Blessings

Have you ever wondered why anyone would bother to spend time with perfect strangers, befriend them and share life with them?

This picture speaks volumes. 

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen." 

At Home Away From Home

Here are a few random pictures of our home away from home. We prepared for VBS, had family worship and just hung out here when the days were over or just beginning. We are thankful for the accommodations and the love and care of Mr and Mrs Sho.

Beautiful Feet That Bring Good News!

Sabbath Rest :)

Our first Sabbath in Punta Gorda was spent with the Punta Gorda Congregation. We had a very nice time and listened to a fabulous sermon by a lay preacher who just happened to be Maribell's brother from Guatemala. We invited them to lunch with us and had a very nice visit. The afternoon was spent in the village of Columbia at the wedding.

Punta Gorda, Belize,  SDA Church

Wednesday - The Long Day...

We had to finish the painting completely today. And really push to get the outhouse complete. The kids jumped in and got a ton done with the help of Nicole and Jim Gearing. We did it! It looks so nice and clean and is a bright spot for the village. We hope and pray that this little church will be a blessing to the village of Columbia and surrounding villages as well.

Before

After :)

Sydney presented the VBS message to the kids and did a fabulous job! We enjoyed playing jump rope, electricity and a kick ball game after the VBS program each night. We bonded with so many of the kids and rebuilt relationships made from years past! What a blessing. 

Thursday - Excursion and a Day Off!

Yippee! We got a day off and so we headed out to our favorite little island in the Keys. We had worship once we got there and felt the presence of God as we discussed the wonder of his second bible, Nature!

We saw a nurse shark, jelly fish, octopus, star fish, a sea cucumber, sea anemone, sea urchins, lots of fish of many shapes and sizes and lots and lots and lots of hermit crabs. Many of us got a little too much sun...ouch....and of course we all enjoyed the change in scenery and some time to enjoy God's beautiful creation. Heather got pinched by a "not so friendly" hermit crab that drew blood from her finger tip. Others made mazes for them as they scurried around our feet in the white sand. We fed them coconut and watermelon rinds which they seem to love.  My favorite memory of our excursion was watching an Osprey fly by, two feet off the water, with a good sized wriggling fish in it's grasp. None of us wanted to leave our little "hot" spot...but the sun was going down so we headed home....ahhhhh, a wonderful relaxing day!

Our little Island Get Away

The Sho girls joined us! Alice ( Apple ), and Patricia. 

Crabby Crab

A Gecko with a roach meal

FUN IN THE SUN!

Day Three of the series!

We finished painting the outside of the church today! It was an especially hot day and all of us are very tired but happy to see the accomplishment. Three coats and it looks fabulous.

The outhouse is about to be built. The hole is 5 1/2 feet deep and the posts are in place!

Heather Palmer presented the story of Jesus life and the purpose for His coming. She did a wonderful job. Very engaging for 80 kids!

The prophecy meetings are going well and we had several new folks come this evening. We are praying for God to touch the hearts of these people. Brian is doing a wonderful job and many are blessed and learning new biblical truths.

Everyone is well and doing great. We have had a few late nights and tomorrow morning we are to get up early and finish up our task of painting the inside of the church. Everyone is looking forward to a day off....God bless and thank you for your prayers!

Matt Gearing, Sydney Larsen, Heather Palmer, and Alijah White

Nice Job!

Heather Palmer 

This little boy received a Beanie Baby for his correct answer. His smile was priceless!

Then he gave it to the little girl next to him. So precious.

Brian Simmons preaching in the newly painted church. 

Nice white interior walls!

During the VBS presentation, a young man sought answers to some questions, Brian had opportunity to share biblical truth one on one. There were others opportunities as well. Many friendships have been established opening lines of communication and opportunities to share. God is so good!

Random Stuff....

Every morning we get up, eat breakfast and have worship...then we send the kids out for their TAG time. (Time Alone with God) Then we gather our things, load the van and head out to the village. It takes about 30-40 min to drive to Columbia. We then begin the work of painting, digging and building the outhouse. We do take time to have a bit of fun too! Painting each other and playing in the faucet water.

Many of the kids from the village come out to "help" One little boy named Omar is our group favorite. He has brought many moments of laughter to us!

We change our clothes at around 5pm and get ready for VBS which is followed by Brian's Seminar. So far it is going great. Last Sabbath we attended a wedding in Columbia. Very interesting moments!

Here are a few random pics for you to enjoy!

The Happy Couple

The SDA Church in Columbia, Belize

Before paint :)

Front Entry

The Digging Begins...

The Paint Crew!

Digging Deeper...

Omar