WHAT GIVES????

The smile says it all!

Praying over their meal.

Sweet girls enjoying a lunch they might not have had otherwise.

Well, it’s more like what you’re giving to Habit Missions gives! I wanted to once again thank you and make you aware of what giving to this ministry allows us to do, as well as fill you in on NEW ministries that are able to happen because of your giving!

Although the vision for Belize Habit Missions has always been made crystal clear to us by God, we are thankful that we are able to see needs and new opportunities to outreach to others. Through your prayers and support our mission is evolving to reach more and more people! As many of you know by now, we originally set out to reach the youth of Belize through youth rallies, training youth workers, and starting “Belize Youth Net”, a place where youth leaders can come together, encourage one another, share resources, and build each other up. Along with these ministries an amazing weekly street ministry provides peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, water, and prayer to the homeless and needy. There has also been numerous amounts of mission’s teams who have mastered much needed work projects vacation Bible schools, and have now seen the need in Belize firsthand.

We are so pleased to announce the latest ways that God is using Habit Missions to go, do, and reach even more! I know most of you have heard about our amazing group of volunteers and partners in making these ministries happen while we are away. Mt. Zion is one of them. We are gladly the covering for this church. For those of you who have been to Belize (especially Belize City) it is an all too often sight to see children begging in the streets for money or for food. It is quite heartbreaking to see. We are now able to provide money for Mt. Zion to purchase food to feed children who otherwise might not be able to eat. Also, we are partnering with Philadelphia Church in the Cayo district who runs our Belize Youth Net Program to offer our very first youth camp. To anyone who ever attended camp as a youth, you know how transforming these camps can be and is also a great way to escape the everyday while growing closer to God.

It is only by your giving, prayers, and encouragement that we are able to keep these ministries alive and flourishing! Please continue to pray for our mission and our faithful volunteers. If you would like to support Habit Missions financially, I would like to ask that you pray and remember there is no amount to small.

Proverbs 22:9
“He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor."

I am truly blessed to have people like you in my life. I love you all so much!
Blessings ~Amanda:)

"The Awakening"

Youth Rally in Santa Elena

Me presenting the Pastor's wife with the dresses the DUMC ladies made.

Street Ministry in Belize City

The men fixing the roof of the Evangelical Philadelphia Church in Cayo.

Sharing the word at Mount Zion Ministries in Belize City.

The group from DUMC and our volunteer Paul. (Have I mentioned  just how much I love them?????)

Please forgive me for not posting this sooner. This blog will recall events that happened in February of this year (and yes, I realize it is now May!) Every time I have thought of sitting down to write this I have had this feeling of "You don't have time for this" and "Who really reads your blog anyway?" So you see, I have put those thoughts aside and want to tell you this story from February.

We prepared a trip with a team from Denver UMC to go to Belize on a missions trip. Several meetings took place in preparation. We discussed what our goals were for the trip ~ costs, lodging, etc. Before anyone committed to go, Heath and I had prayed for the trip. We prayed that the Lord would send those people from the church He wanted to come. It was wonderful to watch the group become filled with excitement and anticipation of the trip!. When the big day came to fly to Belize, there were twelve of us. It was funny, we laughed and joked about being like the twelve disciples, and it was so amazing what this group of twelve were able to do! Immediately after landing we headed straight to Santa Elena where we would be spending our next few days and hosting a youth rally that night. On the way we picked up several of our Habit Missions volunteers. The rally was exciting and it was awesome to see youth using their talents for the Lord to reach other youth! Our volunteers did great (as always :) and the team from Denver jumped right in as if they had been in Belize for weeks even though it was their first day! The group made great use of their time in Santa Elena as they lead in worship, children's worship, sharing the word and testimonies, and fixing the much need ceiling in a church. We were also able to give ladies dresses to the church that an incredible group of women from Denver sent with us to give (they were adorable!) As the men worked on the ceiling, we ladies gathered and separated supplies to distribute to different churches/ministries in Belize. It was nice for us to get to know each other better and that was something that I personally needed.

