St. Paul's is all about "Bringing Christ to the Word."  And one of the key ways we've expressed our commitment to reaching the world is through overseas missions projects.  The last three years, we've had a team go to Belize City, Belize in Central America.  On June 11th missionaries from St. Paul's and Holy Sacrament in Pembroke Pines, FL will depart for Belize City.  The trip includes 3 basic components-medical care, light construction, and Vacation Bible School, but the most important component is the opportunity to share the love of Jesus Christ with the people of Belize.

 

The medical team is the largest group.  Holy Sacrament has many people in the congregation who work in the medical field, and many of these have served the Lord together for years in the mission field in Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Belize.  They are like a well-oiled machine.  Every day for 5 days, we load about 20 large canvas duffle bags filled with medical supplies for the 30-minute trip to St. Mary's Anglican School.  There, they care for hundreds of people a day in a makeshift clinic in the school gymnasium.  It is a wonder to behold.  This year, Josie Weiss, Martha Barrett's twin sister will be joining the medical team.  It's a great opportunity to introduce people to Jesus the Great Physician.  

 

In Belize City there are 4 Anglican primary schools-All Saints, St. Mary's, St. John's and Queen's Square.  A primary school is for students ages 5-14 years old, similar to our elementary schools.  Each year we offer Vacation Bible School for the 5 ^th Form students, the 14 year olds.  The students absolutely love the Bible stories, games and crafts.  It is a critical time for the students since, while we are there in June, they learn how they've scored on their standardized tests.  Those who've performed well continue on an academic track in High School and University.  Those who don't score well go to technical school.  While some of the students are elated, others are crushed by the results.  We are in a unique position to provide the joy and consolation of the Holy Spirit at a critical time in their lives.  Fr. Jon Robbins, Amanda Robbins, and Robbie Walker will serve on the VBS Team.

 

And finally we have a team which conducts a light construction project.  The first year we completely refurbished 6 non-functioning toilets at Queen's Square School.  The construction team was very popular!  Then last year the team put fresh paint on the same school.  Queen's Square was historically the largest and the most impoverished of the four schools.  Last year, when the school received a coat of new paint for the first time in decades, a student proudly exclaimed, "Now our school is the same color as our uniforms, just like the other schools!"  It's obvious that the Lord Jesus cares about every child, and He's all about showing His love by restoring human dignity.  Bob Webster will serve on the Construction Team.

 

Please pray for the missionaries in Belize!  Thank you for your generous support of their ministry!

 

Gratefully in Christ,