First Christian Church - Belize Trip Summary

First Christian Church - Belize Trip Summary

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Reported by Mary Gilmore

July, 2004 - This is the story of how church members (children, youth and adults) became missionaries one week in Belize, Central America.

On July 28, 2004, eighteen very excited and anxious members of First Christian Church traveled from Meridian, MS to Orange Walk, Belize, for what would be for many their first mission experience. Our group consisted of varying ages, personalities and talents, but enthusiasm was common amongst us all.

Our days began with coffee, or a warm coke from a glass bottle, and quiet time on the veranda of Orange Walk's D Victoria Hotel. Our group of 18 would then pile into an air-conditionedless, 15- passenger van and proceed to Ruth and Roldan's for our breakfast. This van with 3 extra passengers and no air-conditioning was a true test of our Christianity and our character, but I am happy to report we all passed!

Ruth's pancakes, breakfast burritos, oatmeal, and French toast could only be surpassed by her Ruth's gracious spirit. After breakfast we would then begin our work in Belize. There were some who spent their week in the dental clinic at Guinea Grass, a small village 15 miles outside of Orange Walk, and the others experienced their first taste of manual labor. Under the direction of Miguel, Adriano, and Herman, the construction team built a septic tank as well as began work on a new classroom for New Life Church and school. We were taught to mix concrete using only a shovel, sand, water and cement mix; lay block wall; and remove debris. Everyone, even our children, seemed to thrive on the manual labor.

After a hot morning of construction, our team of tired workers and our dental team met for another fabulous meal at Ruth and Roldan's, which often consisted of chicken, beans, rice and fresh fruit. Their table was a place to share our insights and new experiences.
Our afternoons welcomed a siesta followed by our entire team traveling to Guinea Grass for Bible School, fun and games, as well as providing more dentistry. About 50 children met us at the beautiful little church every afternoon for songs and crafts, which were followed with a game of ‘Red Rover' or soccer. Although there was a major language barrier, our children and the children of Guinea Grass established fast friendships and pleaded for our return every afternoon when we said our good byes. We took their digital picture and they were fascinated to see themselves. We were fascinated simply by their fascination!

Most days ended with a meal shared together at Victor's and conversation about the blessings we had received that day. Our time in Orange Walk came to a close during a beautiful church service at New Life. The songs were in Spanish, but the meaning was evident. Our children and young adults blessed us and the others in the church by singing "As I Went Down to the River to Pray.

The week passed rapidly, but as the week progressed it became evident that we had been given more and had been far more blessed than what we had given. From Ruth and Roldan, we witnessed the gift of hospitality; from Miguel and Adriano the gift of patience; from Herma´n the gift of pride from a job well done; and from the people of Guinea Grass we received the knowledge that less might actually be more. Although this was the first mission trip for many of us, I feel sure that it will not be the last! We discovered the joys of being in the mission field and being called, shaped and sent to serve Christ!

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