Hi Belize folks,
I wanted to make sure you all have heard that we are going back to Belize next March 5-12 for Spring Break. We will be having an informational meeting this coming Sunday, October 4, at 5:00 in Lynn Hall. Tim Tam and Kenny Logan from The Word at Work will be here to share with us at that time as well. So, if you are interested in going in March or if you’d just like to get to see Tim and Kenny, please come! Printed applications are available at the front office (and at the info meeting) and I have attached it [below] as well. Hope to see you all Sunday!
• CLICK HERE for a mission application (Adobe .pdf file)
Peace,
Walter
Walter Thompson
Associate Pastor of Mission and Evangelism
1st Presbyterian Church - Midland, Texas
(432) 684-7821
"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."
... and they got it for peanuts!
Hi Friends -
Healthy Peanuts & Healthy Partnership!
I recently wrote about the importance of holding to the "iron rule” in mission work i.e. Never do for others what they can do for themselves.
Here is an example of a healthy partnership between two churches, First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Texas and House of Praise Church of El Progresso Belize.
Both churches were putting their resources and their labor into finishing the floor and the walls of the new church building.
Then it came time to put on the roof. Generous team members from Midland wanted to see the project finished and could easily have written the check.
But wisdom prevailed. Rather than taking over ... the partnership continued. Midland agreed to match whatever El Progresso raised.
Taking stock of the local assets ... Though they could not match Midlands financial resources, they are truly hard-working farmers.
So Midland also made them a loan to buy seed, which the church planted and now they'll be harvesting thousands of pounds of peanuts.
When the peanuts are sold they will be able to pay for their half of the roof and also repay the loan.
If I remember correctly they got their foundation by planting a field potatoes. And now they got the roof for peanuts. Yep, I said it again!
There is a time and place for charity, but if you move too quickly and apply it where it is not really needed, the locals lose their pride of accomplishment, the sense of ownership that comes with sweat, and the joy that comes from relationships and meaningful partnerships.
Good News
Solar project at the King's Home is nearing completion. Friday is the big day when we flip the switch on.
Praying all goes well.
More Good News
Friday is also the day to pour the foundation for the Omega Church outreach building in Shawville. This will be a multipurpose building that facilitates a variety of ministries. Woman's shelter, kitchen for feeding program, sewing, computers, and music groups.
One More Thing ...
If you opened this looking for an opportunity to help, please click on the link below. Domestic Violence looms large in Belize and we need to support those who are trying to address the needs of women and children.
Mary Open Doors is one of our ministry partners and they can use your financial help to acquire a facility to be used as a shelter. Your contribution can grow on Bonus Day, September 16, when Global Giving will match all donations made!
• Follow this link to find out how
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!
Hi Belize Teams,
I just wanted to share this picture with you. It's Julio with the field of peanuts the church has planted to raise money to pay back the loan we gave them for the construction of the roof. It is really exciting to see the way we've been able to cooperate with them on this project. They expect that the proceeds from this crop of peanuts (hopefully about 4,000 lbs. of peanuts) will cover the total amount of the loan.
Peace,
Walter Thompson
Associate Pastor of Mission and Evangelism
First Presbyterian Church, Midland, Texas
