3,2,1...a Moving Experience

That's how it feels these days as we are busily packing, trying to organize a litle bit in the process and sorting out what do we get rid of now, what do we get rid of in Columbus and what little bit do we think we will be able to keep when its time to go to Belize!

I know we are making progress but at times I look around and think - Are we going backwards?! Like today when I could barely get through the porch to get to the apartment...hmmm...where did all this 'stuff' come from?!

Moving is one of those moving experiences...

Take that for all its worth. We are finding that the constant moving of stuff into boxes is a challenge because then where in our apt. do we put the boxes? So we move them out to the porch or over to Erma Camp or anywhere...just not in the way, wherever that is! (Where is that Becki?!)

And - we are finding another very moving experience even tougher....that is saying goodbyes to such dear friends. I think that in one way, we have been so busy that it wasn't really hitting us but as this week presses in on us - we know that it will all be over far too soon. As several have called asking for a time to get together, it is so difficult to say that we are out of time! You just don't even know how hard that is! Thank you for understanding.

Huge THANK YOUs to everyone who has called, stopped by, had us over, taken us out, given us cards, and hugs and lots and lots of love and incredibly nice words!! (Gee, maybe we should have done this sooner! Just kidding!)

Please know that as we leave, it is only in body...part of our hearts will be left here with many of you...you mean so much to us now that we have traveled the same roads together.

AND...since we have 'sand in our toes' -We WILL BE BACK!!!

Love you all,

Ray & Becki

Hurricane Dean / Belize Damage Update

2 emails follow, the first is from a pastor friend in Florida whose parents are missionaries serving in Belize. the second is from the DS in Belize.

1)
I heard from Dad and mom today, as well as Felize Cocul. In southern Belize there doesn't seem to be too much damage. Advance Training Center faired well, with one tree down on one of the dorms. Dad and mom's property all faired well no damage at all. I haven't yet been able to get any reports out of northern Belize, yet, but would expect some significant damage in that area. We have a couple of existing churches up north and some new mission churches up that way. I will let you know what I find out as soon as possible.

The hurricane nearly 6 years ago was a real open door to ministry in the south, we are anticipating that this will serve to advance the Gospel. We are planning some relief efforts that we can use to minister to people in Jamaica and Northern Belize. We have some details out of Jamaica where several Nazarene families and one church have lost roof. As well, many homes surrounding the churches have lost roofs in Jamaica. We are putting together plans to begin to help minister in these areas. Please pray with us.

I would also ask that you pray for dad, Tom Pound, because as he was taking down plywood from the house today it dropped and knocked the ladder out from under him. He was able to grab ahold of the window sill, but then dropped about 15 feet from the second floor. I just got off of the phone with mom who said that he is in pain, but they do not think anything is broken. Your prayers are requested on their behalf.

Thanks

Darin Pound
Pastor in Florida, very instrumental in the work in Belize

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2)
Thanks for your prayers.
I thank God for sparing us from this hurricane but the northern part of the country was very much affected.

I must say that on a whole Belize was affected because there was much loss of the agriculture sector.

Many of our church brethren lost their crops and fruit trees and received much water damages to their belongings.

Churches in the north that lost their roofing are:- Altamira, Corozal English and New Jerusalem (Sunday School building).

The Pastor for the New Jerusalem lost the roofing to his house.

Thank God there were no fatalities, He did spared us.
Please keep praying for us.

Rev. Tzib
DS in Belize

Solomon Islands

Our team of eight just returned from a mission trip to the Solomon Islands. Our task while there was to help complete the building of the first of four school buildings for the Zion Christian Academy. We were helped by some wonderful men both from Honiara and from Malaita. By the time we left, the building was about 90% completed, which made the 350 students (who are currently meeting in a church) very happy!

We were sure glad that it was winter in the Solomons. Every day was near 90 degrees and VERY humid. Being in Cape May, we thought we were used to humidity but they had a whole 'nother level of it there! We prayed each day for clouds but no rain in order to help us work better in the heat and humidity. Day after day God answered those prayers. The missionaries said it was never like this...never that cool, never so cloudy without raining, never went that long without rain. Very faithfully, once we had finished the conrete floor, it did rain. This was welcome, both for curing the concrete and for refilling the very low water supply at the missionaries house.

The people of the Solomon Islands impressed us with their humility. Yet when it came to their faith, they spoke with conviction and strong faith. We were impressed with their worship at church. With only 2 guitars, very badly out of tune, and a few quiet voices, the worship would rise to impressive levels as their wonderful voices and joyful hearts filled what we usually cover with extra musical instruments and turning up the sound more.

Not to mention that church was a full 2 hours and no one left when it was over! They stay and talk and visit --- and have more Bible studies and prayer!

We saw the value of relationships firsthand and have been thoroughly challenged about not giving up too easily.

Our trip, in so many ways, reminded us that God is God everywhere ---
and that His Word, the Bible applies to all peoples.

We went to be a blessing and we were --- but we were also very blessed by those we came to know and love in the Solomon Islands.

Because of Jesus,
Ray