Belize Mission

Belize Mission Trip Report February 2023

Spring is just around the corner! Many gardeners have already started growing seed indoors that will later be transplanted into their gardens. A lot of care goes into sowing seeds that will produce healthy plants. Good soil must be selected to plant the seeds in. There must be plenty of light, water, and warm enough temperatures for the seeds to sprout. All of this takes time and cultivation.

In Matthew Chapter 13, we find the Parable of the Sower and the explanation of the parable.  This is a very fitting scripture for our thoughts today.  I hope that you will take the time to read it on your own.

The mission team from South Fork Baptist Association/ Shady Grove Baptist Church, along with three other churches, just returned from a mission trip where we were able to sow some spiritual seeds. We were in the small village of Jalacte, Belize. This village is located in the southwest region of Belize, deep in the jungle, right on the Guatemala border.

Our team worked within the school and community of Jalacte, sharing Jesus and meeting some of the
physical needs that were present. Things we take for granted like running water and electricity, or even having a church to attend, are only dreams for most of this village. During our visit, the construction team was able to help the small school of about 172 students.  They were able to  install a small solar system to provide enough electricity to power a few computers so that the children could learn basic keyboarding skills.  The team also installed a pump system to carry water from the river to the kitchen for the small school.

We showed love to the community and one day we were even able to provide an eyeglass clinic with the help of Mrs. Carol Laney.

We met with several village leaders over the course of that week to develop partnerships and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. We let them know we will gladly help with the needs of the village, when possible, all while being clear that our main goal is to share the hope of Christ.

Our last day there was Sunday. We had planned a church service for the village and the leaders granted us access to the community building to use for the service. When we pulled up that morning, we found about a half a dozen people waiting for us in anticipation of the church service. We had no idea what to expect, but knew that even with the few that showed up, God could do mighty and wonderful things. What happened next amazed us all. In a village with about 1,000 residents, approximately 240 came to be part of the service. The crowd was larger than the building could hold so about 60 people stood outside and watched through the open windows and doors. The service lasted 2 1/2 hours and not a single person grumbled or complained about any inconveniences. At the end of the service, eight people indicated that they prayed to receive Christ as their Savior.

We are praying that a church will be planted in this village, sprouting from the seeds that were planted! Our feeble attempts of meeting physical needs and sharing the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ will only sprout if God gives the increase. Please join us as we pray for the people of Jalacte and continue to cultivate relationships there. Also, pray that the seed of the Gospel will fall on good soil and sprout up to give hope to an unreached people group.

1 Corinthians 3:6  I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.

Dale Hendricks, Senior Pastor
Shady Grove Baptist Church

International Missions Coordinator
South Fork Baptist Association

No Comments