Belize Page 2

(Our group returned home at 11:00 p.m. Saturday, March 15. On Sunday morning the following report was made to the congregation by Rev. Randy Weeks, Minister to Youth.)

       "One week ago this fellowship began the final leg of a journey that had begun a few years earlier - the result of a vision by our pastor of a mission to share God's blessings with people in a foreign land through the ministry of Rivers of the World. I stand before you today to report: mission accomplished. God's love was shared directly with close to one thousand people, and indirectly to numbers no one can figure but the Lord.
       Over 335 people in three villages received medical attention and ministry, and some 280 were provided dental care and prayer, paving the way for new Presbyterian churches to be established. Hundreds of cinder blocks were laid in the searing heat and high humidity at Honey Camp, the training site for Rivers of the World jungle and bush projects. Much progress was made on the construction of a sixth grade classroom at the Presbyterian Church and school in Orange Walk Town, Belize. Plastering walls with stucco occupied four days of labor for adults and teens, male and female alike. Two-score children learned of God's love for humanity and nature during Bible school through Bible stories, hikes, crafts, games, and the gentle touch of some very loving hands. Dozens of North and Latin Americans worshipped as one, singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs - making melody in their hearts to the Lord - reading scripture, praying, preaching, testifying - all in one accord. Shelves were built and books were sorted and moved so that a library might be available for the education of school children. Supplies were distributed for education, health, fun, evangelism and inspiration. All along the way, the polarities of life were evident: laughter and tears, sickness and health, thirst and saturation, hunger and fulfillment, frustration and elation, labor and rest.
       All were challenged and every single missionary rose to meet the test. Old friendships with Matt and Lib Rosemeyer were renewed. New friendships were forged, not just between cultures, but also among our own group. Of the trip, Todd Fincher said, "I felt like I was Paul starting a new church." Gary Nash, Jr. commented, "Working on the medical team was very satisfying and rewarding. This experience has strengthened my belief that a career in medicine is the right path for me." Drew Hull said with an impish grin, "One of the most memorable things about the trip for me was when Zack Becker threw up on the floor." He went on to say, "That was also about the only thing on the trip I would change if I could." In fairness to Zack who really didn't want to be sick, his father, Jim Becker said, "The best part of the trip was seeing the light in my son's eyes when he talked about the children he worked with that day." Rusty Douglas remarked "...it was ironic that we went one thousand miles only to find out we were singing some of the same Christian music." Allison Beckham said, "...amidst some doubts I was having about how much help we had actually been, Juan - one of the local pastors - showed us that we really had done good-and-helpful work....it makes me want to do more missions."
       Time does not allow us to go into more detail here and now, but very soon we will schedule a time to do so. Then you can hear about the specifics and see pictures that will help you understand more of what God can do through us, flawed as we are. I want to ask those missionaries who mustered the energy to get up this morning to stand briefly. On their behalf I thank you, First Presbyterian Church and community friends, from the bottom of my heart. You prayed, you gave, and you supported us in every way possible. As we left Belize yesterday to return home, we had a strong sense that God had begun a good work in us that quite possibly could continue for many years to come.
       In closing, ground was broken, seeds were sown, the holy garden tended. Now the harvest is up to the Lord. Thanks be to God!"