Ray's Ramblings

Pastor AND Wife Punched in Their Faces !!

2010-12-07T17:22:00.000-06:00

Pastor AND Wife Punched in Their Faces !!

Today a funeral led to a rather unusual situation. In Maya Center, 2 men died unexpectedly. 1 was a 73 year old who basically drank himself to death. His family found him, but it was too late. This man was the father of our pastor from Maya Center.

The second death was a 20 year old who had recently tried 3 times to stab his own father. The parents are Christians and attend the Nazarene Church. The young man only occasionally attended but obviously had some serious issues. In his string of bad choices, he was riding his motorbike on the wrong side of the road and struck another vehicle. The casket was not opened at the funeral due to the horrible condition of his body from the accident. 2 Timothy 3 talks about this kind of young man, who is ‘”a lover of himself, lover of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of good, treacherous, rash, conceited…”

The Bible warns us that in the last days, this kind of activity will only increase. It remains sad to see however, very sad.

Both funerals affected the people in this church. Both funerals were held this morning. Other pastors who helped start this church were there for support. After a common meal at the pastor’s house, he directed one of the visiting pastors and his wife to get into a vehicle so they could take them back to their village.

Suddenly, another woman came to the vehicle and punched the pastor’s wife in the face! Then this irrational woman grabbed the pastor’s wife and dragged her out of the car, dumping her on the ground. She then went around and punched the pastor in his face! He did not retaliate but turned his other cheek to her. (Wow!) She then pulled him from the car.

The pastor asked what he had done to cause her to punch him in the face. Whatever could he have done or said to make her want to do this? She had no response to him. She then began to breathe very heavily and very rapidly and collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

The pastor, still confused as to what could have ever brought such a reaction, gathered the other pastors who were there and began to pray over the fallen woman. They prayed for her protection and care and salvation, as she is not a Christian. Her husband is a believer who attends the Nazarene Church, so they left her in his care and found a different ride back to their village.

Becki and I had arrived at their home just minutes before they came back home. Unaware of anything that had happened, Becki was surprised when the pastor’s wife came straight to hug her and began weeping. The pastor then relayed the story to us. By the time he finished, he himself was crying hard, unable to understand why they were attacked.

This pastor and his wife are 2 of the most gentle people we know. They would not hurt anyone, for any reason. Even while sharing this incident with us, the pastor’s concern was that maybe God would use this somehow because this woman is not a Christian. Such faith, such hope.

Through deep, racking sobs he asked for prayer.

Becki and I put our arms around this pastor and his wife and prayed for God to take away their fear, to calm their concerns, to give peace in the midst of this situation, to not allow the enemy to prosper in this in any way and that they would all see God at work in the midst of their suffering.

What a challenge in the midst of a day.

What a blessing to be at the right place at the right time, to be able to pray for a precious family who was in such distress.

Pray for the woman who attacked them to surrender to Christ as a result of this.

Pray for the pastor and his wife to continue to stay strong in the midst on such unknowns in the ministry.

Pray for the church in Maya Center, as they continue to minister in an obviously needy village.

God’s Word is clear. He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but would rather that they turn and repent and be saved.

Please pray for those who are still living, that they may all come to know Christ as Savior.

Happy to be a blessing to someone today,

Ray & Becki

Joshua Learns a Lesson...

2010-12-04T17:38:00.001-06:00

Recently the Spirit directed me to read Joshua chapter 6.

My initial thought was “Why?!”

I’m so obedient sometimes…

I did read it though and was mildly amused at what I saw as God’s sense of humor in verse 2. The situation in verse 1 is that Jericho is shut up tight. This fortified city with its high walls is completely secured so that no one is coming out and no one can get in. It is then that the Lord says to Joshua, “See, I have given you this city, along with its king and all the fighting men.”

I would probably not actually say this to the Lord but I certainly was thinking this as I read what the Lord said. My thought was, “Are you kidding me?! It looks pretty secure to me, nobody coming in, nobody getting out. How is it that you have “given” this to me??! It looks like they still have pretty good control over it!”

As I kept on reading, I read God’s highly irregular combat plans for Joshua to follow in order to defeat this well fortified city. March around the city once a day, saying absolutely nothing, just have the priests blow the horns. On the 7th day, march around it 7 times, then SHOUT! Then go take the city when the walls fall down.

And even though I know the story, I’m trying to think as Joshua might have been thinking when he first heard these directions. So my thought was, “Um, oh-kaaaay… and “that” will work you say?!”

Of course, the story goes on to tell that Joshua followed all that the Lord told him to do and we do see just how well God’s plan does work.

Something in me was a bit dissatisfied though. It all seemed too easy. Unusual yes, but it seemed that Joshua just gave in to his whole idea rather effortlessly. I mean, come on! This is a bit crazy!

So I decided to look into it a bit more closely. I read the latter part of Chapter 5 and found that “aha!”

Just shortly before chapter 6 started, Joshua sees a man standing before him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua boldly approaches the man and asks “Are you for us or for our enemies?”

The man replies, “Neither. I am the captain of the Lord’s army and I am here.”

That answer puts a little fear in me, to realize that God’s angel is not choosing sides. I have the thought that if he is nor for us, then he could be against us…and that would be baaaad!

Joshua bows with his face to the ground in reverence. Great move Joshua.

The next words spoken by the captain of the Lord’s army changed everything for me. The angel tells Joshua, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”

“Aha!” Now, I see….Joshua is on holy ground before the Lord – in reverential worship. He is awestruck that he is seeing the angel of the Lord face to face.

So, THEN when he hears what the Lord has to say…it is not a struggle to believe it. In fact, ANYTHING that God would have said then would have been very easy to accept because Joshua’s heart was fully yielded to God in worship.

Aha. The connection is now clear for me.

Perhaps the actual title of this piece should be: Ray learns a lesson!

Bible Story Telling Training

2010-06-18T15:50:00.002-06:00

Whew...let me say that again...whew!! Okay, I feel a little better.

It is a good kind of weary but weary nonetheless. 2 weeks of class and a weekend of teaching squeezed in between. But - I am sitting here now trying to process what has been an amazing run!

Most of you will not be able to appreciate what I am about to share.

Some of you have experienced the Bible Story Telling, either on one of your trips to Belize or on one of our trips back to the U.S. So you will have some idea what I am sharing here.

A few of you have seen this being shared in direct ministry context. YOU will be the most blessed by what I am about to share.

In fact, I face a dilemma right now. The trouble with sharing this is that if you have not experienced Bible Story Telling, you won't really 'get it'. So, some of the impact and the wonder will be lost on you - but let me share anyhow, hoping that it will intrigue you enough to want to learn more.

Bible Story Telling is a system of discovering the treasures that are in the Bible for us to find.

It is simple. It is practical. It is POWERFUL.

It is so simple, even in its name, that many people do not give it a chance, until they experience it firsthand, THEN they are amazed!!

We saw that here in Belize this week, not only in class, but also as one of the students taught a Bible Story Telling session to a visiting Youth Group from Florida. They were astonished that the discoveries they were making from just 5 short verses took them nearly an hour! The time flew by so quickly that they did not realize it. (This always happens!) They also were aware that there were many more discoveries to make still !

The pastors who came to this 2 week class were a diverse group. They came at my invitation to an "experiment". From their responses at the end of these 2 weeks, I can only determine that the experiment was a HUGE success !

In short, we spent each day digging into one Bible Story after another, learning them by heart in order to repeat each story without reading it. Then, working together, as a group to search for treasures in each story. This simple process is the key to this amazing system. Seeking treasures, as if walking slowly down a path, makes each story COME ALIVE!

Without going into all the details right now, let me just share some of their thoughts with you.

"I have been praying for the last 3 months for God to lay it on Pastor Ray's heart to teach us this Bible Story Telling. I am very excited that I learned this and I will use it in my church this Sunday." (This from a pastor who did not know I was thinking about doing this - nor did I know that he was praying such a prayer! Oh, and guess when I started planning it? 3 months ago! Yeah God!!)

After the first week, a new pastor spoke up and said, 'Before when I preach, some of the people hang their heads like they are not listening or they are bored, but now they sit up with their eyes wide open! And 2 young men now want to come to the class!'

One shared a Bible Story at a bus stop where 9 people were waiting for the bus. They all got excited and wanted to learn more!

One dear older pastor who cannot read or write shared how grateful he was for this. (You can learn it without knowing how to read or write.) He feels this was made just for him. He wants his whole church to experience it.

One lady shared that she had a heavy heart now that she learned from Malachi that God would rather have the church doors shut because of unacceptable worship and how God would move on to other nations that honored His Name. She prayed - through the night - that Belize would be a nation that honored God's Name!

Several shared that they sense that God will use the Bible Story Telling to spread across Belize and really make a big, big difference in their people, especially because it can be done in their own languages. (More on this later...)

Still another veteran pastor said: "I am going to teach this in my church and send people out 2 by 2 to teach it throughout the village and in other villages. We are excited to go home and use this!"

Personally, I was driven to tears and humbled by the raw vulnerability and heartfelt words shared by so many who were here. I told them that I grew to respect every one of them in new ways after seeing their hearts so clearly.

They all agreed that they want to do a class like this for one week every month!

THAT - is encouraging, AND challenging. The funding for these 2 weeks came by a special gift from some who had experienced the power of this amazing system.

I believe that this model will revolutionize pastoral training, not only here in Belize, but "Beyond Belize" as well. I have not in the past, requested help for projects here but this is SO POWERFUL in the lives of these pastors that I cannot help but do all I can to meet their request.

I am willing to make the time to teach them and literally, pour myself and this system into their lives. Would you be willing to help? Would you be willing to give to support their training? We worked hard to keep costs low yet the reality is that we needed to help with transportation, food and lodging in order to make the week happen.

We discovered that it cost a least $75 US per week per pastor to run this Bible Story Telling School.

The first 2 week Introductory Course just ended today. Would you help us make sure their wish for an ongoing school does not end? God bless you as you search your heart.

Write us for details on how you can help.

Blessed, blessed, blessed...

Ray & Becki

You know you live in a foreign country when...

2010-05-08T17:56:00.002-06:00

You know you live in a foreign country when...

~ when you hear your wife shout out "Woohooooo! Green beans!!" (there has been a shortage)

~ when you see your wife kissing the can of green beans, you understand

~ when taking the trash out means setting it on fire since there is no garbage truck coming...ever.

~ entertainment for the night involves counting bug bites

~ the price of a bag of chips means you really can eat only 1 Lay's potato chip!

~ you're not surprised when dinner comes wrapped in a banana leaf...

~ you get excited when dinner comes wrapped in a banana leaf !!

You know you live in a foreign country when...

~ a trip to town means

doing all the shopping for the week,

stopping at the post office,

getting gas in the truck,

saying hello to all the people you see in town

taking time out for lunch (maybe in a banana leaf!)

checking the bank to see if your paycheck arrived yet

changing a flat tire

getting a flat tire fixed immediately (never know when you will need it again!)

double checking everything because you're NOT coming back if you forgot anything!

You know you live in a foreign country when...

~ shopping in an ethnic store is your ONLY choice!

~ you look up at the stars and cannot find the ones you know

~ Facebook is your best friend

~ a phone call from the states is a BIG deal !

~ a visit from friends in the U.S. is a BIG deal !!

~ a visit to go SEE friends in the U.S. is an even bigger deal !!!

~ U.S headlines aren't that big a deal...

~ you drive by a forest fire with flames taller than your truck - and it's no big deal...

~ box office release dates mean nothing...

~ price roll backs mean the expiration date is very near

~ you don't have to go to the zoo to see monkeys, or crocodiles, or armadillos, or polecats

~ many of your friends have names that are hard to pronounce, let alone spell

You know you live in a foreign country when...

~ you already knew all the stuff on this list !

~ and you feel blessed to live where you do !!

We sure do!!!!!

Ray & Becki

It's a Beautiful Thing...to see the Lord Work!

2010-02-24T22:18:00.002-06:00

I went to church tonight in San Pedro Columbia, a village in southern Belize. Honestly, I did not really "want" to go since it has been a busy week of teaching the pastors. Frankly after teaching all day for 3 days in a row, I'm sort of talked out and not in a hurry to be in another social and often "up front" situation.

However, I went and became so glad that I did. Darin Pound, our new DS preached a very good message from the encounter of Jesus and Zaccheaus. As he shared his insights I ruminated on some of the thoughts and wondered how the message was reaching the near capacity crowd on this Wednesday night.

As he drew the message to a close, Darin also opened the altar for prayer, reminding the people that just as God knew all about Zaccheaus, He knows their needs also.

I was encouraged to see such a good number of people move out right away to go forward for prayer. Darin called me to come help pray for people gathered before the Lord.

I went first to one young man, only after I began speaking to him did I realize that it was one of the young men who had just started pastor's class this week! We prayed together for God to teach him and to make him strong in his faith. His desire is to be a Youth Missionary - how exciting!

Then I felt led to move down past another to pray for man on the end. I asked him how I could help pray for him. He said he was there to pray for his son, who had recently decided to study the Bible and try to help others. I asked his son's name - and by now was not real surprised to find out that this was the father of the young man I had just prayed with! How wonderful!!

After the service, I had an opportunity to speak to the young man as we waited outside. I found out that his parents had at first been against him and were not encouraging him. He had expressed his desire but did not think that they supported him. What a privilege to tell him that I had just prayed with his own father, who was asking God to make his son strong in his faith and teach him the way!

God is so fun to work out things like that!

Another bonus tonight was to watch a lady whom I know, go over to a young lady seated across the aisle, invite her to go forward for prayer, and then lead her to the Lord!

The angels are rejoicing this night!

And so am I!!

Blessed to be in Belize!

Ray

Watching Pastors Get SKINNY !

2010-02-21T17:19:00.002-06:00

It's NOT a diet fad...

It's NOT the latest workout craze...

It's NOT a political statement...

It IS the result of a seed planted.

A seed planted some months ago as I taught on Fasting & Prayer.

This seed took root in the hearts of some of our Indian pastors and it is showing.

Some of our pastors are getting skinny!

When you see dramatic weight loss, it is natural to inquire as to why this is happening, which I did. I was most pleased to hear the answer. "I've been fasting, brother."

The seed from class has taken root in several hearts. Fasting is for them, becoming a more natural part of their week in and week out lives. To hear them talk about it is encouraging as well.

"I called my church to fast and pray and meet at the church every night for a week. We met from 8:00 pm till midnight. Some things are happening brother!"

"Since I started fasting, things have gotten very difficult for my family, but we won't stop. We know this is the right thing to do."

"I am committed to fasting every week. I know God will use it to build the church."

"My wife and I are fasting every Sunday now and we will not stop."

Some have committed to getting up at 3:30 AM daily for prayer!!

The Holy Spirit is stirring in their hearts. As they pray, those prayers, along with their faithful fasting will stir the heart of God. That in turn will cause more hearts to turn to God, which is the whole point after all!

These people have learned that there is a physical price to pay in order to see spiritual results.

They are willing and obedient to the seed which was planted.

The 'getting skinny' part - well, that is just a side benefit !

Blessed to be in Belize,

Ray & Becki

Grandparents - gotta love 'em & those grandkids !!

2010-01-12T11:13:00.000-06:00

For the grandparents!!!!

1. I was in the bathroom, putting on my makeup, under the watchful eyes of my young granddaughter, as I'd done many times before. After I applied my
lipstick and started to leave, the little one said, "But Gramma, you
forgot to kiss the toilet paper good-bye!" I will probably never put
lipstick on again without thinking about kissing the toilet paper
good-bye...

2. My young grandson called the other day to wish me Happy Birthday. He
asked me how old I was, and I told him, 62. My grandson was quiet for a
moment, and then he asked, "Did you start at 1?"

3. After putting her grandchildren to bed, a grandmother changed into old
slacks and a droopy blouse and proceeded to wash her hair. As she heard
the children getting more and more rambunctious, her patience grew thin.
Finally, she threw a towel around her head and stormed into their room,
putting them back to bed with stern warnings. As she left the room, she
heard the three-year-old say with a trembling voice, "Who was THAT?"

4. A grandmother was telling her little granddaughter what her own
childhood was like: "We used to skate outside on a pond. I had a swing
made from a tire, and it hung from a tree in our front yard. We rode our
pony. We picked wild raspberries in the woods." The little girl
was wide-eyed, taking this all in. At last she said, "I sure wish I'd
gotten to know you sooner!"

5. My grandson was visiting one day when he asked, "Grandma, do you know how you and God are alike?" I mentally polished my halo and I said,
"No, how are we alike?'' "You're both old," he replied.

6. A little girl was diligently pounding away on her grandfather's word
processor. She told him she was writing a story. "What's it about?" he
asked. "I don't know," she replied. "I can't read."

7. I didn't know if my granddaughter had learned her colors yet, so I
decided to test her. I would point out something and ask what color it
was. She would tell me, and was always correct. It was fun for me, so I
continued. At last, she headed for the door, saying, "Grandma, I think you
should try to figure out some of these, yourself!"

8. When my grandson Billy and I entered our vacation cabin, we kept the
lights off until we were inside to keep from attracting pesky insects.
Still, a few fireflies followed us in. Noticing them before I did, Billy
whispered, "It's no use Grandpa. Now the mosquitoes are coming after us
with flashlights."

9. When my grandson asked me how old I was, I teasingly replied, "I'm not
sure." "Look in your underwear, Grandpa," he advised, "mine says I'm 4 to
6."

10. A second grader came home from school and said to her grandmother,
"Grandma, guess what? We learned how to make babies today." The
grandmother, more than a little surprised, tried to keep her cool. "That's
interesting," she said, "how do you make babies?" "It's simple," replied
the girl. "You just change 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'."

11. Children's Logic: "Give me a sentence about a public servant," said a
teacher. The small boy wrote: "The fireman came down the ladder pregnant." The teacher took the lad aside to correct him. "Don't you know what pregnant means?" she asked. "Sure," said the young boy confidently. It means carrying a child."

12. A grandfather was delivering his grandchildren to their home one day
when a fire truck zoomed past. Sitting in the front seat of the fire truck
was a Dalmatian dog. The children started discussing the dog's duties.
"They use him to keep crowds back," said one child. "No," said another.
"He's just for good luck." A third child brought the argument to a close.
"They use the dogs," she said firmly, "to find the fire hydrants."

13. A 6-year-old was asked where his grandma lived. "Oh," he said, "she
lives at the airport, and when we want her, we just go get her. Then,
when we're done having her visit, we take her back to the airport."

14. My grandparents are funny. When they bend over, you hear gas leaks,
and they blame their dog.

Going back to Belize

2010-01-05T07:48:00.002-06:00

I will finally be warm again...

I will get back to better eating habits...

the piles of cookies and treats will not be in front of me all the time...

(although I tried to make them disappear whenever I saw some!)

I will get back to my own schedule...

and pace....

I will be away from the TV...

(since we don't have one in Belize and I watched too much of it here!)

I will get back to work...

(although I have been coordinating things from here for classes coming up in the next couple of weeks in Belize!)

Things will be much quieter...back in the jungle...

Food will cost more but have far fewer choices.

Gas will cost much more but there are far fewer vehicles.

I will be happy to see friends there...

and miss friends from here...

My visit to the states went way too fast!

It seems strange to be saying, "Well, I will see you next December!"

But, at the same time, that is the reality of our calling.

A lot can change in one year.

Children grow seriously taller in one year.

They talk a lot more and about different things (about video games and movies, etc. etc. which they think I understand...I don't!)

Cultural shifts have happened here in the U.S. I noticed in the shopping magazine on the plane that 2 things stood out:

1) there were lots of personal solar chargers for the vast array of cell phones, iPods, gaming units, etc. etc.

Apparently, we need to keep powered up!

2) there were lots of "spy" products being advertised !

Apparently, there is a growing interest in watching, recording, every one, every thing, every where...and it is not just "Big Brother" that is in on the action now.

Living outside of the U.S. brings these things to my attention as I have not seen most of this since last year's visit to the states. It also brings to mind, that old saying which has been true in every generation,

"The times, they are a changing!"

It is comforting to know that we have one sure solid base to rely on, which does not change

and in that changelessness, brings hope and love and mercy and grace to all who will receive these great gifts. Thank You God, for being who You are to us!

Ray

A Blessed Christmas !

2009-12-24T19:57:00.001-06:00

Wishing a Blessed Christmas to you all !

May you find Joy & Peace & Salvation

in the best Gift ever given!

Ray & Becki

Primal - Plan on reading this...!

2009-12-17T08:00:00.004-06:00

I'm jealous.

I'm jealous of Mark Batterson.

Now, I should say that I don't know Mark, I've never even met him, yet I am jealous. I have attempted over the last couple of years to get people interested in The Greatest Commandment. I have preached about it, talked about it, tried to model it and especially, I have challenged some to an experiment. I have suggested that they put away their Bible for 30 days and simply read, and apply, each day, to whatever situations come up, the Greatest Commandment: "Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength."

I did offer that if that is not enough, they could add the second greatest commandment: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

I have had this thought that since Jesus said that ALL of the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments, then it ought to be enough. This ought to be the ultimate Reader's Digest condensed version of the Holy Scriptures: "Love God with all that is in you."

So here is where my jealousy comes in.

Where I have failed to get even one person to take me up on the 30 day challenge - Mark has written an entire book on it. And it is a really good book. You can find it here, just click the link: http://www.amazon.com/Primal-Quest-Lost-Soul-Christianity/dp/1601421311/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261060406&sr=8-1

I do want to encourage you to check it out, buy it, borrow it, whatever...(...is legal!)

BUT - plan from the beginning to not make it your goal to read a good book.

That is a good goal, but would not do justice to the whole point of this book. PLAN on spending time wrestling with well written words, well researched facts and well formed ideas. This is not just another book to read and add to your impressive reading list. It is not just another book to add to your physical or virtual bookshelf (although it does look good). January would be a good time to put this into your plan.

I think when we are all honest enough to slow down and consider where our life is at - we realize that for far too many of us - our faith journey has taken us on a side trip. We may not be sure how, why, where, when, or what happened, but we do know that things now, at this point in our spiritual lives, are not the same as when we first fell in love with God.

Enter Primal.

This is a call to get back to what we once had. A resounding reminder that life is not just running this rat race, but there is a deeper calling.

Mark's challenge is to love to the fourth power. He does an excellent job sharing in each category both from things he has researched and learned as well as life experiences. Nothing here is out of reach. I think that is part of what makes it so compelling. Too many stories are so fantastic - and I mean that in the 'I could never reach, repeat, accomplish the unbelievable things this author is talking about' sense. Primal connects with multiplied examples that are fantastic, yes, but in a way that shows how simple obedience from average people can truly make changes that make start small but become fantastic!

I have been tempted to sprinkle this review with some of the many gems I discovered while reading Primal. I decided not to do that though, that would remove some of the joy of your own sense of wonderment. So, go get Primal and rediscover the Lost Soul of Christianity.

