Basketball Belize

This past Monday BCE held its fist annual Basketball FUN-Raiser!
We didn’t make any money (in fact it cost us a bit), but it was defiantly FUN.
Two churches that we have been doing camp came, bringing over 40 kids hyperactive kids– which was plenty enough for only 9 leaders. With the help of some talented guys, the kids were put through plenty of warm ups and drills to teach kids the game, before breaking them up into teams to compete. It may have seemed like chaos – every kid had fun.

The weekend was a busy one. Before Basketball camp, we had spent the weekend at a Pastors and Leaders conference here in the city. We were also able to set up a booth and connect with many different church leaders who may be interested in using our services.

But before the conference even ended we had to take off a little early to help some youth do a follow up program. We had done a camp this summer, with two of the youth from the church, but after that there didn’t seam to be anyone willing to do the follow up program. So for the past month we have been meeting weekly with the youth for an hour or two about what they have to offer and the importance of children’s ministry. Last week we challenged them to do a simple follow up program with the kids. They seemed sceptical, but when we assured them that we would be there with them, and set out a simple outline of what all happens in a follow-up program, they had no end of ideas of all the things we could do. It just proved to us that all these youth need is some direction, encouragement and a push.
The actually program went off pretty well. While there were a few kinks to be ironed out, we were very please at what the youth had accomplished. We hope the youth feel the same way and are as encouraged as we are to continue on – eventually with out our help.

Prayer Requests
We will be speaking in and giving the sermon in the Blue Creek Church on Sunday the 26th. Pray that we can continue to connect and build relationships with the church people there, also that we can bring an encouraging spirit led message to the church.
Please also pray for Alexander and I as we continue to adjust to married life. Lately it seems as if things have reached a head with tension and frustration in our relationship. Pray that when the hard times come, we will cling to each other and that God will bind us closer together as we struggle through the valleys.
Leah is still having a hard time connecting with Belizean girls her age and making friends – and deeply misses the soul friend she had back in Canada (shout out to Angela, Ashley, Char, Tab and Nikki!). Pray that the few female relationships she does have can grow into fulfilling friendships.