The next stop on our trip was Belize City. Our "agenda" was to do street ministry with our volunteers, lead a worship service, and most importantly give resources and encouragement to our volunteers (by this time the group from Denver had already fallen in love with the volunteers.) Things were successful and went as planned ( it is always such a blessing to serve in Belize!) Later on in the week our friends/volunteers/ prayer warriors from Mount Zion in Belize City made it a point to have us come to their church to receive prayer and a word for each one of us. This is where I struggle to even put things into words. Pastor Juan and Noemi and their congregants began to pray. They offered prophetic words, exhortations and visions to us individually and as a group. Heath and I know the pastors, but the pastors did NOT know those we brought from Denver UMC. It was amazing to hear the pastors give spiritual insight into the "strangers" they had just recently met and have visions of how God wants to use them and their lives! God had used this week to minister to us while we had spent so much time and preparation to minister to others! That is how He works. We were suddenly all "awake." Not that I believe we were asleep...but awake as if you just tasted a fresh mango for the first time and every bit of your taste buds are dancing, or your eyes have been blurry and tired and are now clear. Or you see the most beautiful sky, sun, lovely flowers as if you had never seen or appreciated them before and all you can say is "Yes, God, Yes!" It is the realization of what you think you may already know, but it comes more increasingly clear...THAT GOD IS ALIVE AND HE IS DOING THE SAME MIRACLES TODAY THAT ARE IN THE BIBLE!! We often forget that! He has given us the power and the authority to cast out demons, heal the sick, help mend the broken, and speak life!! If you don't believe me that’s OK …it is all right there in the Bible for our discovery. We need to always remember what a big God we serve and that as His children He has called us to do great things! This world can be tough, can rip us apart and tear us down. But we can seek Him and He will renew us and show us just how much more He has to offer us. What HE offers is better than anything the world could EVER offer! If you are a Christian, don't let the fear of what God wants or has called you to do hold you back. He is asking for obedience! I assure you our God has great things in store when you are willing to say, "Yes Lord; use me Lord.” Please don’t hold back because of any person or circumstance or obstacle in your way! There are blessings far greater then you know when you allow God to use you.

Some people may not understand this blog and may think "What is she talking about...?" That is okay. I will pray that all who read this may come to understand. It has been amazing to see the words that were spoken in Belize over this wonderful group of people (my new BFF's) come to light. Like the song says., "God's not dead... NO! He is Alive"! My question to you is: Are you awake to see what He has prepared for you, and are you willing to say, “Yes?” I leave you with this scripture:

”A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

God Bless you all! I love you so much ~ Amanda:)

 

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

"Don't talk about my Momma!"

The Reynolda team in Belize City





The team that installed the shower with Norma



The proof that hard work pays off...THE SHOWER!



Our new street ministry team! Praise the Lord!



"Awesome...just awesome!" That is really all I can say about the missions trip team from Reynolda that came in February. It truly blessed us to have them here and be so willing to slam pack their days filled with ministry. While they were here they participated in street ministry(s), a youth rally, held a movie night, lead in two church services, and installed a shower for a widowed women (who otherwise had to go down the stairs and outside to shower.)I am eternally grateful for what they did. It is always great to have people come and see just what your ministry is doing. I can only say thank you to them, and that I truly love everyone in their team!



We are also so excited to have a new group of ten volunteers that have been taking over and assisting with our street ministry. Even how we met was a blessing! "Vino," our Hindu friend who runs a store here in Belize City, introduced us. He said to the group in passing, “You are Christians?" and they gave a yes. "Well, they are too,” Vino replied, and said we should get together. The funny thing is...he didn't even know them! One of the amazing gaps that this group resolves is several of them are Spanish speaking – an area in which we were lacking - and our Español is needless to say "muy malo" (very bad). Thank you, Lord, for this new group! They also meet to pray every day for Belize!



