Alexander's Ministry Update

February 2009

2009-02-26T15:07:00.000-08:00

This month has been that of ups and downs.
Alexander was sick for two weeks with Dengue Fever – but thankfully he was well enough in time, to head to Cuba as planned to meet with leaders about Children’s programs in there country.

While Alexander was away, I was holding down the fort here in Belize City. A couple of days into Alexander’s absence my sister Becky came out to keep me company since she was on spring break. I spent the time alone preparing for a workshop I was asked to do at a Belizean Youth Conference in Balmopan. Last minute they didn’t end up needing me, but my sister and I hoped on a bus to Balmopan anyways. It was a good chance to meet other youth workers in the country and connect with the youth we’ve been working with over the past year.

Alexander’s adventure in Cuba was a bit more interesting. I’ll let him tell it in his own words:

(*above: I flew from Cancun; I got to Havana and ride the bus for 12 hr to the City of Holguin. Then I visited churches and camp site on all the Orange Stars. I visited 4 cities and 2 were poor. I also got taken into place where the Government do not allow foreigner.)

"Thanks to God for the opportunity to represent CCI in Cuba. It happens that I was going to meet with Ray Wieler and Steven Zacharias in the City of Holguin and the Representative of World Server - the Organization CCI is partnering with to reach Cuba.

Unfortunately Ray and Steven missed their flight because of a snow storm. So I got to observe the Cuban Church on behave of CCI with goal of planting camp ministry into the heart of the Cuban Church.

Some things I got to see in the church: their were more youth than children, their were some children programs and lots of interest on the development of children outreach, need of Children resources and training, the churches are oppress by the Government however there is a big movement through house church plant, 95 % of church are poor, a pastor gets 35$ U.S dollar a month full time ministry. (*above: Small village of Cacocum. 1 hr drive from Holguin we visited the Church by Name of “En Espiritu Y Enverdad” 200 hundred members not including the children. )

I visited 4 cities in Cuba with ministries and I meet the most outstanding leaders and pastors of two denominations. I visited many churches and camps site that were run down. House churches in Cuba were 18 ft by 24 ft with an average of 200 people. Cuba government does not allow building churches on empty property. The only way to have a church is in a house.

(*above: "Play Guardalvaca was where I visited the church that was hit by the hurricanes 6 month ago. To Sad to say that the church does not have any roof since then. Lack of mullah")

In other words, Cuba Church is trusting in the Lord, and doing good, and they feed on God faithfulness."

Since being back Alexander spoke at a Children's Rally that had been planned for January but was postponed to this past saturday.

Also: this past weekend Spanishlookout youth visited us again and here Elsie and Nancy are doing the object lesson for the kids.

Coming up:
Training in Blue Creek this saturday
Soccer camp on March 9th Baron Bliss day
Cross-current comes on March 27th
Easter camp, April 6-9th

Into 2009!

2009-01-03T12:38:00.000-08:00

These past two months have been full of blessings and opportunities.
In November we had many plans that fell through, which was a great lesson on how we needed to wait on God’s timing and schedule. We then saw that what God had planed was much better.

In November we were blessed greatly from a visit of a Bayridge Church member, and we got to see the Spanish Lookout Church bless the kids of a Belize city church with two baby chicks for each kid! The next weekend we then had the opportunity to visit Spanish Lookout and do a training with the youth.

On the first day of December we received our first Christmas gift - a visit from Leah's mom and Aunt, and they came baring gifts from friends and family for the ministry (and some personal treats too!) Thank you to all of you who gave! We received almost everything on our ministry wish list and we even got the Mac Laptop. God is Good!

In December, while showing mom around we had the chance to speak at the Blue Creek High school for chapel and then invite them out to our training that Sunday. We were very pleased with the turn out as we had about 13 youth show up and a record number of boys -3!

Lately we've been receiving calls from Churches to come and speak to them about what BCE can offer them. We even had the opportunity to speak to an elder's board about starting to train their youth this new year. How Exciting!

We had a great holiday season busy with visiting friends and family. Thank-you for all your personal and ministry support that you have shown us this past year. Your prayers and financial gifts, or gifts of balls, sports equipment, art supplies or soup mix... all have been such an encouragement to us. May GOD Bless you as you GO Bless others, as you have already done with us.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, from Alexander and Leah Perez

Looking ahead to January 2009:
6th Leah’s Birthday
9th Denis and Janice visit
12th Visit Church in Dangriga
16th Speaking at a Children’s rally
17th Youth Training in Orange Walk
31st Youth Training for Belize City

NOTE: This will be our last Blog at this web site – we have a new Blog site:
http://alexanderandleah.blogspot.com/

BCE Christmas Wish List!

2008-11-08T13:02:00.000-08:00

Christmas is coming, the turkey’s getting fat.
Would please put a shilling in the poor kid’s hat.
If you haven’t got a shilling a small sweet will do
If you haven’t got a sweet... (Run away real fast!) ...the kids comin after you!

