Day 3 - Blankets, Beds and Babies

What day is this?  Oh, yea - it's Monday.  Many of us feel as though we have been here for a week already, and yet today was the first day of actual mission team work.  We were so very inspired to have about 20 Belizean women and 6 men to join our group projects.

The women's group took advantage of the large chapel area to set up sewing stations for making fleece blankets.  Large tables draped in bright, multicolored fabric were spread all throughout the room.  These ladies began to work fast and spent the morning and afternoon cutting, tying and folding over 100 yards of fleece.  The over-arching message behind making the blankets is to share the fruits of our labors - and these women will get a chance to give the blankets to other families in their village.

During lunch, Quest's missionary women led a discussion that would allow Belizean women to have an opportunity for personal testimonies and faith sharing.  Our team was surprised by how few material things these woman have and yet they know scriptures very well and strongly feel the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives.  Heather Thomas went so far as to say, "it felt like they were missionaries to us".  

It has been a blessing to see how God has changed many their lives.  Last year, Forrest Page and others led a young Mayan girl to accept Christ - right on the front porch of Camalote Camp.  Her mother and grandmother are the women we buy our crafts and souvenirs from.  This family showed up once again to offer their wares for sale.  But this time, they are more excited about sharing the love of the Lord - mostly by 

their testimonies of recent baptisms, home cell-groups and church worship.

Just outside the chapel, QC and EQC men set up under Austin's wood shop and began making the first of many beds.  Travis Cain and Asa High teamed up to help us develop the bed template and then conveyed instructions to the group.  Within an hour or so, saws were screaming, drills were turning and wood was being assembled.  

Everyone talked about how good it felt to get busy and get our hands dirty - and all worked safe. 

When we broke for lunch, Micheal Albright led one of our "lunch lessons" - sharing the story of Moses.

Several men offered personal testimonies and we are hoping that our Belizean brothers will be inspired to open their hearts as we work together this week.

Believe it or not, our men's group assembled over 25 beds today!  We will continue tomorrow and we have decided to add another project - building a few outhouses with scrap lumber.  

It's getting late and I am running quite low on sleep, but I simply must share this story.

When the Belizean woman showed up for their project day, so did their children.  Now, we had prepared for a few kids - just not 14!  Nina Reynolds was leading the kids care team and had to make a call to the "bullpen" for additional nursery workers.

     

So a schedule was created to include another woman and one man from the men's group. We rotated in for one-hour intervals so that people didn't become overwhelmed.  Needless to say, the first few hours of "Camp Cry, Scream and Runaway" were tough.  Especially for fellas.  :)

   Untill Tomorrow...

p.s.  I have had several emails asking if we are checking responses to the blog - and the answer is "yes".

Feel free to comment!  We will get them.

Blessings from Augusta

We are all in love with the stories and pictures being shared with us. The videos on the Facebook page are moving and give us all a chance to experience a small part of this trip. For those of you that do not have Facebook, here is the link to the 2 videos they have posted:

Belize Day 1

Belize Day 2

I wish I had a video camera at Quest Church on Sunday to record your family members and friends talking so proudly about each one of you. Many had read the blog post and watched the video. Many who have been in the past became home sick. Many of us wish we were there with you. Most of all we are excited to see what God is doing in Belize!!

As we watch the videos, we cannot help but see the joy in your faces! May the joy of the Lord be your strength in the coming days! 

Specific prayers for:

strength as you begin to build beds

words from the Holy Spirit as you build and strengthen relationships with the men and women

rest for tired bodies

open eyes to see the opportunities God has set before you

changed hearts

changed lives

Posted by: Sarah MacDonald

Day 2 - Worship and Fellowship

Wow, it is truly amazing how well we all sleep on our first night in camp.  Being awake and in-travel for nearly 24 hours really requires us to recharge our batteries.  However, the sun rose over Camalote around 5:30 am Sunday morning and lifted spirits in anticipation for a day of worship and fellowship with our sister church.  

As many Belizean children and families stepped off the bus and  into Camalote Chapel, everyone began getting reacquainted with each other.  Our missionaries dispersed among the congregation and ,soon, no one could tell where Quest began and Evangelical Quest ended.    

Wes Roberts, Melvin (EQC's Worship Leader), Mike Freace, Vania Gallardo and Noah Cruz led our service in an acoustic style, playing songs like God of this City.  Wes was very proud of being able to witness how well Melvin, Vania and Noah played together. 

Noah has been very passionate this weekend and that excitement came out through his play on the percussion box.  Our service was special, yet short today - as EQC normally uses Sunday as a time of scriptural lessons and breakout-groups. 

After worship, Little Victor didn't waste any time with chit-chat and climbed into the lap of Nina Reynolds. Kids flocked to Quest missionaries, talking about everything from pen pal letters to what missionaries did not come.  For those of you on our most recent April mission, your impact on these children during "Camp-God-Rocks" continues to resonate in their hearts - please know this.  They were very well behaved and listened attentively to instructions.  I think credit is due, in large part, to the love of one woman - Vickie Veatch!

