Finally Home

We had quite an adventure in Belize. It was a wonderful blessing to be around so many who had one purpose. To serve God in love to people who need to hear the message of truth in these last days. There are so many stories to tell. Each person on the trip will have different perceptions of the same events. I want to encourage all who read this blog to ask them personally what they did and why they did it. We were able to finish the church, begin the radio tower and touch many lives in love and care for the service of God. We were all blessed as the people in the Mayan village of San Antonio began to share life with us. Ask a young person about Sarafina, and her unborn baby. Ask about the boys who said they would read their bibles for the first time...there are so many stories. After getting up at 4:30am in Belize we began our travel home. We were in the bus on our way to Belize City for about 5 hours. We were able to stop at the Belize Zoo for one hour. We saw some really neat creatures. Upon arriving to Belize City we got our luggage and moved through the line in the airport. We had just a bit of a wait and then we loaded the plane to fly to El Salvador. The layover was just long enough there to buy a much needed meal and then we loaded the plane for the last leg of the trip to San Francisco. We flew for 4.5 hours and landed on time in San Francisco. We got a phone call from Vern Jones and unfortunately, the bus had broken down in San Mateo. So-o-o we had a prayer and made some decisions. We ended up renting 6 vehicles. 4 vans and 2 pickup trucks to get us home. We left S.F. around 2:30am and finally made it home around 5:00am. We had been up for 24 hours. What a blessing to know that the Lord took such good care of us. We are all blessed to have been through these experiences and trials. We certainly all had many opportunities for character growth. I hope that this blog was a blessing and that the connection was helpful to moms and dads who had children in Belize. Thank you so much for your prayers and support. It made a difference for the Kingdom!

The Cave

We got to sleep in and go to town this morning. (Thursday) It was a welcome relief. At about 10:30 we loaded the bus to go to Blue Creek where there is a cave that you can swim through. It was to be a quick trip as we had to make it back to the church for VBS by 5:00. We hiked into the cave which took about 20 min. Everything was so beautiful. We saw some beautiful birds and butterflies as we hiked. We had experienced an horrific downpour earlier in the morning so things were a bit muddy but it did not detour us. Once we made it to the mouth of the cave the kids really got excited. The water was cool and very inviting. The kids piled in. Once everyone made it to the mouth of the cave, we began our swim to a waterfall which was about one mile into the cave. Everyone buddied up so we could keep track of each other and off we went with head lamps glowing. Excitement echoed as we swam. As we drew closer to the waterfall, the flow of the water became became very loud. The last of the swimmers arrived. Everyone who wanted to, swam under the waterfall. It was really cool! Then we broke out into song. Later we found that one of the members of another group in the cave was moved to tears as we sang. The Holy Spirit prompts hearts all the time. We are a witness for Jesus in everything we say and do. I am thrilled that we have an army of youth ready to represent Christ so willingly. Praise God!

After our swim, we piled into the bus and made our way to the church for the meetings. We arrived to find Kevin Carpenter and some local workers working on getting the fans installed in the church. It looked wonderful! It was Rachael Boggess's turn to present VBS. She did a wonderful job. I neglected her and did not spend the time with her in preparation and yet she did a fine job. Sydney Larsen and Kayla Henning worked efficiently to get the story up in felts as Rachael unfolded the details. We again had over 100 kids. All our Sonora kids got into helping as we sang songs and relayed the story of Jesus' birth. Outside before the meetings, Drew Macomber was able to show the kids what a skateboard is. They had never seen anything like it! Drew showed them a few of his tricks, and then let them try themselves. There was a lot of falling and twice as much laughter.

Tina DeMerritt presented the truth about baptism this evening. She was very composed and worked well with the translator. She has a special ability to project her voice and everyone could hear clearly what needed to be said and heard. Great job Tina! We are seeing a few more people each night and would love to know that you are keeping us in your prayers. Thank you so much!

Porches and Foundations

Wednesday was all about pouring porches and foundations. Entries and foundations seem to be important. We always want to put our best foot forward and of course a firm foundation is essential. Our army of youth pounded both out today! Once again they showed eagerness to work hard and finish the job before pleasure. All the cement work was finished today. You would be so proud to see how your kids have worked together and gotten the job done in record time. No whining, no complaining, even when hungry and tired, your kids are willing to sacrifice and get the job done.

Vacation Bible School went well. Once again we had about 100 kids attend. Drew Macomber did a wonderful job presenting God's Law. The kids listened very well and knew some of the facts given by Drew during the question and answer time. Alison Deacon did a wonderful job of asking the questions and interacting with the kids as they gave their answers.