Enjoy my Belizean rendition on the classic Christmas carol? I thought it was pretty clever myself!

Christmas is coming. Tis’ the season to remind the children that it is better to give then to receive. So with that spirit we present to you the:

BCE Christmas wish list!

Filing Cabinet – we currently don’t have any place to put our papers. This makes it really hard for two naturally unorganized people to stay organized.

File Folders – These would come in really handy if “Santa” or “The Christmas Angle” (which ever you prefer) were to actually bring us a filing cabinet

Power Point Projector – Not only would it come in very handy for some of the councillor training that we do, but it is easier to present to churches and business people pictures and video of camp – without having to have everyone crowed around the computer

Soccer Balls – all of them were destroyed last year at camp, and we still tried to use them again this year. So we are in desperate need of the only object needed to play the only game that the boys at camp ever want to play.

Volleyballs – While the guys like “football” the girls like volleyball, and again we’ve only ever had one of these, and its in it’s dying days

Assorted kids balls – Aka. Nurf balls. Another favourite game of the children is dodge ball. But with basketballs – the only type of ball we now have the game can be quite painful – and bloody. (Please realize that we don’t actually let the children play dodge ball with basketballs.)

Whistles and Sports timers etc. – Our voices are only so loud, and our cell phones are not the best for keeping time in sports activities. Any little thing related to sports that you feel the urge to give – do so. I guarantee you we don’t have it.

Mac Laptop – Ok, let me explain. The laptop we have is good – we are very thankful that God has provided us with it, and we don’t know what we would do with out it (Could you imagine Leah and Alexander with out spell check!).
The reason we are asking for another, specifically for a Mac, is because of the nature of our work. We are often making videos and flyers to promote BCE – we make video’s of a churches camp to show the members what’s going on; video’s to encourage the youth and show them in action to their parents and churches; as well as to give a small taste of camp to interested supporters and business people – not to mention staying in contact through youtube to our friends, family and supporters back at home. Mac computers specialize in such software – and currently, for an unknown reason the video programs on the computer we have (a vista, go figure!) wont work.
Also, a second computer would make life easier for writing follow-up material with other individuals – and for when big projects come around that require lots of computer work, either Alexander or I wont be waiting for hours to get other work done. We realize its quite the request, and probably belongs on a dream list rather then a Christmas wish list – but they say you have to ask to receive.

Not wanting to be greedy, we’ll leave it at that.

Have a Merry Christmas – although I’m sure you’ll be hearing from us again before then.

P.S. If you are from the Kingston area and have something to send, Leah's mom is comming down to Belize December 1st. You can contact her and she may have some room to send it along.

A Blue Creek Blessing

2008-10-30T12:03:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Alexander and I had the most adventurous trip going to Blue Creek. We knew to expect flooding – but this we did not imagine. In place of a road and rice fields there is now a lake. We had to leave our truck in the trust of some friends and take a boat ride across. Take note in the pictures – where there is water, there usually is none.
(Below is Umpas, our pilot, driver, supporter and friend)
The lake behind us, should not be there. And the whole time we were there it kept rising. But even this amount of water could not dampen our trip.

We arrived on Saturday and spent the afternoon visiting with friends. On Sunday we had the privilege of reporting and preaching in the church. We trust that the Holy Spirit will have used us to challenge the people as much as we have been challenged by that same scripture (Duet. 32:11) – as we feel that in our context we have been pushed out of our comfortable nest, and into the dangerous world of Belize City.

It was a little difficult to find the time to visit everyone, but we had the pleasure of connecting with the churches pastors some leaders, and head of the mission board. We are thankful for the support they have shown us and look forward to working with them more closely in the future.

On the way back home we made a stop in Ship Yard, where we connected with Pastor Didrick and the youth leader. We are hoping to arrange a small camp with them in the upcomming months. And on the way out we picked up some fresh meat - what a treat! And Alexander got one of his wisdom teeth pulled. He's in alot of pain and some how thinks that he should be healed up already, please pray for him.

As always we were incredibly blessed with the food, friendship, lending of vehicles and encouragement for our ministry and marriage. Thank you to all those women who sat down with me to talk and just be a female companion – it was refreshing (and I know Alexander will greatly appreciate all the cooking lessons and advice I recieved). And thank you to all those men who let Alexander help out on the farm and get his hands dirty – he misses those days on the Altona farm.

Basketball Belize

2008-10-18T12:16:00.000-07:00

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.

September

2008-10-01T11:12:00.000-07:00

This past month has been one of adjustments and transitions from summer.
The kids are now back in school and our focus has shifted to the youth. While the churches continue to connect with the kids through follow-up and Sunday school, we are working with a few key people in creating curriculum. While it was a rough start- none of us having done this in a group before, we finally came up with our focus and format of what we will be creating. Starting in November we want to cover lesson from Abraham, and David then lead into the Christmas story. Our curriculum will be easy with a key bible passage, questions, memory verse, simple puzzles or activities relating to the lessons, suggested songs and a challenge for the kids to complete that week. It’s meant to be simple and easy to adapt to a range of kids and young teens ages 7-15. The difficult part is arranging a time for this group to sit down and get things done.

