Date and Time Posted: Sunday July 23, 2023 - 10:42:53 am

Saturday, July 22, 2023 Philippians 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain The Team awakened to the usual crowing of the rooster, and the barking of a nearby dog. We left the hotel very early this morning (0530) as we have to stop at TFOCC to load the Biscayne VBS materials onto the bus for delivery up north, and to drop off our Team members heading back to the USA. The women of TFOCC prepared us sausage and egg enchiladas, as well as more of their homemade coconut pies (made with a mixture of brown sugar and coconut). We had an uneventful drive north, stopping at a service station for snacks and drinks. The Team discussed the “quash” that we had seen crossing the road on Friday’s trip. The Quash is a member of the raccoon family and is gregarious up to the age of two years.. The species is widespread over bush areas and grasslands; they are common in mangrove and tropical forests. They are omnivorous, feeding on fruits, insects, and small invertebrates. They have a long snout and are able to acutely smell their prey. We also talked about the Royal Rat (or Sovereign Rat), a nocturnal rodent that inhabits the forests of Belize. It feeds on fruits and insects and fungi. It is called the GIBNUT in Belize and is the most prized game animal of the region. Queen Elizabeth II was served this delicacy in 1985 during a visit to Belize; it is very tasty, but hunting is only allowed from June through November. Also discussed were the variety of wild hogs that inhabit the country – known as “wares” they grow to three or four feet in length, and may weigh 44-80 pounds. They bear tusks. We did not see any of the aforementioned animals, but it was interesting to hear Pastor Victor discuss these. We arrived safely at the Belize Airport (after a quick break for drinks and restroom use), and then unloaded most of the suitcases to separate those of the returning missionaries. After farewells, and good wishes (including letting them know if they had plane problems, just to give Larry a call, and we could see that they were brought to Crooked Tree for the coming week’s VBS!) The bus was met by the vans from Birds Eye View Lodge, and we transferred luggage and VBS materials into the vans and trailer. After a short stop for “baggies” for the beans and rice, we drove to Pastor Tillett’s home, and Biscayne Church, to meet briefly with the pastor. It was a joyful reunion as he recognized many on the team as having been there before. He sang the most memorable song from the past VBS sessions – “We’re Together Again” – before we loaded back into the vans, and proceeded on to Birds Eye Lodge. They were prepared for us, having lunch ready for us, and rooms ready for us to move into. The Team rested for a few hours and enjoyed the view of the Jabiru Storks (a rarity to see so many of this bird) feeding and walking in the water. They are a white bird with black and red; the jabiru is the tallest flying bird in Central America, and it has the second largest wingspan after the Andean condor. Dinner was served at 500 PM for the Team, and for our visitors: Pastor Tillett and his wife, and Breceida Reyes Rodriguez and her family. The Team was fed chicken, tilapia, potatoes, slaw, and for dessert, coconut pie. A good time of fellowship occurred, followed by a brief review of the week’s VBS activities and schedule. After a long day, the Team retired to get a good night’s sleep. Continue to pray for the Team as we start revival tomorrow night, as well as make preparations for the VBS Tuesday-Thursday.