David Esquer preached on the topic of the Sabbath for the seminar. He did a fine job. He dressed so nicely and represented our Lord very well. Commitments were made that evening. A wonderful thing to see! Also I think it to be high time that I let you know about Zach. He has been faithfully video taping each and every presentation. I am so proud of him for stepping up to take that on. Great Job Zach!

Play Day!

Tuesday was a wonderful day. We got up very early so that we could have as much of the day at the Keys as possible. We loaded up the two open air, outboard motor powered boats and headed down the inlet to the open ocean. The sea was very calm so we had a very smooth ride. It was absolutely beautiful. There were white fluffy clouds in the sky and of course the coastline was a beautiful emerald green. We stopped at a reserve which is on an island along the way to our destination, to pay for our visit to Snake Island in the keys. Off we went again. We arrived to the island and we all piled out. Everything was perfect. White sand, palm trees full of coconuts and of course calm, warm sea water full of God's creation. Kayla gave a small worship and then after prayer everyone lathered up with sunscreen and went off in groups for snorkeling and other activities. Most of the boys stayed on the beach and played with the many Hermit crabs available. The ground literally looked at though it were moving because of the abundance of crabs available to choose from. Several of the kids adopted a hermit crab and placed it in a maze created in the sand. They had races and cheered them on as they climbed through tunnels and other obstacles in the maze. Stories began to come back from the kids as they would come back in from snorkeling about what they saw. Starfish, a sea turtle, a big jelly fish, many different fish, coral, sea anemone and many others. The water was very shallow for quite a way out. Every one had a very relaxing time. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch provided by Colleen, Nicole, and Betty. These ladies have been sacrificing tremendously as they rise early every morning to have a meal prepared for us and then haul food to the work site and of course on a trip to the ocean. They work tirelessly to make sure that our hungry crew is fed well. Two o:clock rolled around and and we had to pull ourselves away and prepare for our nightly meetings. Our visit to the island was a wonderful way to rejuvenate the souls of each missionary here.

We arrived back to the house and those who were involved in VBS quickly cleaned up and headed to the church 20 minuets away. It was Mat Gearing's turn to preach for Vacation Bible School. The topic would be "The Big Flood" He did a wonderful job of it! His audience of 110 children listened as he unfolded the sad story of the sin that abounded in Noah's day. The felts on the felt board displayed visually what Mat shared verbally. The kids seemed to really enjoy the details as they listened intently. Richard asked questions afterward and gave prizes for correct answers. It was a fun night. Mandy DuBose would be up next. Her topic was The Millennium. Our interpreter did not show up and so she had to present without him. She did a wonderful job! She projected her voice and was animated and interesting to listen to. Way to go Mandy! The day was a wonderful relaxing day. Many hearts are being prepared for Christ's soon coming by an army of youth! Please continue to keep us in your prayers.

More Preaching and Teaching

Monday was a great day. We got up a bit later than mornings before. We went up to the radio site where Hollie gave a wonderfully meaningful worship. It was a blessing to be on the top of the hill looking down on the beautiful lush greenery and up at all the white fluffy clouds in the blue sky. The girls got back on the bus and headed to San Antonio to work on getting ready for VBS and do some painting. We ended up doing very little painting and spent the time inside getting ready for the meetings. The guys stayed at the radio station site and worked very hard mixing cement and pouring. We had a late lunch and made a quick trip back to Rio Blanco. VBS was really fun today. It went a bit short so we played a game of four corners with about 65 kids. They had a great time. Afterward we entertained the Kids outside by singing songs and telling stories while the adults were inside listening to Alexa preach about the second coming of Jesus. Our kids found lots of unique ways to keep the little Mayans occupied. During the last meeting the kids that were in the church were a distraction. It was so loud, that it was difficult to hear what was being said. We decided to take the kids outside and sing songs with them. It was a good idea as it allowed the adults to hear. Willie's pen spinning came in handy as he entertained the young boys that were causing problems with noise. Way to go Willie! Your pen spinning sure came in handy! Our kids went out and prayed while Alexa preached. It helped! God is good! Please keep praying that the Mayan people attending the meetings will have open hearts.

Preach It!

