New Around the Mission
The River Brings Blessing to Belize
February 15, 2011
Isaac having fun with two TCA students
Nineteen people from The River in Blacksburg, Virginia, travelled to Belize January 6-15 to serve Toledo Christian Academy and Laugh Out Loud Ministry. Under the leadership of the Rev. Jonathan Tagg, the team dug 300 feet of ditches to preserve roads from washing away during periods of rain; framed, sided and roofed a kitchen at the school; provided medical assistance at the village clinic; and played soccer and volleyball to build rapport with students and teachers.
Next door to the school, construction is underway on an orphanage for fifty children under the direction of Gervis and Melissa Fischer. During the church’s initial visit to Belize last year, Jonathan and Melissa learned that their personal history converged in Colorado where they each lived in the same town. Though they didn’t know one another in Colorado, Melissa and Jonathan share the same circle of friends.
The River team dug over 300 feet of 1'x1' ditches to save roads from heavy rains.
“The first time we visited the orphanage and met the Fischers, we were impressed and had an immediate comfort level,” says Jonathan. “We felt meeting them was providential, and we knew we wanted to be part of their work at the orphanage when we returned on this trip.”
Despite high temperatures and moist air that makes clothes stick to skin like glue, the team managed to carry 1000 cinder blocks and tons of sand to the third floor of the orphanage. During lunch breaks, the team spent time swinging the kids around and playing games.
Caleb Fleming, a senior economics major, developed a close friendship with Juan, “a happy kid with a contagious smile.” “At lunch one day he was using wood scraps to have a blast making homes and motorcycles,” Caleb remembers. “I thought it was cool to see such life in him and excitement over something so simple.”
Caleb bonds with Juan, student at TCA
“We ate our lunch really quickly because we wanted to be with the kids,” remarks Issac Nagle, a junior at Virginia Tech who just added Religious Studies to a double major. “It was great to get out of my comfort zone undistracted by computers and school work. The trip rejuvenated me spiritually and physically and gave me such peace and excitement about the future.”
Worship, prayer and teaching balanced work and play that included one unexpected encounter with a witch doctor seeking salvation. “I kid you not, it nearly threw me off the rock I was sitting on when he said he wanted to confess his sins and give his life over to Jesus,” exclaims Jonathan.
Enthusiasm about the trip was contagious. Twenty-three people have already committed to the next trip in May where they will hold a soccer camp. “We want to go deep in Belize, not jump around from place to place for outreach. God willing, we hope to go back every six months,” Jonathan notes.
For more information about how you can be involved with the River in Belize email Jonathan Tagg.
Learn more about The River.
Posted By: Cynthia P. Brust
Categories: Faith in Action