I will leave you with this as an appetizer:

The heart of Christianity is primal compassion.

The soul of Christianity is primal wonder.

The mind of Christianity is primal curiosity.

The strength of Christianity is primal energy.

I pray that Mark's book will be much much more successful than my meager efforts and that it will bear much fruit for the Kingdom!

Ray

Want $100.00 ?!

2009-12-12T21:30:00.004-06:00

Charles suggested an interesting choice...

His question was, "Which would you take, $100.00 or a spiritual gift?"

His answer to his own question was, "If you ask that question to people here in Belize, they will take the $100.00 every time. They don't want the spiritual gift!"

I do not know about the scientific validity of his being able to prove his theory but I do believe that he is much closer to being right than he is to being wrong. It makes me think...what would people choose? Sort of makes me wish I had a stack of 100 dollar bills so that I could go out on the street and ask people this question.

I would expect to come away with a much, much smaller stack of 100 dollar bills. I suppose we would say that that is human nature.

What intrigues me is the idea that some people might choose the spiritual gift...! I'd like to meet those people, get to know them and find out what makes them tick. I'd like to be friends with those people, go to church with those people, work along side those people and generally make those people the ones I would hang with.

I think those people could....would....change the world!

I would also like to be able to know absolutely for certain that when I asked the proposed question and they thoughtfully replied, "I choose the spiritual gift.", that I could pray right then and there and God would honor that prayer by the Spirit's immediate imparting of His chosen spiritual gift to each person. That is not such a strange thing after all. Paul says we should desire the spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:31 ) He also says in Romans 1 that he longs to see them so that he can impart some spiritual gift to them. (Romans 1:11)

I love that. Real. Spiritual. Simple. I love that.

Something about that just rings true in me. Does it in you?

Is there some longing to be able to offer to pray and impart some spiritual gift to others?

Is there some longing to see others living in the fullness of what the Spirit would want to give to them?

Is there a longing to put the petal to the metal in this 'money vs spirit' test to see what the outcome would be?

Do you think it would be worth it to give away hundreds of hundred dollar bills...in order to find the few honestly spiritually hungry people out there?

Fascinating idea. I am sure that by now, some of you are wondering when and where I might do this so that you could be in the area...perhaps to collect 100 dollars....but maybe, just maybe some of you would want to be in the area, in order to receive some spiritual gift.

If that is you, please write to me - I have something in mind...let's just say, it's a spiritual experiment!! You game??!!

Stirring the pot...

Ray

Our Friend Stephen

2009-11-30T19:58:00.003-06:00

Our Friend Stephen...what a really nice guy! Really, he was the first 'friend' that I made in the town of Dangriga. The first time I met him was outside the 'Price is Right' chinese grocery store. The store is next to the canal flowing out to the ocean. Parking for the store is right in front of the canal. This is where Stephen spent the majority of his day.

It's funny, I clearly remember him telling me his full name when we met, but all I could remember was the name Stephen. He said that it was his 'Christian' name and that his friends called him Stephen. So we were to call him Stephen. He considered us his friend.

I made a point of asking him what his beliefs were...did he believe in God. Oh yes, he believed in God. He was Catholic growing up, but now he considered himself 'Rasta'. I didn't know then and I barely know now exactly what that meant. We did agree that you needed to have God in your life; that knowing God was what was really important.

I saw him about once a week, sometimes more. I always took the time to chat with him about his work, his health, and how his spiritual life was...was he listening to God.

Once he asked for some medicine and a band-aid...he had a NASTY cut on the bottom of his foot that should have had a few stitches and he, for the most part, walked barefoot. I went right back in the store and bought him some neosporin cream and some bandaids. I told him to keep it clean as he could and every night he needed to wash it, put on the medicine and a bandaid.

It healed after a time .... I don't know how, really. God had to be in it.

Other times we would help him with bottles of water, money for rent, lunch or whatever. We had a friend in Stephen and we were willing to love on him and invest in him. The one time that he finally agreed to come to our church, which was very close to where he worked, he ditched us. I guess it just wasn't to be on that day. Next time I saw him I told him that it was okay, maybe another time.

For a few weeks in October, we weren't seeing Stephen. Our 1st thoughts were that he just wasn't working that day that we were in town. We didn't make it into town very many times for several weeks. Then I came back to Ohio, intending to be here for 3 weeks but staying for 7 1/2 weeks!!

Then the news came in an e-mail. Stephen had died. I was simply shattered... unbelievable...

As I read the e-mail I did learn that our friend, Darin knew Stephen also. But knew him as 'Sutherland', Stephens last name. He, too, had invited him to church once and he went!!! Yippee! And even better, found out that he was at the hospital during his brief illness and went to see him and PRAY WITH HIM! Even tho I cried for the loss of Stephen, I was comforted to know that Stephen had prayed to have Jesus as his Lord and Savior.

I will see Stephen or Rodwell Sutherland as he was known to his family, in Heaven. His teeth won't be horribly rotten, his liver will function perfectly and his hair, well, it may still be in dreadlocks pulled back in a pony tail... but he will be my friend.

Stephen was 29 years old. Please pray for his parents, brother Clive and his sisters as they will daily face the loss of their son and brother.

Blessings to you who are reading this...you too, are a friend! Becki

How Hard is it to Help?

2009-11-20T20:21:00.003-06:00

You know, sometimes we take things for granted. Especially if we are "up front" people. If we are used to being in front of people, speaking, singing, or doing whatever it is that we do, we may forget that we cannot do what we do without others "behind the scenes" doing what they do.

Why is this on my mind? Because this week I switched roles. We had 2 visiting teachers come to Belize to train the pastors here. The first taught a class on worship, something I could not have done - and he did great. The second taught from many years of experience in 6 different come back churches - and he did great. I could not have done that either. And, on top of bringing their experience and expertise and willingness, they taught very intensive courses. Each finished an entire course in 2 very long days!

They were tired.
The pastor/students were tired.
And in the background, running around working on details, I was tired. I did not do intensely difficult work. I made sure things were ready on time. I helped with techie stuff, made copies, stapled, graded papers, developed spread sheets and took care of little items like missing pens and the rollbook.

Then why oh why, I am SO tired after only 4 days of that?!

I think 2 reasons stand out.

1) This is not what I normally do, so it was, in some ways, more stressful to me.
2) This also pointed out quite clearly to me that there is A LOT of work that goes on behind the scenes...!

On day one, I started early and finished late.
On day two, I started early and finished late.
On day three, I ....well, I think you get the idea.
By day four, I had trouble starting, but still had to be going very early.

This week has reminded me that all of us who do our "up front" thing
owe a huge debt to those who do the behind the scenes thing!

It is their gift of service that makes things work for us - and for all who benefit from their efforts.

The up front person is blessed, the hearers or audience or congregation is blessed. And I believe that when things go well, the behind the scenes person is blessed too because their special gift puts joy in their own hearts when they see everyone else accomplishing what they need to do or enjoying themselves.

So....let me say a very heartfelt "Thank you!" to all those who help make everyone else look good by their behind the scenes service.

And, if you all don't mind, let me be sure to express this, with you all as witnesses to my wife, Becki, my own behind the scenes worker. Honey I could not do a great deal of what I do without you doing all that you do.
"Thank you!" ( and I love you!)

Grateful

Ray

"If I can't ......I'd rather die!"

2009-10-20T17:30:00.002-06:00

Think about it. What in this world would possibly drive you to make such a statement?

Fill in the blank space of course and then try it on for size.
"If I can't ......I'd rather die!"

What might fill in the blank space? Thinking about it for a few moments and thinking about some of the things that drive our lives, I wrote a few possibilities. Yours might be listed here or be totally different. Some are slightly humorous, others more serious.

"If I can't lose weight, I'd rather die!"

"If I can't see my kids again, I'd rather die!"

"If I can't get out of this mess, I'd rather die!"

"If I can't get a decent meal, I'd rather die!"

"If I can't figure out these taxes, I'd rather die!"

"If I can't see the Buckeyes (or your team) win, I'd rather die!"

"If I can't find a job, I'd rather die!"

"If I can't get this right, I'd rather die!"

"If I can't be with (him/ her) I'd rather die!"

So, what do you think? Interesting to consider.

Today those same words were spoken to me and caught me off guard. They were spoken very sincerely, with just the right amount of emotion. It was not theatrical, not meant to be dramatic at all. Those words accurately expressed the individual's heart.

The man who spoke them is perhaps, unique. He is a Taiwanese national living here in Belize. He has completely given up his former life and become a true sold-out follower of Jesus Christ. His wife left him because of his strong devotion to God. He continues on. He has no means of support. I am not sure how he ever eats, yet to look at his tall thin, wiry frame, it does not appear that eating is that important to him.

When I listen to him speak, in his broken English, one thing is clear. He has a compelling conviction to share God's Word. Anywhere, with anyone. Truly.

He has not been to a Bible school but he know his Bible.

He has a Mandarin - English Bible as well as another Bible he dutifully carries with him. To peer inside it is to glance at the ruminations of someone who has sat at the feet of Jesus.

When he speaks, he shares from his great learning, from his personal study of God's love letter. He has insights that can only be explained as coming from intense personal times before the Lord. I have seen him diligently studying and have heard him carefully seeking to make clear the treasures he has gained.

This kind-hearted, compassionate gentleman told me today,
"If I eat or not, it is okay."
"Where I stay is no problem."

Those were enough to challenge me. His humble acceptance of where life has him right now is an 'in-your-face' indictment to those who believe we must have things to be just this way and that way.

So what did he say to fill in the blank? What could follow those statements in such a powerful way as to still capture my thoughts hours later?

"If I can't do ministry, I'd rather die!"

Simple. Focused. Powerful.

I arranged for him to share at a local Nazarene church. He took my hand and did something else that humbled me. It was one of those things that you wish a grown man would not do, but it clearly expressed the gratitude of his heart for serving God. As this thin Taiwanese man grasped my hand, he knelt down in front of me on both knees and bowed.

I wanted to pull him to his feet. I wanted to tell him that he has no reason to thank me so profoundly. Yet, I could not, because his heart was showing once again.

I remain challenged and humbled...how about you?

Ray

To the Regions Beyond you...

2009-10-04T09:32:00.005-06:00

2 Corinthians 10:15-17

¹⁵Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand, ¹⁶so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in another man's territory. ¹⁷But, "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

I want to share a story with you. It is not my story, which is why I first included the passage above. Perhaps a small portion of this is my story as well. I have developed a dear friend here in Belize whose heart is precious due to his heart for the Lord. He and his wife are of one heart in their love and service for the Lord and the people He loves.

Felize means happy - and this man is happy. His happy spirit is welcoming and a blessing to many. Felize is not assigned to a particular church right now. Yet he is not idle. He and his wife Remigia are very busy.

This last month Felize went to San Benito Poite to once again help in the construction of a concrete block building for the church there. It is no easy place to get to. After 5 days there, he and Remigia traveled to a new area. Just going to Graham Creek is a much more difficult journey. They took the bus as far as the road allowed, then walked the 1 1/2 hours to this village where a new Nazarene church is finding its beginnings.

Each day was filled with activity. Each day they taught the basics of what our church is - each day they taught about the Articles of Faith and about prayer. Each day the people of the village gathered for another full day of teaching, their spiritual hunger evident and eager.

Each night was not for relaxing. Even though Felize was hoping to go hunting some night in this remote region, that was not to happen. Each night the people asked for a church service. Each night they gathered to sing and to pray and to listen to more teaching and preaching. They enjoyed the services and the fellowship so much that they met together every day and every night --- for 7 days and 7 nights!

During this time, 5 young people gave their hearts to Christ for the first time.

5 others came back to the Lord, finding once again, the forgiveness that they once had held but had walked away from. God is the restorer.

As I said, this is not my story directly. I did not travel all the way to Graham Creek. I did not teach during the day for 7 days and preach at night for 7 nights. But my friend, whom I have invested in - personally and spiritually - he did. So, as he shared the praises with me, a little part of my heart rejoiced. Rejoiced in the wonderful reports and rejoiced that in some small way, I was a part of Felize and Remigia's faithfulness in going to the "Regions Beyond".

Because of Jesus,

Ray & Becki

Eve

2009-10-04T07:22:00.003-06:00

A Bible name...that's nice.

Eve is a young lady I recently met. This was one of those times when you wish you could say that it had been under different circumstances. But it was not.

It was not at a funeral, as many times that is when this expression is used.

It was not at the hospital, although it could well have been, and maybe should have been.

In reality, both of those locations would play a role sooner than we imagined.

Eve lay on a small bed in the front room of her brother's house. She is thin...frail actually.

She does not get up when we enter. She does extend her hand from under the covers. We shake hands in a polite greeting.

I squat down next to the bed because I do not want to tower over here while we talk.

There exists in this room and in these moments, a solemn seriousness about meeting Eve.

She is dying.

Eve has AIDS.

There is no talk about how did she contract AIDS or lectures on morality, I never even asked. I did not ask her or the friend who was concerned enough to take me to see her. At this point, it does not matter. Facts are facts...and AIDS kills. Thus, Eve is dying.

She knows it. Her friends knew it. I was just now learning it.

We all talked. No chit chat this day - just straight to the point.

"Eve, do you know the health of your soul?" "Do you know where you will go after this?"

Her eyes pleaded with me, longing to be sure.

I explained the choices. Yes, she had sinned, we all have sinned. And she, like we, all have a choice to make. Would she give her heart and her remaining life to Jesus...or harden herself, embittered against the way her life has turned out?

There is no bitterness. Eve is listening. She is longing for something, some hope. The day before, there was prayer for healing by one of the friends who is with me this day.

This day... well, this day has a different focus. We all want to know for sure that Eve is prepared for eternity. Each of the three of us share from our hearts, urging her to commit to Christ. I share with Eve that the Lord is near. In fact, the Bible says that Jesus is very near, in our hearts, in our mouths, if...

...if she will just believe in her heart that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Jesus from the dead, then she will be saved. Her soul will spend eternity with Jesus.

"Eve, is that your heart's desire?" I ask. She agrees. We pray.

A holy moment in the midst of life's most serious trial.

When we leave, there is quiet rejoicing. Another soul has been secured. There is a bit more peace in the hearts of these friends this night...and in Eve's heart as well.

Fast forward one week. It was Sunday afternoon when we visited. Instead of relaxing or even seeking a Nazarene nap we had gone to see Eve. Now it is Sunday night, the week following. Eve's family is searching for her friends to come back and visit as she is longing to see them again, to have prayer again. But, it is not to be. Phones are not available and the people cannot be located. This is to be Eve's last night on earth.

We receive the news later in the week. She was officially pronounced on Monday and buried Tuesday. There are moments of reflection now. Quiet, internal reflection. Glad to have gone to see Eve. Glad to have listened to the Spirit's nudge. Glad to have prayed with her. In some ways, glad that her suffering here has ended.

Every story does not end this way. Every person does not end this way. Every one of us may not have such an imminent opportunity...

May I encourage you today to listen for those little nudges from the Spirit? Perhaps you may have an appointment with someone on the eve of eternity.

Blessed,

Ray & Becki

The End of the Rainbow!!!

2009-09-27T07:09:00.003-06:00

We found it!! Ha ha!! How exciting!

But first let me tell you the circumstances. Belize gets a lot of rain at different times of the year. This is one of those times. This last week we have had LOTS of rain. Flooded some bridges and rearranged portions of the dirt, gravel, clay, rock, road that we drive to get to our house. In fact, just last night we heard from a worker repairing the area leading up to the bridge that crosses the Mullins river by our house, that crossing the bridge would do us little good because farther up the road, another river has diverted and has gone right through the road.

Such is life here in Belize.

Anyhow, we had gone to Belmopan, the capital city, where one of the pastors' classes is being taught. Rain descended on the galvanized tin roof off and on during the day, briefly interrupting the ability to hear, but such is life here in Belize.

After class we dropped one student at the bus station and then turned towards home. Starting our return journey under sunny skies was nice as we had not seen the sun during the prior week. As we made our way into the Maya Mountains, the weather conditions quickly changed and brought some more rain into our path. Then, as we passed through a small area of rain and were just entering into the village of Armenia, we spotted it - a beautiful rainbow directly in front of us!

We always seem to smile and enjoy these unexpected pleasures. For Christians, the rainbow is that ever continuing promise that God will not destroy the earth by flood again. It is a comforting promise.

Well, this rainbow was a special joy as we have a Nazarene church in this village. We looked to see where the end of the rainbow was headed as it seemed close to the road itself. My first comment was that it was on the opposite side of the road from where the church is located. Then, as if the rainbow heard our comments and was personally responding, the bottom end of the rainbow MOVED.

I am not kidding!

Now, I know it is simply an adjustment of the angle of the shimmering water droplets in relation to out position in viewing them, but....the rainbow moved!

And the end of the rainbow was clearly seen by both Becki and myself...to our great astonishment, the end of the rainbow was sparkling away right in front of our eyes - on the hood of our truck!!

Never, have I been so close to a rainbow produced by nature's effects (without my spraying a hose into the air...). It was a fun little pleasure after a long day of teaching. I'm not declaring that there is a promise connected to our truck, but there could be. It has carried us a whole lot of miles here in Belize. I'm also not saying that the proverbial 'pot of gold' is our truck, but it is major blessing to us as the training of pastors presses forward in 3 scattered locations. Nor am I saying that we are the recipients of that 'pot of gold' - but I should perhaps reconsider that...

God has blessed us incredibly.

We are the recipients of so many blessings. Many of you reading this have blessed our lives in numerous ways. Thank you for being used by God in such special 'end of the rainbow' ways! In addition, God has personally added so many, many blessings that we truly cannot count them all.

May you find God's rainbow of blessings in your life this week.

~ Ray & Becki

BOLD Young Lady!

2009-09-03T20:45:00.002-06:00

I recently was asked to speak at a Youth Conference here in Belize. So I did.

I was the speaker for Friday night - the lead-off guy. The whole 2 day event started with me. Not to set any pressure on me or anything but they gathered 50 teens in a room and said, "Okay, they're all yours!"

Not only that, but I learned shortly before arriving that I was slated to do a Bible Story Session - not a regular talk or message. So.........................off we went.

(If you are not familiar with Bible Story telling - it is avery interactive and dynamic way to teach the Bible - and fun too!)

50 teens who had no idea who I was or why I was doing this strange sort of presentation.

50 teens who did not even fully know what they should expect for the weekend.

50 teens looking at this aging white guy wondering if they made a good choice for their freetime!

On top of that - I felt strongly that the Lord was leading me to do the story of the Rich man and Lazarus. Remember that one? The Rich man who wasted all his days decided how to spend his money...and Lazarus, the poor man, who was covered with sores and had been dumped on the rich man's doorstep. His life consisted of hoping for scraps from the rich man's table while his only friends --- were the dogs that came and licked his sores! (UGH! That gets me every time!)

The story is really about Hell - imagine that. You go to a Youth Conference and the first thing you hear about is Hell! Yeah - just had to trust that God had something special in mind.

I think He did.

We heard a lot of positive feedback afterwards. They liked the aging white guy and his story. That's nice, but it gets better.

Just today we learned that a young girl who was there was strongly impacted.

She is Catholic, 13 years old and was apparently captured by the story of how this poor man was carried to heaven while the rich man, who had everything while on earth, ended up in Hell and in torment.

Like the part about the rich man begging for help and how he was denied it, just as he had denied help to poor, sore covered Lazarus, who had been waiting right outside his door, day after day.

And that there was a great chasm between heaven and hell and that no one could cross over from heaven to hell - even if they wanted to. And that no one could cross over from hell to heaven either.

The story caught her attention - and compelled her into action. How do we know? Because she told one of the ladies that worked at the Conference that she went home and said to her whole family,

"Listen, everybody, come sit down. let me tell you what I learned about God today!"

Praise God for the simple boldness of a child.

Praise God for obedience.

Praise God that His Word continues to go forward...

.....through aging white guys telling the stories that Jesus told..

.....and through young girls who are passing those stories along to the next generation!

Blessed to be serving in Belize,

~Ray & Becki

Semi Annual Daddy Longlegs Spider Convention

2009-08-20T14:35:00.002-06:00

Yes, it's that time of year again...the Semi Annual Daddy Longlegs Spider Convention is now convening at our house.

This event happens 2 or 3 times a year, when I get the notion to call a gathering of these quiet domestic creatures. They stay at our place, rent free for most of the year. We don't really mind since they are quiet and pretty much keep to themselves, unlike some of their relatives! In fact, since our house has 10 foot high ceilings, we really do not encounter the peaceful daddy longlegs very often. If we happen to move a piece of furniture, they always scurry in the opposite direction, seeking shelter of some sort. In exchange for free rent, they do their small part to try to control the population of flies, mosquitoes and other small insectal (is that a word?!) type inhabitants of our little house in the jungle.

So, we live in a sort of harmony with the daddy longlegs. Hmm, I wonder if the mommy longlegs get tired of being called daddy longlegs...?

Anyhow, today I called to order the semi annual meeting. As usual all are invited to stay in the plush Ricar Rc 1400, a state of the art hotel and convention center all in one. It is designed to suit their taste. It is dark, private and is by invitation only.

I did invite a few mosquitoes and flies to this year's gathering, so the buffet table would not be empty. I wonder if daddy longlegs turn cannibalistic when the food runs out?

You may wonder what created such concern for the well-being of our 8-legged friends and whey we would go to all this trouble.

It's simple really. Company.

Yes, that's right. We may have company stopping by soon, so I decided that it was time to call this meeting of all the daddy longlegs. I hope they enjoy their stay. I tried to make sure that no one was left out.

I tried to upload a pic of the convention center but after 3 hours, it still wasn't happening.

So to those who are still wondering about this lavish occasion for the 8-legged visitors...

....it is...

...our vacuum cleaner!!!

Have great day!

Ray & Becki file:///Users/rayneu/Desktop/PICT0041.JPG

Pastors in Class...

2009-08-03T12:20:00.003-06:00

May I brag a moment? I won't take long and I won't talk about me either...

I'd like to share some thoughts from some of the pastors and future pastors who are in classes here in Belize. Perhaps through these comments you may get a sense of their hearts and be more motivated to pray for them (and their teacher!)

These comments are all taken off of tests that were turned in.

..............

From a church history class:

"The part where Bonhoeffer says that he developed his theology of "costly grace". And it is true because Jesus Christ shed His precious blood on the cross for our sins."

(p.s. "Costly grace" is the idea that it costs someone something each time grace is given. Often, as in Bonhoeffer's case, it is very costly, it cost him his life...)

"The discussion that showed that pressure on the church brings reformation. That suffering is a vital part of Christianity because it causes the child of God to draw closer to Him for strength and when the corporate church is going to God for the same thing then revival breaks out."

"I have learnt alot from this course, especially about what people had to do and what they went through to get where we are. Also, how the church grew tremendously in some parts of the world. It is up to us to keep the church / Christianity alive."

