Belize Camping Experience

(insert something attention grabbing here)
Now that we have your attention, let us tell you about what’s been going on.
This past weekend we held two councillor training sessions – one here in the city and another one in Spanish Lookout. It was an intense couple of hours, where we covered topics ranging from games and a typical camp schedule to fallow-up programs, dealing with trouble children and counselling kids dealing with tough issues. We are doing one more training in Blue Creek in two weeks, and tomorrow night we are helping a church do their own training – exactly what we want, Belizean churches taking ownership.

Armando a student and a friend from Steinbach Bible College was also involved at the training. Alongside us we had Brother Burns who is an official Christian counsellor in the city of Belize. These Belizean men have also sensed the lack of youth training that takes place in the church.

Last week we had been busy meeting pastors. We’re looking for the churches who want help with their children and youth program. There are many in need, but some would rather us do it for them instead of us empowering them to do it themselves. It’s a long sometimes frustrating process, but it’s the burden on our hearts and the grace of God that keeps us going.

We came in contact with a new church plant in the south side that has really encouraged us. This Belizean pastor left his pastoral position of 20 years in a village to brave the city and reach out to the un-reached. Because they are so new, they currently don’t have any Children or youth program but the pastor and some of the church members from his old congregation are egger to try anything that will help serve those around them. We look forward to working with them this August.

This coming week we have the first camp of the season. This church has decided to reach out to a specific group of children who are high risk and are in need of some genuine love – the kids from the orphanage. Please pray for the councillors and leaders to have patience and understanding for these rough kids. We will also need wisdom on how to handle conflict resolution and see beyond the face value of bad behaviour. May we truly reflect Jesus to these kids.

On a personal note, us newly weds are doing fine. I do a great job of keeping Alexander in check, making sure we keep a balance of work and relationship. So far we have had some time for sightseeing and exploring the country. In your prayers ask that we will be able to find a home church that isn’t just wanting us there for ministry sake, but a place where we can make friends and fellowship with people at the same life stage as us. I (Leah) am in some desperate need of some girl friends my own age, please pray for that as well.

If you’d like to write us you can send it to
Alexander and Leah Perez
Box 161
Belize City, Belize
Central America

GOD Bless
GO Bless