Posted By:Jerry McMurray

Date and Time Posted: Saturday July 22, 2023 - 9:24:33 pm

Friday, July 21, 2023 The day began like all the other days this week (it seemed) with rain in the morning and concern about the day’s events. Since this was our “day off,” the Team had decided that we wanted to go to two of the local tourist attractions – the Mayan ruins at Lubaantun (meaning “the place of the fallen stones”) and the waterfall in the Maya Mountains at Rio Blanco National Park. Both locations were not extremely far from Punta Gorda and Jacintoville, and we had a good breakfast to start the day before the short ride to the Mayan ruins. Lubaantun is, in one sense, a little disappointing due to the actual “fallen rocks” of the temples. The ruins are from the late Classic Mayan Period (AD730-830 was the city’s peak) and were located near the village of San Pedro Columbia in the midst of the Rio Grand and San Antonio Indian Reservations. It is believed that this city was an administrative center regulating trade and that nearby Nim Li Punit functioned as the regal entre of religion, ceremony, and ritual. One difference at this ruin site is that others have stelae carved with hieroglyphics, but not here. The surrounding areas were rich in soil that would grow maize (corn), cacao, and other fruits. The area also is rich in limestone and they would have access to granite from the nearby Maya Mountains. The area also has a high rainfall conducive to crop growth. The environment of the ruins is bounded by the seacoast on the east, the Maya Mountains on the west and north, and swampland on the south. The site is well known and has a mass of mould-made relic figurines (we saw these in the small museum). It is conjectured, based on the layout, that it had a permanent population with periodic increases that came for festivals, feasts, ceremonies, speeches, and social dances. One portion of the layout is a huge plaza that could have held up to 5000 people. The excavation was started in 1915 by R. E. W. Merwin of Harvard University’s Peabody Museum. Merwin produced the first sight plan and exported three ballcourt markers from the south ballcourt. These were dated to AD 780-7900. Thomas Gann visited the area in 1924 and named it “Lubaantum” – it is a shame that he used dynamite to excavate and remove rock and soil, resulting in the destruction of many artifacts in the process. It is likely that, during this time, many special artifacts, meaning those of silver and gold, were stolen. In 1927 G Laws surveyed and mapped the site to an accurate longitude and latitude. What is special about this site? It was also alleged to be the location where the Crystal Scull was alleged to have been found. It was reported in 1924 that Frederick Mitchell-Hedges unearthed a quartz crystal artifact that represented the human skull. This artifact is supposedly in the possession of his daughter in Canada. (Reminds me of the Indian Jones Movies but in real life!). The weather somewhat cooperated, with periodic short-term showers (no downpours) allowing us to see the tree from which the rubber compounds for the balls for the games were made; to see a cacao tree with budding beans; to see the game areas where the winners of the games were beheaded in order to go to their heaven; and to see the ruins, though many were in a “collapsed” state not allowing us to climb on them. The guide pointed out the “curved” corners of many of the ruins, stating that one leader (politician) had the corners built square, and the next replaced the corners with round ones (just like politicians today!). Upon completion of this tour, we boarded the bus for the ride to the larger waterfall. We stopped in the village of San Antonio for drinks and snacks, and then west in the mountains to the Rio Blanco National Park, where we stopped to have a short hike to the waterfalls. There was also a swinging bridge (though in need of repairs) that some of the Team crossed; the key feature was the waterfalls, and their natural scenic attraction. It was a good visit, and upon leaving, we drove back to TFOCC for lunch, and then a return trip to the hotel. Our respite was short-lived as we had to be aboard the bus at 430 for the return to the TFOCC and the youth rally at 0630. It was wonderful to see the young people conduct the service. It was also impressive that Elijah Gentry was bringing the message to the youth tonight. He took his texts from several verses of Esther, among which were the following: Chapter 3, verse 8 And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom, and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king’s laws: therefore it is not for the king’s profit to suffer them. 9 If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king’s treasuries. 10 And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews’ enemy. 11 And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee. 12 Then were the king’s scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king’s lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king’s ring. 13 And the letters were sent by posts into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey. 14 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day. 15 The posts went out, being hastened by the king’s commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed. Chapter 4, verses 14-16 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? 15 Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, 16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. In this story, we see that Esther was told of a plot against the Jews; Esther was simply a teenager, very beautiful, that married the king. In this true story, she is told of the plot by Haman to kill all Jews, herself included there are many today that are plotting against God’s people to stop them, to stop their message from the Word of God, and to even kill them if possible. If you are a believer, you are hated by many in the world. Lots of men do not like us, nor think like us – giving praise in the House of God is foreign to them. God will do good things for those who follow Christ. His people stand on the Word of God, a truth that will never change or fail. This degree from the king was against all Jews in all provinces that day. We need, in today’s world, to be ready for that day that might come soon when evil people may try to take our lives. We need to be of strength and courage, for the degree in Esther’s day was for death. Will you be ready to stand if persecution comes? Esther was willing and ready to die in order to confront the king. God has raised us up, like Esther, for such a time as this. God has a plan for each and every one of us and our lives. No one was allowed to go into the inner court of the king without an invitation, and to do so was to risk one’s own life. Esther risked her life for her people and to uphold the word of God. An end to this world is coming and we need to stand in the Word no matter what anyone says or tries to get us to do. Esther could have stood back and let her people die, but she would have also been killed. We are to love God with our all souls and mind. Will you be ready when challenged? Satan is trying to kill and destroy us as believers. Look what Esther did! First, she took the time to count the cost to serve Him. She determined it was worth even her life. Next, she set priorities. She made a plan on how to approach the king. The next step was to prepare with prayer. Once you do that, take action – GO. In Matthew 24:4 (forward), we read: 4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. We are in those days. This world is not going to last forever. We have a better world awaiting us if we are His. Jesus died on the cross for you and me! Be ready to go each day. An invitation was given, and many came forward for prayer, including three youths who gave their lives to Christ! Brother Mike Thomason gave his testimony – today is the day of salvation, not tomorrow, next week, or year. Amanda Rhoton came forward with her testimony – one of the uncertainties of life as evidenced by the death of her boyfriend at age 23 from a car wreck. Once again, the call is for the lost to come forward. The service was closed in prayer, and the joyful team had supper at the church before the drive back to the hotel. God had wonderfully blessed this Team this week with over 300 people professing their acceptance of Christ as Savior. The Team thanks all those in the US, and around the world, that have prayed for our mission this past week. For some of us, we are off tomorrow to Crooked Tree, and the preparations for a revival and VBS at Biscayne, a village in the northern part of the nation of Belize. Continued prayers for those returning home to the States and for those who are remaining in Belize to continue to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the coming days.