..............

From a class on Declaring the Gospel:

"Struggling sometimes, feeling weak sometimes but I want to trust my good Lord to help me more in all my life. Amen"

"I have to go and make disciples in all the villages."

"I am part of the Great Commission now because I am beginning to sense changes in my life that I can't understand and I want to help others to know about God also."

..............

You don't know these students / pastors as I do but I hope you can hear something of their hearts. Let that guide your prayers for them!

Be blessed!

Ray & Becki

FUTURE WORLD CURRENCY - HERE TODAY!

2009-07-16T10:49:00.003-06:00

Our Aim ( As printed on the Future World Currency website)

The world in a coin. This is our vision, our hope. It is a necessity and a challenge. What seems an impossible dream becomes an inevitable historic, economic and social process. It is an event which is intertwined with the fate of human evolution.
A single currency becomes the premise for an increasingly global planet. A virtual currency capable of speaking a single, comprehensible language to foster humankind's innate desire to go farther, to surpass boundaries, and move towards true principles of peace, freedom, brotherhood and understanding beyond issues of race, political and religious beliefs and party interests.

We are presenting the peoples of nations, governments, institutions, intellectuals, ordinary people, pragmatists and idealists, scholars and, above all, young people - the real protagonists of the future - with a simple, ingenuous yet determined long-term vision for building an ideal bridge with tomorrow and interpreting a dream to transform into reality.

In this program, currency yet again assumes the principle goal which it has had since its invention centuries ago: to facilitate and codify human commercial and social exchange. And become a form of pure "communication" between different peoples - a communication of ideas, ideals, information and culture. This constitutes progress, development and well being.

- -- - - - - --

What is more, there is already a request that has been sent out to create a 'smart coin'. One that would interact with wireless electronic devices. To avoid fakes and other reasons...

Interesting, very interesting...

Is history unfolding yet another chapter right in front of us?

Curious - somehow I still think Christ will be the Transformer of reality!

Ray

Excavators Doing Ballet!!

2009-06-22T05:57:00.002-06:00

You probably never thought you would even see that sentence. The thought did not occur to me either until I watched it happen last Thursday night. I had been in the southern part of the country teaching and was headed towards home. Unfortunately the bridge was still under water - which was receding at least...but was also covered by a humongous log jam!

Once the water had gone down enough, calls were made and slowly machines started to appear and weave their way through the long, long lines of trucks and vehicles that were parked on both sides of the road, waiting for nature to allow us to continue. It had been an ALL DAY wait for some as the water had risen quickly in the morning, barely enabling the first bus of the morning to pass while the citrus truck right behind it was stopped!

Once in position, it was an amazing sight to me to see three excavators begin working to make the bridge passable again. One was digging rock from the river to fill in the hugs gap that had been washed away between the bridge and the shore. The other two positioned themselves on the bridge - and from opposite sides began to nip away at the log jam. Truly the log jam seemed to grow bigger once these massive machines got close to it. Entire trees were caught up in the firmly mashed entanglement.

It was a sight to behold as the operators of these mechanical creatures began their work. Dusk was settling in, and the lights from the long protracted arms scanned beautifully across the flowing waters or the river. I watched, as did everyone, as the large mouths attached to the end of the steel arms begin to bite away at the wooden mass blocking our way.

I realized at one point that the two men were in complete harmony and a beautiful sort of mechanized ballet was going on before me. I could almost hear the music in my mind as I observed each one, in synchronous motion, grab a bucketful of debris, swing to the opposite side of the river, dip slightly, drop their catch into the river and continue the arching movement to grab another chunk. I was surprised - and amazed and so glad, that these men had such skill. They were so good at what they did that it truly made it a joy to watch their work. The perfectly matched movements made this difficult work look so simple. The complete circles of the excavator arms brought about the wonder of this mechanical ballet! You should have seen it!

Now, maybe you think I had been sitting by the river watching the flood waters too long - maybe so. but truly, this was a moment of beauty in an otherwise challenging day. So, after much patience (what else would we do?!) we passed over the once flooded and completely blocked bridge at 10:00 pm, weary but happy to be on our way.

Thank You Lord for that moment - and for all the answered prayer of holding off the rain while the men and machines worked, and for keeping everyone safe in a rather complicated procedure, for keeping people safe as they hurriedly traveled home again (even the drunk ones!), for bringing out some of the starry host to encourage me while lightning flickered menancingly across the sky and dark clouds hovered low. Lord, thank You that you prompted me to pray these things, over and over, until the work was thoroughly completed. You are a great God, concerned for all the little moments in our lives!

Grateful for the 'ballet' and the "Conductor"!

~ Ray

Housework is NEVER done...!

2009-06-11T16:52:00.002-06:00

I know it has been said and said again and again but I am finding out all over again how very true this really is!

Becki left last week to Rachel back to the U.S. and I am fending for myself. It's not too bad, although I really miss my wife!

I am eating, although the food is not near as good as when my wife fixes it!

I am cleaning, although probably not as neatly as my wife would do (don't tell her!)

I am washing the clothes and hanging them on the line (yep, outside air dried = cheaper!)

I am washing the dishes (how do they keep piling up like that? where do they come from?!)

I am feeding and bathing the dog (sometimes it is a spray off with the hose outside!)

I am finding out where some of the food is kept (and some I have not found...hmm....)

I did find a Snickers bar I bought for Becki which she did not eat... :-)

I am keeping things basically in order, I think...my wife will let me know when she gets back!

In addition to all this everyday normal stuff, I am trying to keep up with ministry things,

- a church plant that needs help

- an established church that needs help

- a Bible study that is learning to grow on its own (some)

- a ladies study in a new church plant area that wanted a visit

- prepping for the next class - reading the 250 plus pages and editing and copying and copying and copying and c o p y i n g..... (sorry I dozed off!)

- teaching the other classes in between this

what? what is that in the kitchen...? a pile of dishes...?!

How? Where did they come from?!

I thought I already did the laundry - where did all these dirty clothes come from?!

Hey, there's a dust bunny over there....hmm, wonder if it has any friends?

Yeeesh! Apparently there's a whole colony of dust bunnies in here somewhere!

They're everyWHERE!

ah - please don't tell my wife, I'll get this all in order before she gets back...

after all - she's not gonna be back for another 6 weeks!

So, if she's only been gone 1 week, how did all this happen so fast?

What are all those tools doing in the dining area? You know that's not where they go!

wait - who said that?!

hmm....I really miss my wife!

( psst - Hi Becki ! )

Ray

'Just leave it on all night'

2009-05-27T21:21:00.002-06:00

Those that know me well, know that I am not a squeemish, girly girl type. Nothing rattles me much and even scorpions get little more than a glance before the shoe comes smashing down.

Monday night tho, was a little over the top for me. I actually shivered down to my toenails!!

Right now we are inundated with mosquitos...I mean, if you slap your arm or leg to kill one, you've hit 3 or 4 with one slight slap. They are up your nose if you draw too strong of a breath, in your ears, biting through your clothes...you get the picture...they are THICK!

Well, Ray decides that the way to maybe keep them out of the house is to draw their attention away from the door. So to that end, he decided to put our Flowtron Insect Killer on the ledge at the end of the porch, thus drawing the pests to the glowing light and their certain death.

Then he left to go to the south of Belize to teach for the week. And he said 'just leave it on all night'. I thot, well, okay...if that's what he wants. Me, I would have unplugged it to save the electricity. Well, I wish I would have gone for the economical plan. But...

I woke up at 1:30am with the dog whining to go out...typical. I open the front door and WHOA!!!!!!!!!!

It was a total invasion...not mosquitos tho! There were quite literally hundreds and hundreds of beetles, hundreds of moths - every shape and size - and a plethora of flying, crawling and walking insects. The 'Flowtron' was completely covered with bugs...with others waiting in line for their turned to be zapped...it was ghastly! I froze, stunned at what had happened while I blistfully slept.

My first thought, 'Oh yeah, RAY, just leave it on all night' Ugh!! I was unable to even think about going near the plug to shut it down!! GROSS. Things I hadn't even seen before were buzzing about my face and I quickly called the dog, went in the house and locked the door. I stood at the window just staring at what was happening on and around my front porch...speechless.

I went back to bed, but it took a loooonnngggggggg time for me to fall asleep. I kept feeling things crawling on me that weren't there. Skin crawling.... I now know what that sensation is!

The next morning, not much had changed. Fewer things were flying about, but not one beetle had left the porch. Some were dead, most were not. They were in and on and on top of and stuck to everything!! And some of the wounded moths were still hanging onto the walls while other smaller ones just fluttered around on the floor. I did get the nerve up to get close enough to unplug the killer light, but it gave me the creeps!! By afternoon, much of the mayhem had blown away, been carried away by industrious ants, or eaten by the dog. I made a small attempt at sweeping them off the porch, but there were so many stuck to everything...even the bottom of the broom. So I just walked away.

I haven't ventured to that end of the porch again... thinking, I'll just save the rest of the clean up for Ray when he gets home tomorrow. And I KNOW he'll want to clean out the 'Flowtron' for the next time he wants to 'just leave it on all night'!!

Shivers and love from Belize!! Becki

A Simple Mistake...

2009-05-21T19:20:00.002-06:00

Belarus - Belize -

Belize - Belarus -

Both start with B - e - l ...

A quick glance might easily explain this.

Or it could have been one of those state of the art computer driven scanners at a post office somewhere - that sent some very important papers we were waiting to receive, on this 'around-the-world-tour'.

We had been waiting for birth certificates to arrive here. We had paid dearly for them and were eagerly expecting them. And we waited...

And we waited...

Multiple trips to the Post Office in Dangriga, asking if anything had arrived for us. Waiting while the very nice lady with a one leg seriously shorter than the other, shuffles her way to the back of the office to see if our hopes have been met. Smiling, we say 'thank you'.

We'll be back again in a couple days or so, whenever we decide to drive into town again.

This repeats itself for a week, then another, then another, then another...

By now, we believe that our birth certificates have been lost - or worse - have been stolen and could very easily be being used in some identity theft scheme.

Seriously - that has worried us.

Until today.

Today we received the much awaited mail. Finally.

Becki looked at the postal stamp on the back...could it really be?

Closer inspection proved what her nearly unbelieving eyes were seeing -

M-i-n-s-k, Belarus.

Belarus!!!???

Isn't that like the other side of the world?!?!?! Yes, it is.

This package had taken an adventurous journey - to another part of the world

AND back again, all for $1.95

Now, that is a bargain, you can't find anywhere else!

Yep, life in Belize - or even in Belarus, never boring!!

Blessings from B-e-l-...umm, where are we again?!

~ Ray & Becki

Your Prayers Are Felt in Belize !

2009-05-07T08:13:00.005-06:00

That's right - your prayers - from the U.S., from the Philippines, from Great Britain, from India, from Sri Lanka and other places around the world, are felt right here in Belize.

On a recent Sunday, we went to church. No, that is not the answer to prayer!

This particular Sunday I really did not 'feel' like preaching. I just wanted to go be a part of the congregation, sit back, enjoy the service...you know, as more of a spectator.

The thing is, here in Belize, whenever I go to a church, I usually am asked to speak. It doesn't matter if I am prepared or not. It doesn't matter if I taught for 8 hours straight the 2 days before going to church. It doesn't matter if the heat has taken a toll on me and I am feeling a bit weary.

None of that matters.

It does not even matter that I am not here in Belize to pastor, but to train pastors. No, what matters is my response when asked to preach that morning. I did not want to - I knew I did not want to - but I smiled and said "Yes."

Then I began praying...again. I had already begun this conversation with God, anticipating being asked to preach on a day when I felt like I had nothing to give. I had asked Him while driving to the church, "What could I say?" "What could I preach on today, to this congregation?"

Fortunately, two things were on my side:

1) God knows the people in that congregation

2) and others were praying for me.

Without going into details, can I just give YOU a huge "Thank you!"

and give God the glory for what He accomplished that morning?!

I prayed right up until I stood up - then began to open up the small idea I had for a message.

It was then that I "felt" your prayers...

Seriously, even as Becki and I have "felt" your prayers before when in South Asia, I realized in those moments as a wonderful message came together, that this was not my doing. This was the clear result of others doing the real work while I was simply a mouthpiece.

Thank you ---- and Praise our Father in Heaven for how wonderfully He worked. The Spirit of Christ within me was able to serve the people that morning just what they needed.

How refreshing to be reminded that it is not about me.

That there is a much greater force at work here than any of us fully realizes.

Much more powerful,

much more loving,

much more directly connected to the hearts of the people,

much more able to do all that is needed...

in any moment,

in any place,

in any fashion,

whether I feel like it or not.

Praise God!

And seriously - "Thank you" for your ongoing prayers.

Ephesians 6:18 says it well:

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."

Ray & Becki

King Henry

2009-04-19T08:13:00.003-06:00

Can you tell from a small seed how large the tree will become?

At times, we have an idea that the little seed will become something of great size or importance.

At times, we have no idea.

Last Monday night, I went to Hope Creek for the church service.

We did NOT have a music leader.

We did NOT have much of a plan. (since the song leader decided last minute not to attend)

We did NOT even all speak the same language.

We did have one man closed his thumb in the truck door! Ouch!

We did have others fail to attend even though I drove several miles to go get them. Bummer.

We did have an accordion played by a man who only speaks Ketchi and Spanish.

We did have a lady who led us in some singing, we even knew 'some' of the songs!

We did have a message, although not what I thought I had planned.

We did see fruit as God's Spirit stirred the people's hearts.

After the message, several questions were asked which helped to carry the point of the message into their hearts and minds more clearly. This encouraged me.

What encouraged me as well, was a man who was in church - for the first time ever. An alcoholic who is trying to turn his life around. Great start, my friend!

But even better than that was a 14 year old young man who came up to me with a simple question: "Pastor Ray, how can I become a Christian?"

Can you see the seed? Can you hear its potential?

I did. How exciting the next several minutes were as Henry and I talked. When it was clear that his desire was to begin this new life, I motioned for his mom to come join us. I explained what was happening with her son and asked if she thought there was any reason Henry should not do this. "No," she said, "he should do it."

Then I called for Henry's older sister to join us and filled her in on the rapidly developing moment in eternity.

Then, as I like to do, I had Henry pray first, telling God what was on his heart. Henry's first pray was beautiful.

Heartfelt, honest, sincere...

I followed his words with my own while mom added her tears.

Afterwards we talked about mom's relationship with the Lord, "I''m trying to get there." she said.

Henry's sister then asked some really good questions herself. Already a Christian, Sherry is wanting to grow, wanting to see her faith make a difference in some serious situations at home.

What a great night this turned out to be!!! As the angels in heaven rejoiced, I rejoiced as well on my drive home. Yes, several things had 'gone wrong'...but the one thing that mattered - went right - very, very right!

The next day I met Sherry and Henry at the new Internet Cafe in Hope Creek and taught them a little about using the computers. Henry decided his email name would be King Henry -

later he sent this message to us:

"Last night I accepted Christ and I am happy."

Another Bar May Close Soon!

2009-04-09T19:34:00.004-06:00

Tonight I went to go meet with 8 men who were supposed to come to have a chat about stopping their drinking habits.

Did you guess that they did not show up - not a one. Not even the ones who shook my hands this afternoon and said they would be there. Such is the nature of addictions - we don't want to let them go - or they don't want to let us go.

I did talk to some folks who were in the bar - and listened in on conversations. It was interesting that at one point, the topic switched to it being Holy Thursday and where they should go to church! One woman did not care where, just any church and her husband had no interest at all. When a friend asked him what church he would want to go to when he died, he said he did not care. When the same man said, "What if you feel the heat?" The reluctant man said, "I'd get up and run!"

At that point I had to chime in, "It'd be just a little late then." Good natured laughter brought about a change of subject.

I did get to hand out a couple of papers with the 8 Recovery Principles from Celebrate Recovery. One man understood that if he stopped drinking it would affect Miss Gloria's business. What he did not know was that Miss Gloria, the owner of the bar, is the one who suggested that we have our meeting there!

Even after he left, I talked to Miss Gloria about making a choice that would honor God.

She has 2 sons she is concerned about who drink too much. I suggested that maybe her sons think it is okay to drink since she sells liquor. She agreed, saying that she has been thinking about that very fact.

That is her part...

This is your part...

Miss Gloria is divorced, and cares for a 20 something daughter who is mentally challenged but sweet as can be! She smiles and waves excitedly when she sees me. Her perpetual smile makes me think she has something many of us are missing.

So, back to your part...

Please pray for Miss Gloria - pray for her to find some other way to make a bit of money to support her and her daughter. Life is not easy here. She cannot leave to go get a job without hiring a sitter (if she could find one) and then it would take all she might earn to pay for the sitter. That is why she opened the bar.

EZ $...

Now a choice lays before her. I shared with her that I was not trying to offend her. She readily stated that she was not offended and would think about what else she could do instead of having the bar.

Pray that God honors her intention to close the bar and shows her in a very personal way that He is Jehovah Jireh, her Provider.

May God bless you as you pray for Gloria.

~ Ray & Becki

Walter Logan asked for Prayer!

2009-04-07T18:18:00.002-06:00

Walter Logan asked for Prayer...

You don't know Walter Logan. Before today I did not either.

We had business in Belize City today so we made the drive into Belize's largest and roughest city. After finishing all that was required for today we stopped at a roadside vendor to buy some lunch. We had, as we usually do , taken our puppy Chaz, along with us. Becki was taking him for a little stroll while I waited on the food to be dished up for us.

While she was walking along, a man approached her asking if he could have her dog. She declined saying that we wanted to keep him because we love him and he loves us - and as if he understood, Chaz went right over to the man and started sniffing at his boots, tail wagging happily. The man said, "Well it looks like he loves me too!"

When I joined in, the then unknown man asked me a question. Based upon his appearance I expected to be asked for money, but instead he asked for a meal. Becki gave me a look that said, "Yes." so I headed back to the food vendor while Becki and Rachel and Chaz headed for our truck.

Pleasant conversation ensued as we decided on what he would have for lunch. He told me that at one time he had been an evangelist here in the city but later - had been deceived and had fallen away. I felt a nudge from the Lord to share with him the story of the blind man whom Jesus had touched and then asked, "What do you see?"

The not as blind man replied, "I see men walking around like trees." This indicated that his healing was not yet complete, as his vision was still obstructed.

Jesus then touched the man

a second time

and he could see clearly then without any hindrance. I told this man that God could still do the same for him even now. He had been touched once before and even used by God and that if he desired it - Jesus would touch him again - and make him whole and perhaps use him once again.

He stood on the sidewalk, looking at me, weighing those words...then asked if I would pray for him before I left. After some more conversation, I asked his name and there in the midst of a busy Belize sidewalk prayed that Jesus would come and touch Walter Logan a second time. I prayed that God would come to him, bring wholeness (even for his one clouded eye) and use him according to his obedience to God's Word.

Then I encouraged Walter to begin again to attend church, on Easter - a great time to begin again. Would you join me in praying for Walter Logan? Pray that he indeed makes it to church on this Easter Sunday and that he receives in full, that second touch from Jesus.

~ And may you also receive a second touch from our gracious Lord this Easter time!

~ He is risen!

Ray & Becki

What We Give Away

2009-03-31T15:40:00.002-06:00

Been thinking about the things we give away...

Usually they are things that hold little value to us - at least at the time we give them away.

They may have held greater value at one time - like when we first bought them. Even then, the value may have been more of what it meant to us than the dollars actually paid for it.

You know what they say, an item is worth whatever someone else will pay for it. I think that often explains the prices for designer clothes. They make little sense where we live. We see designer labels sometimes...no doubt given away in someone's moment of charity - or simply because they were no longer the fashion of the moment.

What about other things, like furniture, vehicles, land, cash...

Whoa now! Getting a little carried away aren't we?! Not really, people give away those thing all the time. Sometimes for personal gain, sometimes as acts of gracious, generous hearts.

Most times we give out of our abundance

- sometimes we give out of guilt

- few times we give out of a desire to change someone else's situation

- occasionally, I think we give out of obedience...

I have been all of those.

I think I recently gave out of obedience. I gave something that to most people would not have any value at all beyond the price a yard sale might find on it. But to me...and I dare to believe, that to the person who I gave this item, it carries GREAT VALUE.

I gave out of obedience - I am sure of this because, at first, I did not want to give it.

I struggled with the idea.

I thought of other options.

I thought of valid reasons to not to do - or to do something else.

Funny thing about obedience - it only works when you do it.

When I finally came to the point that I was giving this item, it was still difficult, but the dye had been set. I was on a course to deliver it and the conversation's purpose, known only to me, confirmed what I felt the Lord had told me to do.

At that point, I was gaining strength and determination. This treasure - that cannot be replaced - I was willingly placing into the hands of someone else.

Someone important to me.

Someone important to God.

I think this is my point today - that our obedience - in giving, in doing, in listening, in just living out life - is always about us - and about someone else that is important to God.

So our giving - should just be a reflection of God's grace being poured through our lives in the lives of others.

Yeah, I think that about says it -

It will be interesting to see, somewhere near the end of our life's journeys, what things we valued most of all - and what we did with them...

I think there must be a category that tells in no uncertain terms, that the things we valued the most, were the things we gave away.

May we all follow Jesus with the heart of Psalm 119: 4 "You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed."

~ Ray

2009-03-02T11:59:00.002-06:00

First things first - we APOLOGIZE for being so tardy in keeping in touch with updates - ! It is my fault really, I have been pretty busy teaching and some of the schedules have been changing a bit which makes preparation different, etc...all excuses though, so I apologize....

Training of the pastors is our main purpose in being here in Belize. That, I am glad to say is going pretty well. Each of the 3 locations where I teach has its own personality and mix of personalities. We do one subject per month. The entire course of study can be completed in 3 years. Missing a class can have serious delays but we are also committed to doing all we can to move pastors through the courses.

It is interesting teaching full time like this. It is challenging to keep up on all the different courses. The material prepared by the Church of the Nazarene denomination is very good. This means I do not have to make my own lessons for all of these subjects - which is VERY GOOD! Otherwise, I would not get anything done and would constantly be stressing over the next class.

As it is, there is very little downtime. By the time I finish one subject, I am already late in preparing for the next one, as the 3 locations meet at different times of the month, so I go directly from one place to the next and change subjects at the beginning of every month.

A positive note about all the different subjects is that I get to relearn these things all over again. The biggest challenge comes in making it clear enough and easy to apply so that the students can use the information to do more than just past a test - we want to see their churches and their people benefit as well.

It is a blessing to see some of them really grabbing what is being taught

- and applying it

- and see the effects on some of the local leaders and churches.

Pray that this continues -

pray that we see more and more attend the classes

pray that they will understand and gain not just knowledge but the wisdom to apply what they are learning

pray that more people will accept Christ

and that the church in Belize will be transformed into the image of Christ that God desires to see!