This past month Belize celebrated its 27th year of independence so there were many events and parades going on around the country. We were able to join the celebration by entering BCE in one of the parades here in the city. Unfortunately because of some of the gang activity here in the city and an incident at a previous parade, some of our councillors from out of town were not permitted to come. Yet we marched on with the support of two churches from within the city. It was so much FUN! The kids waved banners that we had made, and we had some fun with water balloons we had prepared to use to cool down the kids. We also got lots of questions about the meaning of BCE, hopefully God will use that opportunity to get word out about this ministry in the city.

(We do not support or encourage the viewing of inapropriate videos advertized by youtube after our video clip. If tempted remember GOD IS WATCHING YOU, WATCHING YOUTUBE!)

Want a new means of keeping up to date with us? Do you often get bored and start looking up random video’s on youtube? Then check us out on youtube! You can find us in the search engine under “alexanderandleah”
Keep us in your prayers – please, we really need them.
Bless.

End of Summer Review

2008-08-29T13:13:00.000-07:00

The summer session has officially closed. This past week we finished our last two camps and on Monday the Children head back to school. Both camps went very well, and we were able to find extra help for the last minute cancellations of a few councillors. At the first camp 10 children accepted Christ, and in the last camp, the pastor led the whole camp in a prayer of salvation, to which all of them raised their hand too. We were then able to hand out donated Bibles to each child. Both these Pastors have committed to following up with these children.

This summer ended off busy. 3 of the 5 camps happened in this last week and a half.

Here is a look at some of the summers numbers:
25 youth from 5 different churches attended councillor training
9 new councillors worked with us for the first time
10 councillors crashed at our place and for 5 of them it was their first time staying an overnight in the city
4 Churches ran camps
5 camps completed
134 kids attended camp this summer
40 kids made first time commitments to Christ
402 hugs shared
1 out of 7 balls survived the summer, leaving us with 1 volleyball for next year
Approximately 100,000,000 bug bites endured

We keep being asked, now that summers over what do we do?
Well, we need to keep these churches accountable and help them develop a follow-up program that will meet the needs of the Children and the Church. We are continuing to reach out to other churches who may be interested in working with us next year. We are currently putting together a fundraising basketball tournament that will act as a follow-up event connecting churches we’re working with, and inviting other churches to join us in some fun fellowship. Also this month is September celebration so we are putting together a group of councillors and kids to represent us in the business parade. There are also a few people and teams wanting to visit and see what we are doing so we need to prepare for that as well. There is also the task keeping contacted with our councillors and getting some of them involved in developing curriculum for next years summer camps. The to do list never ends…

Last Minute Changes

2008-08-21T09:01:00.000-07:00

This past week did not go as we had planed, instead God had something better in mind. Our over night camp was cancelled, but with helpers coming from two other districts to help we were not willing to let the week go to waste.

Just a couple days before, we had made contact with a Spanish church who had a handful of youth, and were looking for something for children’s program. We decided to challenge them to work with us to put together a simple camp in two days and to our delight they rose to the challenge. Representing the church, Dulce and Rosario worked along side our outsider help Anita, Joseph, Elsie, Nichole and Ashton.
Probably one of the most significant parts of the three days was the challenge we put our councillors through. We challenged them to personally connect with at least one camper and report to us about what they were learning about what these kids were dealing with.
We found out that most of the children were living with only one parent or a grandparent. One young girl Maria has no idea who here father is, and she grew very attached to Joseph who we could clearly see she viewed as a father figure. We also found out that one of the young girls, no older than 8, her mother was teaching her how to use profane words and curse people, so that her daughter would be able to fight back if ever made fun of.
By the end of the three days when our volunteers were going home there were a few tears from the kids, in fear they would never see them again. We defiantly plan on having the same councillors working with these kids in the future and we reassured them of that – but as sad as it was for them, it was encouraging to see that an impact had been made on these children.

Coming up:
This up coming weekend we have two more camp. Its been in the works for awhile, but we have had some last minute cancellations from some key volunteers. Please pray for the gaps. And that God would have an impact on these kid’s and the church.
GOD Bless
GO Bless

Another camp down – two more to go.

2008-07-30T11:29:00.000-07:00

This past week another camp took place. This camp was with the kids from the “south” side of the city, known for being a more rough area. With the help of three counsellors from Blue Creek and Andre from Orange Walk along with the direction of Yolanda and Ronda representing their church, camp was a success.

Joshua and Clarissa were campers last year. At age 14 this year, they were to old to attend but the were counsellor helpers. This was definitely another answer to prayer, as we see the kids grow up in the ministry and start taking responsibility.

The topic for the week was “The Race” 1 Corinthians 9:24-25. We taught the kids about Jesus as our Coach, how we need to train (reading the Bible, loving our enemies, going to church etc.) and how we win the prize – accepting Jesus into our hearts. We did pray the prayer of salvation with the kids, as we always do in our camps – but only God knows what went on in their hearts. Time will tell as we see these kids grow up.

