was really impressed with how much effort they had put in the Bible Camp. Everything was decorated like a construction site. Working to build character like Christ very impressive. We returned this afternoon and I have been working on the workshop that will be in the morning, We are expecting about 25. That may depend on how the storm is going . The way it looks now we will get the corner of it. I think it will be mostly high wind and rain. I hope that’s all we get. Pray for us and the people here. The team will be here on Tuesday. We have a lot to do before then; The Alabama team will come later in the week. I will try to add to this site at least once a week.
We have been very busy the last few days at church, We had a great time. Their were about 87 young people their. It was very hot and mosquitoes were terrible. But the Spirit of the Lord was their alters were full. The music was great. We enjoyed all of it. I feel that it was a special blessing from the Lord to have the pleasure to go. This would have been the first year in more years than I could count that I would not have been at church camp. We have always been blessed by it. Children are all the same even in this culture. They have the same needs that we have at home. I was really impressed with how much effort they had put in the Bible Camp. Everything was decorated like a construction site. Working to build character like Christ very impressive. We returned this afternoon and I have been working on the workshop that will be in the morning, We are expecting about 25. That may depend on how the storm is going . The way it looks now we will get the corner of it. I think it will be mostly high wind and rain. I hope that’s all we get. Pray for us and the people here. The team will be here on Tuesday. We have a lot to do before then; The Alabama team will come later in the week. I will try to add to this site at least once a week.
Friday, July 08, 2005
Greetings From Belize
Greetings from Belize,
It is exciting to be in Belize. After months of preparing, it has finally happened. We left to drive across Mexico on June 9th .We took Brad and Shelly Lemons and their two children. Brad is a Spanish Teacher, and we really used him and his talents. The trip was a good one and went without any problems and little extra expense. We arrived in Belize. Charlie Joe was their to greet us. The house was cleaned by the ladies in the village. We were thankful for their work.
The house has not been lived in several years and needed extra cleaning and paint. Everyone pitched in to help. Bro Roy and Mary Ingram also came in to help paint. Thanks for their support and hard work. The living room was painted pink with pink curtains, bright blue sofas with silvers scrolls, the bathroom is yellow and blue, kitchen bright blue and rose, the bedroom is leopards and purple. Their were new rugs put down. The village loves it. Some call it the rainbow house. Do you think I have gone Belizean?
We have had a chance to go to two graduations. We are very impressed with the schools. San Lazaro goes to Standard 6, our 8th grade I think. It was a very large class all will go to college(our 9th-12th). That is a first here. Their were over 200 people that attended. Their was a large tent set up outside It was a special day for all of them. Sand Hill also had a great class. The school is very impressive. They get an excellent education, but also learn Drama and have daily Bible classes. I am very impressed.
Everyone has been very good to us. We feel like we have been here for al very long time and a part of their lives. They had annual conference at San Lazaro .This is the 3rd year they have had a conference. The people from the villages stayed at our house. The school that was down stairs has been moved leaving a lot of room for bedrooms and living room down their. We have prayed about August Pine Ridge Church and God's wisdom concerning the pastor there. The conf. decided that a new pastor was needed. The Lord worked in a mighty way. A young man from Guinna Grass surrendered to preach. His name is Manuel. He was given a license and sent to August Pine Ridge. God is so good. We had the privilege to see Donavan ordained. He is a special young man and also his wife. They are on fire for the Lord... I know he will be used greatly by the Lord. His wife and I will do a workshop on the 16th of July to get ready for the Blitz. It was also a pleasure to see Sally for a little while.
We have worked hard everyday getting ready for the Blitz their will be about 40 people coming. Their will be about 30 staying here. Arkansas will stay upstairs and Alabama downstairs. The men will stay in the school... Their has been painting, Don built a cabinet with a sink we brought from home, Moved beds in and built one. . It still needs work but there is still a few days left. Everything looks good to me. We are excited about the team coming. I know it will be a great week.