Posted By:Jerry McMurray

Date and Time Posted: Thursday July 20, 2023 - 3:08:35 pm

Wednesday, July 19 John 13:16 KJV [16] Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. This Team is comprised of true servants of our Lord, who are willing to help each other bring the Gospel to the people of Belize because we have been sent to do such. The Team awakened to the familiar sound of rain falling in the southern portion of Belize. It is now the “rainy” season of the year, and we have definitely seen a lot of rain in the past few days. After a quick bus ride back to the TFOCC compound, we had a breakfast of toast, pineapple, bananas, ham, eggs, and a couple of varieties of jam. The Team has been well-fed, which is much needed and appreciated, as the days are long and arduous. At 0840, the teams left for the drives to the two villages: 1) Independence, which is in the middle of the country near Placencia, and 2) Aquacate, located west of the TFOCC compound. For the Independence team, the drive was rain-filled, but after the arrival in Independence, the rain stopped, allowing us to begin getting ready for the service. It was interesting that we were having the service in a dental clinic, for the church had just been organized recently, and they did not have a church building. The pastor opened the clinic and showed us the rooms, we obtained additional chairs, while some of the Team went throughout nearby streets to invite them to the service. The service began with prayer by Brother Larry, followed by Elijah leading singing, trying to entice the children to participate. We divided in to classes, and spent the next 45 minutes in teaching the Scriptures. After classes were completed, we assembled back into the main hall, where Brother Layton Bentley brought the message. A total of 20 people made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ. It was such a joy to lead many young children, many 7, 8, and 9 years old, to the Lord. After a quick meal, we were on our way back to TFOCC for the afternoon VBS. The other Team went to Aquacate, and was confronted with heavy rain during their trip to the village, as well as during their time there. The Team reported that there was a good turnout for the village (>100 people), but there were difficulties due to the rain - it constrained the classes to the building, which made hearing difficult due to background noise, etc. They brought the message of Christ to the people, but no conversions occurred, not for a lack of trying. The Team returned back to TFOCC for the afternoon VBS with the TFOCC attendees, confident that they had served as well as possible, seeds had been sown, and that the harvest occur for their work. 2 Chronicles 15:7 KJV Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded. The afternoon was hot and muggy, but not rainy, as the buses arrived with the children from Punt Gorda and surrounding villages. The younger members of the congregation again assisted us in registration of the attendees, and in helping to direct the traffic in the service. Locations for the classes was the same as the previous day, and the teachers were prepared for their respective age groups. After the teaching, brother Steve brought the message from Daniel, addressing it to the 13-20 year-old members of the congregation. You are facing critical consequences like Daniel faced he was taken into captivity, and the king said you will become part of my house, or else you are my enemy. Satan is our enemy and he wants to destroy our lives (he wants us to join “his house”) Steve appreciated the little ones who came forward and wanted to pray, either for salvation or for other things in their lives. YOU ALWAYS have a choice about what to do in your life. You can go against the things that God tells you should do, and forgo what God has in store for you, for there is a consequence of sin. Steve goes into hospitals and very often he hears the regrets being spoken by the people in their 50s and the 60s; Satan wants to destroy your lives, but you have the choice of obeying God or not, just like Daniel Sadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Babylonia captivity.As a Christian for more than 20 years, Steve said his experience is that you should chose Jesus, and you will never go wrong. When Pastor Victor tells you aboutChrist, listen, and you will never go wrong. We are all sinners. The first choice is whether you will accept Christ as your Savior, and hold yourselves to the standard that God has for you. The second thing to consider is do you live your faith? Who you are in church is the same person you should be out of church; Daniel was taken to prison, and his choice was to stand for God or die. Steve had the opportunity to visit a village yesterday, and a young lady came forward with tears in her eyes. God has his hand on her life, and was dealing with her in such a spiritual way. When God works in your life, it makes a change. People who walk away with no changes in their lives are likely not saved. Each of you should consider asking Jesus in you life. We note in the Bible that we are called born again, and the old things are passed away and become new again. Look around! We came a long way to tell you that there was a change in our lives. We know that some will stand for Jesus; Daniel lived in one of the worst of times for the Jews; they were in captivity, and Daniel’s story teaches us that when we stand, it may not be perfect, but it aids our relationship with God. He wants us to have a personal relationship with God, and it is not important where we are or what we have. The good news of Jesus will surround us all the days of our lives. The third thing that we see is in the story is that Daniel moved and stood on his faith, and God responded in a positive way to Daniel’s needs. Steve has two sons and a daughter; when they asked him for help in school, he tried to help them; our Heavenly Father wants to help us in the same way, when we are in need, He responds. When old things are passed way, what a joy to know that He will make a way. The biggest thing that we have in our lives is the barrier that we have between us no our God. John 3:16 tells us that whosoever will come to him will be saved how do you know that? If you ask, God will touch your heart, and His love will surround and touch your lives. The invitation was given, and Pastor Victor spoke to the attendees. Many came forward saying they wanted to be saved, and the Team again led many to the Lord (53 accepted Christ). The Team, exhausted but very happy, had an early dinner of rice, chicken, and pork, with bread pudding. We discussed the day-off on Friday, and decided that we would like to go to the local Mayan ruins and to the waterfall in the area. Before that happens, however, we have another full day of VBS on Thursday, and are looking for more to be saved! Praise God from whom all blessings flow! It is such a joy and privilege to be able to see those coming to the eternal family of God, and we can only give God the thanks for His Saving Grace!