What I can tell you is that we have seen change already. One young boy dear to my heart, Cesar is a camper we worked with in our first camp last year. Last year he was dealing with a lot of anger towards the world, and it showed in his behaviour – at that time it hadn’t been long since his brother had been shot and killed. Now a year latter at this camp, Cesar was a new boy! He eagerly volunteered to do the actions for all of the songs, he kept the other boys in his group in line, and he even made his mom return him from a visit from his grandmothers early so he wouldn’t miss camp. Dedication and commitment to working with and loving kids into the kingdom of God makes a difference – not only for the future of Belize, but for the present as well.

On a personal note, please pray for Alexander as two of his wisdom teeth are severely infected, and he is in much pain. We went to see the dentist saturday but they cannot do anything for him until the infection clears up – then it’s a costly venture of x-rays and cleanings before they might be able to pull them out.

It has begun...

2008-07-16T09:35:00.000-07:00

Last week we had our first camp of the season. This camp was unique for a few reasons. It was held in a local park, the teachings were basic and the activities high energy- it doesn’t take much to build a relationship and impact a kid. It was strictly run with kids from the local orphanage as the campers. While the kids were testing the ropes and our patience the first day by the third and final day things were going smoothly and everyone involved was having a blast.

It was also unique in that Alexander and I had very little involvement. This may sound strange but it is a great accomplishment. Instead of having a team come down and do camp for this church the pastor took initiative and using his own youth they ran an amazing camp. While this may seem basic, it is a huge accomplishment – if only we could get other churches to such a point of independence so quickly! The pastor was already talking about doing it a few days longer next year and eventually doing an overnight camp with the same kids. How amazing it is to see people catch the vision and understand the importance of children’s ministry.

This past weekend we held another training in a community called Blue Creek. We were excited to meet with the youth who were interested in helping out with camps this summer. We were also honoured to have our friends and past councillors Jesse and Leroy from Spanishlookout come with us and help us out.

Please continue to pray for us we try to find direction on how to use our time wisely. We are continuing to try to find and connect with more churches, but the summer is slipping away from us.

Also pray for our health. We are currently suffering from one of the hazards of the job. Working with many kids and meeting many people put us in contact with a whole range of things. Please pray for quick healing and relief from these bugs.

Belize Camping Experience

2008-07-06T14:26:00.001-07:00

(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

June 12 2008

2008-06-13T09:42:00.000-07:00

What did me ever do wit out me beautiful wife Leah?

…ok I’ll admit it, its Leah here writing on behalf of “Alexander the missionary.”
This past month has been a whirlwind of a ride. Our wedding on May 31st was truly the celebration we had been hoping for. Thank you also for the generous gifts. We have set aside that money for setting up our home and have so far bought some small necessities as well as a new stove!
We left Canada on June 7th and arrived in Cancun that following night. Michael and Jessie camp counsellors who we are working with, picked us up in our new ministry truck. Just before the Belizean boarder we were not so pleasantly greeted by the Mexican police – a greeting that we finally ended with a big enough “tip” – if you know what I mean.
We’d like to send out a special thanks to all of those who have helped us raise the money for the truck. It’s amazing how God works – I was praying for a green truck (because what do I know about trucks except for color!?) and Alexander was praying for a Toyota Tacoma. Our ministry vehicle just happens to now be a Green Toyota Tacoma – GOD answered prayer!
After arriving to our home here in Belize, we spent the next couple days unpacking and adjusting. I’ve had to adjust to wearing shoes in the house, cold showers, and filling the washing machine with buckets of rain water – but nothing I can’t handle. On the other hand Alexander has to adjust to living with a woman from another culture who doesn’t know how to make the basic dish of beans – except for out of a can -pray for him. But today we’re finally back to business.
A lot has happened here in Belize while we were away. A huge tropical storm named Arthur washed out villages in Southern Belize, killed 4 people and left millions of dollars in destruction. Even here in Belize City the roads are under construction from being washed out and the usually blue waters around the city are still brown from all the sediment. There is also a huge shortage in rice and flower, the country’s staple food.

Here is how you can pray for us this month:
· Pray for a smooth transition from being away from the ministry for so long. We need to reconnect with the churches and key young leaders we will be working with.
· Pray for the councillor training that we will be having in two weeks. We still need to confirm dates, get the word out and create the curriculum we will be teaching.

*Also, if you are planning on supporting me (Leah) personally as a missionary on a monthly basis and have not yet sent your info or check to CCI, please do so. I left Canada on faith knowing that God will provide, for I left knowing that I still have over 50% of my monthly support to raise.

If you want to contact us, we have a new email. If it is an email of personal nature you can reach us at AL.perez@live.ca If you are emailing and its about the ministry, you can reach us at BelizeCamp@gmail.com If you want to talk to us in person- a real life encouragement, call us at 011-501-674-0708.