We had to include this photo of Mike Freace and little Erwin (Evan) Canti.  He was born to Jennifer about a month after our April departure.  Please continue to pray for this family, especially as Jennifer continues to do well in school.  She is a very bright and beautiful young lady.

The men of Quest and EQC came together for a break-out bible study and discussion that centered on the life of Joshua.  As most of you know, our theme this week is Joshua 24:15 - "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord".  We feel that building stronger husbands, fathers and community leaders is vital to our continued mission here in Belize.  The women conducted a similar discussion, gathering in the dining hall with nearly 30 ladies participating.

During the adult sessions, Julie Gray and her assistants divided children into 4 large groups and made crafts together.  Wes and Melvin helped to lead the groups in song to kick off the event. The theme of this time spoke about the Good Samaritan.  Kids got to make cross necklaces for themselves and they had to make a cross decoration to be given to someone else. Again, Vicky would have been proud of both the organization and behavior of EQC kids.

Stomachs were rumbling as the smell of tamales, nachos and watermelon drifted from the kitchen.  Everyone was excited to grab a plate of food and a chair and enjoy a great meal together.  Once again, our kitchen team did an amazing job with preparations.  Much respect is always due to Delli and Myrna from Camalote Camp.

Michael Albright was the official "plate-hander-outer".  He touched nearly every meal that was served.

 

It was a blessing to take this photo - as Alice Gallardo and Shauna Kenney (our pastor's wives) share a quiet moment of conversation.  I trust that the Lord will truly bless this time for two women who work so very hard to keep both ministries living and breathing.    

As the day continued, guess what?  Yes, we all went to Rivera for an afternoon at the river.  Surprisingly, it was still low - given the nature of the rainy season.  I must admit that it was just a bit colder, though.

The "German Shepherd" thrives on these outings.  We all know that he passionately loves the children of this country and enjoys providing much-needed relaxation and family fun.  

This photo almost says it all.  Jessica Bolyard leads the "three graces" across the running water.  I think I have heard her name called by children more than any other in the past two days. 

For those of you have met Adriana, please meet Jeremiah.  Ray Brown got to hold this 3-month old

(yes, three months) as many of our group socialized along the river bank.  Notice Ray is using both hands - this little man weighs as much as some 2 year-olds.  We are glad to see that mother and son are doing well.

And last, but definitely not least - check out his photo.  Ida Canti , Jennifer's sister, grabbed my camera yesterday during time between service and lunch.  I was a bit nervous because these children occasionally have little regard for expensive equipment - but then I forgot she had it.  As I was setting up to blog, I stumbled across this photo that I simply love.  For those of you familiar with the Mayan culture, mothers typically carry their infants in a sling that hangs from their forehead and drapes across their back. Well, now you have a peek inside Jennifer Canti's sling - as little Erwin takes his nap.

Betsi, you would be so proud of her.  Please know that you

are still the first name she whispered when we arrived.  :)

Day 1 - Travels and Reunions

Greetings from always-beautiful Belize!  The Quest Belize Mission Team arrived in Belize City at 11:30am this morning and was welcomed by many members of our sister church, EQC.  Pastor German Gallardo and his family and friends were excited to see us once again.  We loaded our baggage onto "Big Bird" ( EQC's 63 passenger bus) and headed over to have lunch on the ocean-side boardwalk in Belize City.

On the drive through the city, many friends got the chance to become reacquainted.  (Travis and Carlito) 

Once down by the water, Alice and several others served the most delicious homemade chicken tortillas with fresh veggies, cheese and salsa.  The weather is much cooler than our recent April trip and we all enjoyed stretching our legs after a long morning of travel.

In true missionary fashion, intermittent bus complications required attention during our lunchtime festivities. (As I type, I can feel the laughter erupting from those who have been on these trips before!)  This is truly what flexibility is all about.  :)

Again, we can't say enough about Alice and the ladies who prepared our wonderful picnic lunch.  Wes Roberts, our fearless worship leader, showed his passion for our Belizean meal with this expressive

"chomp".  Jessica Bolyard then grabbed her meal and quietly slid just out of his reach.

The bus continued to delay our trip towards Belmopan.  But Ron Hartshorn and Noah Cruz didn't appear to mind - it seemed like they talked for two hours.  This reunion is truly a work of the Lord.

As we pulled into Camalote Camp, Owner Ray Jordan and Manager Austin Lopez met us with open arms.  Many of our returning missionaries commented that they felt as if they had returned home again.  Those new to the Belize experience spent time getting acquainted with the picturesque grounds and facilities.

Our meal this evening was a special time together, as we celebrated German's birthday.  Stewed chicken, rice and beans, fried plantains and cole slaw were enjoyed by all.  And everyone grabbed a big piece of birthday cake.  