Do you remember when you were young and someone said something bad about your mother or called her a name? You may have even called her the SAME EXACT NAME, but she was YOUR Momma. (By the way, I love you Mom!) Well, that is how I feel about America. I LOVE THE USA! I know America has its problems. We smile when the people here tell us we are now Belizeans. It seems that both Americans and Belizeans want to enjoy what the other country has to offer. I assure you, Belize City and its’ rising crime rate are not what is most admired here! But Americans desire those beautiful Belize islands! Two years ago when we first moved to Belize City most people didn’t want to bring up the violence happening here. I think it’s the whole “momma thing” too. No one wants to discuss their nation’s own faults. I must admit that when we fly from Belize to America, it seems like two different worlds.



One of the struggles we encounter while in the USA is that some people just don't understand why we are in Belize and not doing our mission work in the states. Please understand that most are extremely supportive, but there are always a few that aren’t. It doesn't discourage us from what we are doing here (I know we are doing what God has called us to do.) I just think, “How selfish!” Believe me, it would be so much easier for us to do that! We could see our old friends and family, blend into the environment, and I would be eating portabella mushrooms right now (lol, sorry I just had to say it). America is struggling lately, but we are rich compared to most. Just imagine it for a second...you could have been born in Haiti. Then years later your already impoverished town is annihilated by an earthquake and everything was lost! Would you not want someone to help you? I am not calling Belize Haiti. I am just stating an example. If we call ourselves Christians we should all think of what Jesus would want from us. I have not found a scripture as of yet that says “preach the gospel, feed, or only love on those in your nation." Not everyone is called to go and live abroad. He may be calling you to stay right where you are or move somewhere else in the US to do His work. Nevertheless, we should all respect God's will and plan for each other's lives!

God wants to us to love, feed, and encourage not just ourselves but everyone! Great things happen and will continue to happen when love and empowerment prevail!



I wanted to share some scriptures with you from 2 Corinthians 8:1-3 "Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in His kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will" If you follow on to verses 6-9 it says" So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches. You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that by His poverty He could make you rich."



I also feel the need to point out that giving and generosity is not limited to money.

I hope this message will leave you encouraged. God wants us to be focused on every nation! John 3:16 After all, He did create the whole world and not just the parts we live in and see.

I firmly believe that He wants us to take pride in our countries and enjoy their differences, beauty, and people. Please remember to love all countries big and small and those who dwell in them...maybe we can treat them all like our moms ~ with respect and love!

Blessings to you all! I truly love you so much,



                                                               Amanda:)

PS It's a little early but... HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOM!!! I wish I was there to hug your neck! XOXOXO

IT IS A BIG WORLD  ...











"Not just another bird story"

 

Tim and Mom in Belize at Victory Assembly :)



The bird my mother gave me to always remind me of God's miracles



Ok, so this is random but cool. It's the Apostle's Creed in Kriol!





 
Okay, okay, okay...so I know I said I am not much of a bird watcher, but some stories just must be told. If for no other reason then to just not let us forget them...again.

Things have been really busy! We were VERY happy to have my Mom and my step-father, Tim, come down to Belize! It was wonderful to have our family meet our friends, join us in part of our ministry, and just see where exactly it is we live. Mom lead the children's Sunday school and even sang a few songs while they were there at Victory Assembly! We were happy to get the chance to fly back with them to see our family for Christmas. I am also thankful we were able to see some of your faces and hug your necks while we were back home. We are looking forward to Reynolda Presbyterian and their team coming to do a missions trip with us in Belize!