Also - please pray for District Assembly this weekend. This is a crucial election year.

Belizean blessings to you all !!

~Ray & Becki

ps - if you are not already - can we encourage you to get a free Facebook account?

We have found recently that it is a great way to keep in touch with a LOT of people.

Just go to www.facebook.com and sign up - then come find us as 'Friends'

In fact, go to this address to see some pictures we just loaded:

http://facebook.com/album.php?aid=16187&id=1077338799&l=f0967

(cut and paste that address to see the pics!)

WE HAVE A HOME PHONE !!!!!!

2009-02-03T15:59:00.003-06:00

I know that this may not seem like big news to most of you - but hey!

It IS a big deal, especially for Becki as she has been without a way to call ---- or be called, ever since she came to Belize!

So, for those who wish to:

(from the U.S.)

011 - 501 - 665 - 5217

We do not always get good reception --- heavy clouds, rain, etc. can hamper things but this is the best we've had so far!

we're doing a happy dance - aren't you glad you can't see that!

~ Ray & Becki & Rachel

What the BLIND MAN saw!

2009-02-02T12:42:00.002-06:00

Last night we had great opportunity. We went to the home of some Nazarene friends from a local church. They hosted an mixed group of people who they invited to come for a Bible study - a Bible Story, actually, as I had been asked to teach the Simply The Story model of learning the Bible.

A few other denominations were represented as well as a variety of vocations. I led the group through a discovery of the account of the Good Samaritan and the reason Jesus even told that story. We had a very lively and engaging discussion.

After admitting that I am sometimes the "priest who passes by on the other side" - one of the men, who is a banker, told about recent encounters with a blind man. This particular blind man has a bit of a reputation, prostitutes, smoking weed, etc. This was already known about him, when quite unexpectedly, he moved in across the street from the banker. Suddenly, this Christian man had a dilemma. Should he risk his own reputation and possibly even personal harm...by going over to see the man and see if he had any needs?

He and his wife prayed about it and quickly decided that he needed to be a "neighbor" to the blind man. Even though he initially did not want the other neighbors to consider that he was a friend or had any 'business' with the man, they began to help out. The banker's wife would get up early each morning and make breakfast, so her husband could take it over to the blind man before he left for the bank each day. Some days, he admitted he just wanted to drop it off and run to work but made the point to go in and greet him.

Eventually, he realized that he should do more. So he began to talk to him about Jesus. He shared Scriptures and his own beliefs and was surprised to learn that the man already knew all about Jesus, in fact, at one time, he had even been a pastor!

Although born blind, he had found resources to help him study and had done well - until his life changed drastically.

The thing that struck me the most though was what the Blind Man said to the banker's wife. You see, he had already been a customer in the bank before he moved across the street from the banker. Being blind, he relies only on what he hears - which goes beyond the mere words people use. He can clearly hear their tone of voice, the inflections, the patience or impatience, their condemnation of him, etc.

The Blind Man was speaking to the banker's wife one day and told her, "I already knew your husband was a Christian before he ever told me. I could hear it in his voice and how he treated others. I knew he was a Christian. He's a good man."

Amazing! That the Blind Man "saw" the witness of Christ in the banker without ever physically seeing anything!

May we be so blessed when others see us!

Blessed in Belize!

~ Ray & Becki

Praying Through

2009-01-28T18:20:00.002-06:00

Perhaps you have heard this expression - "praying through" - which means praying until a matter is resolved. Well, we need some people to seriously gather around the altar and pray through!

I have learned just recently of no less than 12 churches that are in challenging situations !

This small country can ill afford to have that many of its Nazarene churches struggling like this. Please join us in praying through until we see God resolve many issues that are being pressed upon these churches right now.

In addition, March 7 will be the District Assembly here in Belize. This is an important time as the elections could strongly affect many of the churches and programs currently operating.

Again, would you please join us in "praying through"? God CAN do amazing things - in people - in places - and we want to see Him do amazing things in the people and the churches here in Belize!

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, always keep on praying for all the saints."

Paul, an apostle of Jesus, Ephesians 6:18

~ Ray & Becki

Home Invasion!

2009-01-19T15:02:00.002-06:00

First off - sorry to be so late in making any sort of update....argh! Being back in the states was really different than being here in Belize. It was good to see family and friends...really, really good. The rest of the stuff, the really cold weather, the rush for perfect gifts, etc....yeah, you can keep that!

RETURNING TO BELIZE

I came back to Belize almost 10 days ago now and went straight back into class. Then worked on getting a busted window on the truck fixed ( whole 'nother story!) then made my way back to our little place in the jungle. I saw a little something on the doorframe as I went in and then was shocked to find that there had been a major invasion of our home while we were away...my heart sunk lower and lower as I discovered the severity of this invasion.

The intruders had gone through the entire house, seemingly missing NOTHING!

Now, before you think that all our stuff was stolen...it was not...nothing was missing.

In fact, everything was right where we left it - except that now nearly EVERYthing was covered with MOLD! Mostly green mold, but there is also, black mold, gray mold, white mold, even some pink mold. Unbelievable how pervasive these little invaders had been! Doors, walls, ceilings, furniture, INSIDE cabinets, on wood, on leather, on cloth, on rubber, on glass, on metal, nothing seemed to be left out.

Did I mention that I am very allergic to mold?

Yeah, so, clean, clean, clean has been the order of things for me in between class, getting ready for classes, getting stranded due to flooding, finding more mold growing.

I have grown aware that it is politically correct these days to go "green" but this is overboard!

We love our place in the jungle, but we are so fond of the jungle in our place!

I am trying to get the bulk of it cleaned up before Becki and Rachel get back on Wednesday night - pray for me....it's one against 100 million mold spores but I'm armed with bleach Lysol!

Ray

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME...THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME...

2008-12-23T15:33:00.002-06:00

There really is no place like home!! It most times feels like Belize is 'home' now to us. But at Christmas, for me, Becki, home is where the grandkids are. And that is in Ohio...a VERY COLD Ohio. We both are very happy to be here, but I have to admit that the cold is a huge challenge...especially for Ray. He is one big popsicle, even when we are indoors!!

We have had an amazing time already seeing old friends, calling old friends

(thank-you, Chief!!!) having meetings with future Belize visitors and enjoying family. Oh, and eating out! What a beyond huge treat this is for us!! With more than chicken, rice, and beans on the menu, we are having fun eating anything but!! So many of you have offered 'if there is anything we can do...' Well, we may take you up on some of those offers in the future!! So thanks in advance for your willingness!!

We have to admit that we have not missed the consumer frenzy that you all have been forced to endure. We have enjoyed little to no frenzied shoppers, no blaring 'holiday' music, no UGH!! messy traffic & frigid weather. Rather, a joyous, heart warming report of several churches gathering together for a rally for Christmas eve and Christmas day in Toledo District, Belize. Difficult travel, no prior sleeping arrangements, no thoughts of 'I hope I get'. Just a gathering of Jesus lovers getting together like family to celebrate His Birthday. The true meaning of this season....

Ray and I would like to wish you a Blessed Christmas and join in with you all to wish

a great big HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!

Life and Death

2008-12-12T19:10:00.003-06:00

I have in my mind's eye a very gripping picture -

that I wish I could share with you. In the moment that it presented itself to me, I found that I just could not invade the somberness of that moment to ask if I could take a picture. so, allow me to attempt to describe it to you. It is a picture worth a thousand words, although I will try to help you see the moment in far fewer words.

I had been delivering sandals donated by our church to villages in the southern part of Belize. I stopped at one more house to leave a box of sandals as well as some materials for the children's ministry at this mission church. It was a very enjoyable time, not only delivering these gifts but sharing the occasion with a couple of other Belizean men.

We pulled into the yard where we would make the delivery, smiling and enthusiastic. To our surprise, several people were in the yard, almost as if they were waiting for us.

They were waiting... as it turned out, but not for us.

The joy we had in our hearts vanished like a puff of smoke as the reality of the scene in front of us made it's way into our conscious minds.

The several people were loosely gathered around

a simple wooden casket.

A man came to see what we wanted, recognized the pastor who was with me and explained that his father-in-law had died during the night. They were preparing for the funeral and burial to be held in just a few hours. (This is a rather quick process here in Belize.)

We explained our purpose, departed from the vehicle, made our delivery and went to stand near the casket with the family members that had gathered there. Two young adults were just beginning to apply varnish to the plain light wood to dress it up a little. They worked in near silence as the others looked on. It was a bit of a surreal moment for me, seeing, not a professional mortician at work in a room separated from sight behind walls or thick curtains in a safe and comfortable funeral home - but two family members painting varnish onto the casket of a loved one, while other loved ones watch and wait.

The picture that strikes me the most is this:

I am standing near the head of the casket. The two family members are painting on the varnish, beginning at the top and reverently working their way down and around. Other family members are nearby. Occasional hushed conversations may be heard. Right in the middle of the scene is one other person. She is elderly. She is sitting by herself on a chair next to the casket. She is not speaking to anyone nor is anyone speaking to her. She wears the wrinkles of many, many years across her sunken face. She wears a red blouse and blue skirt. She is sitting somewhat slouched with both her arms and her legs crossed. She merely watches what is happening around her but is not a mere observer. Her husband is in that casket.

Just last night, they had watched the grandchildren play around the house - and remembered when they were young enough to play like that. Just last night, they had talked of good memories and future days with the parents of those children. Just last night, she had gone to sleep with him next to her, as they had for thousands of nights before.

Yet this was to be their last night together. Death slipped in during the night and stole from her. The thief, as all thieves do, did not ask permission, did not give warning nor even spare her feelings. Just like that, it was all over, just last night.

She sits there, sad, alone in the midst of other family.

Alone in her thoughts, alone in her pain, alone in many ways....

and they are etched into her face.

I cannot read them all but I see them. I see them in the dark emptiness that is in her eyes.

I see them and so much wanted you to see this also.

I could not break into the sacredness of this moment though.

The protective barriers of much of North American society are not in place here. Life...and it's shadowy companion, death...are in many ways, much closer to people here. I saw it up close and personal today and wish you could see what I saw.

Death makes life more precious. Enjoy it.

~ Ray

Happy Feet!!

2008-12-12T18:52:00.002-06:00

I had a rare privilege this week. Our church in Grove City Ohio, Grove City Church of the Nazarene made it possible. Actually the children made it possible. They wanted to do something to help the children in Belize, so they raised money...selling paper flip-flops.

That's right - paper flip-flops were traded for paper money, which was sent to Belize to purchase real flip-flops or sandals to be given to children here. Many of the children here run barefoot on rocks that pierce the sensibilities of every North American parent who has ever watched them playing here on the rocky ground. The children don't really mind. They rarely even think about it. They are children. They run, they play, they have fun, all the stuff that children do.

Sometimes their feet get hurt. Sometimes they stub a toe or a sharp rock cuts into the hardened sole of their foot - and North American parents who may be to witness the incident experience their own pain. In fact, their hurt may be equal to or beyond that which the little child experiences.

Those North American parents have children of their own back in the states. So, when the children's department decided to raise money to help children in Belize not cut their feet, it cut to the consciences of many North American parents and they bought paper flip-flops...by the hundreds!

Now, hundreds of real flip-flop sandals have been purchased and given to pastors in various villages to give to the children who live and play there, amid the rocks and grass and sharp sticks. Hundreds of smiles are being flashed across faces as they try on their new sandals and go for a test run!

Bright colors, fun designs and even some squeeky soles are being handed out to adorn the feet of these beautiful children. In each case, I told the pastors that children in the U.S. raised the money to provide these gifts to the children of Belize.

The verse just came to mind, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the Good News."

There are a lot of beautiful little feet, with big, big hearts ---- in Ohio...

Thank you for making this Christmas time a little more special for many little feet here in Belize!

Blessings from Belize!

~ Ray & Becki & Rachel

Church in a Shed

2008-12-08T09:19:00.002-06:00

Yes, you read that correctly. Yesterday, this was said to me. "In a little while, we are going to go to Maya Canter to see if we can fix up this man's shed so we can have church there because the crowd is getting large."

Church in a shed?!?!

Understand, this is not mockery or anything demeaning. This is the result of a miracle in the making (maybe I will tell you more about that later...). The current state of things is that a new Nazarene church is being planted in this village and the house they are meeting in is too small. Last Sunday night when I was there - there were about 30 or more people inside (small room) and a good number outside as well, standing, leaning, sitting on the porch rail, whatever they could find.

The lengths that some people will go to in order to 'have church' are quite encouraging!

The man who opened his home, was raised a Catholic, not overly involved though and just recently, went through a life-or-death situation. He chose Jesus - for his eternal life - and God chose to add to his physical life. Now, he and many members of a nearby Nazarene church, are pleading with family and neighbors to also make the same life change.

"Let's spend the afternoon trying to fix up the shed so we can have church tonight!"

I suppose Jesus started in a little space not much different than this shed, so it seems fitting...

Makes me wonder what we might be willing to do if we understood the souls that hang in the

balance... ~ Eternity is a real long time ~

Happy to be serving in Belize,

~ Ray & Becki

Thanksgiving with The Indians

2008-12-02T14:35:00.002-06:00

Our first Thanksgiving in Belize - was WONDERFUL! My brother Carl came from New Jersey and in between working like a crazy man on lots and lots of projects -he also did most of the cooking for Thanksgiving dinner. Leah and Tabor came back from Ohio for another visit as well. So we had some family and friends here from the U.S. - as well as some of our new Indian friends from here in Belize.

It struck me as we gathered together that we had something in common with the 1st Thanksgiving held in the colonial states. The Pilgrims celebrated making it through the long hard winter along and the long summer of learning to plant and tend crops in this land far different from where they had lived. They celebrated with their new friends that had shown them how to live in that land - how to manage to survive and even thrive there in a strange new place.

I felt so honored to have some of the many Indian friends we have met come to share out Thanksgiving meal with us. It truly touched my heart as I thought about how they have helped us and blessed us during our months in Belize. We all ate heartily, read from the Scriptures about thanksgiving and shared some of the many things we have to be thankful for. It was a beautiful expression of what the intent of the day is meant for.

(And we did not even have to think about getting up early to go shopping the next day! woohoo!

Don't miss that at all!)

Do miss many f you though and hope we can see many during a short trip back to the states over Christmas time.

Blessings from Belize

~ Ray & Becki

Thankful for the "little" things

2008-11-20T12:11:00.002-06:00

Life here in Belize is a blessing to us. We find multiple ways to realize just how blessed we are - and how blessed you are in the states too, just in some different ways. While we have access to most of the things that make life simpler in the states, some days even getting to them proves to be more of a challenge.

This little glimpse into life here is only meant to be a reminder to those of you who have all the conveniences of the U.S. - at your fingertips most all of the time.

Today was normal. Not teaching, so time to prepare for the next class and work on things at the house. Yesterday was normal also. Feeding the hose from outside thru the bathroom window so Becki could do laundry, burning the trash before she hung out the laundry so it wouldn't smell like smoke!

Needed to get a couple of phone calls made today, so I drive down the road a bit to where I can get a better signal, as we get no signal at the house. Then, in between static try to explain to the pharmacy in the states that I really need this script - now, that I am calling from outside the U.S., that I cannot come pick it up so the ONLY way I can get it is if someone picks it up for me...

Worrying about being put on hold and if all the words are getting thru and if I will have enough credit on the phone to finish the call before I need to reload it with more minutes!

Did I mention that I was standing at the edge of field, in a small clear spot, waving off a few biting flies? I only got bit a couple or three times (not bad). When the static increased, although I did not want to - I took off for higher ground trying desperately to keep the call intact! This means risking chiggers, snakes, etc as the higher ground where I was was also need to waist high grass, etc.

Happily, no snakes to report and I don't think any chiggers...time always tells the truth on that one though!

I finally succeeded but only after several calls, attempted calls and persistence. Yep, I think being able to pick up the phone and call the local pharmacy, and pick up the script the same day, even walking if I wanted to , as the pharmacy is only a few blocks away, yes I think that is a blessing. Ah - back to reality - that is how it WAS in the U.S. - now it is a bit more of a challenge...but I am grateful nonetheless.

Did I mention that to get this delivered to us - is only costing a plane ticket?! Yes, that's right! Actually, a friend is bringing it down for us - and when we think of it - that's NOT a little thing!

Being blessed in Belize!

~ Ray & Becki

Reflections on Teaching in Belize

2008-11-10T09:47:00.003-06:00

(First - let me apologize for not blogging sooner - I get caught up in the busy-ness here and forget sometimes that we need to keep in touch. As they would say here, I need a 'lashing'...)

TEACHING IN BELIZE IS...

~ long hours of preparation, alone in my thoughts...

~ reams of paper being printed and copied for the students...

~ driving to each location, picking up students on the way...

~ a heavy backpack full of papers and notes and lots of water...

~ anxious moments of anticipation to see who attends this time...

~ fighting off moments of discouragement...

~ refocusing on the entire race before me, not just this day...

~ swatting botla flies and mosquitoes...

~ dealing with the heat and humidity, for all of us...

(students struggle to listen sometimes...)

(teacher struggles to think sometimes...)

~ cold showers or a dip in the creek to cool off after class...

~ rice and beans and tortillas - and chicken...maybe fish...

~ teaching in English, to hearers who speak 4 other languages...

~ listening to four other languages when not teaching...

~ understanding next to nothing of what is said...

~ wondering if that is how some of the students feel...

~ long hours of passing along ideas and concepts...

~ long hours of hopefully adequate communication...

~ long hours of carefully selected words and explanations...

~ long hours of concern for clarity, contextualization and Christ...

~ long hours of listening, looking, letting the class teach me...

~ long hours of thinking on my feet, analyzing and adjusting...

~ and moments of brillance~

~ moments of 'aha!'

~ moments when students are highly engaged...

~ moments when it all clicks...

~ moments when we gain new ground...

~ moments when we scale new heights...

~ moments when it is thrilling to be a teacher...

~ moments when it is obviously the Spirit in control...

~ moments of gratitude, splendor and awe...

~ moments when it is all worth it...

~ moments when I realize again, who I am...

~ moments that I would not trade...

~ moments when I walk fully in my calling...

~ moments when I am thrilled to serve God by serving people...

~ Glory to God !!!

~ Ray

Airline Miles

2008-10-21T13:05:00.002-06:00

Just a quick note to say that if you have airline miles and would like to donate some to a missionary you know - we would be willing to receive them! This can really help at times when we need to bring Rachel back to the states or when Grandma gets that homesick feeling...or when Ray wants to go to a conference, etc.

We travel Continental or American most easily from Belize.

Thanks!

Ray & Becki & Rachel

WE ARE IN OUR HOUSE !!!!!!!

2008-10-15T12:00:00.005-06:00

WOW! It seems incredible and it is - we REALLY like our little house in the jungle - it's great!

It's not quite there yet but is getting better every day - we still have some things to finish installing or issues to solve but we are in - and it feels good!

This week we actually bought beds for us and for Rachel too (doubles as a guest bed too...hint, hint!) Having real beds and firm mattresses for the first time since May feels so good to our backs - yeah!! (we still have the air mattresses should anyone want to visit! hint... hint...)

At times, we look out of our windows and look at the jungle and all its variously shaped leaves and a little laugh will slip out...the accompanying thought is: "We're in the jungle!" It's just sort of funny. On the days that we start to think, well this is not really jungle, there are denser places, etc. we get reminded by seeing a large jungle cat, or seeing the toucans and parrots flying about, or simply the gentle hum of thousands of mosquitoes to lull you to sleep at night (just kidding about that part!)

Becki has had fun making our concrete floor look fantastic. taking advantage of the abundance of inspiration from the incredible leaves that surround our abode. She simply takes some leaves, lays them on the floor, gives a quick spritz with some spray paint, then comes back and fills in outlines, vines, etc and Viola! Fabulous floor!

This is our hallway...

She has also found out that not living in a city or even a suburban area means there ain't no trashman coming to pick up the garbage. So twice a week she burns what we have, then washes the smoke smell out of her hair! She's amazing to me, as she simply keeps doing whatever needs to be done...yep, I love my wife!

Did I mention she cleaned our truck too?!! She doesn't even get to drive it much as I'm gone a lot but she made it look purty!

Just sharing a bit with our friends - be blessed, we sure are!

~Ray, Becki & Rachel

NOT ASHAMED!

2008-10-06T17:26:00.002-06:00

Hi all !

Just a short note to share a beautiful moment with you...

This week while teaching "Preaching the Story of God" the students all had a chance to share in front of the class. This was challenging for some - and intimidating for others.

One older man, who is quickly becoming my hero, finally took his turn in front of the group. As he shared, he was becoming emotional sharing about his Savior. Indians here do not typically cry and when they do, they try to stifle it...but not this man.

As he shared the tears began to slip down first one cheek, then the other and instead of attempting to stifle them, he told why they were okay.

He said, "When I share about my Savior or things that touch my heart, it moves me and I will not be ashamed. I was not ashamed to be out in the world doing the things I used to do so why should I be ashamed now if I cry when something moves my heart?"

By the time, he had said this, the tears formed rivulets down the aged lines of his tanned face and were dripping freely onto his shirt.

I did not turn around to confirm this, but I don't think his were the only tears by that time...

Be blessed!

Ray

Gone Fishin

2008-09-29T15:23:00.004-06:00

Rachel and I THOUGHT we were just going to see how badly the Mullins River temporary bridge had washed out. Little did we know that we were gonna go fishin!!!

As we took the little detour turn off we noticed 3 guys wading thru the river where it is generally low...and then we saw THE CAR. A little less than 1/2 way across and stopped at an odd angle we saw in an instant that this guy was in trouble. His passenger side was tilted into the water and just getting to the bottom of the door. I put the car in reverse, backed out of the detour road and headed to camp to get Ray. All of this happened in about 2 minutes.

Up to the house I quickly drove & explained to Ray that he had to come...NOW.

On the way to the bridge we stopped at the only other home within miles of our home and borrowed a chain. We were hoping the neighbor boys were home to be able to bring the tractor to help. No dice as they were out in their fields not due home for awhile. It was up to us.

Meanwhile another truck had entered the picture...a meat truck. The guys we saw earlier were delivering product (WHO KNOWS WHAT!) to this meat truck from across the river in 5 gallon buckets when the little red blazer showed up. The guys convinced him that he could make it across in the shallow part. So, after driving 1 1/2 hours from Belize City and having no bridge to cross, he decided to go for it. OOPS! Big Mistake!

Just shy of half way, he drove off the 'shallow' part and there he remained until we showed up!

To their credit, the 3 guys stayed to help this poor fellow. So with a rope from the meat truck, the chain we had borrowed from the neighbor and our truck we were still short. Ray went up the hill again to see if he could find anything else at the neighbors and he came back with two very thick pieces of rope. The meat truck guy ties them together, hooks it on the back of Rays truck and one of the three guys goes into the river to tie it onto the chain and other rope, already attached to the sinking car. Oh yeah, by now the water is up to the passenger door windows.