Quest missionaries ended their first day with "circle time".  This gave us all a chance to come together and share our thoughts on the day's events and to pray about what will come throughout the week.

Until tomorrow, Good Night and God Bless

Joey 

Day 1 - From Augusta

The team arrived Quest at 4:15 this morning excited and ready to begin their trip. I want to say a huge thanks to all the people that came out this morning to see our team off. Also, thank you to those that helped prepare breakfast and snack bags for our missionaries!! Many of our team members have had a few hours of sleep and others had not slept yet. Hopefully they will catch a nap on the plane! All the luggage was loaded onto the bus and we all gathered to pray as we sent them off at 5am. Their flight took off at 10:30am and they have arrived in Belize.  

For this trip, we will be submitting blog posts from Augusta as well as from Belize. I encourage you to comment on these posts with words of encouragement, love, and prayers for our team members.

 

Dear Gracious and Loving Father,

We thank you for the 18 members of this team who are going to be your hands and feet this week in Belize. Today, please prepare their hearts and mind for the mission you have for them. Give them the strength and rest to do your work. Please be with their families that are still here in the United States. Calm all anxiety and fears.

Lord, we commit this team and this trip to you. We give all the details and every aspect of this trip to you, Father. Be with them as they travel and keep them safe from illness and harm. Be with them this afternoon and tonight as they arrive at Camalote Camp and prepare for the days ahead. Be with them as they travel to Arizona Field and have time to hang out and love on the kids. May this time be a time of joy and reconnecting.

Thank you for this amazing opportunity, Father. May their spiritual lives be shaken and may they grow closer to you.

In Your Son's Name,

Amen



Posted by: Sarah MacDonald
 

November 2012 Belize Team Roster

Our Belize Mission Team leaves in less that 24 hours and will be in Belize November 3-10.

Quest is partnered with our sister church in Belize, Evangelical Quest Church (EQC), and its pastor, German Gallardo.  Our team will be staying at Camalote Camp in the capital city of Belmopan and working with our sister church.

Most of the mission and ministries this time will focus on relationship building.  This will happen as the guys on our team work with the men of EQC to build beds to take out into the villages.  Many people sleep on the floor or in hammocks, so these beds will be very helpful.  While building these beds the men will also build relationships.  In the same way, the women of our team will work with the women of Belize to sew blankets for these beds.  They'll deepen relationships through this.  As usual - kids will be hanging out with us as well - and we welcome it because they are such a joy to be with and interact with!  There will be several worship services that will bring our two churches and others in the community together as  well.

So as our team prepares to leave tomorrow, please keep them in prayer.

We ask that you pray for our team by name.  Here are the 18 members of the team:

Jessica Bolyard
Julie Gray
Andy Albright
Heather Barrs
Christina Reynolds
Shauna Kenney
Donna Sarsfield
Heather Thomas

Ray Brown
Ron Hartshorn
Travis Cain
Chris Sansing
Asa High
Michael Albright
Wes Roberts
Joey Barrs
Mike Freace
James Thomas

Belize Update: April 7th, Day 6

Greetings from always-beautiful Belize! Our group began the day by saying farewell to our pastor and spiritual leader John Kenney. John returned to Augusta this morning in order to preach the Easter service at Quest Church on Sunday. We will truly miss his presence among our group.

The kids' team conducted another fun-tastic day of Camp God Rocks: Belize. Vickie and her team welcomed a record number of kids to Camalote Camp. They participated in singing songs, playing games and making crafts.


Later in the afternoon, camp leaders surprised the kids with a water balloon fight. This brought huge smiles to many little faces and was a much needed escape from the April heat.



Today's activities were both exciting and emotional, as this was our last day to have camp with the children of our sister church. These kids are so energetic, so alive, so responsive. We are sad to be leaving them - just as we have begun to love them. But we look forward to continuing our relationship with each of them this fall.



The Medical Team spent the day conducting a clinic at The Evangelical Quest Church (EQC). They treated about 45 people who presented with a variety of conditions. Having clinic at our sister church allows our team to offer a special day just for those who attend EQC. Several medical team members also spent time caring for the cuts and bruises of our camp kids, as well as offering assistance to those in the neighborhood surrounding the construction team.

Over in the community of Maya Mopan, our Construction Team wrapped up their work on two houses for the Canti and Pop families - Mopan Maya Indians who are in great need of better living conditions. Five courses of cement blocks were laid on the foundation today, along with
grading the soil both in and around the houses.


This project will be completed by several members of EQC in the next few weeks and we are all looking forward to further updates from German.


After a long, final day of work, we had dinner and entered a time of group testimonies. This was a very powerful culmination of the week - with everyone sharing how God had revealed himself to them through different ministries and people here in Belize. As we ended our evening, missionaries took turns washing each others feet - much the same way Christ washed the feet of His disciples. This was definitely one of the most spiritual experiences of our time here.