Alright already… what’s this about another bird story? Well, I had pretty much forgotten this story myself until someone reminded me of it. I thought now might be a good time to share it. So here goes...
While Heath and I lived in our first home in North Carolina I purchased some hanging flower baskets to "jazz up" the porch. I soon noticed that a bird had decided it was the perfect place to lay her eggs. One evening Heath and I were carrying in some awkward size items (which caused us to leave the screen door wide open). I told Heath to be careful around the basket so the momma bird would not fly out. No sooner than I had gotten the words out of my mouth my big head hit the basket. It of course started swinging and I watched helplessly as the bird flew threw the open door and into our house! It immediately flew into the bathroom,and I watched in horror as it flew to the mirror (I was so afraid it was going to break its neck). I instinctively closed all the doors in the hallway so the bird was limited to where it could go, (and could go and poop!) It landed in the hallway on the top of the bedroom door frame. With a broom in hand (straw-side up) I said, " Birdie, I don't want to hurt you and I don't mean you any harm. I just want to take you back outside. So please jump on this broom in Jesus’ name." With that being said, the bird hopped onto the broom and allowed me to carry it all the way down the hall and out the front door. Heath stood there with his mouth open in disbelief and said he wouldn't have believed it if he hadn't seen it. He thought it looked like something from a movie. So that is it for the bird part, but not the end of the story. I had forgotten that I told this story to Heath's Aunt Mid and his Mammaw until his Aunt reminded me. They were having trouble with his Aunt's van . It did not want to start. Heath's Mammaw looked at his Aunt and reminded her of this story. They declared out loud for the van to start in Jesus name, and can you guess what happened? IT DID!

The reason I am telling you all this is because sometimes we forget. We can easily get so caught up in the chaos of life and its problems that we forget God's miracles. It is sad, but true. I am embarrassed to say how often I take for granted the things He has taken me out of and helped me through and just how quickly I can forget them. Maybe this story doesn't seem like much of a miracle to you about the bird or the car, but I do want us all to be reminded that God is still in the miracle business! God cares about the little and the big things… there isn't anything He can't do! My family and friends are still rejoicing that while my sister was having surgery to remove her cancer that it HAD NOT spread to her lymph nodes!! That is a miracle! God wants us to call on and cling to Him. Like the scripture says," But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

And Psalms 77:14 says, "You are the God who performs miracles; You display Your power among the peoples."

I hope this message encourages you and reminds you of the things He has brought you through also. As always I thank you so much for your love and support! You are a blessing to our lives and your prayers make the "impossible" possible. Please keep them coming!!! :)


                                                           God bless you all. I love you so much,

                                                                                            Amanda:)

Lions, and tigers, and bears! OH MY!



The remnants of Hurricane Richard

                                                                                                                         


Our sweet angel "Jasmine".





Where Poppy use to live.

 

The day Poppy went to rehab!

Well... maybe not all those animals, but we did have a jaguar that escaped in the hurricane and killed a US citizen.(Our condolences to his family.) I guess my title of this blog is my way of trying to make light of all the events that have happened here lately.



First, I must start with how awesome ministry has been! We had an amazing youth rally in Dangriga that we officially had our "HABIT Volunteers" run completely for the first time while we watched from the sidelines. I must say I was very impressed! Also, we have changed our weekly street ministry day to Monday instead of Wednesday to allow more of our volunteers the opportunity to join us.



Remember Poppy? He was the guy who lived in the trash heap behind us at our first apartment here. I am so delighted to tell you that we had the joy of helping him enter into a rehab program and he is now entering his fourth week there! Just this week we had the pleasure of taking another man named Mark into the program as well! I am so thankful for the street ministry and the fruit it brings! The next two days will be very busy. Tomorrow we have our fourth "Belize Youth Net" meeting ( a time for all youth leaders or aspiring youth leaders to connect, receive free youth resources and training, along with praise and worship).The following day we will drive to Cayo (about 2 hours away). Heath will be preaching at a church there and we will host a youth training event afterwards.