Ray backs into the water, hoping that HE was in the shallow part, but still had to back up until his bumper was under water. But it works....after a LONG 30 seconds the little Blazer starts to move and all of the chain/ropes held until he was on dry ground.

Unbelievably the car is still running. Introductions all around, the meat guy packs it up, the 3 guys wade back across the river and then the car chugs to a stop. And after many attempts, will not restart.

During all of this, sort of an insult added to injury, 2 other trucks pull up. They are there from the government Dept. of Works to inspect the bridge!!! They try to help restart the car, but still no dice. But I did have a chat with them and found out that money has come in to rebuild the 'temporary bridge' a little bit better so it isn't washing out every other day ( no kidding). And the same for the bridge in Kendall that stranded us in Punta Gorda the 1st week we were here. That is a whole other story tho...since then both bridges have been repaired and washed out again.

So we tow our new friend, Jerome, a Frenchman, off of the detour road and up to our camp. He proceeds to quickly take his soaked computer apart and dry it out. After dinner, a load of clean clothes, email on my laptop and a good conversation with Ray about what WE were doing out here in the jungle and making a bunk for our guest we called it a night.

Next day, the car is still not working, but a tow truck arrives that had been arranged the night before and he is off to Dangriga. A very grateful Jerome let us take his picture. Feliz, who doesn't do much with a camera took the pix, so it is blurry, but you'll get the idea. Isadoro, the camp worker said that we caught a red snapper!!

Indeed!!

Minty Clean Scorpion!

2008-09-23T10:13:00.002-06:00

Becki must be blessed....

she finds nearly all the scorpions!

This morning when she grabbed the Listerine, there was one of her little 'friends' lurking just behind the bottle! So she went to find one of my sandals and sent the little fellow into the next realm - never to return.

Then she left it on the top step for me to see when I came back - nice...

sort of like a cat bringing its latest catch home to show off.

Good job Beck!

JUST made it across in time...!

2008-09-16T22:03:00.005-06:00

Today was a day of visiting a few pastors, encouraging and helping as able. It was a good day, not as busy as most, which made the heavy rain seem not so impressive. It rained hard off and on, stopping progress on the foundation for the new San Roman church, making driving rather slow at times and cooling the air off quite nicely (some were too cool, but for me the 78 degree air was fantastic!).

We did not mind being inside during downpours. Perhaps providentially, I wore my Crocs today, so I really did not mind getting my feet soaked either. The plastic shoes are fine wet - and I knew my socks would dry in time also.

The leisurely but productive day was interrupted by yet another flat tire. I attempted to plug it myself...when that failed, I changed the flat for the repaired spare I had - and then went to get it fixed again...large patch number 2 inside of it!

On the way back towards home, I had stopped to see a couple more people and ---- a l m o s t ---- did not make it home at all! The temporary bridge at Kendall, which has been more than temporary, was quickly becoming in danger of being submerged once again by the rapidly rising water. It appeared that I would be the lsat truck across as some of the gravel had already slipped back into the river creating a small gap at one side of the wooden platform bridge.

Somehow, 2 others small trucks made mad dashes across, the second of which nearly did not make it at all, prompting a hasty retreat from the mini-van that had been following the little truck. Many people gathered on both sides of the river to watch this act of nature perform once again. It has become more common since the major flood a few months ago.

I can confidently say this - it is a WHOLE lot more fun to watch the river rise to flood stage - when you are on the side that leads towards home!! The last time was a real bummer.

Here's a few pics for you...

Ray

PRAY FOR PERMISSION

2008-09-11T21:11:00.002-06:00

Actually - our current prayer request is that you join us in praying for the approval of our WORK PERMITS so we can stay in Belize. After a couple of days of driving to Belize City to pick up a letter, then to Belmopan, to deliver the letter and purchase applications, photos, copies, etc, etc, etc - - we found out when we first attempted to turn in our applications that they needed more information...

So, back to Belize City, obtained further documents needed, back to Belmopan, more copies, more smiles and more papers delivered and now...

we wait 2 - 3 weeks to find out if we will be approved. THIS IS VITAL!!

So we are asking you to pray for our WORK PERMITS to be approved.

After that, we can then apply for Rachel as well. But each step has to follow in its proper sequence, so.......

We cannot stress enough that we NEED THIS - so help us pray please!!

(Sorry to not have written in awhile - um, been busy...!?!!!

I'll do better I hope...)

I can say that Pastors' Classes are going well - keeping me busy that's for sure. Between teaching and grading and reporting and preparing for the next class - it's BUSY! But it's GOOD!!

Keep praying for these classes, the pastors and future pastors that are attending -

and

those who are not but should be! We want them in too!!

Thanks friends!

Ray & Becki

One Month Later....

2008-08-27T20:37:00.003-06:00

....and I STILL can't believe that a month has gone by. It's weird that just this morning I was realizing how I remember things by the week now as opposed to day by day.

4 weeks ago, we arrived in BZ.

3 weeks ago, our friend Homer was here.

2 weeks ago, Brittany was here still with us.

1 week ago, we finally got our 'stuff' out of customs.

This week, Ray has been gone since early Saturday morning teaching.

So standing at the sink tonight doing dishes, things just slowed to a stop in my mind and EVERYTHING felt so surreal. The things I do as a routine now...fill the water bottles for the freezer and move the already frozen bottles to the fridge to keep things cold. (only the freezer works)

Gathering up food to go across to the dining hall to fix lunch or dinner. And ALWAYS, without fail, forgetting one little ingredient!

Ever so carefully pulling the dish cloth off of the towel rack to make sure there are no scorpions in it. And doing the same, careful thing with the shower curtain each night.

Going outside to hang out the laundry and always stopping to put bug repellent on my legs first.

Always remembering to blow up the air mattresses before trying to sleep on a too soft bed....AND making sure not to make Ray's too hard, because he likes it 'too soft'!

It's a bit surprising to realize what creatures of habit we are and how easy it is to make new habits when the situation requires it. Call it change in routine, call it adapting to unusual circumstances, call it WHATEVER!!! Ya just better enjoy doing it or you are in a heap of unhappiness!!

For me, it's all good. I like the new challenges....well, I like trying to find an easier way to do it instead of the way it's usually done. For those who know me well, this is no surprise!! One thing I have found out in a trial and error situation is that there are NO shortcuts to making tortillas. And Rachel LOVES her tortillas. Me, I can take or leave them, but Rachel loves her PBJ's on a tortilla and her chicken on a tortilla and pasta with her tortillas. I'm looking to hire a tortilla maker.

Other than tortillas, I am in love with Belize. Hot? Sure it's hot. But sweating is supposed to be a good thing, right? I was painting in the new house today and sweat was pouring down into my eyes, soaking my shirt, my pants, my hair, my sweatband...and all I could think of was how much I love the people here, the birds we get to see.....4 days ago we saw 8 toucans in one tree, all in a little group together... awesome!!! And the jungle and the mountains are amazingly beautiful.

Ray and I (and Rachel, wether she believes it or not) are just simply blessed to be here. We know it's going to be a bit difficult at times and I'm not real keen on Ray being gone so many nights a month, but it is the job and every single job on earth comes with some personal sacrifice every now and then. But with our job, the Kingdom just seems a little bit closer... every time a pastor comes to class and is excited to be one step closer to ordination... every time a sister shakes your hand in church and says

'God Bless'... every time someone writes to us to tell us they are praying for us... everyday. Does it get any better than this?? I think not.

God Bless, Becki

A "Custom - mized" Experience!

2008-08-20T20:31:00.002-06:00

We FINALLY got our stuff from Customs yesterday.

What an interesting, long patience testing process! I can say this with great confidence now: We are SO GLAD we had a broker working for us or we would likely still be there, shaking our heads, going in circles, wondering who, what , why are we in this line again, what did they say, what do you mean we don't have the right paperwork?!

I'll spare you the number of phone calls, hours of waiting, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc....that all came after 3 weeks of waiting and numerous phone calls, emails, and letter drops - and the broker saying "Give me just 5 minutes, okay?"

Um, okay....

Yet, by the end of the day we were on our way, too late to properly drop off the rental vehicle but we did anyhow, too late to grab a decent dinner, so we made do as we headed south, happy to be reunited with our truck and our "stuff".

Our granddaughter Rachel had prayed for God to put 'iron bars' around our stuff. Seems like God liked that prayer! Between that, Becki's resolution that it was all God's stuff anyhow and some healthy patience on all our part, we came through this with some new perspectives, new understandings of the system here and an appreciation of realized values.

The other thing we REALLY gained was all YOUR PRAYERS!

Thank you so much!!!

Ray, Becki and Rachel

2 Districts - 2 Churches - 2 Blessings

2008-08-18T05:59:00.003-06:00

Busy Sunday here! We left home at 6:30 am to drive to Belmopan. We picked up Tito along the way. He was thumbing for a ride and we gave in. Tito is an elderly man who only spoke Spanish so our conversations did not last long. We did finally make out that he was taking his heavy bag of potatoes to the market in Belmopan to try to sell them. As we parted, we gave a blessing in Spanish which was returned with excited exclamations about God and Tito's heart! Nice.

In Belmopan, we met up with the Maya Mopan Church of the Nazarene and followed their bus along a long, winding bumpy, dusty, bumpy, winding, bumpy road to a vacant lot. This used to be the location of the church of the Nazarene in this village in the Cayo District, called Valley of Peace. All that remains now, after a family that had lived there moved out, are several concrete pillars, a very broken thin concrete floor and a lot of trash. Undaunted, the people from the church spilled out of their bus and began to work. Some setting up the sound system, some gathering large rocks and firewood, to cook the lunch we would eventually enjoy. Others scoured the grounds and created some make shift benches. A number of children attacked a Golden Plum tree with glee. It was like watching a pinata being broken open, as they would throw sticks high up into the tree so that when one 'scored' and knocked loose some of the fruit, children would quickly run to collect the treasures!

During the service, Pastor Tiul revealed a remnant of the former church. This was all that was really left to show that anything remained of the once living church. He brought out a metal sign with the Nazarene logo on it. In Spanish, this aged sign still carried the declaration of Iglesia del Nazareno, Sanctidad o Jehova. Pastor Tiul wept as he shared its discovery. My minimal Spanish was not enough to understand all his words, but my heart understood his heart quite clearly! It was a very moving moment.

The Lord spoke into my heart this verse, "Once again, it will take root below and bear fruit above."

This former church WILL rise again from the ruins to become a place where the lost can find their way. In addition to the busload of church people who came to help restart this church, a few from the village of Valley of Peace made a cautious return visit. Several young men came by on their bicycles, creating an impromptu gathering there in the road.

As we met under the shade of a tree, we sang, prayed, testified, preached and worshipped - all to the Glory of God, who is able to do exeedingly, abundantly beyond all that we can ask or imagine. Pray for this restart church in Valley of Peace.

Next stop, rush back down to where we live in Stann Creek District. We got back just in time to hurry to Hope Creek. This was to be the first of our Bible Story Telling times to help establish a new church here. To be brutally honest, I found myself very challenged as everyone was culturally late. Those who made it were far fewer in number than I had expected. Some of the young children that came with their mothers were SO distracting that the two mothers took their crying, squabbling toddlers and left. To their credit and my appreciation, they did come back again later. Discussion seem awkward and felt a lot like pulling teeth. In actuality, it probably went better than I thought but I had such high hopes for Hope Creek that I could not fight off my disappointments.

I found out later that there were 2 major events competing against us at that very same time. A Billiards Tournament just down the street and in the park across from that - a futbol (soccer) marathon. A quick glance down the street confirmed that most of the men of the village were there instead of joining this Bible session.

A dozen of the 14 did stay, mostly women ( I didn't count all the ninos and ninas running around). We discussed the story of Zaccheus and saw how God already knows our name and is looking for each one of us. PRAY that this holds true and becomes a personal reality for many new people in Hope Creek!

God's not Nice...

2008-08-15T07:58:00.002-06:00

That statement, of course, is not true...

God is nice, much more than nice in fact. Yesterday I was lead to read Luke 6:27-36, you know, the "Love your enemies" part.

Which is why today, for the 2nd day of struggling with this, I am feeling a little bit of "God's not nice." The main reason is that we are still waiting, asking, complying, praying, hoping, waiting, calling, emailing, delivering, returning, waiting...for Customs here to release our truck and belongings, hopefully not in exchange for lots of cash. That last part seems less and less likely all the time. They say you can't beat the system - I'm starting to believe it.

Enter God's Word - messes with my whole perception.

Thoughts like: 'Give to everyone who asks of you'...

'If they take your cloak, give them your tunic as well...'

'If they take from you, do not demand it back...'

'Do good to those who hate you...'

'Bless those who curse you...'

'Pray for those who mistreat you...'

Really God - what do get for this?

Why should we even allow ourselves to be taken advantage of?!

Not surprisingly, the answer to my rants is right there in the passage:

1) my reward will be great

2) I will be a son of the MOST HGH

Permit me to indulge in a not so imaginary conversation with God for a moment:

Ray: "So, getting ripped off, taken advantage of, cheated, stolen from, etc - is a good thing?!"

GOD: "Yeah, that's pretty much it."

Ray: "Doesn't make lots of sense on this end."

GOD: "Makes perfect sense on MY end."

Ray: "But God, I live on this end of things. This sounds tough!"

GOD: "I never said life would be easy."

Ray: "People are going to take advantage of me."

GOD: "Yes."

Ray: "I'm going to lose things that I value."

GOD: "Yes."

Weeping can be heard...

GOD: "Why are you weeping?"

Ray: "Because I realize how silly that sounds. I shouldn't value things..."

GOD: "You're starting to get My point."

Ray: "I know that You value the people, even if they are wicked, stealing, cheating, lying, doing wrong to one of Your born again children."

GOD: "Yes, I do."

Ray: "I'm sorry God, this is going to be tough sometimes."

GOD: "I'm sure it will take a little practice."

Ray: "Your Word says "Do good to them..., bless them and pray for them."

"I think I will need some help in knowing how to pray for them."

GOD: I'll help you with that."

Ray: "I'm not sure that I will feel great about a future reward when I am being mistreated here."

GOD: "My Son did not feel good about it either."

Ray: (weeping much more) "God, I DO want to be known to others as Your son too, to be seen as one who carries Your Spirit in me!"

GOD: "You are. Just stay on the path you are on."

Luke 6:35-36 "...Then your reward will be great and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."

Village Bible School

2008-08-14T18:29:00.003-06:00

Brittany and Rachel, Eva & Omega, from Silk Grass, along with Elisa from Pomona, all did a great job corralling an ever growing number of children that came to VBS in Hope Creek. The location was in newly closed bar which we successfully reclaimed for the Kingdom!

Tuesday started our effort with 88 kids

Wednesday it grew to 107 excited children

Thursday we managed to handle the swelling crowd of 135 rambunctious little

ones while about 15 adults watched from the wings.

Incredible!

The day had a strange turn of events as a Police vehicle came by during VBS. A woman was let out, who spoke briefly to her children, then was taken, along with her husband, to jail for an unknown length of time. She was allowed to inform her children that there would be no one at home when they finished VBS. These 3 beautiful little boys did not deserve to receive such harsh news. The oldest is maybe 10 yrs old.

The reason they are suddenly parentless is that mom and dad had 3 lbs of marijuana in their home. Such a small amount of hopeful quick cash to demand such a high price - especially in light of their heartbroken children.

We took them to a nearby village to be delivered to the home of an aunt. She agreed to take them for the moment but also stated that she did not know what to do with them.

To me, this is one more reminder of how desperately Hope Creek Village needs the HOPE of JESUS!

God's Answer So Far...

2008-08-11T18:35:00.002-06:00

Well, today did not go as we thought it might...

But -

I am sure God's hand is stirring.

Last week in my personal Bible story-telling studying I had been reading about the woman from Shunem who Elisha told to take her family and leave because the Lord had decreed a famine to hit Israel for 7 years. She proceeded to do as she was told and went to live in a foreign land for 7 years, then returned. When she came back she went to the king to beg for house and land back. Now it "just so happened" that the king had earlier that day asked Elisha's servant to tell him all the great things that Elisha had done. He had just finished telling about the boy whom Elisha had raised from the dead when who should walk in but the mother of that boy, with her son.

When the king found that this was the woman, he asked to hear her story. She confirmed all that the king had just heard. The king then appointed an official to her case and instructed the official to return her house and land AND all the income from her land from the day she left the country until this day.

When I read that I started praying for "an official" here in Belize, who would help us.

Today, I called the customs broker to find out that certain wording in our exemption was actually costing us a great deal of money in this case. No one here did anything wrong or intentional, it is just that changes have happened in the government, so some procedures are being handled differently than they were in the past.

It was suggested that if we had another letter with different wording, it would be worth a great deal. So...travel to Belmopan...intending to pick up the first letter which should have been signed and waiting for us.

Just before we get to the capital building, we get in touch with the District Superintendent, so instead of going in along, we wait and go with him. That's official number one, but not a Government official. In trying to assess where we are and what we can do, we seem to hit a roadblock. While we are standing right outside the Finance offices, a lady walks out who instantly recognizes Rev. Tzib and calls him by name.

Long story shorter, this "official" not only knows him, but is a member at one of our Nazarene churches in Belize (one I have not been to yet, but WILL!) Louise hears our situation from the DS and immediately goes to see what she can find out. When she returns moments later, she suggests a new plan that MAY reverse the huge duties that are being levied against us right now. Yeah! It is not a done deal but it is a great mental boost for us.

PRAY that this second letter is approved and that ALL DUTY IS WAIVED!

We are still concerned about our stuff sitting on the docks as it could become vulnerable to theft, etc. - but Becki said God checked her on that the other day as she was getting anxious. She heard God say "You're hanging on." So she felt that nudge to release our 'stuff' that has already been purchased with God's money, send down here with God's money and is being protected or 'placed' with God's full awareness.

We are excited to see a testimony in the process of being built that will glorify God.

P.S. I shared with the 'official' - Louise the story from 2 Kings and told her that I was glad to meet her as I had been wondering who our God appointed official was going to be!!

Keep praying - we'll tell the rest as soon as it happens!!

Ray & Becki & Rachel (& Brittany , who was with us for this long, interesting day...)

Scary things in the shower...

2008-08-08T12:20:00.000-06:00

I love my wife. I love that God has prepared her for such a time as this.

The other evening while she was taking a shower I heard "Ray, could you come here a minute?" This was said quite calmly, showing no signs of distress.

When I went to see what was up - she simply pointed to her 'shower guest' and asked if I could remove it. She did give a little shudder thinking about being in there with a large scorpion just above her shoulder!

I removed the scorpion, from the shower and from the land of the living. He never should have come visiting, at least not there and not then.

Not too much later, Becki once again said "Ray, can you come here?"

I returned to find my wife just beginning to dry her hair and a smaller, though lively scorpion scuttling along the floor. It soon went the way of the first scorpion.

Ah, so I decided right then and there (again, not just for the first time) that I love my wife. No loud screeching about a horrid life-threatening discovery, no jitters afterwards that kept her awake during the night or wanting to flee. Just an opportunity for me to be her 'hero' and remove the uninvited guest.

Yep, I love my wife.

Ray

3 Shots Rang Out!!!

2008-08-05T13:58:00.000-06:00

It was about 3:30 in the morning and quite dark outside when the first of 3 - 22 caliber shots rang out. When you awaken to hear that, very close to your house, and your wife whispers, "Did you hear that?" several things go through your mind!

"Yes." I whispered back and strained to listen for any other sounds, like voices or someone approaching our house.

Didn't hear any...

or did I?

...what was that?

Should I go look?

Probably not.

Don't know who was shooting.

Don't know what they were shooting.

Or if they're done shooting.

I don't have a gun...I don't even have a machete in this little house.

I want to look outside but I don't want to present a target.

The lightning in the distance is not really helping right now.

Was that lightning or a flashlight that just swept by our house?

Becki's asleep, that's good.

I'm still listening...

Was that a man's voice?

It's been 10 minutes, seems okay

It's been a half hour, we probably fine...

It's been an hour, I can go to sleep now...

It's been too long for me to go back to sleep now...

Another half hour, ah, it's getting light outside, must be 5:00 am.

I go check the clock, it is 5 am -- I want my sleep back!

I doze for about an hour or more.

Later, I find out that it was our beloved friend and the Director of the camp here who fired those shots. They were awakened during the night by the whimpering of their dog who is locked inside his rough little doghouse in front of their home, as a "tiger" was nearby. They said they could smell the jaguar's sprayed scent but could not see anything in the blackness of the surrounding jungle, so...

...he fired off 3 shots.

My internal alarms went off...

I'm sure the jaguar ran off...

I'm sure Felize went off to bed...

I sure wish I'd known that and not wasted all that time listening to the darkness of the Belizean night!

Well, at least it made for a productive early morning prayer time!

Between laying there in the dark and peering out the windows I had ample opportunity to pray!

I'll know better next time (I hope!)

Ray

Man Found Dead Near Us

2008-08-05T13:53:00.000-06:00

Here's abit of news from our neighborhood. For those who know the area, this is the village at the end of our road. A man from Guatemala was found last week in an abandoned building near the end of the airstrip at the end of our road. His body was left to be found by an unsuspecting jogger. Since the body had already decomposed during the approximately 3 or 4 days since he had been killed, his body was hastily buried right where it was found.

I know the man who had hired this now deceased man from Guatemala. In fact, he is actively helping us plant a new ministry here in Hope Creek.

There is more to this than I can share here, but... it does remind us that we never really know who is around us.

And, it emphasizes again, that we "need to make the most of every opportunity."

Pray that we do.

HUGE BLESSING!!

2008-08-04T14:55:00.000-06:00

We just received this most abundant blessing, so we wanted to share it with all of you:

The Ministry of Finance here in Belize approved the request sent by our District Superintendent Rev. John Tzib and has granted us a FULL IMPORT DUTY EXEMPTION for our truck and belongings.

Rev Tzib said, "Thank God for all His goodness." We heartily agree!

This is worth several thousands of dollars not being paid in import taxes!

Thank you for praying with us!

Ray & Becki

ps - - before getting this posted even we received word that one of the 2 letters needed was not signed............. so, it will be sent back , signed and returned again - and uh, did we mention that the lady who needs to sign it is out of the office this week?!

So close!

Reading and Phones

2008-08-02T11:59:00.001-06:00

Hey, just a thought here -

If you are reading these sporadic blogs of ours - jot us a note once in awhile. We know that people are reading but its nice to hear from you once in awhile since we can't see you any more!

Also -we learned last week that Nokia is the brand of choice here for holding connections better. And I am learning this week that my old Verion Motorola is quickly dying - the battery won't hold a charge for a day even.

So, if you have a Verizon serviced Nokia phone that you are not using and would not mind getting to us somehow, drop us a line first so we can talk about how to get it here. (We pay even for packages shipped in the mail, so we want to think about options...)