Posted By:Jerry McMurray

Date and Time Posted: Tuesday July 18, 2023 - 9:44:24 pm

Day 2 Isaiah 1:19 KJV [19] If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: The Belize mission team rested, and looked forward to a faithful day of obedient service to the Lord. This glorious Belizean day began with the herald of the local rooster, who repeatedly and loudly let us know that the day was starting (albeit he did not seem to know the time that sunrise occurred). The night was one of almost constant rain, with a major storm occurring in the middle of the night, but no damage was done. The hotel owner said that the storm was unusual for this part of the country, having ferocious lighting and heavy heavy rains. Many of the team members had their morning coffee prepared by the hotel’s proprietor and we engaged in lively conversation about the state of politics in the world. The hotel’s owner started with only 4 rooms when he was 18 and now owns 3 businesses. It is still possible to succeed in life with diligence and hard work, and the blessings of our Creator. (Isaiah 32:17 KJV And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.) At 700 the bus picked us up to deliver us to TFOCC, also called the Dream Center, the church where we will be based this week. The Pastor, Victor Hernandez, had a dream from the Lord years ago after reading “The Purpose Driven Life.” This occurred when the church had 7 regular member, including the pastor and his wife. The dream was for a church large enough to seat 650 people, have a kitchen, conference rooms, and Sunday School classrooms. The pastor was hesitant to tell his congregation of his dream, but he did; one little lady in the room gave her last and only piece of money - a Belizean $5 bill (worth $2.50 US); that was the start of funding for the building of TFOCC, with $20 being the start of the funding for the church). The Team then ate breakfast; the breakfast was excellent, consisting of pancakes, jams, watermelon, fresh pineapple, bananas, and coffee. The Team members fellowshipped. At 0830 the team gathered in one room to pray for Pastors Terry Browder and Matt Browder as they are going to be bringing the messages today to two different churches. This was followed by prayer for the teachers who would be teaching the youth classes today. Our Team had CHURCH before the TFOCC service even started as the Holy Spirit was present with our group. Our greatest desire is to see the lost come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior! We were treated to the youth of TFOCC singing for us prior to the start of service. At 1030, the service began with the youth choir leading congregational singing. The Team members participated in singing and the service by singing “I will sing of the Goodness of God” and others. Then Layton Bentley told the story of how Tommy Dorsey wrote the song “Take My Hand Precious Lord” after the disaster of losing his wife and child during childbirth. The words of that song show that God wants to help us even in our times of distress if we look to Him, He can take our hand and lead us. Layton quoted from Isaiah and the promise of the Lord to lead us even in our times of weakness and tribulation. The message is brought by Brother Terry Browder, who thanks the church for hospitality and for turning the heat up here in Belize. This mission trip has been a long time in the making. Terry took the reference verses from Acts 16, but began his message by discussing the question - how do you teach of child to talk, and the child’s use of “Why?” Between the ages of 2 and 5 children will ask 40,000 questions. On average they will ask 73 questions per day, 20000 per year. Adults typically ask as many as 25 per day, 10K questions per year; you and I ask a lot questions. Sometimes they are silly; sometimes serious. The most important question to be asked by anyone, in life, is contained in this passage (Acts 16:16-34). The lady referenced in the text had lost her ability to predict the future because of the demon being cast from her; her “owners” were then losing revenue, and they insisted that Paul and Silas be cast into prison. When the earthquake happened, after they had been beaten with stripes and were cast into the inner prison - probably filled with rats and bugs, they were also locked by their feet in stocks - the worst treatments that the jailer could give them. Sometimes Christians complain about their situation in life, and do not think that God is with them, on their side, and will hear their prayers. Paul and Silas prayed and sang; they did not issue a prayer of concern for their situation. He reconciled that their suffering was not worthy of consideration - were Christians today of the mind of Paul, and not let every little situation get them down. Paul took pleasure in the persecution for Christ’ sake; in such situations, he counted all things loss for the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord for whom he suffered the loss of all things. Whatever the kinds of songs they sung; whatever words he prayed, he got Heaven’s attention. The earthquake came, and the chains of binding fell off. Whatever the type of chains that you have in your life, if you call on Jesus, the chains can be broken. Remember three words (Terry emphasized we talk “fast” in East Tennessee); these 3 words: 1) Request, 2) Reply, and 3)Result. The Philippian jailer had witnessed the prisoner doors open; he drew his sword, and supposing the prisoners had already left the prison as prisoners typically did, he was prepared to kill himself. He had awaken from his slumber, and thought: who in their right mind would stay there? All the other prisoners stayed around too, for God had shook the earth, and they had seen something they had never seen before in their lives. They have witnessed the power of God, and though they were all desperate; the guard, in his desperation, was ready to end his life, but Paul replied they were ALL there. That was when the jailer fell down, and asked the question -How can I be saved? THAT is the most important question in life. We all have to answer that question, and as a believer, you can be a witness to the world to help others answer the key question = what must I do to be saved? Is the jailer to do what he has already been doing? No, for it did not result in his salvation. Notice the second word - reply. The answer from Paul was simply a reply with the name of a person- Jesus Christ. There is no other name in Heaven by which any man can be saved. There is no other answer than Christ, and Him crucified. There is a plan - of salvation - it is only through Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one can get to the Father but by Him. Paul did not tell the jailer to give up things, do good deeds; why - because Jesus has already paid the price and done it all. When you talk of believing, it is more than just a head knowledge. Every demon in Hell knows who Jesus is. A whole lot of people will miss Heaven by 18” , meaning the distance from the brain to the heart. You must believe with the heart; many witnessed the miracles and heard Christ’s messages, but did not believe. We must believe that we are lost before we are saved; there must be conviction and that we are lost before we can be saved. We understand the sin-cause relationship and that the only one that can bridge the gap between God and us is Jesus Christ. The reason that Paul gave the jailer what he must do is just because of Christ. That was not the end of the story when He was nailed on the cross; 3 days later He arose, and sits now at the right Hand of God. If we are good enough, Jesus would not have needed to die on the cross. Adam had only one rule. Finally, the request and reply gave the the third word - result; we see salvation came to the jailer for he believed in Jesus Christ, both he and his family came to know the Lord! God is a Savior. A Way Maker. Many in this life want salvation, but do not act on it, meaning they will not take the step to Christ, or believe they are good enough - placing untrue conditions on salvation, and His saving power. The Jailer takes Paul and Silas back to his home, and the members of his family are led to the Lord. There is something else we see - it is satisfaction. When you read the text we see the jailer rejoiced. We deal with addiction in life; alcohol, drugs, sexual temptation, pride, etc. The only thing that will satisfy us is Jesus Christ. Whatever you are looking for you will not find but only in Jesus. Paul and Silas were beaten and because the jailer was under conviction, the jailer cleaned their stripes after they were introduced to the man called Jesus. Isaiah told us that He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities. The invitation. Do you know that you know that you are saved? He is the only way to peace It is not HOPE - it is KNOWING. We ignore the most important question - WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH THIS MAN CALLED JESUS? After a pleasing traditional Belizean lunch of chicken, beans and rice, and banana bread cake we loaded onto the bus for the drive to San Marcos. The pastor of the church introduced the Team, and welcomed us to the San Marcos church, proclaiming our arrival as proof of the gifts good work of the Lord, for he is expecting God to do great things through the Team this week. The service started with a reading from Psalm 66, verses 1 and 2 (in Kechi), followed by singing of a member (a young lady) in Kechi. A donation was taken up for the church, and the service was turned over to Larry Browder. Larry Browder introduced the Team of 26 from the US that were here to show the love of the Lord. Matt and Elijah were introduced to sing a song for the congregation. Matt Lawson then brought the messsage to the congregation (with a tranlator). He said it was an honor to be able to open the Word of God today, and a blessing to worship with the members of that congregation as well. He read from 2 Corinithians, starting at verse 1. Matt said he had a simple message today. he recognized that there is sometimes a barrier with language. Paul, who wrote Corinthians, spoke a different language than English, but his message is being conveyed to us today, and we are able to worship together. We serve the same God, but it does not matter what language we speak today, whether you are from Belize or America, God’ words are for us all, and are true. Amen! The cross of Jesus Christ is still the best thing that has ever happened to man. Matt said his