Friday, April 3, 2009

::My Journey in Belize::

Belize is a one of a kind place.  Every time that I go there, I learn something new about God and about myself.  I was in Belize from March 14th to the 21st and it was incredible.  This trip was unlike any other trip that I have been on to Belize.

The biggest difference was that I was not planning on going this year.  Julie and I just bought a new house (...updates on this coming soon) and I thought that this was a good time to sit out the trip.  But God had other plans.  Following Ben Connelly's car wreck, there was a spot available and Julie encouraged me to go to Belize.  So, after talking to Julie, Ben and Ted I jumped in on the trip.  I was unsure and had no idea what my purpose was going to be on the trip but I felt like I needed to be on this trip.  

When we landed in Belize, I quickly realized why I was on this trip.  Richard Smith, our host at My Refuge Christian Ministries, told Matt Hudson and me that there were 15 youth workers coming to a youth worker training session that I thought was canceled.  So, I started developing a training session for youth workers in Belize that I was going to present in 48 hours.  

Meeting the youth workers was an incredible experience.  Their passion and desire to see the young people in Belize come to know Christ in powerful ways was incredible.  Their commitment to the country blew me away.  It was an honor and a privilege to hear their stories of God's glory and life-changing power in Belize.  I will never forget about their joy, and excitement about reaching the youth of Belize.

We are developing a partnership for years to come with the youth workers.  There will be future training, and encouragement as we work to equip people to minister to youth.  Honestly, I feel like I learned more from them than they learn from me.  It is a joy to know that the Body of Christ is growing everywhere.

This year's trip to Belize was all about seeing God's sovereignty and plan.  I saw how God has been preparing me for this year on the previous trips.  I saw how God has been slowly developing a passionate heart for Belize that exploded on this trip.   It has been an incredible experience.

Belize has dramatically changed my life and I look forward to future trips to Belize.  I can not wait to go back soon.  And, Julie is going to be joining me next year...very exciting.

That's all I have for now.  Be back soon.

B

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