Thanks!
Ray & Becki

FIRST PASTORS CLASS

2008-08-02T11:54:00.000-06:00

Even though it was a last minute crisis for the previously scheduled teacher…
Even though it seemed ‘coincidental’ that I happened to stop at the church of the education coordinator…
Even though he had my phone number recorded wrong so that none of his messages were getting through to me…
Even though I did not have free time on my hands as I was at a conference, trying to learn something myself…
Even though my wife was FINALLY being freed up to come to Belize and this would be my first time to see her in 6 weeks…!
Even though we had only a night at Advance to dump our stuff, repack and leave again…
Even though Rachel has ‘no clue’ where she is sleeping or what is going on…
Even though we would have liked to work on settling in and attempting to “get our house in order”…
Even though we did not have all the plans together yet for feeding the pastors, etc…
Even though we did not have sheets enough for ourselves even…
Even though we did not know how many would attend…
Even though there was no gas for the stove when we arrived…
Even though food had to be purchased right then…
Even though I was still trying to prepare the lessons while traveling…
Even though the printer at camp ran out of ink…
(and was manually refilled repeatedly!)
Even though we ran out of copy paper and switched to notebook paper…
Even though there were many unanswered questions…

God was faithful and we had a wonderful class!

“Thank yous” to Darin, Jafet, Agapito, Sabastian, the ladies who came last minute to cook and I’m sure others whose help I did not immediately see…

The pastors were a bit discouraged early on as we were late in arriving. They have gathered there before only to sit all day when no one ever shows, so they were beginning to wonder. Once that was talked out and explained, we were on our way. Their hunger to learn was evident as they asked questions, stayed up at night studying and were typically sitting at their tables doing homework long before I began to teach each day.

There still are challenges involved as so many need to still go to work (some were hindered from returning because of the threat of the loss of their jobs). Many others leave their farms unattended while they come to class, so they will have extra work to do later. Others have so far to travel, whether by bus, or walking, or hoping to catch a ride, just to come to class or to return for Wednesday night services. It is humbling to see one of our pastors here, a 62 year old man, faithfully riding his bike several miles over rough roads to go serve at the church he has planted over the last year’s time. His stamina and perseverance are incredible. Pray for him as he works so diligently for the Lord!

Thank you for your prayers in supporting this effort. Many in Belize will be blessed as we serve them through training their leaders.

P.S. Pray for our travels - and continued ministry efforts as right now we are a bit stranded down South - we headed home yesterday and after 2 1/2 hours, had to turn back when we saw that the temporary bridge was washed out by the 2 days of rain. And we had another full night of rain all last night which will hinder getting the bridge fixed --- again!

Is life here boring...?! Nah! How 'bout you?!

Ray & Becki & Rachel

BECKI IS IN BELIZE !!!!!!!!

2008-07-27T20:30:00.000-06:00

WOW!

It's been 47 days since I left Ohio to come to Belize...

It's been 47 days since I saw my wife...

It's been 47 days of hectic schedules, busy busyness on both ends,

It's been 47 days of emails, im's and phone calls...

It's been 47 days of "I miss you" and "I love you"...

It's been 47 days of wondering when this day was going to come.

At last - it's here!!!!!!

Wow, she's gorgeous!

Becki and Rachel and I had a great reunion, just so happy to see each other. Yes, Rachel is here too - Becki has been homeschooling her this year and she is just as happy to be a homeschool student in Belize as in Ohio or anywhere we might be.

We also had a divine appointment in meeting a Nazarene mission team from Kansas that just arrived in Belize. I cannot even tell you all the details now, but it was a true 'God - thing'!

I tried so hard to make a certain thing happen and circumstances far beyond me stopped all progress. Yet, God had other plans. He actually used this group to accomplish what I was trying to do - without them even knowing that a local pastor needed exactly what they were bringing to that table! Not only that but they blessed me in another way too as they have some men who will help tackle a little project for the future training of our pastors here.

And - I met a recently retired man who is interested in helping us with teaching the lay pastors. All this because Becki's flight this morning was delayed a couple of hours due to thunderstorms last night which kept the flight crew from getting enough sleep to be able to fly.

Um, is God in the details...or what!??!!

I LOVE IT ! & I LOVE GOD even more for making such things happen, and allowing me to see it in full living color! Too cool!

Pray for me this week as I go to teach a class on New Testament to the lay pastors. I just found out about this as I was leaving to go to a seminar for 3 days. Can you say 'brain overload'?!

God is faithful - so I KNOW it will be a good week, but I also know it will be an even better week - if YOU will pray!

Thanks everyone!

Ray

First Service for a New Church Plant!

2008-07-20T16:17:00.000-06:00

Lord's Bank is a nice name for a church! It is the name of the village where Dionicio Teck lives and it is where we had a rally this morning as the first service held here in efforts to open a new church. Dionicio is not a pastor, he is not wealthy, he is not an evangelist. Dionicio is a layman who has a heart for the Lord and for other people.

This heart for others and for the Lord led him to make a plan to open this new church start. He worked hard to invite others, clear the lot in front of his very simple, little house, arranged for a set up the small tent we used for shade and paid from his own pocket to rent chairs, provide food and even help pay for transportation to bring others from a village farther away so they could be there to offer their support.

In light of all that he did, it was sort of fitting that I preached from the story of the woman in Luke 7 - who brought an alabaster jar of perfume, wept on Jesus feet, dried them with her hair, and poured the expensive gift on His feet. Dionicio did all of this over the past couple of weeks.

His lavish gift to help start this church does NOT come from deep pockets - nor does it come from a high paying job - it comes from a certain low level of income but a deep level of love and commitment.

More than 110 people attended this morning. Many were so happy to see a church in their neighborhood. We were blessed far beyond the heat, the brief rain (which make it even more humid after it passes), and the bugs - by the smiles on the faces all around us. Their songs, the children who were dedicated and the many kind words shared after the service, during the fellowship meal, were of great encouragement.

PRAY for this new start church

PRAY for a pastor to be provided

PRAY for the pastor who is asking his church to allow him to go preach there in the afternoons

PRAY for the people of the community

PRAY for salvations to be abundant

and PRAY that LORD'S BANK will become a true repository of God's abundant grace and love and forgiveness to all who need it.

Ray

Sunday - Bliss to busted!

2008-07-14T08:38:00.000-06:00

With only so many hours in a day you wonder sometimes how much can happen in just one day.
This Sunday started out with an amazing number of 'coincidental' meetings. I thought I was starting a little late for the church that I wanted to attend but soon found out I was right on time - God's time!

I met Ramon, a new friend in Hope Creek, who was walking out to check on his farm. We greeted each other warmly while he updated me on what he has been doing lately...speaking to young people in his village about starting a Bible study! This is very cool, as so far, he and I have not had our first Bible study together even. He is already working though to recruit others. On top of that he told me that he was talking to another man who also said he should probably change his life also - this man owns a bar. I had asked Ramon earlier where we could meet and he was not sure. When he told me about this man - I asked if we could go meet him - and talk to him about this possible change of life - and then told Ramon, maybe he will even let us have Bible study in his bar! He agreed, so we will try to go meet him on Tuesday morning - PLEASE PRAY for this meeting and this man and the Bible study that will soon develop here!

So, I left Ramon and drove on towards my destination. Not too much after along, I stopped to pick up a man looking for a ride. I have been cautioned about doing this with men carrying bags as on occasion they are carrying drugs but I felt a nudge to stop, so I did. Marcel was on his way towards his home after being at work for the last 10 days at a local resort. He gets 4 days off in between working shifts. Our conversation quickly became serious as he found out I was headed to church in the same village where he wanted to go to. He told me about his addiction to alcohol and said that he knew he needed to change as he is a husband and father of 2 now. He was actually raised in the church, by parents that sent him there, but he has gone his own way and gotten into this trouble. It became clear that he knew some Scripture as he asked me about the kind of prayers that God answers, etc. I assured him that whether we are sinning or not, one prayer God always answers is an honest heart cry of "God, Help me!"

He said he had prayed that morning and wondered how things would be when he got home. That already that morning when they got off work his friends had invited him to have a drink. When he turned them down, citing lack of money, they offered it for free. He told them he just had to go home to see his children. I suggested that this ride and our talk was part of his answer. He agreed. He said he just needed some encouragement and had found it.

I took him to his in-laws home after swinging by the church so he would know where it was. Feeling very encouraged myself, I went on to the church at San Roman. There I worshipped with a great group of people and young people especially. It was thrilling to see a dozen teens get up and sing and quote Scripture that they memorized, each doing their own verses. The message I offered was from John 1 - about Jesus moving into our neighborhood. The congregation responded well, even when a drunken man made his entrance into the service. His own brand of 'participation' was politely borne by the people who sometimes tried to help him lower his volume some. Part way through the sermon, he decided he'd had enough and weaved his way out the door.

His entrance, and personal choice to leave when I was preaching about becoming a child of God - made for an interesting Live Object lesson. One in which I encouraged the church people that he is our neighbor, someone to pray for , to show love and hope and truth to - in hopes that he will one day rejoin them - of sober mind and sober spirit!

I spoke to several people in this church about future classes for pastoral training and Bible study and even received a request for 12 Student Study Bibles! It seems someone there has 1 and now they are all eager to have their own so hey can learn and memorize more.

I went on to visit 2 more churches in the afternoon, enjoying fellowship and encouragement along the way before turning back towards home. As I came back through San Roman, I saw Marcel walking along the road, along with another man on a bicycle. Excited to see my new friend, I slowed down, only to quickly recognize that both men were intoxicated. In fact, as I drew nearer to them, I watched the one one the bike collapse into the ditch next to him, while Marcel simply looked at him, apparently helpless himself beyond standing there staring at his fallen comrade. My heart sunk.

I slowly passed by and decided not to stop. I wanted to but have learned from friends in the states that you can't talk to a man while he's drunk. So my morning bliss was busted by this oh-too-real vision of reality.

PLEASE PRAY for Marcel, for his wife and children. Pray that this will be his last day to drink as God's Holy Spirit convicts him of his sin and draws him to Jesus for the help that he needs.

I'm not discouraged - (much) - I am reminded of what Jesus said: "From the time of John the Baptist until now, The Kingdom of God has been advancing and forceful men take it by force."

PRAY for the Spirit to be the force at work in Belize and in me!
~ Ray

2008-07-13T17:33:00.000-06:00

"We want lives of simple, predictable ease—smooth, even trails as far as the eye can see
—but God likes to go off-road"

- Tony Snow

Tony Snow (1955-2008). He was not only President Bush's press secretary from 2006-2007, a broadcaster with Fox News, a journalist and newsman, but also a committed Evangelical Christian. Tony Snow died Saturday, July 12.

Many times, testimonies do not come from easy, cushy, everything is alright with me type lives. This reflects a general rule of life -Trials produce unexpected blessings.

Tony Snow wrote this in July. He had just resigned as the President's Press Secretary because of his ongoing battle with cancer. In ChristianityToday he wrote an article reflecting on lessons he has learned and is continuing to learn. Here is an excerpt from that article: Cancer's Unexpected Blessings

The moment you enter the Valley of the Shadow of Death, things change. You discover that Christianity is not something doughy, passive, pious, and soft. Faith may be the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. But it also draws you into a world shorn of fearful caution. The life of belief teems with thrills, boldness, danger, shocks, reversals, triumphs, and epiphanies.

4 wheeling anybody?!! ~ Ray

Harvest Time for the Children !

2008-07-11T17:43:00.000-06:00

The volunteers I mentioned the other day have been faithfully ministering all week - and are exhausted! Last night they stayed up nearly all night making preparations - one mother of 2 slept just 3 hours and her mother...did not sleep at all!

The morning site was packed with 240 children and the afternoon site was filled with nearly 100 excited little souls. God rewarded their diligence this morning as 18 older children came forward and gave their lives to Christ. I was not able to stay to see the harvest at the second site but God is surely stirring amidst these young hearts.

Continue to pray for the Ayalas as they minister. They minister every Sunday afternoon in an open lot to 35 children that responded to the call of Christ at last year's VBS.

Glory a Dios!

Ray

I stood weeping...

2008-07-08T21:54:00.000-06:00

as I listened to a wonderful Cuban lady tell us about how they were gathering the children to come to the VBS we came across today.

We stopped to check on Pastor Marcos this afternoon, to see how he was faring and were amazed to see their little church bursting with children! A lady from Cuba who now lives in Miami, had come back to Belize to help lead VBS in a couple of locations this week. She and another volunteer from her little church near Naples came to help her daughter and son-in-law do this wonderful ministry. They are doing children's ministry in one area in the mornings, grabbing some lunch and coming to another village in the afternoons. This was their second day and already they are getting a bit tired but were SO EXCITED about the children who were coming.

The morning group is having about 150 children while the afternoon group is about 75.

Most of these children are not involved in church at all so this is incredible.

She told me about a couple of children who wanted to come but had to help with chores. So they decided to get up at 4 AM in order to help with the chores so they could be ready to go to VBS by 8 AM. Young children hungry, hungry for the things of God!

Another story she told me was difficult to hear and such a blessing also as I realized the depths this family is going to in order to reach out to those who may otherwise be completely forgotten. They found out about 2 young boys who are locked in their house everyday while their parents work. They really wanted to come to VBS, so these burdened adults asked permission to keep the boys with them, all day, while the parents work. They reluctantly agreed because they thought the boys, (their own) were 'malo' - bad but this lady explained to the parents that they thought they were 'bueno' good boys. She relayed that they were so serious and somber, didn't smile and shied away when they tried to hug them --- but --- that they were there and were already warming up a bit and loving being active, making the crafts, hearing the Bible stories.

I think what moved me was more than the story -it was also the fact that this family is making such an incredible impact on these children. The son-in-law took a week off from work to be able to help do VBS with his wife and mother-in-law. She had such passion and conviction in her voice and obviously in her actions, her love for these children was so evident and so encouraging and so challenging all at once. Her love for them was so evident that it touched me deeply. Hearing her son-in -law explain about closing his business for a week to go and help. His wife's voice calling out and sometimes singing to the children as we visited. The fact that they were doing this without help from anyone, without funds beyond what they had in their pockets, without asking for help but just serving the Lord by serving these little ones.

I was so blessed and encouraged that waves of admiration, blessing and great gratitude kept washing over me as...

....I stood weeping - in joy over the little ones hearing about my Jesus!

Pray to the Lord of the Harvest for help in winning and keeping these young ones in the Lord's House!

Ray

POMONA HAS CHURCH!

2008-07-07T20:57:00.000-06:00

This newer church in our area has had its ups and downs lately. Sort of like a child learning to walk, they go for a bit, not exactly sure of themselves, then they stumble a bit also. Sometimes they fall down and look around to those watching to see what they should do next. If the adults or older siblings are encouraging, then they get up and try it again.

Pomona church has been like that. They have gotten their start, walked a bit, stumbled a bit and recently, unfortunately have fallen or sat down and did not know quite what to do.

Leah McLaughlin and her son Tabor have been here in Belize this week. She became very enthused about Bible Storying during her last visit to Belize. Her eagerness earned her a chance to come back and teach it to some of the women in local villages. The first was Silk Grass. The women there were also captured by this simple yet profound way of digging treasures out of the Bible. A decision was made to take it to another nearby village to introduce to the women there…enter Pomona.

After a morning of Bible Storying at Silk Grass, the ladies loaded up our little vehicle and went to Pomona. A short time later, we had assembled a delegation of ladies and children, plus Tabor and myself, and walked through the village going to homes of those already known to have been involved in the Pomona church. Smiles, greetings called over fences and through windows soon created some excitement for the following day when the class would be held.

Saturday proved to be a bit of a challenge as some followed through on the invitations while others found other things to occupy themselves with. Leah and the ladies persisted which led to the next step…Sunday morning.

It was decided that we would have church Sunday morning and attempt to reignite this little church. There was overnight excitement and enthusiasm which was challenged by reality on Sunday morning. When we arrived, the church was locked and no one was to be seen.

Persistence is an interesting word. We persisted.

We had walked around the village a couple of days earlier, so we knew where people lived and Leah had already committed their names to memory so….

Not too long later we had gotten the keys to the church, had visited a few homes and brought some people back with us.

A happy 3 hours later we slowly reversed the process, took people home, gave lots more smiles and handshakes and words like “See you next time, okay?!”

It is neat to work within God’s sense of timing too. We found out that next week a group will be coming that will be doing VBS …at Pomona! So, is His infinite wisdom, this week was at least, in part, about preparing some of the church folks to receive the ministry that is in store for next week.

It’s fun to be a part of what God is doing, even if we don’t know how it all works out, it is neat to see that He gives us a place in His handiwork.

Just for Grins

2008-07-04T22:33:00.000-06:00

See the map clear down at the bottom of this page....

............... scroll waaaaaaaaaaay down there.....

You can see we have a long ways to go!

Ray & Becki

How Many...?

2008-07-03T18:33:00.000-06:00

How many leaf-cutter ants does it take to strip a small tree down to skeletal remains?

How many bees does it take to harvest the nectar from the flowers of the Kahune Palm?

How many blood-sucking insects are there in Belize?

How many vines does it take to topple a full grown tree?

How many species of birds are there that sing their incredibly different and wonderful songs?

How many beautiful flowers grow that here naturally are sold as Exotics in the U.S.?

How many mangoes can I consume in a week?

I actually do not know the answers to any of these questions. But...I know:

~ leaf-cutter ants are voracious and incredibly diligent workers. Once they begin to harvest, nothing stops them.

~ the bees are equally busy when they gather nectar, the blooms drop with amazing consistency as they work.

~ insects...Who Knows?! But I can tell you there are more than I care for!

~ vines...I did not count them but in the process of clearing it out from the portion of our 'driveway' that is was covering, I found myself thinking, there is NO WAY you could quickly go from point A to point B in such a mass of interspersed vines (and before anyone says "Hey it's the jungle!" Yes, I know I am more aware of it all the time.

~ birds...Couldn't tell you that either although I imagine someone can. It is a treat though to hear such magnificent melodies even though the trees are so thick we cannot often see them. Although today I did see an abundance of green parrots and 4 Keel-billed toucans in a bare tree near the dining hall. How cool is that?

~ flowers...It is amazing to see the Bird's of Paradise flowers growing in ditches when we would pay a premium for them in the U.S.

~ now, to the all important question about mangoes.... I don't know this one yet either as I missed the season and there aren't enough now to discover the quantity but hopefully someday...

Well, maybe some of this would encourage you to visit Belize someday. Don't worry about the bugs, when you weigh out the whole deal - they're not that bad compared to the treats all around you and the wonderful people you meet.

New Flood this Morning

2008-06-27T18:20:00.000-06:00

I woke this morning early to a serious thunderstorm. I LIKE thunder, so I smiled and nestled in for some more sleep. Then I remembered the recent flood and thought that the people here would probably not share my enthusiasm. When the rain finally let up a few hours later, it was time to investigate.

I went for a ride after the rain subsided to go look around. Felize was eager to join me and on the way we picked up Francisco and David, 2 older boys who are our nearest neighbors. They were happy to go with us. At a few points along the way, we had David go ahead of us to test the depth of the flowing water covering the road. When I expressed concern that he not get knocked over, his older brother simply said, "He can swim."

We went thru 4 or 5 low areas until we got to within about 1/2 mile from the little creek with the raised up bridge. That was as close as we could get. They anticipated that in about 4-6 hours, you should be able to make it then but not this morning, that's for sure.

The road changed a LOT during this one rainfall - a normal car would not fare well here. In fact, just this morning, even though we were being very careful, somewhere along the way, a rock must have sliced the side wall on my left front tire as a nice flap of rubber is hanging there now. Felize had told me that the rocks on this road can be very sharp - this proves it!

It is interesting what a difference a few hours of rain can make here!

"Gifts" from Guatemala

2008-06-26T17:21:00.000-06:00

CULTURAL ADVENTURE

This last week has been interesting. I accompanied Rev. Jafet Pat on a journey to attend an Education Conference at STN, Seminario Theologico Nazareno, in Guatemala. I am REALLY glad that he took me. I did not know what was being said most of the time which was not so bad in the meetings as he translated or I read most of what was in print (I could figure that part out)

However, listening to the people speak is a whole 'nother ballgame! (Which brings up another point in itself, they play and watch a lot of futbol...but it's not the football we think of, it is what the rest of the world calls futbol - or soccer, to us Norte Americanos)

I was so glad to simply be following my friend and not having to understand what everyone was saying when we got on and off buses, went through customs to get out of Belize and then into Guatemala, exchanging money with men I could hardly catch a word of ...trying to understand something about what bus? where? when? what cost? oooohhhh mmmyyyyyyyy....

SO much easier to say, Jafet, how much? Where now? OK, thanks or ah, gracias!

OUTSIDER PERSPECTIVE

Seriously though, it was great to be the outsider, the one who could not understand what people were saying but still know they were talking about me. When they asked Jafet about me, very few would even look at me and he did not ask me to respond, so I was often just an observer, of quickly spoken words of a different language, head nods and an occasional smile.

I enjoyed this, not because it was comfortable but because it gave me the rare chance to see what is is like for someone visiting the US but unable to converse clearly in English. My

horizons have been expanded by how we can simply ignore, shy away or sit awkwardly among those we cannot easily talk to. I quickly became thankful and appreciative of those who tried to speak to me, in either language.

GENEROSITY

This educational conference focused largely on how we need to be continuing to develop further ways to reach out to those who need to be taught and not just wait for them to meet our expectations. The people we met in Guatemala were from a few of the neighboring Central American countries. One common thread, in addition to a love for their food, and easy laughter, was that they were so willing to offer help. Jafet and I talked of this as offer's continued to come - in the way of encouragement, help in developing online courses, other offering to come teach in Southern Belize, and English books for a much needed library for the pastors.

It was so refreshing to receive offer after offer. None of these came because we had money to give them, in fact the offers come at their own expense. The generous 'gifts' came because they showed us generous hearts, willing attitudes and hearts for the lost and those needed training in the things

of the Lord.

We both came away refreshed and encouraged by these other brothers and sisters who are already working hard in their own countries but had such freely offered they support. It seemed like a living NT letter being spoken aloud in real time instead of being read from a historical perspective.

PRAYER WINS AGAIN

Can I say "Thank You" again to those who prayed for our safe travel. The 2 overnight bus rides did not prove uneventful but were quite safe, despite lightning and rain and cows running alongside our bus this morning and crowded narrow city streets and winding, windy, twisty, curvy mountain roads.

HEY JERSEY!

I saw a man at the bus stop in Guatemala City wearing a Cape May Bird Observatory tshirt...! Did I just hear Carl break into that lovable song, "It's a Small World After All!"? (sorry, just had to !)

2 MORE SMALL FLASH FLOODS

Mullins temporary bridge is gone again. I guess the last couple of nights here have experienced pretty serious rains and the culvert bridge is no more...until they come fix it ...again...

