As my time in Belize has come to an end, my time for processing the work has begun. I can't even begin to tell you all the things the Lord did in me and those around me. My heart broke when I heard the common thread of abuse, neglect, and violence that ran through the peoples lives. Many felt they were past forgiveness, that they were forgotten, and that God could never father them. Our times of ministry were difficult because in order to let God uproot them from their lifestyle, we had to penetrate past the walls they have built up around themselves.
The first and second week, we spent our time cleaning,painting, and serving at Calvary Chapel Port Loyola. We focused most of our attention on the children and young adults that made up the congregation. Games like "duck-duck- goose", "red light-green light", soccer, basketball, volleyball and any other type of game they could tease us unskilled Americans about became a common occurrence. We also spent a lot of our time walking the streets evangelizing, praying, and inviting people to church. Everyone was very receptive of the message we presented, however, most of them already claimed to be Christians (although their lifestyle didn't reflect it).
The last week, we spent our time out in the "bush" which is another word for the jungle or wilderness for a bible boot camp. The ages ranged between 14-21 and most were kids who were hungry to learn more about the Word. We all attended an Inductive Bible study class and a course through Judges. At the end of each night we split off into devotional groups in which each one of us on our team lead a discussion on the lessons learned throughout the day. My group consisted of four girls named Sheena, Melissa, Ilka, and Ruth. Each young woman possessed a gentle spirit that is quite unusual to come across in Belize. They were all passionate about the lessons learned and had a fervent desire to keep growing.
The goodbyes said were ones full of tears and wishes exchanged to see each other again. I left a little of my heart with them there. Pieces of my heart are spread out in so many different nations, I thank God that he keeps giving me more to leave.
