FPC-Midland Belize Blog

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

WAW Wednesday: Back from Cuba, a Timely Gift, a Sad Note

"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."

Back from Cuba

I haven't yet figured out a good way to communicate this trip. For now I will just report ...
• Water filters were delivered to areas plagued with cholera. This effort supported the work of the local church and will save lives.
• Now we need to see how we can widen the door. Our effort was a drop in the bucket.
• Because of the solid relationship between Cuba and Belize we pray that Belize may become the staging point for more Christian aid to Cuba.

A Timely Gift

A short while back we were given the gift of property in Southern Belize to sell and the proceeds to go to two children's homes, Marla’s House of Hope in Belize and Valley of Angels in Guatemala. Thanks for praying that through with us. And have a look at the touching thank-you note below.

Dear Mollie,
Peace!
I am writing to you to personally thank you for your overwhelmingly generous support. While I don't have the words to thank you enough, I want to give you a little context to help you see how much this means to me and Valley.

This morning I was called to go to the public hospital in Guatemala called San Juan … One of our children is there … When I arrived I found her in a large room with 40 other children, in a small dirty bed all alone hooked up to an intravenous, burning with fever, and miserable. She hadn't slept or eaten all night …I was looking around at all the poor children who were there. I was thinking what an awful place but at the same time I am grateful … I am truly grateful that we have amazing supporters who make it possible for us to help these children who have no-one … Your gift not only enables us to provide a place to live, food to eat, education, the faith but the ability to communicate love to them. To let them know they are loved and they are lovable and they are worth it.

So today was a tough day, most of all for Monica, but thanks to you she felt loved and smiled and played puzzles in her bed and hopefully will be well enough next week to come back to valley and continue her year studying with us.

[Fr Della Penna shared that his budget had been cut by $30K USD due to lack of funding; the check TWAW sent on behalf of our generous land-donor was just over $31K USD.]

Fr Michael Della Penna ofm
Director
Valley of the Angels

A Sad Note

WAW Photo

Our dear friend and ministry partner in the Belize city Burial Grounds area has passed away.

Pastor Rita Flowers of Alpha and Omega children's church will be missed by us, throngs of children, and her innumerable dogs.

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 !

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

WAW Wednesday: Our Greatest Gift!!

"When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh."
Matthew 2:10-11

Our Greatest Gift!!

Dear friends,

Today I want to thank each of you who helped make our Christmas Project 2015 possible!! Donors ... team members ... prayer warriors ... shipping partners ... ministry associates ... and our faithful staff.

What an incredible GIFT!!!
Donated toys and stuffed animals + 14 team members from across the country + dozens of partners across the country of Belize = the Hope of our Messiah being shared with thousands of children in Belize.

All week we kept coming back to the theme of Gifts ...
God's gift to humanity, our Savior Jesus Christ.
The gifts the Magi shared as they worshiped Him.
Believers loving sacrificially, sharing their giftedness for the building up of His church.

We were truly blessed to be a blessing. God provided gifts for our established partners and helped us meet new ones.

Kenny addressed graduates from the Rehab Program at Belize Central Prison and we attended the 2nd annual King's Children's Home Fundraiser. We delivered gifts to our partners (encouraging them that these gifts came from God, and that He alone should receive the glory) and we visited friends who have received medical care from our partners in the states. We put a party on for the KCH kids and our Christmas Pageant was only missing the Charlie Brown theme music.

The Herndon's were even interviewed on Love Television -- gathering and shipping 11,101 stuffed animals was certainly newsworthy. CLICK HERE to see their story :

So much to share - it's hard to put it all in words. But we witnessed God's people using the gifts they have been given to bless others - truly BEING the Word at Work -- and in God's economy this is what it's all about.

This Christmas, as you remember the reason we exchange gifts - I invite you to consider how you are using the gifts God has given you for His glory. May you be blessed.

We also received good news that Leonie Gillham's biopsy results were negative for cancer!! Praise God for this gift; and praise Him for our sister who has devoted her life to caring for so many children at King's Children's Home!!!

Merry, Merry Christmas!

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!

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

WAW Wednesday ... Amy's Account of Her Visit

Amy's Account of Her Visit

Hopelessness. Forlorn. Abandoned. Isolation. Lonely. Angry. These are just a few words some might use to describe the feeling of being in prison. In the Belize Central Prison, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. And if I had not seen it with my own eyes, I would not have believed it. Under the leadership of the Kolbe Foundation, a non-profit, non-governmental agency, this particular prison is described with words such as hope, togetherness, fellowship and love. John Woods of the Kolbe Foundation is a true beacon of optimism while maintaining the necessary order and structure of the prison system.