I went to see for myself and got on site just after a young boy in a canoe had dropped off a man and his bicycle on this side of the river and headed back across to where a group of others awaited transport.

NEW CHURCH ?!

I gave a man a ride today here on Coastal Highway, which for those who don't know, is nothing more than an improved dirt / gravel / rock road. We spoke about the most recent little flood and the major one too. He had dog paddled / swam on a 5 gallon bucket for more than 2 hours to get past the little creek here on our road that floods, in order to get to the other side to go check on his mother. She had already lost everything in the big flood and he was concerned her so he took a very dangerous journey through murky water to go see about her safety. He definitely put his safety to the challenge in the process.

He also told me that in the big flood, he had lost 6 pigs, 9 sheep and 4 ACRES of Haberno peppers which he was growing to sell to a local company. His lost was quite large, all he had, but he was so matter of fact in saying, "I will start over." "We're all alive, that's what is important, so we thank God and I will just start over."

He asked what I was doing here and when I told him, he asked me to start a church here in this area, explaining that he thought people would come to it, especially if we offered rides as many people walk. He said it is really needed here and it would be great if I would do that. I told him that if I did I would come looking for him to help. He agreed. hhmmmm....

LORD, Lead on!!

Ray

ANTs in the pANTry !!

2008-06-19T19:29:00.000-06:00

It's interesting when teams leave to see what kinds of goodies they leave behind, especially on days like today, when there is no one else here at camp so I really am fending for myself! I went to raid the dining hall to see what I could find.

What I found surprised me! I noticed some movement on top of the fridge where various snacks and cereal had been left. I was not the only one to notice though. The top of the fridge seemed to come alive as I began to move things around a bit. It seems that thousands of little black ants were having a feast gorging on a not exactly closed bag of raisins!!!

I was grateful that they weren't interested in biting me as I tried to convince them to evacuate the area! 20 minutes later there were fewer and fewer little black dots still moving around the dining hall --- and I, as a good missionary, was storing the raisins away in the fridge -just in case there were more ANTs in the pANTry...

Mullins Temporary Bridge Washes Out

For those who have been here and understand the scenario a bit better - the culvert bridge that was built here at the Mullins River - washed away early this morning - after more rains in the hills. It is not surprising since the temporary bridge was only some plastic culverts with gravel piled on top - but it does mean that once again - people on the other side of the bridge are stranded.

One Week Later

2008-06-18T20:44:00.000-06:00

whew - that flew by !

Julie and Mike flew back to Ohio Tuesday

and Carol and Carl flew back to New Jersey Wednesday

and I dragged myself back to camp today...

I guess it was good that there was no work today as this morning I seriously wrenched a muscle in my mid back while putting a suitcase in the vehicle. After dropping to the ground..ah well.. you get the idea.

I do want to say "THANK YOU!!" for all the help this last week. I know that other than Carl, none of this group has really planned on being here - but God must have known what He had in mind - and while Relief work in the community was not really needed - it is a Big Relief to me to have more of the tasks for the house close to completion!!

On another side of things - at Red Bank church this last Sunday, we were witness to 9 young people receiving Baptism certificates = and their own incredibly wonderful worship and testimonies. The 9 teens were all from San Roman village and are more evidence of this rapidly growing church!

Then Sunday night, I preached a pretty average sermon at Silk Grass, but true to my prayer and the passage from Hebrews 4 - the WORD was alive and active and a young father named Angelo came and knelt and gave his life to the Lord! He said he wanted to do as the passage said and make this right Today and not wait for tomorrow! Praise God for the power of His Word and the moving of the Spirit!

Day Three

2008-06-13T18:57:00.000-06:00

We made some significant progress on the house – or at least it felt like it. More is getting painted, more electric is going in, Carl installed one AC unit, Carol and Julie worked on placing gravel around the house right at the foundation. They quickly found out just how warm – or ah, HOT the sun can be here in Belize.

Mike was sort of elected to make the trip into town this afternoon in order to get more supplies. A few hours later, he brought back most everything we needed, including a couple of stories. The most striking was about Phyllis. She lives in Mullins Village, which just today was able to gain access to go into town. They have gotten air drops by helicopter of food and water but this was the first day that they could cross the Mullins River by a make shift bridge just constructed by the government.

Phyllis explained to Mike that most of the wooden houses in their little village of about 15 families had actually washed away. Those wood homes on stilts survived as did the concrete block ones. To make some money she and her sons were helping to clean mud, etc, out of the homes of others in the village. She said that during the flooding, she did not know what to do. As a single mom, watching the water rise higher and higher in their home, she finally reached her wits end and told her 4 boys, you can choose what to do, if you want to leave, you can leave now, if you want to stay, you can stay. The boys stayed and all were spared any more tragic lose from the sudden flood.

We rope through their little village late in the afternoon. You can easily see how high the deadly water was as it swept through this hidden little respite in the jungle. The residents know something about survival as the village has actually been moved from the seashore due to hurricane destruction. Now they have faced and survived a different danger.

It is interesting that other than the high water marks and the personal belongings either drying in yards or being burnt because of being ruined, you might not even know that this destruction had just touched their lives. Perhaps it is just us – but there seems to be something much more simple here about picking up the pieces and moving on. Perhaps it has something to do with having less to begin with. Perhaps it has to do with that Caribbean laid back lifestyle and mindset we hear about. Maybe, just maybe, it has something to do with having a simpler sense of life, of values, and of what is really important.

Whatever it is – it makes me wonder if they know something we don’t know.

I think the spiritual formation people would say that there is something here that sounds an awful lot like “Blessed Subtraction.”

Yeah, gotta chew on that one for awhile.

Belize Day One

2008-06-11T19:38:00.000-06:00

Day One

Whew…

We really did not know what to expect and we got exactly that today! Julie fixed a wonderful breakfast for us this morning. Carol led out in devotions – with the thought that we are relying on God’s right hand --- and before the day was up we really were relying and praying for God’s right hand to move on our behalf.

We went towards the Sittee River area, met up with missionary Tom Pound briefly and then joined up with Jim Strawser, who was ready to take us out the river to Tom’s place on the island so we could help clean up the beach area. A lot of the debris and trash that had come down the rivers, ended up on the beach near Tom and Sharon’s home.

Here’s the thing though – in order to get to the beach, we had to cross the still partially flooded land, carrying our provisions with us and constantly swatting at the hordes of hungry mosquitoes! But before that we had to make our way across the lagoon, with the motor sputtering and stopping – and thankfully, being restarted by our incredible handy fix-it-all-man Jim!

But before that we had to go through the little canal that cuts thru to the lagoon. Ah…one thing though, the little canal was clogged with debris. Lots of bamboo sticks and logs of various sizes. They had spent 6 hours the day before clearing it out and we had to redo it today- only for an hour or so…on the way in – but on the way out…

Yeah, we had to do that again, from the inside this time…and that was while the current was pushing - against us – and we were pushing, poling and struggling against the debris and the hungry, hungry mosquitoes… - while – Jim and Mike tried to restart the motor that had died on us a ways thru the canal.

Thru sheer determination we made it thru the debris and managed to get to the river. Only to sit there stranded while they continued to fix the motor. It was then that the realization came that the tools that were needed ---- we left on the little dock on the other side of the lagoon….on the other end of the canal…which was probably clogged somewhere in the middle now since we released so much stuff digging our way thru. Yeah, not an inviting situation!

But…it did invite some serious prayers. We had been told that a tropical depression was forming and from the looks of the cloud over us – we believed it. No boats came anywhere near us and we did not expect any to since it was late afternoon and it would not have been a time to fish or snorkel or really even be out there…but we were.

So, we prayed, we sang, we prayed some more. We believed, Mike and Jim kept persistently working away while we prayed and hung onto a tree branch that extended out into the river so that the current did not take us out to sea.

Are you getting the picture here?!!

Julie was thinking about ‘worse case scenarios’ – which at that moment she thought it would be, we would sleep in the boat and in the morning someone would surely pass by at some point and we could get help. I reminded her of the tropical depression and potential rainfall that we would have during the night (I did not mention that hypothermia would set in if we did indeed spend the night in the rain)

Julie became inspired that we could row…! Only thing was – no oars! So she improvised, by pulling up planks that were on the bottom of the boat and 4 of us rowed while the other 2 worked on the motor.

Are you getting the picture here?!!

I sure hope so because it had to look ridiculous, like some bad version of Survivor! Well, we had some moments of struggle as rowing with these boards was not ergonomically easy, nor was going against the current, but we were making some progress…when all of the sudden, with a mighty heave and yank on the ripcord (which had broken and was being rewound by hand) – the motor sputtered….sputtered some more…and….sort of roared to life? Nah, roared is far too strong a word, but - it was running! Thank You Jesus!

Did I hear the Hallelujah Chorus break out? No, but not long after this Julie was quite vocal in her praise to God for helping us. Carol had already been saying repeatedly, that sometimes God helps in different ways, so the poling, the digging thru the debris, the rowing, all had been God’s answer to her.

We were able to sputter our way up the river for the next few miles and coast into the little dirt spot on the bank that marked our destination. As we came in Jim shut off the motor and we drifted right into our spot. But moments later Jim informed us that he did not shut off the motor – it died right as we were pulling in !!

Once again, Thank You Jesus!

Interesting first day all in all.

On the way back, we saw a rather large Blue Crab going cross the dirt road. We had seen a few of them but this was a big boy! Julie decided she wanted it so she and I got it and she grabbed a piece of bamboo and she and the crab did battle. I only helped a little bit as we tossed him in a box and took the trophy back to camp.

Day One was a success. We also found out that many of the people here have been helped by the Belize Defense Force, who came out and power washed up to 18 inches of mud out of people’s homes. The government has brought food and even stoves to some who had their belongings washed away. So things are moving along quite nicely.

The Team Has Arrived

2008-06-11T14:36:00.000-06:00

Altho they quickly experienced travel delays right out of Columbus, the 3 from GCCN ran like OJ thru the airport to catch their flight out of Houston and joined up with the 2 New Jersey team members. Yes, Chuck, Julie RAN!! (kidding!!)

Ray has the following to report:

You can't believe how far away the Mullins River Bridge went after it broke loose!! It looks crazy here...the water is back to near normal level but you can see how high everything was---pretty close to the mens dorm!

ooh boy---

Felize and Remigia moved into the little house - he said we could move into his old house while we finish ours...

Could be the plan...

There are NO burglar bars on yet...or even here at the camp.

They did finish the stucco on the back and began the porch but all has stopped. Felize has to put in a box and electric meter on the house before doing anymore. They don't have any of these things yet tho. No doors are on site - not sure if they are even in the country yet.

We will try to see Tom and Jim today and find out what is happening with relief work. Most of it, as you can imagine, is already underway. People have emptied their homes and repairing/replacing. I spoke to our Spanish neighbors across the road - they are fine- was scary but their okay.

Julie and Mike are working on breakfast right now. We had to eat dinner in Dangriga last night as there was not really anything at the camp to fix for dinner. So we took Felize and Remigia with us and ate at a chinese place - saw a rat that kept coming into the dining room----it was NOT Ratatouille ! hat made it kind of challenging but we didn't have much choice.....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I hope to hear from Ray and the team again tonite or tomorrow and will keep everyone posted!! We covet your prayers for the team, the Mayan and Belizean peoples and their efforts to recover from the tropical storms.

Blessings to you all!! Becki

Belize Bound - Relief Work Slated

2008-06-09T20:23:00.000-06:00

Tuesday June 10 I will be joined by 4 other hearty souls who do not know what we will be getting into except for a certain expectation that help is needed.

The flash floods have left a rather intimidating mess behind. We know that we are just a small force but we pray (and ask you to also) that we will be used by the Lord to bring help and hope to those severely impacted by this tragedy.

If --- U Pray as --- WE go --- then THEY will be helped --- and GOD will be glorified.

For those wondering...Becki will stay in Ohio and continue homeschooling Rachel for now. We hope to get a chance later in the week to work on the house in Belize and finish enough to make it liveable. That will have to come later though - yet it remains important to getting us established in Belize.

Thank you to all who have been praying -

Ray & Becki

RECONSTRUCTION WORKS BEGIN ON HUMMINGBIRD AND SOUTHERN HIGHWAYS

2008-06-04T10:25:00.001-06:00

June 03, 2008

The devastating floods associated with Tropical Depression Arthur caused major damage in southern Belize. While homes and lives have been lost, major parts of the Hummingbird and Southern Highway were also destroyed by the strong current and water that washed through the areas. For most of yesterday both highways were impassable. Today we contacted Cadet Henderson, CEO in the Ministry of works who updated us on the reconstruction works being carried out on the highways.

Cadet Henderson: CEO in the Ministry of Works

“Last night we had completed restoration of two culvert at mile 16 and 23 on the hummingbird sufficiently to allow traffic to past but early this morning the one at mile 23 was washed out again but it was reinstated at 10 30 this morning. Also we noted that there were some land slides occurring on the Hummingbird Highway. Clean up is in process this does not obstructing traffic but it does pose a risk so with this kind of occurrence continuing in the area. We want to advise motorist if they don’t absolutely need to travel along the Hummingbird Highway to avoid traveling in the area. Mullins River Bridge continues to be down that collapse on the Manatee Road, Kendal Bridge as well is down that collapsed yesterday as well. Mile 4 on the Stann Creek Valley Road Sarawee Village area as we speak is flooded with three feet of water. We had last report from one of our engineers on the site and it was rising. Mile 8 to 9 on the Stann Creek Valley Road also the flooding has been rising in that area but it is not raining much in the vicinity today so we believe it should go back down shortly.”

And while the Hummingbird Highway is passable at this time, the southern part of the country is completely cut off from the rest of the country. That is because the Kendal Bridge was completely washed away by the flood. Henderson told Love News that nothing can be done about this for another week or until the water goes down.

Cadet Henderson: CEO in the Ministry of Works

“Until the water recede there is nothing we can do. We have no emergency bridge that could span that gap is almost 300 feet. But I would say within a week will have some temporary access created that will allow motorist to pass but for now it is just impassable and some boating activity will take place in terms of shuttling people across the river but an access that will allow vehicular crossing cannot be in place for another week.”

Henderson says work will continue to try and rectify the problem with the Kendal Bridge. As was mentioned on our morning show today, informal discussions is on the way with Guatemalan counterparts in relation to temporary bridge as replacing this bridge is high priority.

Deadly floods in Belize after tropical storms

2008-06-04T06:13:00.000-06:00

updated 2:00 p.m. ET, Tues., June. 3, 2008

BELIZE CITY - Flash flooding in Belize killed at least four people and left two others missing, witnesses said, due to tropical storms that also killed at least three people in other Central American nations and drove thousands from their homes.
The weekend storms took most of Belize's 300,000 residents by surprise.

Early Monday, flash flood waters swept away a home in southern Belize's Stann Creek Valley, killing a man, his wife and their 14-year-old daughter, according to relatives. The couple's 12-year-old son is missing and presumed dead.

"That flood just came right now, sudden one, and when I look I saw my nephew's house over there and I told him to get out," Bedford Ritchie told Channel 7. "It looks like he was trying to pack up his things and the water didn't give him any break. The water just come right up and picked up their house and took it down there and mashed it up."

Wellington McKenzie told Channel 7 that a friend died trying to help him rescue others in their neighborhood.

"He couldn't stand up no more and he went underneath my house and there he drowned," McKenzie said. "They found him about two or three hours after."

Officials were also searching for a young boy who was pulled from his father's arms by floodwaters as the two tried to reach the safety of a mango tree.

"I went underneath the water and I bit my little boy in his hand, just to hold him, and by the time I came up back, he was gone," the boy's father, Philberto Roches, told Channel 7. "So I turned around and tried to find him and never did find him again."

The death toll had yet to be confirmed by authorities.

The rising waters also left dozens stranded on the roofs of their homes, washed out a key bridge to the southern section of the country and damaged highways.

Papaya plantations, shrimp farms and the country's three-month supply of rice were also wiped out.

Good News in the Midst of Crisis

2008-06-03T19:08:00.000-06:00

This small report just came in from our friend in Belize:

Hired someone with a boat to check on the island and take food to the caretakers. Everything is fine there.

"Still there is so much devastation but Christians and non-Christians are working side by side helping each other out."

That ---- is a beautiful thing!

Ray

Sad News

2008-06-02T21:07:00.000-06:00

This just in from Karen Strawser...her husband Jim has just recently gotten to Belize, has been working on our house a bit and other things as well.

PRAY !! ----- I SO wish I was down there to help!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ray - thanks for the forward re: storm in Belize. The phone Jim has been using isn't working and he has been trying to use his cell from back here. He's called about 8 times but the contact only lasts thru a couple of sentences.

It is really bad - Sittee River has bee wiped out for the most part. Both boats are under water and the new mini excavator has damage. Tom and Sharon's house is ok but the worker's house next door flooded ruining the mattresses etc. Jim was not able to even get out with the van until about 2 hours ago.

A major fairly new high bridge has been washed away and there is no way to get to Punta Gorda or Toledo District. He saw a horse swimming by his house this am. He woke up to the roar of water. There are mudslides.

The electric is out and no one knows for how long, of course. He was able to go to Dangrigia to get some food that doesn't require refrigeration.

Tom and Sharon are in Cancun vacationing with family. Jim says there is no need to tell them as their home is ok and there is nothing they can do from there. They are due back this Thursday. I think that is about everything.

I know it is challenging times for Jim but he's safe and that's the main thing.
Karen

RED CROSS SEEKS ASSISTANCE FOR FLOOD VICTIMS

2008-06-02T18:04:00.000-06:00

Another article taken from Belize News ---

(Now I wish I was there to find out who among those we know have been affected. Plus, these times are opportunities to minister. ~ Ray)

June 02, 2008

As the National Emergency Management Organization assesses the damage brought by Tropical Storm Arthur across the country, the Belize Red Cross is asking the public’s assistance in helping the victims of the flooding. Director of the Belize Red Cross, Lily Bowman told us that they are in much need of dry clothing.

Lily Bowman, Director General, Belize Red Cross

“The Red Cross both in Stann Creek and in Orange Walk are preparing hot meals to be distributed to the people in the shelters. They are also getting basic food items like beans, rice flour and these will be given out in packages to be given to those who are displaced but are with families. There is a big request from down south as well as in Orange Walk for clothing. Of course with flood people do not have much things dry and so we are asking the public to please donate and we will be here for 24 hours at the Red Cross Headquarters and we are also asking that in the interest of time to sort them out and not just bring it here so that we can get it out to the people who need it. There is a big need for children’s clothing and pampers and yes can food is always very necessary. We are not giving these items to the people in the shelter because obviously they do not have anywhere to cook it, but we are doing the cooking and we are giving to them in the shelters.

” Bowman also said that besides the clothing and food items, the Belize Red Cross is calling on its volunteers to report in order to help with the relief efforts.

Lily Bowman, Director General, Belize Red Cross

“Yes we are always asking for volunteers and we are asking them to report to the centers. We are also getting ready to distribute blankets down in the South area; in Sittee River, Monkey River, Hope Creek. We are looking to deliver blankets as well and we are constantly doing assessments in the shelters as well as the areas and we are coordinating with NEMO as well.”
Bowman said that they are liaising with the UNICEF office in the country as well as with the Red Cross International Federation who have told them they are now on standby to send relief to Belize.

Storm Flooding in Belize

2008-06-02T17:54:00.000-06:00

This news story from the area where we will be living in Belize.
Please pray as this may be an all too often occurence.
Ray & Becki

FLOOD VICTIMS RESCUED AND EVACUATED IN THE STANN CREEK DISTRICT
June 02, 2008

Early morning flash floods in the area of Hope Creek in the Stann Creek district have caused several families to evacuate to higher ground. A resident of Pomona, Cecil Baide called us this morning and told us that villagers of Pomona were helping to rescue victims of the flash flood. Baide said one child lost his life as his father was trying to take him to higher ground.

Cecil Baide, rescued flooding victims

“For sure I took the father of a little boy and the little boy is between two and three years old. That little boy, his father could not hold on to him anymore and something just knocked him and he lost his child. Up to right now we cannot locate the child as the water is still high, but that child lost his life noh. This is the Hope Creek area in Stann Creek District. That water had, I believe, about fifteen feet high of water and that cover the main highway that leads to Dangriga. The dad and the child were trying to come out of the water because the house was in water. The houses in the area we call the Old Melinda Station the houses are just about two feet off the ground and the water almost covered those houses. They were trying to come out to come on top or trying to get rescued because this was early in the morning and the river is like five hundred feet from where the houses are.”

Baide says that he along with relatives and other villagers were evacuating people as of three o’clock this morning. According to Baide in total they evacuated over a hundred residents of the area.

Cecil Baide, rescued flooding victims

“We came out like three of clock in the morning along with my brother in law and my cousin and we came out with boats with outboard engine and we rescued the people where the boat could not go, we did it with canoes. What we did is take the mother and the children to the places we thought were higher ground and the fathers stayed behind because they said they can battle it by swimming and then when day light came we tried taking them to higher places because there are some parts of Hope Creek that are higher and there the people got some dry clothes and something to eat. The situation right now is that the water is going down since the water is like eight inches to a foot over the road so bigger vehicles could pass and the water is going down. People are right now trying to get something to eat because it’s a lot of people.”

Small Updates that will make a BIG Difference

2008-05-26T07:58:00.000-06:00

HI Everyone!

In the midst of packing and sorting and selling and tossing out...
and tossing out and packing and scratching our heads wondering where all this stuff came from...!

A few little notes to help life along, especially once we are in Belize.

EMAIL

We do expect to have internet. However, it will be much less convenient, much slower and at times, just downright challenging. Therefore, please DO write us
but please DO NOT FORWARD things on to us. We will not open them.

We love many of the things that circulate and are encouraged by many
but for the sake of agonizingly slow connections, potential virus issues and use of our time, please do not send forwards to us. (You could print out your favorites and mail them to our new P.O. Box.... or better yet, just bring them yourself!)

SNAIL MAIL

We have an address for receiving mail...you know paper letters, cards and packages.

Ray & Becki Neu
P.O. Box 168
Dangriga (town)
Stann Creek (district)
Belize, Central America ( do not abbreviate to CA as often it then goes to California!)

So, why not be adventurous and send us a little something? We are curious to see how long it takes and how it arrives.

Be sure to ask the post office to send to "Belize"!

MOVING DATE

We are moving out of our side of the duplex this week as it has been rented - Praise God!
We will be staying with Michelle and 2 1/2 year old Christian until we move to Belize.
When is that?
Not sure quite yet but for now, our phones will still be working, so give us a shout !

Love you all

Ray & Becki

A Bible Story Saved Our Lives!!!