Sabbath morning dawned. What a beautiful "rainy" day. We were planning to go to the swimming hole in Rio Blanco after church. The sun decided to shine on us as we traveled to the church. We arrived a bit late but were able to worship with the little Mayan congregation in song. Elissa and Hollie lead out as we sang several hymns together. The church congregation treated us by singing from their Mayan hymnals. That was such a treat. Mandy and Heather pulled together a skit about the Good Samaritan for the children's story. For Sabbath School we broke up into small groups while several kids and adults shared texts of their own choosing. We were able to have discussion about God's word with members of the church as well as visitors that came in response to our invitation on Friday. (I forgot to mention that after work on Friday the kids separated into several groups and went hut to hut with an invitation to Vacation Bible School and the Prophecy Seminar.) It was nice to see so many eager faces sitting on the newly cemented floor. Brian shared a wonderful sermon and all were blessed. He did a great job for his first time with an interpreter. We got to go to Rio Blanco for lunch after all. The rain cleared so we decided to go there for lunch. Nicole, Betty and Colleen worked very hard to provide a wonderful meal for us. We hauled it down to the river where we would have a relaxing time enjoying jumping off the rock and swimming in the cool water. Just as we were about to settle in a huge dark cloud found it's way overhead. It dumped an amazing amount of water on us for about 15 min. Everyone ran for cover. Under trees, under banana leaves. Those who were already in swim suits jumped in the water and enjoyed the pelting of the rain. It was quite a sight to see. The rain abated and we were able to enjoy the rest of our time there before the meetings.

Vacation Bible School came first at 6pm We arrived and pulled all the felts that were needed for the first story. Kayla Henning was chosen to go first. She presented the story of Creation with Bolon interpreting. At 12 years old, Kayla did a fabulous job! We did not have lights set up yet so Kayla preached in the dark. Kids and adults alike rallied together and shone flashlights where they were needed. We had almost 100 kids our first night. Lindsey Henning recapped very well, then we had a question and answer time. The Mayan children seemed to really enjoy themselves and they got to hear a twelve year old girl stand up for Jesus! Kayla said "My name is Kayla and I want to tell you that I love the one and only God who I trust!" What a powerful witness from one so young!








At 7 pm we began the Prophecy Seminar. There were a few adult woman who came with their children. Elissa McMurry presented the information beautifully. She was animated and spoke clearly and conciseley. What a blessing to see our kids stand up for Jesus. She spoke for an hour on Nebuchadnezzar's dream and it's interpretation. Kids and adults were able to see and hear about the prophecy of the Bible given hundreds of years in advance. She shared how the final days of the prophecy are unfolding today. It was wonderfully done.

It's All About Team Work!

We began our day early on Friday. We were able to sand and paint the inside of the church within hours. All the kids jumped in and worked very hard. Eagerness abounded. It was fun to see how everyone wanted to be a part. We were also supposed to get the floor of the church poured. That was a daunting task. We were told that it could not be done in one day but we so wanted to have it done for Sabbath. With two mixers going and the kids feeding the them by shoveling sand and bucketing it over to the mixers as quickly as they could, it looked as though they were going to get it done. Some of guys as they filled the wheelburrows were running toward the church with their loads. It was awsome to see the willingness to work so hard as they shoveled sand into buckets and moved the cement in the heat of the day. Now, get this, We finished the task of pouring the floor before lunch! Our cement guy was amazed at our kids. He really didn't think it could be done.

We Made It!

It is Thursday morning. We had a wonderful breakfast of tropical fruit and pancakes. Worship was a real blessing as we decided to each spent time with God. We had an opportunity to sit on the beach or high up on the balcony as we spent quiet time with God. The kids came back with their experiences. It was a wonderful blessing to hear how God spoke to each one. We will be heading off to the work site to sand the church walls and begin the painting process. We hope to have the walls painted before tomorrow as we need to pour the floor. Thank you for your prayers. Every one is doing great!

We made it to Punta Gorda! All the kids did so well. Moms and dads too. We started off at the San Francisco airport in plenty of time to check in all our bags. The kids worked hard to get baggage moved from place to place. We flew for about 4 hours and 45 min. When we arrived in El Salvador, we were able to take a bit of a breather. Then is was back onto the plane for our last hour of air travel. Once we arrived in Belize City, the kids got a first hand taste of the climate. Very humid! Our rented bus arrived with Pete the bus driver to take us to our home away from home. Thankfully the Lord blessed us with a fairly cool breeze. With the windows down we enjoyed a nice 6 hour trip to Punta Gorda. We bumped along enjoying the opportunity to share new experiences with those who have never been as we anticipated getting to our destination. We saw so many beautiful sights! We will continue to keep in touch.