GOD bless, GO bless.

wedding pics

2008-06-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

Crosscurrent Student helping in leadership training Belize.

2008-04-22T07:16:00.000-07:00

On and on!!! The Cross Current Students from Winkler Bible Camp are back at their sweet homes. These guys worked hard doing children’s camp and physical ministry. They were a great support and encouragement for the children’s camp ministry in Belize. They assisted me with 4 counselors’ training sessions. The most amazing thing they did during these trainings was pass on the excitement of children’s camp to the Belizean Youth.

The students communicated the importance of outreach to children and the excitement that is found in serving Christ. Steven Zacharias my director, says that “it is essential to get the youth excited about camp:,” If you ask me how to get excited, I say that it presences of Holy Spirit that take over the place of meeting. But I saw it happen with the help of Cross Current. I also give credit to Jeff Badman… As the Spiritual leader and teacher of the cross current group, God has really used him to train, disciple and equipped the students. Jeff keep up the good worked!

I found love in serving God through children camp. It is why, I will ask you to please pray that all details would come together before I head up to Canada. Today, I was at Scotiabank for business. I was thinking about all that needs to be done before camp. I then saw an old guy with old T-shirt.

It said these words with a verse. Why do you worry, God is in-control. I was surprised to feel God’s presence through the old mans T-shirt. I will always love my Lord. Remember to come to the Engagement Party @ Winkler Bible Camp. 28 of April at 7:00 p.m.There will be a short program and food. If you are coming and have not responded yet, send me a response or a short email. The big day is coming friend… I am thrilled

Please pray for safe traveling.. through cancun and toronto.. I love you all

Fallow-up program and Cross Current.

2008-04-01T12:29:00.000-07:00

Time is going too fast:

Bienaventurados los que …. Con todo el corazon le buscan Palm 119:2.

May the Holy Spirit bring us a fresh reminder what Jesus went through for us. I find it so interesting when I read John 18:1-6, it says, a detachment of soliders and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees went to arrest Jesus. What does the word detachment mean? It was a group of 300 soldiers, maybe something like the movie 300 And on Verse 18:6 it says that they all fell on the ground. You see how powerful our redeemer is! I watched the passion of Christ but I never got a complete idea of what Christ went through. Yes! The Jesus I serve is more powerful that I ever imagined.

Invite you to pray for these events:

March 25 – April 14 Cross Current helping in youth leadership training joining me in Belize

March 26 – 30 Fallow-up Programs for campers

March 29, April 3, 11, 12 Counselor training

April 3 Belize Children Camps Board meeting (pray 4 the board making wise decision)

April 19 Bring 4 youth group together planning for summer camp

April 20 Found Raiser

April 24 Traveling to Canada to see my Princess

May 31 Getting Married to the Wettlaufer family…

There are more things taking place but these will help to accomplish the others. Pray for the structuring of the youth groups. God has been making beautiful things happen while training these youth. They have poured out their hearts and troubles. March 29, 5 youth will start writing material for fallow-up camping programs. This how committed these guys are to the ministry.

The neighborhood where we are working. I was meeting with a group of 5 youth at St Andrew church on the south side of Belize the other week. During our session, seven gun shots were fired on the other side of the church. These youth are all trained so that they all lie on the ground as the gun shot were fire. One brave young Lady by the name of Nicole did not lie on the floor. We all taught she was the brave one, but we found out after that she taught it was firecracker. Please pray for our safety.

Alexander ..

To little time and lot to do

2008-03-03T13:50:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Pray that youth groups will grow, that God will call out teens that are willing to be disciple and train to become camp councillors. The churches I am currently working have no youth group, and are in pretty tough neighbourhoods. With crime rates high and rain it make ministry more difficult as my prayers for a vehicle or motorcycle have still gone unanswered.
Pray that God will provide a vehicle and for protection until then, as I have to ride my bike everywhere.
Pray that the detail for the cross-current team visiting will come together in time for their trip on March 25th to April 15.
Also pray as I try to find the time to prepare things down here to be joined by my future wife.
SO MUCH TO DO AND SO LITTLE TIME!
Pray for strength as the burden is heavy, and the cost is high. This is where God wants me, and I am willing – but I can not do it without your prayers of support.

A picture of Camper.. Catty

2008-03-03T11:46:00.000-08:00

One of the camper home Pastor Betson picking up campers

Church service is made of campers... ON A SUNDAY... IT takes hard work to work with young people.. energy.. ha, ha, ha