During my visit to Belize Central Prison, I witnessed John’s leadership and that of the foundation in some very surprisingly heartwarming ways given the context:

   • all of the prison staff treat the inmates with dignity, a kind eye and a soft hand
   • inspirational messages and uplifting songs permeate the campus via the prison radio station, Jeremiah 33.3
   • in Tango 1, the name given to the first cell block, Lisa Haywood, The Word at Work full-time volunteer, is leading a bible study called "Experiencing God"
   • the prisoners go through a 12-step program under the personal and loving care of Pastor Burns

Pastor Burns

The Word at Work comes alongside the Kolbe Foundation at Christmas to provide calling cards to prisoners during a time we all love to connect with family and friends. We thought you might appreciate an opportunity to provide a $25 calling card to a prisoner for them to connect with their loved ones (total cost of project is $3,000). If you can think of someone else who may find joy in learning about this project, please pass this along to them.

• CLICK HERE to donate

If you or someone you know is interested in hearing John Woods speak on Thursday, December 3rd in Ocean Springs, MS, please contact Amy Travis at amy@twaw.org or (228) 327-5757.

TT (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, October 14, 2015

WAW Wednesday: World Headquarters needs your help!

World Headquarters needs your help!

Good evening, friends,

The beauty of The Word at Work is that 100% of your contribution goes directly to the projects that you support in Belize. So you can see, first-hand, the impact that your gifts make in the lives of the community.

However, the staff and facilities of The Word at Work headquarters needs your consideration too. We strive for efficiency in everything we do. We still rely on funding from our partners and supporters to exist. Please help us keep the lights on and our staff paid. In-turn, they'll make sure that the projects that you support, continue well into the future.

• CLICK HERE to donate

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!

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Belize Mission Trip Informational Meeting - with Tim and Kenny!

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

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

WAW Wednesday: "... and they got it for peanuts!"

... 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!

Peanuts in Belize

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

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

WAW Wednesday: "More hope ... from you and God"

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!

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

**WAW Wednesday: "Pictures worth a thousand - or MORE! - words"**

Pictures worth a thousand - or MORE! - words

Hi Friends ...

EDITOR'S NOTE: No words from Tim in this week's email ... just the following pictures ... but, WOW, what pictures! If any images gave proof to the old saying about 'one picture being worth a thousand words,' it's these! Over the past couple of years, I've posted about FPC-Midland's Belize Mission Team, and their contributions to building a church in the village of El Progresso ... well look at the roof they've added, literally topping off the efforts of our team, other teams around the southwestern United States, and the villagers of El Progresso!

... 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!

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

WAW Wednesday: "Update from Belize!"

Update from Belize!

Scenes from the area known as The Jungle

Many children live without much adult supervision in this community in the heart of Belize City. Phillipa and her husband, Derrick, have been called to ministry here (Phillipa has been pouring herself into these children for 13 years when she's not working her "day job")...this past week a group from Pascagoula joined them in their work. They hosted a Sunday afternoon picnic and worship; tutored children in the afternoons; and worked on signage for the newly named Exodus Church (formerly Pickstock Church).

The group also worked on the Ministry Center in Western Paradise where we are prayerful First Stone Church will be planted by Phillipa and her leadership team.Floor joists are completed and flooring went down as well. A roof will connect the top layer of containers to make a worship space.

While Over in the Burial Grounds

Our returning team from Baton Rouge was happily working on the Ebenezer Church when Kenny made them aware of a family of 4 (Oscar, Elda & 8 month old twins girls) whose house was filling up with water due to the heavy rains (2-feet overnight!). The team spun off a crew that began setting the pilings and laying out the flooring for a new home...and the group from Pascagoula finished up the job ... God is glorified by this incredible partnership!

Meanwhile in the Valley of Peace

Our friends from La Jolla returned to Belize and blessed the Valencia family with a home. The Valley of Peace Partners worked side-by-side with the team to complete their new house, strengthening their relationships as well. This team also hung out with the girls at Marla's House of Hope while performing electrical repairs. John O. returned with supplies to bless the Belmopan Humane Society as well. We ended the week with a big party - God really is good!!

But the story doesn't end there! One of the daughters (age 8) had been sleeping in a crib, without a mattress, all of her life; the team chose to offer her a big bed in her new home (and her brothers received bunk beds)...turns out it's universal ... give a kid a bed with a mattress ... they are going to jump!!

The bunk beds that the boys received were on a shipping container that several of you helped to fund - thank you! That container also carried the solar panels for King's Children's Home so the blessings just keep going!

Our warehouse is overflowing and we've got enough donated goods to fill at least 2 more containers immediately ... would you like to partner with us to make a fund these? Contact Tim Hagen!

Prayers for this Week:

• Lisa H - new volunteer planted at Tango 1 at Belize City Prison.
• Outreach and planting of First Stone Church in Western Paradise.
• Valencia and Diaz families living in their new homes.
• The Vine Community Church Team on the ground working at King's Children's Home and in the village of St. Margaret's.
• Seven teams serving in Belize in the month of July! We praise God for His people ... we ask for stamina, strength, and patience for our staff serving these teams!

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!