FPC-Midland Belize Blog: January 2015

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

WAW Wednesdays: Lightning strikes twice?

"The Word at Work is a ministry that mobilizes churches and individuals to answer God's call to minister to those in need," writes Rev. Tim Tam, Director of the Amarillo, Texas-based ministry. "Through our relationships, God reveals needs and opportunities for service. As we come along side the poor, new friendships develop and doors for ministry open. As we serve, God provides the resources to supply for the needs he reveals."

Lightning strikes twice?

Friends,

Last week at this time something big was up in the air and we couldn't report on it until now.

We received an urgent request from Belize. Believe it or not, yet another young girl with a cancerous growth on her leg.

This time it's an eight-year-old, Gabriella, She and her mother Christine arrived here safely in Amarillo Monday night.

The request stated that if she wasn't able to get help outside of Belize she would die a painful death over the next two years.

Preliminary work and tests have already begun. She's scheduled for a biopsy on Friday.

Just as before with the recent case with Ladeni, be praying that this doesn't jump to her lungs.

A gracious couple has already stepped forward to be the host Family. The wonderful Doctors, caregivers and supporters that took care of Ladeni are also stepping up.

Speaking of Ladeni, she is happy and healthy and back in Belize. She got early notice on this case with Gabriella “Gabby”, so she and her mother made a pastoral call on Gabby and her mother. In their visit they prayed with them and encouraged them. Ladeni shared her journey with Gabby, about her trip to Amarillo, and mostly she encouraged her to trust in God.

So again we're asking for prayer Gabby's life will be saved, And if possible her leg. Gabby is very sweet and very shy, and right now she's very frightened.

She didn't sleep much last night. I learned that she left her comfortable bed and went down and slept on the basement floor.

In Belize her house is very small. She and one of her other sisters sleep on the floor. Her mother's faith appears to be strong. Pray for her family and for peace in her heart. Right now she seems to be more worried about the other two daughters she had to leave behind in Belize.

Just prayers right now.

I will likely ask for some financial help soon.

There are always expenses incurred along the way ... Prescriptions, food, Crutches ... And warm clothing which is something Belizean's normally would not possess.

The night Gabby arrived there were still remnants from our recent snowstorm and Gabby did get to make her first snowball..

I’m about to depart for Belize with a team that will conduct a national training conference for Hospice workers.

Prayerfully,

Tim Tam
The Word at Work

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!

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

WAW Wednesdays: Redemptive Recycling ...

Redemptive Recycling ...

Friends,

We've had a lot of positive feedback since beginning these mid-week updates - thanks for taking a moment to catch up on TW@W!

Today I'm writing to you about our "Redemptive Recycling" program - or what many of you term our "Shipping Program". In 2014 we shipped 8 containers bursting with donations for our friends in Belize! Computers, school furniture and office equipment, durable medical equipment, medical supplies, sewing machines, books, vehicles, water filters and more are being put to good use thanks to YOU!!

Hear the excitement of a school administrator in Orange Walk who took delivery of desperately needed classroom furniture last year, "We were blessed with so many desks, chairs, cabinets and other school materials...our kids were so happy to unload these! Not only were our kids receiving furniture so they could now be properly seated, but teachers can have chairs and desk that will help in their teaching. Most importantly, ALL were able to see how God provided for our need."

This is just one example of God's provision through this program and it's all because of YOU! Many of you solicited donations and reclaimed resources that were headed for the landfill; you've purchased items for our partners that are unavailable in Belize; you've tallied countless hours sorting, cleaning, packing, and labeling donations; you've braved extreme cold and heat both here in the US and in Belize loading and unloading containers; you've kept the coordinator of this project, Tim Hagen, up at night pondering over how to fill every nook and cranny of each shipment; and you've provided the financial resources needed to get containers from here to there. Thank You!!

God has indeed provided! Our warehouse in Amarillo is already overflowing!

Our warehouse in Ocean Springs is ready to send a vehicle, life-saving medicines for Belize Central Prison, a pallet of sewing machines, and more!!

God is blessing our Redemptive Recycling / Shipping Program! In 2015 we know we can send 8 more containers. The price tag for that goal is $60,000 USD. Given the potential value of items shipped is into the millions, this is a no-brainer! Talk about bang for the buck!!

Breaking it Down
12 donors @ $5,000 each would make it happen.
20 donors @ $3,000 would get us there.
In 2014 we worked with 24 churches - if each of them pledged $2500 we could get this done.

Shoot me a message to let me know you're in!!

Prayerfully and Expectantly,

Tim Tam
The Word at Work