Pastor Bethson duble his Camper

2008-03-03T08:58:00.000-08:00

Shalom,, “Y” “all”
In Spanish we say: “ Mucha - Passa”.
The children in Belize City say, “My Friend!” It reminds me of when I was in India… The Indian people gave me special names like “Uncle” or “my Brother.” They saw the value of being a Latin Missionary in India…
In the same way the children of Belize City experience the importance of having someone who is building a long term relationship with them. It blows the kids minds knowing that there are people who care for them. The circumstances where these children come are like the ghetto.
What a privilege it is to have a real friend! James 2:23 says, that God accounted to Abram righteousness and God even called him His Friend….
Pastor Betson a pastor who we did camp with last summer @ the city of Belize has tripled his campers over the period of 7 moths... He now has 75 rough and beautiful children. Since the older people do not want to come church, Pastor Betson has caught the vision of what Children’s Camps International has been promoting.
“Win the children and through them we win the parents,” says Pastor Betson. He has caught the vision. Two weeks ago a statistic came up for Belize. It stated that 44 % of our population is under the age of 18. Pastor Betson and other Pastors shake their heads saying “Bull’s eye!”…. And only 15% of the churches in Belize are targeting to youth. Pray that the church in Belize continues to picks up the vision to reach out the youngsters. Belize is a young country that received its independence in 1981. So we are a young nation with a young population who need to take God more seriously.
Okay! Last two weeks. God has given me the privilege to start 3 youth groups in 3 different churches. I guess someone has to do the job!!! I give thanks to God that he has started a fire in my heart for the young generation here. And we need more youths to have more camp counselors for this summary camp 2008.
Please pray 4 the Ministry

The Journey Continues

2008-02-14T16:03:00.001-08:00

The Belizean Missionary:
Good News friends, I made it back to Belize in one piece. The missionary journey was like walking in the shoes of Jesus. Yeah! I have begun to do and to teach, on what I preached.
Preaching hope and encouragement to my Indian brothers brought me more passion on reaching out to the young generation. This picture is my Appartment
Now I am back to my neighbourhood. The building I stay is not in great shape. During my time living in this building they have rob 6 apartments. Praise God that they have respected this noble man home. Or probably, they have read the shard note at the front door. It quotes, “My father is waiting for you; and if He do not answer, He is still listening!” Guys i did choosed this to be my home. I have reach out two families. And it has being of huge blessing. Do not worry.. I will be finding a better pl
Please remember that Belize City needs lot of prayers. We had government election on 8 Fed. During this time they have had four shootings in the city. Four deaths and 17 injured by gun shooting. This is not a game. Riding Bicycle probably is not a good idea...However, we can not fears the enemy. There a better life to come.....
Last Sunday morning, I preached Christ and Poverty. During the preaching people were quietly listening how Jesus exalted the poor. And he commands that they be helped. Right after the preaching a younger man by the name Shawn, who came to me and he said, “Can you teach me, I want to learn from you.” He continue saying, “Last two weeks I came out of jail after being there for 16 years in prison.”
Please pray that I can disciple this younger man. That Shawn would become a testimony to reach out children of Belize before the devil get to them.

Love you all…Happy Valentine------- God bless you through this reading+++++ 27 today. Alexaner

God is in India

2008-01-27T17:08:00.000-08:00

Amen,,, I am in INDIA witnessing how God is moving in this country through children's camps ministry.

On my first 2 days I got a little bit sick. I was exhausted traveling for 28 hr. Being on the other side of the world I had to check up with my sleep. Now I am back on track.....

Indians people are too friendly. They are so homble , loving, poor and harmless. You see elephants, cows and Lot's dogs on the streets and people are likes ants on the ST. And heavy traffics. I cannot compare this country with Belize or Guatemala.

Thought this time I am able to see how bondage these people are with Hindu gods. They have a god for each prayer request. However, seeing the impact the children ministry has in this culture. I see God changing Culture. I believe that God has special call for india.

In 52 A.B the apostle Thomas made to India. I visited the site here he got kill. Apostle Thomas witness the called God has for India. Apostle Thomas was determine to reach to this people who were knot with pagan gods. Keep praying ..

2008-01-27T16:56:00.000-08:00

Belize Winter

2008-01-18T21:13:00.000-08:00

It is pretty good feeling when your toes are getting frozen.

This is Canada for you friends. Imagine a beach with white sand. So white that it hurts your eyes as the sun shines!

The fun part about the white Snow (sand) A is that you can build a Canadian Sandman. It also allows you walk on water. And go fishing just without a canoe. Ha, ha, that's nothing yet.
Imagine, taking the Good News to this beautiful land. Where there are no Mosquitoes problems because thier Jackets are to big and buky to fly in. However, they need to be reminded what God is doing in the other side of the world.

Alexander @ Manitoba, Canada .. Too Cool too cold for this Belizean..... God bless you all read the report and pray as you read.

Not to Cold and Not to Worm

2008-01-17T17:29:00.000-08:00

Lord I’m Excited!… Last December, you all know that I was traveling to Canada for short missionary journey. Well, I got safely into Toronto, where I met my Fiancé and her Family. Then Leah and I did lots of wedding plans before she headed out to Paraguay with Mission X.