We have been to all the churches but Hattieville. We went to Firebun Sunday morning. Their was a good attendance. It was the first time we had heard Bro Daniel preach. He did an excellent job. Sunday night we went to Guinna Grass. We heard Bro Santos preach. H e was on fire for the Lord. Their was about 25 at the altar. Their was a full band, the house was packed. A lot of young men were taking apart. Elva, a lady we prayed for in January, stuck a knife in her foot it went all the was through. She is a diabetic she was unable to walk. But now she looks great and was at church. We had special prayer for her and God answered. However her husband has a different sickness. Don did find him and talked to him as he does every year. But the alcohol has claimed him as it does so many in these villages. We went to Sand Hill and sang at their inspiration night. Had a great time but the lights went out before we were done? That’s now unusual for Belize. Wednesday night we went to San Lazaro Church. Mariela preached. Don testified, and we sang "Sin will take you Farther". The spirit was in this church. As they shared what a blessing the song was,
We have really enjoyed Brad and Shelly and the children. They have been a lot of help to us. We learned all we could from Charlie Joe while he was here. It was sad seeing him depart. We wish him all of Gods Blessings. He let us keep his dog here. I guess he never had so much petting. A group of little boys were hovering around him as I watched out the window. He seems happy. But he misses Charlie Joe when the Rodeo pulls up. He is so excited he is beside himself.
I think of family and friends ever day. But the people have been very kind. I went to Orange Walk the other day. I drove and carried two women. I Praise the Lord the bicycles, people and the cars parted as they saw me coming! One lady that was sitting on the ice chest was dumped a little as a hit a large bump a little to hard; you have to pick your way! Everyone was laughing so hard. No one noticed that I was a bit nervous. We went to several stores and the market; in the end they treated me to some tacos’ from one of the stands. It was a good day
Yesterday was my birthday. Shelly cooked all day. She made Biscuits and Sausage gravy for breakfast. Then made my favorite cake coconut and pineapple. Yendy and Trenna gave me a bunny and some sweet cards. The neighbors came in and wished me a Happy Birthday and shared birthday Cake. Got a e-mail from Amelia my granddaughter, and a card from Gloria. It was a good day. They made me Queen for a day .I guess everyone needs to feel special sometimes.
We will go to church camp Sunday at King College. Pray for a special touch of His hand. It is very hot and a lot of mosquitoes. There is no ice water that I know of and it is hot, hot, hot .We will try to smuggle a fan. If it is seen, we may have a lot of company in our room. We are excited to see what the Lord is going to do.
Thanks again for all the Support you all have given Don and I. Continue to pray for us a we will be effective here. And Glorify His name. Don and Brad are working from morning to night so pray for strength and a chance to rest.
It is exciting to be in Belize. After months of preparing, it has finally happened. We left to drive across Mexico on June 9th .We took Brad and Shelly Lemons and their two children. Brad is a Spanish Teacher, and we really used him and his talents. The trip was a good one and went without any problems and little extra expense. We arrived in Belize. Charlie Joe was their to greet us. The house was cleaned by the ladies in the village. We were thankful for their work.
The house has not been lived in several years and needed extra cleaning and paint. Everyone pitched in to help. Bro Roy and Mary Ingram also came in to help paint. Thanks for their support and hard work. The living room was painted pink with pink curtains, bright blue sofas with silvers scrolls, the bathroom is yellow and blue, kitchen bright blue and rose, the bedroom is leopards and purple. Their were new rugs put down. The village loves it. Some call it the rainbow house. Do you think I have gone Belizean?
We have had a chance to go to two graduations. We are very impressed with the schools. San Lazaro goes to Standard 6, our 8th grade I think. It was a very large class all will go to college(our 9th-12th). That is a first here. Their were over 200 people that attended. Their was a large tent set up outside It was a special day for all of them. Sand Hill also had a great class. The school is very impressive. They get an excellent education, but also learn Drama and have daily Bible classes. I am very impressed.