opinion does not mean much to anyone, but Matt was here with the church to tell you about the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.Matt said he had a simple message today; he recognized that the Gospel is good news to all those who hear it. The Apostle Paul was a smart, educated man. He was a very religious man. He said that all of that he counts as loss just so he could know Jesus. No matter where you ave been in your life, what you have gone through, we still need Jesus. The Gospel is good News, but there is also bad news. The Bad News is that we all cannot do anything to earn heaven, and this is true for the entire world no matter where we come from. The Bible says we all sinned, and the wages of sin is death; the free gift of God is salvation through Jesus. The key is that Jesus did not come so we could have a better life; but that we could have life everlasting Just as Paul is speaking here, the Team has come to visit you al, and we don’t have money or possessions to give to you. When we leave here, you may never remember our names, and you may not remember our faces, but that is not why the Team is here byway. We are here because the same Jesus that died for us died for you. We want your faith to be in Jesus and not in man. We could go many places and do many things, but all that is good and well, but apart from the name of Jesus IT IS NOTHING. What should man gain and lose his own soul? Jesus was perfect, and lived a life that we could not live - a sinless life. A perfect life. What we could not do for keeping the law Jesus fulfilled by living that life. He went to the cross in our place. He took the beating, the humiliation all of our shame and regret, etc. - all laid onHis shoulders. The Bible says that He took all ordinances, the laws written against us, and nailed it to the cross. Because of this we now have the opportunity for forgiveness. Anyone that puts their faith in Jesus can be saved - will be saved. but He did not stop there - he rose 3 days later from the grave they put Him in. Because of that we have life everlasting. Because He came that we might have life and have it abundantly; we live in hope of Heaven. Matt came to tell you Heaven is real; in verse 9 it says “as it is written, I’ve hath not scene, nor ear heard, nether has it entered in the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him.” By the power of the Holy Spirit He gives us glimpses every day. Even as Matt and the Team are here worshipping Him, one day in Heaven there will be thousands upon thousands worshipping the same God. In the Book of Revelation many things have been written about what Heaven is life - we are told that there is a river of pure water of life; the tree of life is on the banks of that river; we’ re told the streets are are of pure gold, clear as crystal; the gates are of a pearl; the Bible says He will wipe away all tears. There will be no crying, no sorrow, no more pain, because the former things are passed away. All things are wonderful, but they are not the best part of Heaven; those things mean nothing if Jesus is not there. In our life, there is no hope bless Jesus is there. Whosever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved: John 3:16; do not put your faith in us that have come for just a little while. If you put our faith in our family one day it may be gone; if we put our faith in riches of this world, they may be gone in a moment. But…Jesus has always been and will be with you always. When your hope is gone, he will be there always. When your hope is in Jesus, that will never go away. Our message to you today is Jesus and what he offers, salvation, regardless of language or nationality or status. Long after the Team from America is gone, Jesus will still be here. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I thank God for the opportunity to share the good News of Jesus. The service was turned over to the pastor to close the service, and the Team was warmly thanked for bing there. We then boarded the bus back to TFOCC for dinner, after which Pastor Victor talked about TFOCC. It has been 17 years in the “making” since the Pastor’s dream. Toledo is called the “forgotten district” in Belize as it has the poorest indigenous population. There was a young man from California who was only 17 years old when he was diagnosed with cancer; he sold his possessions, bought a camper, and traveled Central America distributing copies of the book called “The Purpose Drive Life.” After reading the book, God gave the Pastor a vision, and he shared it with Brother Neal, who drew up the plans for the church building known as the Dream Center. The Team will be using it for bible school, and as a base as will obtaining our meals there. The vision took a long time, with the first day’s donations totaling only $20 Belize ($10 US). There were long breaks between funding, but today the center is nearing completion. Pastor Victor was a businessman earlier in his career before the ministry and now is a servant of Christ, having established churches in several communities. The Team was driven to our hotel, and we settled in our rooms for a good night’s rest. Pray for this team as we continue to serve God by telling the people of Belize the Good News - that Jesus saves!