Now, you’re questioning when is the big day? May 31, 2008 or 139 more days. The wedding will be taking place @ Kingston ON. Not Jamaica. However, for friends who cannot make it out there, we will be having engagement party @ Winkler Bible Camp on April, 28, 2008. Time 7:00 p.m… write it down

I witness this in the past.
"I did not believe on marriage in the past. I came from divorce parents and broken foster parents. I believed that I was a cursed child in God eyes. I could not comprehend why I was abandoned by my own family. I felt so rejected by the society that I did not fear God."
What happens when you do not fear God? You become dangerous like a wild beast of darkness. Yet, God never give up on me. One day he opened my eyes, that I saw His wondrous things from His law. Now, marriage for me is considered One of God holy blessing for man-kind. I’ve learned this, “With Christ a child can let go the deepest wounds and trade it for God soft joy”

Where am I? Missions!!! I am in Canada witnessing. I’ve had various meeting with leader of CCI, speaking at different group of people and visiting ministry supporters and visiting friends. I also connected with Cross-Current Mission team who are coming to help us with follow-up programs in the City of Belize. Also spend few hours with CCI planning for better camps. The Spirit of God has kept me going!

On the January 21, 2008, I will be leaving to India early Morning. Please pray for me as God prepare me for this new journey. Ask the Spirit to give me open mind, discernment, simplicity and love for lost in India. Pray for safety.

On Fed 5, 2008 I should be @ Cancun heading back to Belize.

I will be willing to report @ your friends. To share with you what God is doing in this side of the world?

You are all my Family
Alexander P.Z

2007-11-19T10:01:00.000-08:00

Boarder of Belize and Guatemala..

This is Postor Nate and I... Thank you for all your prayers....

Mission is not a Joke!

2007-11-17T08:56:00.000-08:00

Leaving to Guatemala (Guate) City had 2 purposes. To get my Canada (CN) visa and to locate ways to help the church in Guatemala City. It seems plenty but God gave me Pastor Nate, a missionary from the U.S working in the city of Belize, to be apart of this mission.
On, Tuesday morning, we were at the CN Embassy at Guate City. We were 5 minutes late, at the embassy gates. The regulation was that no one after 11 a.m could come in. Yet, the CN counsellor told the officer to let me in for my interview. Well, after a few hours the ambassador returned my passport with 2 years multiple CN Visa. God always amazes me, friends.
Pastor Nate and I went to celebrate with a fine plate called combo fiesta Pollo. After having a good lunch we contacted Pastor Eswin R., he is from the city. Since, Pastor Eswin did not have his own transportation we couldn’t make it in time to the church where we suppose to bring the Message. Pastor Eswin, had 15 churches across the city of Guate for us to visit in a city of 5 million people.
While going at Pastor Eswin home we walked into the poorest areas of the City. We sat with pastor Eswin and his family and we prayed and encouraged. We also invited Pastor Eswin to come on March 2008 while children camps are taking place in Belize of City. He accepted the task.
As we were about to leave Guatemala City, we waited at the bus terminal for 2 hours. There we encounter a young lady whom was suffering an illness. It seems like she was demon possessed. Pator Nate and I prayed over her and her husband. Minutes later she last her sight. The Devil was trying to scare us. However, we were empowered by the S. H.
Soon our bus was ready to take off. Pastor Nate and I realized that we had no more currency to purchase our next bus ticket to the Belize Boarder. Yeah, I had 5.00 Q which was the equal to 1.50 BZ. However, God provide for us….
Now after 10 minutes of bus ride four young men stood up inside the bus and said, “This is an assault.” Within 30 seconds another young man got into the bus with a firearm. One of them punched me on my nose like a reminder to the rest to give all their $$. Yeah, they got my camera and mp3 player. The searched Pastor Nate and they found zero $$. However they found his U.S passport and few Christmas Gifts. They got extremely mad cause we had no $$$.
Then the robbers, attempted to drive the bus into another direction but b/c there was a lot of traffic they had no more options than to continue going straight. Things would have gotten ugly if they would have taken the bus into another direction.
Being captured by these thieves with a bleeding nose, I got a little bit of what Apostle Paul when trough! I said to one of the robbers, God can forgive you, but he avoided me completely. After everything was over, the people on the bus started crying and giving thanks to God b/c it would had been worse.
Let us be wise and don’t give any opportunity to the devil to scare us. I say “Next time it is not going to be just 2 men but 10 warriors in agreement to take the Gospel into that city” Remember to keep praying AT ALL TIME for other missionaries who are willing to sacrifice their lives to reach the last, (Eph 6:18). Like Pastor Nate and his family whom are on the battle field on a city.
Now, I am back in Belize with a huge smile knowing that I serve a powerful God. I rejoice with trembling before God. I see, how lovely God is’s when we have a willing heart for Him to take us into the unknown, to find places were His glory will dwell. I asked you friends, to fall into the Hands of the King of Glory and firmly stand before Him so that He can show you new ways in reaching the last. What can you do? What can be said? What can you give? What can you bring? What can you bring as an offering to the King’s of King’s? I live for Him.
Please continue praying as God guide me to get camp counsellors and camp directors before heading to CN on Dec 14.
Thank you all for your prayers. They are as powerful like shield that crash the enemy. I will bless the lord at all time... I will exalt his Name forever! (Psalm 34).
Alexander Perez...

