Last Minute Changes

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.

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...

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

(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

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

Crosscurrent Student helping in leadership training Belize.

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