WAW Wednesday: "Belize Team in the U.S."
Hey, Friends,
Earlier this month, our friends from Exodus / First Stone Churches took their VBS Mission to a whole new level...Our partners at Discovery Church in Hickory, NC invited the group, under Pastor Phillipa's leadership, to bring VBS to their community.
You might wonder...wait a minute, folks from Belize came to the States on a mission? Yes! They answered God's call, trusted and believed that God would make a way for them to answer the call - and stepped out in obedience.
The team first arrived in Pascagoula, MS for a couple of days to reconnect with friends from First Presbyterian. "The time with the Belize team was awesome! Our church loved them ... the kids loved it and really connected with our families. It was great all around!" said Pastor Matt Mitchell.
The group then hit the road and were met halfway by leaders from Discovery who brought them back to NC. International Mission Coordinator Susan Hefner tells the story:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19
Like so many other teams before in post-Belize-trip conversations, we asked ourselves, "How do you get the entire congregation excited about what God is doing here?" Prayerfully and faithfully, God answers in His own time. Fast forward a few months and He plants a seed, "Let Me show them what I am doing here in Belize by letting My children worship with one another."
Discovery Church had never held a vacation Bible school before, and Exodus church delivers VBS to hundreds of children in Belize each summer. So, God sent Exodus to deliver VBS at Discovery. But just labeling it "VBS" is inadequate to describe what happened over the week. Worship happened, relationships deepened, future plans developed, perceptions about both cultures changed, and we served people in need together.
What is the result? 500 people, many of whom would never go to Belize, were able to love God through unbridled worship; find freedom by hearing His word; see God through prayer and answered prayers; experience healing by serving together; and discover the joy of following and living in God's will.
Going forward, there are 500+ people in Catawba County, NC excited about what is happening at Exodus & First Stone Churches in Belize City. 500+ people who want to invest in the lives and futures of the youth leaders whom God will use to make a difference in their country. God is on the move!
Here's what the trip meant to a few of the team from Belize:
"I felt God's spirit overflowing within us, not only through worship, but through our conversations and interactions with each other. I can honestly say I experienced joy, love, and a bond I can't even describe. I know in my heart that I didn't leave the same way I came and I know that was only through God."
"This was my first time traveling to the States and I enjoyed every single moment at Discovery Church. I saw God at work by bringing the children to VBS with us; in the love and the encouragement that we shared with each other; seeing that the children were ready to learn what we had planned for them. God was working with us, His presence guided us through each day."
"While I was on the trip I saw God in many areas -- doing what He is capable of doing. I saw God working in us while we sat together many days, talking and encouraging one another."
Pastor Phillipa was heard saying, "You showed up and God showed off!" That's what happens when we listen for God to lead us and we follow.
Is He calling you to serve in Belize? In the U.S.? Will you put His word into action?
In the wake of Hurricane Harvey ...
"When the enemy comes in like a flood the Lord will raise up a standard. " Isa. 59:19
Presently the enemy is a flood of incomprehensible proportions.
And still ... the Lord raises up a standard.
The Body of Christ is mobilizing and the stories of it are coming in from everywhere.
A great mission network is putting God's word into action.
Churches, organizations, and individuals that serve with us in Belize are praying, planning, and heading toward the southern coast.
Pray for those in desperate need.
Pray for thoughtful and effective responses.
Pray for us as we try to coordinate with our friends and partners already on site.
Thanks,
Tim Tam
#wearethewordatwork
EDITOR'S NOTE: Speaking from my own first-hand experience - working side-by-side with Tim, Kenny and our brothers and sisters in Belize - won't you give thoughtful, prayerful consideration to supporting the efforts of Tim, the Word At Work staff and their partners? Please please fill out this Commitment Card and return it to their office!
Also, remember that you can follow The Word At Work on their Facebook page!
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