2008-05-15T16:25:00.000-06:00

While in Belize with the mission team that was working on our house, I had the opportunity to teach a Bible Storying lesson. A number of you have experienced this and may understand the enthusiastic response. It was well received enough that on one ride back to the camp, Leah asked if we could do a Bible story, so I started in on the story of Martha and Mary. As a really good discussion ensued we reached the 7.4 mile dirt road that brings us to Advance Camp. As this road is very bumpy it makes the van very noisy.

I had slowed down to a near crawl in order to allow conversation to continue to be heard. As we came near one bend in the road, we were surprised to see a semi truck barreling our way! Not only was the truck moving very fast but as it came around the curve right in front of us, it also slid sideways and covered the road before the van. I literally had nowhere to go - other than to try to drive off into the jungle, if that would have been possible.

I came to a stop after having moved as far to the right as possible...and waited very brief, anxious moments as the speeding truck flashed past within a couple of feet of our van. The ensuing cloud of dust was nearly as dangerous as we could not see or be seen if any other vehicles had been on the road.

As many such events are, it all happened very quickly. One thing that became very clear to me was that had we not been having this Bible story discussion, I would have been driving at the normal speed for that road -------- and at that speed - we would definitely have had a horrific collision!!

I reviewed the vision of that truck hurtling towards us several times in my mind ---

and always came to the same conclusion....a Bible story saved our lives!!!

Carol, the constant prayer warrior, was not surprised that we were spared since she had prayed in the morning that we would be covered. I know the power and thrill of answered prayer - and I believe that on this day, God covered us by using a Bible story discussion.

Can I say on behalf of all of us - we REALLY appreciate YOUR prayers!

Ray

2008-05-11T16:38:00.000-06:00

MOTHER'S DAY

We spent the morning at Red Bank Village where the Sunday morning service consisted of a whole lot of singing and --- a wedding! We really enjoyed worshipping with people from various villages as they came together for this special occasion.

Then we went to a "nearby" waterfall. We had never been there before and did not know about the 4 = mile drive back thru the bush, then a 2 mile hike....thru the jungle...then had some fun slipping on the moss covered rocks, sliding down the rocks into a small pool of water and interrupting a photo shoot! We would never have imagined that in this out of the way place, that we would come across a professional photo shoot, complete with bikini clad models and make up artists, grips, photographer and a jungle guide...(who had according to his clothes, taken a bad fall somewhere along the way!)

Some of the team was asking if this long hike thru the steamy jungle, all uphill on the way in, was our R&R day....declaring that it seemed more like a bootcamp adventure. There were some who said next time we go on R&R they'd rather stay back and work on the house since it was easier! So, to all those back home whose mothers were here today - you will need to give them some extra pampering when they get back home!

THE HOUSE is coming along nicely. The team has been working seriously well together and really hard also. We literally had to force them to quit last night to come to dinner! The drywall is nearly finished, electrical and plumbing are close as well. Some Indian workers are putting in the windows and doing the concrete stucco finishing work around the windows. It is amazing how nice it looks- we simply could NOT do what they do!

Please keep praying - we are doing well and with the exception of some small cuts and bumps and bruises, we all seem to be in good health.

BIRTHDAY ! My birthday was actually 2 weeks ago, but on Saturday night, the team surprised me at dinner with their singing and cards from our friends at Seashore! Wow~ what a great surprise! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! It was great to see the cards - which were hilarious, but also to see your notes and love and well wishes. I am indeed blessed to have such friends!

Blessings from Belize!

Ray & Becki

House Building Update

2008-05-07T17:42:00.000-06:00

Team one has completed a week's work and Mike Sterle has gone back home. He did a great job helping us get the interior walls up and strips for the ceiling set in place. Team Two arrived today which is great because we can start drywall tomorrow! Plumbing and electrical has been started as well.

It's starting to look more and more like a house!

CRITTERS:

Carol was privileged to find 2 scorpions in the ladies dorm. She let them live as they are part of God's creation - but has been advised to extinguish them as they have a tendency to propagate and make more and more little stinging scorpion babies! Watch out scorpions!

JAGUAR!!!!
May 1 as we were coming back from the airport, we saw and nearly ran over a large Jaguar in the area of Blue Hole National Park in the Maya Mountains! Absolutely beautiful animal. It was jumping through some long grass about to cross the road when I hit the brakes so as to not hit it - when it saw the larger white van about to run over it, it turned and in two long leaps was back into the jungle from which it came. What a beautiful animal and a wonderful moment to see one of God's creative efforts.

Many people here have never seen a jaguar outside of the zoo so we feel very blessed.

We also have seen another large black jungle cat - found out that they are called Jaguarundi. Gray fox are seen near the camp. Howler monkeys came by for a brief visit in the 60 ' tall bamboo on the river bank yesterday. Coati Mundi have been seen a couple of times too. And, birds of many kinds can be heard nearly all the time - which is very cool. Carl saw a Toucan yesterday as well. I'm telling you --- the Jungle is a neat place to live!

On Sunday, after having church in Silk Grass, with the wonderful brothers and sisters there, we went for a bit of R&R. We explored St. Herman's Cave --- you'll have to ask Carol about being left in the dark while the men went on a little excursion!

We also swam in a fabulous sinkhole in the jungle called The Blue Hole. The blue water comes up from springs and an underground river, beautiful blue and very cool - actually chilly. It was a great way to relax and anjoy another part of God's incredible creation here in Belize.

Grateful for those who are here helping us -for those at home praying for us -
and
Wishing everyone else could come visit !

Ray & Becki

Bugs...

2008-04-29T17:18:00.001-06:00

It's funny - when I signed on to update our blog - there was a note about the bugs they had fixed. Those particular bugs were online computer glitches...the BUGS I'm talking about are blood sucking, human loving, tiny, voracious, vampiric little critters that are driving me - well, buggy!!!

Do you know it is distracting to type when you just want to ITCH!!??!!

I helped string lights here at the camp this morning for a women's retreat that has rented the facilities. It was nice working with Felize and Carmencielo, two really nice men. Anyhow, I had already sprayed myself down with BUG spray but I guess they cannot read -or smell or did not care! We were all getting mildly swarmed with the little biting buggers! The worst were the bottle flies, tiny little black flies that look like gnats but suck blood - and their bites swell up and itch for at least 2 weeks ---- argh! The other men went to put on long sleeve shirts while I tried to drown myself in bug spray - yuck! If you are not aware - the bottle flies are the ones that can leave a larva inside you which gets rather large and really painful... Yeah, so long sleeves can help - especially if they also cover your face! Ha! Yeah - long sleeves -did I mention it is hot here?

Anyhow, here are some other fun facts here in Belize

- it's in the 90's
- the water in the Caribbean looks FANTASTIC - No, have not been in it. just saw it, from the van, where it was hot, in the 90's
- steel has gone up 30% --- so the house is costing more...
- there is a shortage of wheat flour --- Rev Tzib was denied buying 5 lbs of flour for the pastors' retreat - when he went back the next day and tried again - they agreed to sell him only 3 lbs...!
- did I mention that it is in the 90's - and - humid...?

go figure!

Hey, seriously - Just keep praying for the ministry here - this is nothing that is unsual for anyone else - so I'll deal with it.

Ray

Jungle Cat !

2008-04-28T19:47:00.000-06:00

I did not get his picture but I did see a medium large black jungle cat run across the road in front of us today! Very cool... Just a friendly reminder that I'm not in Ohio any longer!

THANK YOU! to everyone who prayed for the Pastor's Retreat this past weekend. It went very well - God stirred us as we searched the Scriptures in Ezekiel 37 and sought to apply these valuable words to our churches.

The hours flew by and all too soon, the time had come to depart. It is a good sign of friendship, fellowship and Christian love when men don't rush off when the time is over because they desire to talk more, pray more and not hurry back to the demanding pace of ministry.

Please continue to pray for the pastors here in Belize...they are very much under all the normal pressures that pastors face, plus feeling the increasing strain of some food shortages, material shortages, very high prices and many poor people.

When I can, I will try to post a pic of our house - the men here have worked SO hard, it LOOKS GREAT! Work did stop until we can get more money and more materials but that will soon be on the way...(hopefully) PRAY that we are able to obtain enough materials - some places here are experiencing shortages - and in a small country where most everything is imported - that can really make an impact.

Blessings Friends!!
Ray

Will you join our Prayer Team?

2008-04-22T06:34:00.000-06:00

Time to get more specific - as we head to Belize, we need to enlist a group of people who will:

* COMMIT to praying for us regularly
* COMMIT to praying whenever specific requests come in
* COMMIT to holding us up before God's throne
* COMMIT to spending daily and weekly time,
interceding on our behalf
listening to God to hear His response
* COMMIT to sharing only what they truly believe God has spoken - to them - for us

These people will receive:

* Separate prayer requests regarding the ministry (beyond what is posted in our blog)
* Urgent prayer flashes whenever something timely develops
* Updates on specific prayers
* Opportunities to let us know what God is saying to you, for us
* Our gratitude and God's pleasure, as this is the hard yet very necesary work of the Kingdom!

If you believe that you would pray like this, then send us an email ( rbneu7@gmail.com ) stating that you wish to be part of the prayer team.

"Because of the Master, we have great confidence in you. We know you're doing everything we told you and will continue doing it. May the Master take you by the hand and lead you along the path of God's love and Christ's endurance."

2 Thesaloninans 3:4-5 The Message

Thank you!
Ray & Becki

URGENT NEED FOR BELIZE

2008-04-17T21:40:00.000-06:00

The Mission Council of Grove City Nazarene is asking for prayer in acquiring a vehicle for Ray & Becki to use in Belize. Here are some specifics to consider in your prayers and in your consideration of this, as the Lord may lead you to be involved:

* 4 wheel drive is a must for the rainy season and the areas they will be expected to travel
* diesel is less expensive than gasoline in Belize and may last longer (the last we heard gas was $5.50 per gallon US prices and diesel was $4.10 per gallon)
* they will need to carry passengers, so 4 doors would be very helpful
* vehicles tend to get beaten up pretty quickly because of the rough terrain, so quality counts
* cultural sensitivity means not having the biggest, fanciest vehicle available

POSSIBILITIES

* trucks are available in Belize but tend to be small, foreign made, which means, not quite made for tall people
* a vehicle purchased in the US could also be used to ship their belongings in (if a vehicle is sent from the US, it will be transported via ship, not driven to Belize)
* there is a 4 wheel drive van available in Belize (not sold in the US) {Cost is about $22,000. US} (this could also be very advantageous for small teams going to Belize)
* If anyone knows of a vehicle that may work and be available at a 'great price', please contact us!* If you feel lead to contribute towards this urgent need, please contact us.

Please join us in praying for this crucial need.
Transportation is an every day challenge in Belize.
We are asking for God's wisdom, insight and direction in making this short term decision with long term results.

If you would like to discuss this, please contact:
Ray Neu cell: 609-846-3733 email: rbneu7@gmail.com
Ray is only in the US through this coming Wednesday, and will return May 14. Please keep that in mind when contacting him.

THANK YOU so much for the ongoing prayers! We can already see where it is making a great difference in Belize!

Cheryl Ticknor, Missions President

My Head is FULL ~!

2008-04-17T05:42:00.000-06:00

No, I don't have a cold, although allergy season is starting to kick in for me. Pastor Rob recently went to Belize and once he saw the realities of life there he strongly encouraged me to go to some leadership training that he had already been promoting to me. I took his advice and went.

Now, after a week of listening to this teaching - my head is even more full than it already was - thinking about the material, which was fantastic - and thinking about the possibilities and how to implement this in Belize. There is a great need there for leaders who are strong in their beliefs, in and FOR their community.

Instead of the normal Western system of sending people off to schools to receive education, then hoping they come back to serve the local church - (which too often fails) - this system develops leaders right where they live through an intentional framework of 5 guiding areas:

CHRIST - The focus of all we want to do and be
COMMUNITY - The people and place where we serve
CHARACTER - Being with those people brings out character issues to address
CALLING - The actual confirmation of God's specific call
COMPETENCIES - The particular skills and gifts for our work

These are organized thru 4 dynamics in order to attain the best possible learning & life results:

SPIRITUAL - conducted by prayer and Scritpure as ultimate source
RELATIONAL - done with at least one other person or ideally, a group
EXPERIENTIAL - lived out in experiences and tasks completed together
INSTRUCTIONAL - the truth, skill, concept, knowledge desired to learn

I could say a whole lot more but..... if I haven't lost you already, I don't want to . Seriously, if you take even a brief look at this you will see that it stresses learning and building healthy leaders in a different fashion than our institutional approach.

This looks a LOT more like what Jesus did. Which seems to ring a bell with me....

Jesus did not have much time, He chose some pretty sketchy people to work with. They failed Him and disappointed Him often...YET, the ones Jesus chose have rearranged our world - and still are! Maybe there's something to this whole thing afterall...?!

Be blessed while you ponder this...

Ray & Becki

3 Teams - 3 Terrific Weeks

2008-03-31T08:52:00.000-06:00

Grove City Nazarene is making good on their pledge to adopt the small country of Belize! While it is still early, already 3 teams from the church went to Belize during February - March. A medical team led the way, led by Dr. Don Furci. They served people at the Center built by GCCN in the southern part of the country and visited a number of villages as well. Many people came to receive the free medical care. It was so encouraging to see the great attention given to the patients, who often come as an entire family. Most encouraging to me was seeing the times that the medical staff would treat their patients with prayer in addition to the meds being offered. I know that this makes a big impression on the people, seeing that their doctors and nurses trust God for their patients ultimate care.

The next team was a group of teachers, led by Homer McKnight. He and my wife, Becki brought a group which consisted of some returning teachers from last year's inaugural trip, as well as some first timers. Once again, they did a fabulous job feeding people who were so hungry to learn. Training was given in Children's Ministry, piano and Bible storying. All aspects were readily received and many requests for 'more, more' were heard. Some of the people who came this year were students last year and reported that they had been using what they learned last year, which is why they wanted 'more!'

This seems to be the greatest felt need among so many people - they truly desire to be taught.
Plans are being made to send more teachers, more often, to meet this great need.

Pastor Rob Paugh then brought a rambunctious group of teens who worked to complete a makeover of the Roaring Creek Nazarene school yard. These young people were phenomenal in their patience, their hard work and their willingness to jump in and do whatever was needed! Prejudice was obliterated when other young people met our teens, fears were conquered (in the presence of MANY scorpions!), a new outreach area was given a huge boost as these adventurous young people went door - to - door inviting people to come to a rally. Then they shared their testimonies, sang and prayed as several people surrendered their lives to the Lord Jesus!

They saw "the church" in many different forms while in Belize and realized that 'church' is not about form or structure or place, or many of the things we think it is. They came away seeing that 'church' is about people worshipping God -plain and simple; any where with any thing at any time, the only thing needed is humble hearts and wilingness.

Belize is beginning to see some of the faces of the caring people at Grove City - and they like it!

We are beginning to see some of the challenges and opportunities that exist in Belize - and we like it!

God, lead us in doing what we can to make an impact!

Our Jungle Palace

2008-03-29T17:08:00.000-06:00

Here are a couple of pics to show the progress. The men are working so hard in some serious heat and feeding lots of mosquitoes at the same time! THANK YOU to all who are working on it!

New Believer in Belize

2008-03-27T12:17:00.000-06:00

I was honored to be able to introduce Jesus to a man who came to a Sunday night service in Belize, all alone - sat alone - did not sing or stand or clap or participate in any way until I did a teaching on Zacchaeus. He began to add some comments as the congregation shared their thoughts on the interaction between this wealthy, well-dressed, little man who climbed a tree in order to see Jesus and the person of God, who called Zacchaeus by name, insisting that He was to go to his house that very day. They realized that a person who is looking for Jesus, may have to overcome the obstacles that a crowd can put in front of them, find creative ways to get to Jesus, overcome prejudice from those who think they are right with God when you're not and be willing to not let the religious crowd keep you from doing whatever it takes to get to see who Jesus really is.

Before the service had started, I noticed this man sitting alone in the back of the church...and waved at him, He waved back. I found myself praying for him often during the service and especially when the local pastor opened the altar and gave an invitation to come forward for prayer. Some women responded immediately but this man hesitated. I prayed more. I prayed urgently.

Then he realized that he needed to give himself to God the same way that Zacchaeus did - - and just like in that story Jesus knew him by name, welcomed him and declared that he too was saved. Jesus rejoiced and so did this church, as they came and embraced the man and made sure that he was no longer alone.

What a beautiful thing the church is when it works like this.

I just wanted to share this moment with you.

Pastor Ray

All I Needed Was A Rubber Ducky!!

2008-03-19T22:24:00.000-06:00

It was weird that the first thing I thought of this morning when I went to the basement and saw 3 inches of water on the floor was...where's a rubber ducky when you need one?? Other than that, I knew I was in for a long day!! Seems there was a clog in the floor drain under the house...not all the way out to the sewer, thank goodness, but a several hundred dollar clog nonetheless!! And of course, it was the same soggy picture in Michelle's basement. Double the fun and games!
All is well as things begin to dry up. The fans are blowing and the dehumidifier is on high. Life is good!!

Ray is doing very well in Belize. SO MUCH is being accomplished by him being there, visiting, meeting new people and just listening. I'm so proud of him!! He is there with the youth team from Grove City Naz right now and had a rally last night and one planned for tonite. He hasn't been on e-mail for awhile but was able to call Monday afternoon. (thank you, thank you, Chief!!) It was good to hear his voice. He's into a full blown cold and I've asked him NOT to bring it home, so please pray that his cold has a short life!! Oh yeah, and that he feels better each day :-)

When Ray gets home, we'll be sure to include some pictures of our house, which is coming along nicely. And pix of some of the teams that have been down there over the past month. Seashore Naz from New Jersey (thanks, Pastor Scott!!) is sending a team down in May to do the inside of our house. It will be led by Ray's brother, Carl.

A couple of my friends went on the Walk to Emmaus this past weekend. I love to sponsor new people and see what they bring out of the experience. I recommend it to everyone!!

I'm having writer's block now so it seems best to sign off.... Blessings, Becki

a LONG trip home!!

2008-03-11T17:06:00.000-06:00

It is really good to be home!! Getting into Houston Saturday early afternoon and finding out that Ohio had closed down completely was NOT expected. We knew that snow was forecasted but didn't realize that it was a record breaker!! So we tried, tried and re-tried to find a way out of Houston to no avail. So we spent a very comfortable night at the Hampton Inn by the airport. (No spiders, no scorpians, and tons of hot water!! Yeah!!) Then back to the airport to try again Sunday morning...but NOTHING. We did however secure a flight to Cincinnati for Monday morning and 2 vans to get us and our luggage back to the Church. So back to the hotel for another night of comfort and rest. Finally on the road to Columbus after a good flight from Houston and all the way wondering where all of that record snow was!!!!

Well, word is that it really WAS there but had already began to melt and was only half the height that it was on Saturday. I got home and was able to shovel the sidewalk with Rachel's help and Christian throwing snowballs at us! Good to be home, but.....

...tough to leave Belize and especially Ray. We had such a great time together and were getting so involved, so quickly in the lives of the Pastors. It was good to meet new ones, some I already knew and to meet all of the wonderful people who work at the Advance camp and made our stay so enjoyable. AND it was really cool to see our new house go from a freshly dug footer with just rebar to 4 walls layed 6 blocks high...already to the bottom of the windows. Looks like we will be ready to start the inside of the house by the end of April!! Yeah!!

Our team was a simply amazing group of people, as always put in place by God for the exact talents needed to train the Mayans. Music, Childrens ministry, and Adult Bible teaching. Four of the group completely new to missions. Yippee!! The food was awesome, especially the fresh tortillas every day. (I did get a chance to visit the grocery store in Dangriga and the sticker shock was overwhelming!! Food is so much more expensive there...except for rice and beans, that is!!!) As Ray mentioned, night time is VERY dark. Seems silly to say, but when the ONLY light is the stars it is even hard to see your hand right up in front of your face!!! A little spooky............

The jungle is very dense and without a machete, you don't get very far at all. I hope to back the jungle up a little bit from around my house when we get there. All I need is a chain saw and a weed wacker and of course a machete. Oh yeah, and LOTS of bug repellent!!! LOL!

Seriously, the possibilities in Belize are endless. There are so many ways we will be able to help the Mayan and Ketchie Indian Pastors as well as the Belizian Pastors. God wants us there. That we know for sure. Our next challange will be to listen for His direction once we are there and settled in. There is alot of healing and mending of relations that need to occur and Ray is so good with that. He loves the people and wants barriers that keep churches from growing removed. We both are excited to get to know all the pastors, their families, their churches and their challenges.

Blessings to the team...Homer, Ted, Kathy, Susan, Denette, Lori, Kelly and Janeen.
It was our pleasure and an honor to work with such an amazing group of people!!

Thanks for prayers and for supporting us with love and encouragement!!
Becki & Ray

You Better Belize- it!!

2008-03-06T16:15:00.000-06:00

Hello friends!

It is hot hot hot here, how's that snow and ice doing for ya?

After a half day of snorkeling, we are back at teaching full force. God blessed us today with more people than we have had all week. The people are SO HUNGRY for teaching, it is incredible! This little offering of ours is in some ways so small in our eyes, but so major for them. We have already received requests to come to other parts of Belize to teach more people who find it impossible to travel to where we are.

Last night's rally in Hopkins was a God event. We felt so stirred up and God truly moved. Many came to the altar and prayed for quite some time, many in tears, even though is was getting really late. This is significant because the Indians very rarely show such emotion. It is not about emotion but this was an indicator about how much God was stirring their hearts.

Keep us in prayer as there is another day of teaching and a LOT of travel on our part in order to make it happen. Your family members will be home soon - exhausted but happy for it!

For those who are wondering what Becki thinks about things here - well, there are a lot of different angles to that conversation! You'll have to wait till she has a chance to write, --- about how truly black it is at night! ---- about her first visit to the grocery store - sticker shock! ---- about the wildlife living here at the camp ---you know, just lots of stuff!

For your Jersey folks -Kelly is the bomb! Everything is "awesome" to her - really EVERY thing is 'awesome' to her, she is having a blast and really making a big big difference. We are so glad you lent her to us! Thanks!

Pastor Ray

Becki is in Belize!!

2008-03-01T17:12:00.000-06:00

The team arrived safely here on Saturday and have had lunch and a bit of a quick driving tour of Belize City and are practicing right now for tonight's rally. It is very likely that from tonight's service we will have the beginnings of a brand new Nazarene Church!

Pray for the schedule we have ahead of us - over the next week there are:
* 3 rallies - which are major deals here, some people are traveling 2 hours to come to these!
* 4 days of teaching, each with people from different parts of Belize
* untold numbers of lives to be touched for the Kingdom!!

* Pray for new Christians
* Pray for potential future pastors
* Pray for the new churches that are being sought out right now. We could have 12 new ones fairly soon, as people in various areas are expressing interest!

* Pray for the strength, patience, flexibility, and Spirit-led hearts for each of us. We will need it!

His for the Harvest
Pastor Ray and the Team!