ENCOURAGEMENT...PASS IT ON!!!!!



Some of our volunteers





Volunteers tithing to the ministry!!

                         

More volunteers!





Heath's Aunt and Grandmother

 We arrived back in Belize on Saturday, December 31st ~ a week filled with plans of things to do, people to see, and places to go. It was New Year's Eve and Heath and I were exhausted and asleep by 8 pm. (Yes, I know this does mean we are getting older... and wiser!) The next morning before breakfast I was checking email and read a message from Aunt Janet that Heath's grandmother Bonnie had passed away that morning at 2 am. Although we knew this day was coming... it was still hard to hear. The first thought that came to my mind was to start checking flights back home. Unfortunately, we had purchased our round-trip tickets with US Air and they only fly to and from Belize on Saturday to Saturday, so there wasn't any chance of flying home early with them. My heart began to sink as I checked other airlines which either had overnight layovers and there was only one that would fit into the time needed to return for the funeral. Of course, it came with the hefty price tag. What would we do? I am so thankful that a couple weeks before our trip we had visited grandmom and were able to love on her and spend time with her. Heath also made a quick trip to see her the day before we left for Belize. Neither one of us could feel at complete peace about staying in Belize and not flying back to be with our grieving family. It was then we received another email from his aunt. Her words were simple but encouraging. The email said that she and Heath's granddad understood completely if we decided to stay. She also said that it almost seemed as this was the way God had intended in the first place and that she would be praying for us and our ministries, and that we would be able to get things completed. This may not sound like much to you, but it was exactly what we needed to hear to have peace about staying and to be encouraged.

So as originally planned, we headed out to Santa Elena in the district. We have a group from Denver UMC coming to Belize next month and we went to plan a youth rally there. It was great to have so many friends we have missed around us and to see their smiling faces and hug their necks (it was well worth the drive just for that. On our way back to the city our car broke down on the Western Highway in the middle of nowhere. I started to get concerned. (Our friend, Ian, says driving in Belize City is like driving on the moon!) It is full of potholes! We only had our debit card and not enough money for Heath, our friend Shane, and myself to try to catch a bus to make it back to the city. As I am pregnant, I was reluctant to give my water to meet the demands of our radiator that was overheating. Thankfully, the sacrifice of all of our bottled waters helped us make it a few miles down the road until the car overheated...again. Shane saw a fresh creek (that itself is miraculous!). Along with Heath, he headed out to fill all of our empty containers. This process was repeated several times until we made it back to the city. During the ride home I felt myself stressed and irritated. I wanted out of this unreliable car and to find the comfort of air conditioning, food, and water! Shane and Heath remained as cool as cucumbers. Our car trouble was going to make Shane late for work and I was feeling bad that we weren’t going to get him there on time. So what do you think happened next? Shane starts saying encouraging words. Once again, exactly what I needed to hear! Thanks, Shane, and thanks for walking so far to get the fresh water.

Most of you who read our other blogs or receive our newsletter know we have a wonderful group from Mt Zion Church that faithfully continue every week with street ministry in Belize City. When we first met them we knew that God had put us together. Since then they have been given a facility to meet as a church and have a growing congregation. Just as we in our own churches here, with the loss/lack of employment, many members of this new church live below the poverty line. We love this church and are thankful for all that they do for the ministry in Belize! They are incredible prayer warriors and pray for us daily. While we were there, they informed us that they want to start tithing to Habit Missions! I would have never expected them to give to this ministry while they have their own church and members in need. Of course, the tithe will go right back into the ministry in Belize. How encouraging! It is amazing when people see the fruit of your ministry first hand and want to be a contributing part to what God is doing! Thank you, Lord!

So, I hope you see my point that encouragement rocks! It doesn't take much either! Just a few words or an act of kindness can let someone know that you support them and care for them. This week I was encouraged by three different people.

Now I want to encourage you. Here are a few of my favorite encouraging quotes and scriptures:

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid”

Proverbs 25:11 “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” (NKJ)

"You are valuable because you exist. Not because of what you do or what you have done, but simply because you are." –Max Lucado

"Be assured, if you walk with Him and look to Him, and expect help from Him, He will never fail you." –George Mueller

As a side note, on the passing of Heath's grandmother, Bonnie... I do believe that the timing of her death was not coincidence. Eleven years ago we grieved the loss of Heath’s mother, Debbie, also on New Year's Eve. This mother and daughter were two beautiful women of God and passed within just hours of each other, years apart. Both left this world and entered their new home while fireworks were lighting up the sky, while the rejoicing in Heaven began as these two saints entered in!

Thank you for your continued prayers. love, support and encouragement. You guys are the best! May God bless you all, big time!

                            I truly love you all so much! ~Amanda