More Belize Info ... and Oasis Ministry

The team will be staying near Unitedville, Cayo, Belize

This is about 60 miles from Belize City on the coast and 

20 miles from the border with Guatemala. 

(on the below map, Unitedville is located slightly southwest of Belmopan)

We will be inland and surrounded by fields and forest. This is a poor, rural area.

We will be working with Oasis Ministries while there. Oasis has a school, a library truck to reach surrounding communities, a church with regular worship services, and a building ministry to help the people in their community have safe shelter. 

Children waiting their turn at the library truck.

Checking out books inside the library truck.

Linda - one of the organizers of Oasis Ministry

About Belize

Belize is in Central America on the Caribbean Sea and bordered by Mexico and Guatemala. 

It is about the same size as New Hampshire. The capital is Belmopan. 

Spanish is the main language, 

but many people also speak English and Kriol

and a few still speak Mayan as well.  

Population is about 321,000 

(Charlotte has almost 606,000)

Belize was previously British Honduras and still uses a parliamentary system with an elected House of Representatives, appointed Senate and Prime Minister.

About 50% of Belizeans belong to the Roman Catholic Church. 

25% are Protestant and the rest are a mix of other religions. 

Tourism is one of the largest industries. 

There is also an import/export business with the US being that largest partner.

Unemployment is high in Belize as is the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. 

Exchange rate as of today (12/13/11)

1 USD = 2 BZD

4 out of 10 people live in poverty. 

Literacy is at 76%.

'Rice & Beans' consists of white rice and red kidney beans cooked together in coconut milk.

Seafood and chicken are plentiful as is fruit.

Belize has beaches and diving with the largest barrier reef in the Caribbean and a popular diving spot known as The Blue Hole. 

Belize is also home to many caves and rivers the run through them. There are Mayan ruins to explore as well.

... just a small picture of the country the team will be calling home for a few days ...

Belize Trip - two weeks and counting!

The Mission Team has been busy prepping and praying for our upcoming trip. 

Here are some photos of a model of the house we will be building for the Bell family. 

It is covered with prayers from the Spirit of Joy family. 

Please continue to pray for the trip and that Christ shines brightly. 

WV Mission Trip

Want to hear about the WV Mission Trip? 

Want to see photos from the trip? 

Then come to SOJ THIS Sunday - July 24 - and hear stories, see pictures and get a glimpse of the work God did this week. (during both services)

Monday Update

Ok - It's actually Tuesday morning, but that is ok!!!

There are three teams going to work on houses.  One is helping build an addition with a contractor. One is painting and scraping and painting. One is roofing and working on a bathroom. When everyone returned yesterday, they were hot, dirty, sweaty and smiling.

God is so good!!

In addition to the work teams, there are a couple of folks taking the kids to VBS.  Thomas, Sophie and Eli worked hard yesterday knocking on doors and inviting strangers to join us at VBS.  For 6-8 year olds, they truly showed that it wasn't about them and did things they would normally not do. We had one little girl show up for VBS, but firmly believe that we are exactly where God wants us and are doing what God wants us to do.

Evenings are filled with games, dinner, devotions and singing. New friendships are being forged. Relationships are being strengthened. Comfort zones are being stretched. God is above all being glorified!!

Arrival in WV

The team arrived safely at rthe mission. We are settling in and getting organized. More updates later!
CK

T-Shirt Design