Update From Belize
JUNE 2010
Greetings from Belize,
In June we took the opportunity to concentrate on revitalizing the ministries in Gales Point village. So on the first Sunday in June, after our usual delicious Sunday dinner of chicken rice and beans at Alice and Nacho's home in the village, I (Basil) met with John, Mel, Shannon and Kenny our Pastor and we put our heads together to come up with an incentive program to encourage our core group of faithful church members, to invite as many of their family and friends that have not been regular attendees to come to church, starting in mid June and ending mid July. The individuals that have brought the most guests during that 4 week period will receive prizes (small household appliances) for first, second and third place. Since the inception of this program attendance has doubled with a full house every Sunday, every seat taken and some people standing. Our objective is to bring as many non church goers into the household of faith and thereby developing a stronger church community to stand up against those in the village that ridicule and try to tear down those that are faithful and committed to Christ. As Mel stated in one of her blogs, those who don't attend refer to those who do attend as "One Day Christians", this may give you an idea of the ridicule the Christians are under. Of course isn't that what the Lord calls us to do, take up our cross . . and that we will suffer on behalf of our Lord and Savior, what a badge of honor to wear!
We also resumed the weekly Men's basketball, BBQ hot dogs followed by a teaching moment from God's word or a testimony from a visiting short term team member. Our last guest was David Carlson a Navy Chaplain, from San Diego who is currently getting his doctorate at Bethel University. He shared his testimony with the men and demonstrated some "non lethal" Karate moves, since he also has a Black belt in Karate. Without a doubt he was a hit. We are averaging over 40 guys coming to this event every week.
Every week Mel and John continue to have Boys and Girls Bible study with fun and games every Thursday night. Mel is also continuing the ladies Bible study every Tuesday in Vera's absence.
We are also doing house to house visitation every week, to encourage more people to participate in all the church services, Bible studies and other activities.
June also brought us the awe inspiring graduations of village kids we sponsor every year to High school. Most notably were Brenda Smith and Adriana Slusher, who was first in her graduating class and gave the Valedictorian address. We are also proud of all the graduates from the village pre-school and primary school, the ceremonies were beautiful.
We want to thank you for all the prayers and get well wishes for Vera's injury. Please continue to pray for her since she will have to have a 3rd surgery at the end of August and remains in Arizona. This will be to remove the eleven screws and plate as well as cut away as much scar tissue as possible, to enable her to get better movement in her ankle. God Bless!
Once again we want to thank everyone who continue to support us during these tough economic times with prayers and finances. May God richly bless you.
In His Grip!
Basil and Vera
