SBC Outreach Camp

Don't forget SBC Outreach Camp is August 4-8! Any youth can participate since it runs like a small VBS for kids at area church centers, so there are many ways you can help. The camp runs from 10 AM-2 PM, Monday-Friday, so bring a bagged lunch Monday-Thursday if you plan to participate and on Friday we'll have a pizza party! The student ministry band will also perform each day, so join us for a fun-filled week!

RIVAH TRIPS!

Just a reminder that Sr. High Rivah Retreat is August 1-2 and Middle School Rivah Trip is August 9. Turn in forms ASAP to secure your spot/food for the trip!

Delayed in Atlanta

Yes. We were delayed in Atlanta. Waiting at the gate now. Hope to be in the air soon!
Blessings,
Michael

Preparing to come home!

We had our closing ceremony this morning (it's 9:15 a.m. here) and everyone is taking final showers and packing everything up. If they are like me, they are leaving some nasty, smelly towels here! This is the final group picture. Our flight is at 3:10 p.m. Richmond time, so we will be heading over in a couple hours to check in and begin our flight home. Thanks for all your prayers and support. I can't wait for you to hear all about our adventures and what God has been doing this week. Blessings - Michael

Friday in Belize

Today was a day we will never forget! The excitement was high this morning as we prepared for breakfast and a day at the Caye, but the weather had something else in mind for us – the beginning of a tropical depression! The thunder and rain were tremendous before we left for our 45-minute water taxi ride. The rain subsided, however, and we went into the market place of Belize city to do a bit of site seeing (and maybe some shopping). The water taxi was ½ covered and the other half was open. It was great fun feeling the water spray back at us, watching the islands and just getting excited about snorkeling. Then, the captain yells – “pull the tarp up” Well, that meant pull the grey tarp we were setting on over our heads as we ran right into another downpour. We laughed and screamed as we scrambled to keep ourselves and our backpacks dry. By the time we landed at the dock at the Caye, the rain had stopped and we quickly got our snorkeling equipment. A large boat picked us up and took us out to a barrier reef where we were able to see beautiful fish, stingrays, and even touch a starfish. The tour guide showed us so much as he snorkeled beside us. Then back on the boat we got for some fresh pineapple and oranges – yum! We moved to another reef and were able to snorkel without a guide. It was great fun to see the fish and explore with each other. Then, the water started feeling a bit bumpy as another shower came in and back to the boat we went. At this point, Katie Moyers got back on the boat and quickly discovered she had a nice size cut just above her ankle. Kathy, our new friend and nurse from St. Johns’ Baptist Church in VA Beach, quickly cleaned her wound and bandaged it up. The rain was not stopping, so back to land we went. Katie, Sabra, and I caught a golf cart to the local clinic while everyone else looked for a dry spot. Katie had 3 stiches and is doing great (yes, her mom and dad know!). The day wound up being great as we found a place to eat, the sun came out and we shopped and walked the island. Then it was time to take the water taxi back to Belize City.. The good news was that the sky had cleared and it was a beautiful boat ride. After we got back to Belize, we waited for our ride. While there, Pastor Lloyd of the church where VBS was held, showed up. He brought t-shirts and key chains for the workers to say thanks and ensure that we continued to pray for the people of Belize. One of the church’s buses (school bus) picked us up to take us back to the Mission Hotel. We got about 1 mile from the hotel, when what happens? The bus stops due to engine problems. We are on the side of the road as the torrential rain begins again – anyone seeing the humor? A van from the hotel came and picked us up in a couple of shifts and we got back to cold showers and low water pressure. If there is one thing this week has taught us it is that flexibility is key. We had a great day that will never be forgotten. Prayer partners have now been revealed and we are going to play some cards. Tomorrow, we have a closing celebration time and then its off to the airport! See you all soon.

Blessings, Michael

Thursday in Belize

Wow! I am tired from the worksite today. My group and another joined forces today on a new project as we finished our original projects yesterday. The work today was on the river about a mile and half from the airport, so the setting was beautiful. A new mission hotel is being built by the owner of the one we are currently in (as the one we are in will close upon the other’s completion). The team’s job today was to mix concrete, haul the concrete, place it in buckets, and lift them up to a roof that was being completed. The good news in this story was that we had a mixer! Everyone really worked hard whether hauling the concrete or shoveling sand and rock. The owner of the facility we are staying is John Collier. He was a medical missionary and author of “Two Minutes to Live”. He has been here in Belize for 34 years.
Tomorrow is our free day. We will be taking a ferry from Belize City out to one of the local Cayes (pronounced Keys). From there we will get a chance to shop, sun, swim, and snorkel.
Did I tell you that yesterday the Pastor’s wife at the church I was working brought the team Fruit Bread. Her mother had picked it from a tree in her village. It is cut into wedges and fried with salt. It was delicious and had a potato consistency. That was also the day some of us got to see the monkeys behind the pastor’s house – amazing! We also saw God’s pharmacy in the jungle.
It is quite amazing what God is doing in our hearts as we are learning so much through this experience about His power and ourselves.
On Tuesday, July 20 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. we will have a picture sharing time in the Youth Room of the FLC. I hope you will come out and hear more about our mission to Belize.

Blessings,

Michael

More Pictures from Belize