2007-11-09T14:24:00.000-08:00

Aim at a lower age. Pastor Rock from the BELIZE of CITY said, "Children are like sponge, it is why we have to teach them with Christian principles at a younger age." These beautiful kids you see are from the south side of the City... If Jesus ask you today, what do you see on these young once? What would you answer,,,"I see hope, I see a successful church tomorrow, and see pastor and counselors, teacher." Please pray for this ministry as we keep progressing on reaching out young hearts in the country of Belize...

Alexander Perez,

Working wise not harder

2007-11-06T15:30:00.001-08:00

Dear Family,
Thank you for pouring into my Ministry. The Praise goes to Our Father who has touched your heart to support a Belizean Missionary in prayers and finance.
Currently, I visited two districts Dangriga and Punta Gorda. These Districts are presently abandoned b/c they are poor and remote areas. Imagine a house of 20 ft by 15 ft, where 8 to 12 people are living in. This is the condition of life out there. The people there work hard for a few dollars.
I had the opportunity to preach there and it was a great blessing. I met with the youth and some people accepted Jesus as their Savoir and Lord. The pastors were also amazed when I told them about the children and youth ministry. Immediately the doors were opened to train the youth and adults for children ministry. There is a need…
On that same note, I have seen the same need in a different environment which is our City, Belize City. Here the young generation need help. That is the reason of partnering with other churches, youth leaders and pastors.
Little I’ve known of the city, but it takes courage to ride a bicycle in some areas because it’s dangerous; However, I have been riding bicycle for over six months. I’ve seen how much more effective and save it can be, if I can just have some kind of gas transportation to go into these areas of the City. I believe a motorcycle would be of great help.
Please, if anyone wants to contribute in purchasing a second-hand motorcycle it would be a huge blessing for reaching out children and youth. It will become the greatest Christmas gift; I will receive for reaching more lives. Prayer request!!!
The theory is, “Focusing more into Belize city, and then the surroundings will be on fire for Jesus (the vision) of children and youth ministry.” Do not get me wrong! Riding buses and sleeping on Hammock, on the floor or Palm houses is something that gives me a glimpse of what Jesus went through. It is like Steven quoted, “let’s us not work harder but rather work wiser.”
I trust that this other news will bless your heart!!! I am going to visit Canada on Christmas and then travel to India on January. My Mission to India is to work together with the Indian people as we carry children camps throughout the world. Same journey will take place in Canada, working together with the staff of Children’s Camps International (CCI).
In Canada I will be spending quality time with close relatives and friends. Before this take place, I need to renew my Canadian Visa. Prayer request!!!
Our next Children’s Camp will be during Easter break which is on March. We are planning to have eight camps during that time. We are also having a mission team of 12 (Cross Current Students) from Canada coming for three weeks to help us during the camps.
We will also be experiencing different techniques for camper’s follow-up programs. Like Soccer game and play station follow up program. I have faith on God that he will give us direction for follow up programs. The 1 of December a follow up is taking place. Prayer request!!!
You are wandering how this big elephant is going to be eaten… Ray Wieler the president of CCI once said, “one bite at a time.”
And it is a true fact that we serve the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Jesus is telling us to go together and tell the world what’s on the other side of bridge.
Abundant life and everlasting joy is waiting for us who believe in Him.
By Alexander Perez

2007-10-18T13:07:00.000-07:00

A week from today, I join hands with other Leaders in the City of Belize The idea here is to train leaders, to multiply myself.

Now is the time to put the Bible into action. Although, one representative has not been chosen yet. I am fasting and praying to find this person. This week I will be traveling into another community to locate this Saint (person). I will be preaching in the community of May King and it is important for you to keep me in your prayer as I do God work.

The church already reminded me to pray and fast before going into their community. Why? Which craft has a hold of numerous people there! If I share to you a life stories what take place in this community you might not believe it. You like Peter, who asked if it you Lord let me see your hands… Profound faith is what move me to give vision and encourage the church in their situation. I am going out there in the Name of Jesus Christ who has delivery me.

Have you ever walked on the unknown? I have a good feeling that you want to take ride with me. Fear not when the bus line runs twice a day and you get lucky if you it gets there because of the road conditions. Brother Bob Toews and Professor Gordon can tell you how difficult traveling gets in raining season.

I enjoyed my bus ride going to Chunox Village. The bus had one wheel burst and while the church service was starting. I was called to get ready to bring forth the Message. Wow! How much more terrifying it can get when you do not find your sermon between the pages of your Bible. I shouted. “God I want to go home!”

He replay, “Answers can not be give but you must remain in me.” Yeah! The Spirit remained me of the young man Timothy on how God used him presenting the Gospel. So I got electrify, passionate to present the message, and I also cried laughing saying. “Jesus I love you, b/c you die for me. And what I do, I do for you.” What I do is to give vision to the churches in children and youth ministry and encouragement. I Love you guys.

Alex's First Blog Entry

2007-04-24T12:53:00.000-07:00

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