Posted By:Jerry McMurray

Date and Time Posted: Monday July 17, 2023 - 9:58:52 am

Matthew 28:19–20 (KJV 1900): 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. The day for the departure of the 2023 Mission team to Punta Gorda and Crooked Tree has arrived. The Team assembled in the lobby of Tri-Cities Airport anxious to start the service in Belize and to teach and preach the Good New of the Gospel. The flight from TRI was delayed for serveral minutes due to a request by the Charlotte Airport, but at 0740, the plane took off, and we safely arrived at CLT. The flight from Charlotte to Belize City took off on-time, and we arrived safely in Belize. We completed Customs approvals with little delay, other than the instructions given to us for Custom Form Completion on the airplane did not match the Belizean Customs request that all individuals have a separate form, and there was a delay in completing the forms. We were met by Pastor Victor and young men from his church, who loaded our luggage onto the bus. The trip to TFOCC was uneventful, and took over four hours. Of interest in the trip were the frequent road signs, indicating crossings for “tapirs” and “jaguars” (native to Belize) We took the coastal highway, a recently completed 20+ mile road that connected to the Southern Highway. We stopped for a couple of times to purchase water and snacks. The ride concluded with our arrival at TFOCC, where a great meal awaited us consisting of salad, rice and beef, with water and juice. It was after dark when we arrived at Charleton Inn, our home-away-from-home for the week. Pray for God’s blessings on the Team as we spread the Gospel to the people of Southern Belize!

Posted By:Jerry McMurray