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| The Reynolda team in Belize City |
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| The team that installed the shower with Norma |
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| The proof that hard work pays off...THE SHOWER! |
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| 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
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| IT IS A BIG WORLD ... |
