FPC-Midland Belize Mission: Looking Back ... Karen Lang

From  January 4-11, 2014, a team  from 1st Presbyterian Church-Midland will be traveling to the Central American country of Belize, and working with The Word at Work ministry. This will be an opportunity to reach out and share the gospel with the people of Belize while working side-by-side with the local community and The Word at Work staff on a much-needed construction project.

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Looking Back ... Karen Lang

From Karen Lang, Mission Team Member ...  

Belize 2014

Having been to Uganda and Tanzania, the Belize trip was different in many ways. Tim Tam’s mission philosophy and that of The Word at Work out of Amarillo really reached my soul. Working along side the community of El Progresso and getting to know the people on a personal level in the process was eye opening, passionate and a great joy.

We met the community the first time at worship on Sunday with lots of music, preaching, testimonies from our team and a joyful welcome into El Progresso.

During the week I spent a lot of my time at the schools in the classrooms twice a day. Pedro Cano, the school principal, and his staff of 5 were so very dedicated to their students and choose this village over other offers in wealthier areas of Belize. One teacher walked 8 miles to and from the village school at one time. That is 2 hours each way. The “Three Musketeers” as they referred to themselves, have a deep conviction for the students of the village and the potential they possess. As a 36-year retired teacher, I really identified with their needs. At the Inservice I led, these dedicated professionals told me that the government distributes school supplies and by the time they get to their mountain village, they are given what is leftover. I would really like to look into getting supplies to their school. Pedro is both Principal and a Standard 3 teacher. He said they have 1 pair of scissors per class and 1 bottle of glue for the school. Most class materials were teacher made. Regular schooling ends in the 8th grade and students must pass an exam to continue into High School, which they referred to as The University. Many El Progesso students were eligible to continue their education, but unable to afford the $1,000 cost of further education. I can see developing a scholarship fund for their Community Council to award to eligible students.

I also had the privilege of meeting Pastor Victor’s quadriplegic nephew, Ronnie, as well as a Down’s Syndrome 8 year old child named Lewis. These children were so loved and accepted in their village. It was a joy to visit with these parents in their homes and encourage them after working with the handicapped for so many years.

The Community Center/Church was definitely an effort of the whole village raising money a little at time to complete a 40x80 foot structure. It was a privilege to work along side the many volunteers to complete the walls. It would be helpful if we could help them raise the $7500 Belize/ $3250 American money to complete the roof on this project they have worked so hard to build.

Another great need we discovered was a single mother whose husband had left her, the house she was renting had been destroyed in a flood and she was temporarily living in the school clinic building. There were so many needs we have the potential to help with.

The last night was movie night and I know it was very emotional for our team as we were recognized in front of the village after the movie, prayed for and departed with many hugs, love and a few tears. God is definitely at work in El Progesso where He is loved, praised and worshipped. These people have such a deep faith. It was contagious! I look forward to seeing my new friends next year! .

The 2014 Belize Mission Team from 1st Presbyterian Church, Midland, Texas

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