Wow! Where do I begin? On our last blog I had mentioned posting some pictures of Belize’s “Carnival” celebration. Sadly to say, our Belizean friends suggested that the events may not be safe for us, so we opted out. However, we did get to enjoy the display of fireworks from the security of our rooftop. We missed fireworks on the fourth of July since we were here, so it was nice to see the excitement. Just recently we received an email from a couple who live in Gainesville, FL who were taking a cruise with a day stop in Belize. Trent and his wife Sharon found us via the internet and wanted to meet us. They asked if they could bring us anything. We told them of our need for more bibles (as we give them out constantly, and are asked for them constantly). They (Trent, his wife, and the McDonald’s) planned to join us in our street ministry. We met them at the tourist village and Trent couldn’t wait to tell us how they got their hands on 100 bibles in under a week. He told us how they could only find a few bibles here and there and how they were quite pricey. With the stress of packing for the trip and the time coming quickly, they were pressed. Trent finally found a Lifeway store that had just received a shipment of a hundred bibles, but they were all in their Jacksonville store. Trent disappointed, told the Lord if this was going to happen, then He was going to have to make it happen. Just then the McDonald’s called. They were in Jacksonville right down the road from the bookstore! Trent told us he knew God’s hand was involved in this trip. We spent the day together passing out sandwiches, bibles and praying for people. The fellowship was awesome, and we received an email afterward saying their best day on the cruise was the time they spent serving alongside us. God is so Good!
We held the first youth rally in Ladyville last Saturday night. Lots of time and preparation went into the planning. Heath and some of our Belizean friends took to the airways to get word out for the upcoming event. I would have never guessed Heath would be on the radio for an hour and rapping to the nation of Belize! The rally was a great collaboration of several local churches with dance, music, skits, and food. It is great to see what God can do when His people get together. We had around 160 in attendance, and gave out 180 servings of chicken. We did get rained out about three quarters of the way through, but I know the Spirit and Word of God are spreading in the community. We are thankful that things went smoothly, and our first rally is under our belt. I cannot thank all of you enough for your prayers. We are already planning for the next rally here in Belize City.
We have also had the joy of making plenty of new friends this month. One of which is a local Belizean Christian artist, Andrew. He is also known as “Reality Youth”. He and his friends recently taped a video from our rooftop. It will be surreal to see Heath and myself in music video! Our street ministry seems to be growing. We have found more people who share desire to serve the people of Belize. It is always great to have more volunteers and supporters. The relationships we have developed with the people on the streets continue to grow and it will always be something I cherish and is close to my heart. I rejoice along with the angels that during our last street ministry Heath was blessed enough to lead someone to the Lord! Yesterday we met with Maggie; she is the district program leader for the Methodist Churches/Schools for Belize and Honduras. Her vision also coincides with ours, and we look forward to working with and supporting each other.
I cannot say how busy but amazing this month has been. There is a huge feeling of excitement and urgency in my heart. Please continue to pray for us and the Nation of Belize. I wish you guys could all come and see this first-hand, I know you would be blessed. I know I am. I am grateful to you and our Lord for making all this possible. God Bless you all. I love you so much!
–Amanda