So about those lions, tigers, and bears... We can say we survived "Hurricane Richard"! After going back and forth whether we should stay or go we opted to stay. The night before Richard came our dog "Jasmine" seemed a little off. (For those of you who don't know she was a stray near death that we took in.) She had been treated four times for tick fever and was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. We had her on med's and she seemed fine and happy (I would have never kept her alive otherwise). There was no way of having a vet come because of the storm and we knew it was time. We cried and prayed as she passed on the floor in our living room during the worst part of the storm.The hurricane itself was a beast! The howling of the wind and hearing who knows what being thrown around in the black of night was not something you could even try to sleep through. Our apartment consist of concrete and sheet rock, and started to leak in three different places. (That of course is not including every window and door that the water made its way through!) The next morning we went outside and buried our dog (we had to keep her inside until that morning). I went inside to start cleaning up the towels and trashcans filled with water. Heath started walking down the only road on our street that did not flood to call his father. Moments later he called and told me to take him to the hospital; that he had been charged by two pit bulls and that one had bitten him before he sought refuge in a truck bed. I must say my first instinct was to go and kill the dog immediately, and then get it tested for rabies! Nevertheless, trying to seek medical treatment after a hurricane has hit was no picnic! The power was out everywhere! I can definitely say I drove "Dukes of Hazard" style to the hospital. Heath received stitches, antibiotics, and his is currently still being treated for rabies just as a precautionary.

As I tell you all this you are probably feeling sorry for us. Well, I could be too, but I want to tell you something that happened during the storm. I am telling you this personal moment not to brag or boast or to make me to be some perfect spiritual saint, but it is far to amazing NOT to share! After the passing of the dog, and during the ceiling leaks in the worst part of the hurricane I threw my arms up to the Lord and proclaimed that I would "Praise Him in the storm". It is a moment and a time I will never forget! The peace that came with that proclamation was just so tremendous! Some of you reading this by now may think I am crazy, but I do not really care I'm sorry. I want you to know of how big and great God is! Never to be underestimated! I also realized how guilty I am of during the hard times and struggles I mostly just spend my time praying and asking God for healing, favor, and peace. That is great, don't get me wrong, but besides worshipping on Sunday in church we should worship Him throughout the week when things are at their worst. Remember… it is a relationship. He wants time with us, not just us asking Him to intervene for us or our friends and family. I encourage you next time life has you down on your knees and broken, don't just pray...lift your hands and your heart in worship ~ sing! He is worthy of our praise and adoration! I love what God is doing in me and how He strengthens and encourages me daily! I wish His perfect peace on all those who may be reading this.



The Hurricane did a estimated $50 million dollars worth of damage here in Belize. That is a lot of money for a town of complete poverty. Most people lost everything they had, and for most it was not very much to begin with. It is also a great reminder in life that when you think things may be bad, there is always someone who has it worse. Here is a recent example of just that: Recently here in Belize City, shots were fired in the early morning at a woman's home. The target was the woman's brother who had, months before, slept in her yard . The woman awoke startled by the shots and went to check on her children. All seemed well until she entered her four- year old daughter's room. In the dark of night she picked her up. She thought her daughter had wet herself and turned on the light to change her. It was then she saw it was blood seeping from her daughters underarm. She had been shot and soon passed. A few weeks later someone intentionally caught her house on fire. I have been so brokenhearted for this woman. I caught a glimpse of her on the news after it happen. She was saying how, "They couldn't take her soul." Talk about putting thing's into perspective! With that being said I leave you with these scriptures:



2 Corinthians 1:3-5 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ."



2 Corinthians 4:16-17 "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."



Thank you all for your prayers, love and support! You are an amazing group of people and I pray that you are blessed beyond measure! God bless you all ~ I love you so much! ~Amanda:)



*Please continue your prayers for us and our mission here in Belize. Pray for Belize! Also, please continue your prayers for my sister who is fighting with cancer. 

"Faith for Fear"

My sister and her two sweet kiddos (I'm a proud Aunt).




Me and my sis!