Everyone has been very good to us. We feel like we have been here for al very long time and a part of their lives. They had annual conference at San Lazaro .This is the 3rd year they have had a conference. The people from the villages stayed at our house. The school that was down stairs has been moved leaving a lot of room for bedrooms and living room down their. We have prayed about August Pine Ridge Church and God's wisdom concerning the pastor there. The conf. decided that a new pastor was needed. The Lord worked in a mighty way. A young man from Guinna Grass surrendered to preach. His name is Manuel. He was given a license and sent to August Pine Ridge. God is so good. We had the privilege to see Donavan ordained. He is a special young man and also his wife. They are on fire for the Lord... I know he will be used greatly by the Lord. His wife and I will do a workshop on the 16th of July to get ready for the Blitz. It was also a pleasure to see Sally for a little while.
We have worked hard everyday getting ready for the Blitz their will be about 40 people coming. Their will be about 30 staying here. Arkansas will stay upstairs and Alabama downstairs. The men will stay in the school... Their has been painting, Don built a cabinet with a sink we brought from home, Moved beds in and built one. . It still needs work but there is still a few days left. Everything looks good to me. We are excited about the team coming. I know it will be a great week.
We have been to all the churches but Hattieville. We went to Firebun Sunday morning. Their was a good attendance. It was the first time we had heard Bro Daniel preach. He did an excellent job. Sunday night we went to Guinna Grass. We heard Bro Santos preach. H e was on fire for the Lord. Their was about 25 at the altar. Their was a full band, the house was packed. A lot of young men were taking apart. Elva, a lady we prayed for in January, stuck a knife in her foot it went all the was through. She is a diabetic she was unable to walk. But now she looks great and was at church. We had special prayer for her and God answered. However her husband has a different sickness. Don did find him and talked to him as he does every year. But the alcohol has claimed him as it does so many in these villages. We went to Sand Hill and sang at their inspiration night. Had a great time but the lights went out before we were done? That’s now unusual for Belize. Wednesday night we went to San Lazaro Church. Mariela preached. Don testified, and we sang "Sin will take you Farther". The spirit was in this church. As they shared what a blessing the song was,
We have really enjoyed Brad and Shelly and the children. They have been a lot of help to us. We learned all we could from Charlie Joe while he was here. It was sad seeing him depart. We wish him all of Gods Blessings. He let us keep his dog here. I guess he never had so much petting. A group of little boys were hovering around him as I watched out the window. He seems happy. But he misses Charlie Joe when the Rodeo pulls up. He is so excited he is beside himself.
I think of family and friends ever day. But the people have been very kind. I went to Orange Walk the other day. I drove and carried two women. I Praise the Lord the bicycles, people and the cars parted as they saw me coming! One lady that was sitting on the ice chest was dumped a little as a hit a large bump a little to hard; you have to pick your way! Everyone was laughing so hard. No one noticed that I was a bit nervous. We went to several stores and the market; in the end they treated me to some tacos’ from one of the stands. It was a good day
Yesterday was my birthday. Shelly cooked all day. She made Biscuits and Sausage gravy for breakfast. Then made my favorite cake coconut and pineapple. Yendy and Trenna gave me a bunny and some sweet cards. The neighbors came in and wished me a Happy Birthday and shared birthday Cake. Got a e-mail from Amelia my granddaughter, and a card from Gloria. It was a good day. They made me Queen for a day .I guess everyone needs to feel special sometimes.
We will go to church camp Sunday at King College. Pray for a special touch of His hand. It is very hot and a lot of mosquitoes. There is no ice water that I know of and it is hot, hot, hot .We will try to smuggle a fan. If it is seen, we may have a lot of company in our room. We are excited to see what the Lord is going to do.
Thanks again for all the Support you all have given Don and I. Continue to pray for us a we will be effective here. And Glorify His name. Don and Brad are working from morning to night so pray for strength and a chance to rest.
