More hope ... from you and God
Hi Friends -
Are you the answer to someone’s prayer?
Pinnacle Community Church (Amarillo) worked in Belize this summer and they had a reunion meeting last night where they shared some of the things that have burdened them since returning to the US. One team member, a public school teacher, lamented that many of her students take education for granted. She is struggling with how to impart the precious gift education after hearing first-hand how so many students in Belize struggle to come up with tuition and funds for books and uniforms. ( No free education in Belize) We take for granted what is given to us with out cost while our Belizean friends struggle with funding their children over feeding the family.
This is the case in The Valley of Peace, one of the places where we have a scholarship program. Here we received about 40 applications from our Valley of Peace Partners (a group of leaders and church representatives who review the applications, meet with families, and hold students accountable) for school scholarships this year. Are you the answer to a student’s prayer? ... to be able to attend school? Each sponsorship is $150 USD, which helps us with what we need to cover tuition , books , and uniforms.
Can you spare a $12.50 per month for the coming year? If you feel moved to help sponsor a child's education, send an email response to our office at mollie@twaw.org
NEXT
Often we refer to what we call "The iron rule" In mission. Never do for others what they can do for themselves. Those of you who have been to Belize know that we emphasize coming alongside our partners in Belize.
7 Mile Progresso Village is an excellent example.
First Presbyterian church of Midland Texas and Baptist churches from New Mexico, working together with the local congregation, have just finished putting the roof on the Casa de Alabanza church.
These churches from the United States could easily have funded the entire project, but they have moved slowly and deliberately so as not to take away indigenous ownership and disregard the contribution that the local church is able to make. Healthy support dictates that we step in only at the point of need rather than throwing our cash at the project and supplanting local initiatives.
Here's an incredible photo ...
... Look closely and observe the original church structure under the new roof. The congregation was able to continue meeting in the old structure during the construction process.
The construction of this building was a shared effort of mission teams from the US and the local church. On every occasion they worked together side-by-side. The money for materials was given to match what the locals raised…... Initially the local church grew and sold a field of potatoes to pay their part. As for the roof, FPC Midland loaned the church literal "seed money” so they could plant peanuts. After the peanut crop gets sold, the Belizean Church is able to pay for their half of the roof and repay the loan for the seed.
But the best part is the relationships that are being forged between the partner churches. Have a look at their Spring trip video by clicking on this link . It will definitely make you smile and catch the joy. On that mission trip you'll see a house was built for a local pastor and his family and the team working in the community school. And if you watch closely you will see children singing in the original tiny wooden Church.
Other great news today ...
Today work is going on to install Solar panels at the Kings Children’s home. This will translate into saving tons of money and that translates into a sustainable Ministry and care for orphans. Thank you so much for your willingness to give and make that happen ...
... and please be praying that old man Kenny doesn’t lose his footing and fall off the roof.
Blessings,
TT (Tim Tam) The Word at Work
ps: Our Ministry Associate team gathers school supplies, toys, and stuffed animals through out the year ... we've discovered blankets are an ongoing need as well, so please be saving them, too. Click here to learn more about becoming a TW@W Ministry Associate, or get in touch with Tim Hagen for more information!
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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