The Banana Bird

As most of you may know by now my sister was diagnosed with cancer(s) (Meta plastic Carcinoma / Spindle Cell Carcinoma to be exact). She found out she had cancer in August a week after her 35th birthday. You can only imagine my sadness and heartache for her. You have to understand...when God gave me a sister...He also gave me a best friend! When she hurts I can actually physically hurt with her ~ I love her THAT MUCH! We were also each others "partners in crime"when we were teenagers. After receiving the bad news I found myself not being able to breathe. I went back and forth on "should I go now and visit?" or "will she need me more later?" When you aren't able to function properly your body can easily make that decision for you. So I left...it was the first time I have ever flown home from Belize by myself, but I had peace of mind to know that Heath was here holding down the fort and keeping the ministry going. He is so sweet and supporting! I thank God for him daily.

After arriving in NC, I realized my decision to come back was the right one. My family was so sad and brokenhearted. We had so much anxiety for my sister Deanna and knowing she must be scared. My sister is a strong brave soul, and is really good at trying to make people laugh and keep us from worrying. I did the best I could to not let her see me cry knowing that is not what she needs from me. I was only there for a week (US Air has a blackout time from Charlotte to Belize). Getting on the plane after such a short trip was hard to do. Heath assured me I can always fly back if I needed to. I wondered how I was going to possibly be any good at doing anything here, while my heart was filled with so much sadness and my mind was in North Carolina.

It it was in the midst of my sadness after returning that I saw the bird's nest. (We have had a bird lay 3 eggs three times in a nest in our window since we have lived here). Belize City has so much violence and sadness, but God has given Belize some the most beautiful birds that I have ever seen! I am not even a bird watcher! The birds in this nest are "Banana Birds." I had seen them hatch a few weeks before and now there was only one bird left in the nest. I really felt impressed that God was telling me to "watch the bird." I watched and watched and waited and waited. I would see the bird sticking it's head and body as far as it possibly could outside of the nest. I thought, "Wow, God knows I need to watch this and be inspired and happy." So I continued to wait. Have I mentioned I am not a patient person? I am learning... believe me! Heath came in and started watching too for a bit. He said, "It would preach."(lol) He and I looked while the bird would go from the front of the nest to the back and test out it's wings. The bird did this so many times that it even made me exhausted. It was evident to me by it's actions (and the bird poo in the nest) that this little bird was terrified! After about 20 minutes I was praying for the bird to be brave and fly. In 30 minutes time I was getting upset and telling the bird that it's wings would work and that is what it was destined to do! I was explaining to the bird that God has given it everything it needs to function properly and to have faith. I finally quit watching. I had too many things to do. I also had realized that this is what God wanted me to see.

I do not doubt that God can heal and will heal my sister. It has only been the fear of the unknown of what lays ahead in the treatments and the side effects that have me so down. Sometimes I think it is hard to get your body to function and comply with what your heart and mind know. This is what faith is though… it is believing in the unseen. My biggest step of faith was moving here and leaving everything behind. I still remember just like it was yesterday Heath asking me, "When do you want me to tell the pastor we are leaving?” I kept saying, "One more week, just one more week." Then it hit me! That is what faith is! It is knowing that God will provide and take care of you if you believe in Him. Heath told me that he doesn't believe that "Faith is not necessarily the absence of fear. It is trusting in God even when you are afraid." I have to say I agree. Sometimes we just seem to see the storm ahead and not what is beyond the storm.

Please do not forget Who calms the storms. We all need to be reminded from time to time. (I now know why Heath would say he was preaching to himself.) I would like to leave you with some scriptures to encourage you:

Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being certain of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

There is also one of my personal favorites:

2 Corinthians 4:18 "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

I would also like to ask you to pray for my sister. Her name is Deanna McDaniel. She is a wife and a mother of two. I would like to ask specifically for the healing of her body and for the side effects of her treatment to be minimal to non-existent. Please pray for her household as well ( I know it hard on her hubby and kids.) And of course, please continue to pray for Belize and our ministry here. God bless you all! I love you so much! -Amanda:)
BTW, the bird is happy and can be seen flying around our house with the rest of its’ family