On the Road to Freedom

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36

Back from Belize

This is a excerpt from a letter written to the guys who went to Belize Feb 20-27, 2010.

It’a been only weeks since our “life event” and “eternity changing” adventure to Belize. I’m so grateful to each one of you for answering the call. In short, it was a pleasure being with you, observing your walk with Christ and enjoying your company. Thanks also for your good attitudes, hard work, and friendship.

If you’re like me, the dream-like adventure is already starting to fade, pushed from our minds by daily habits, schedules, and demands. I’m not too sad about this, since “God chooses where people should live, and their times.” (Acts 17) But I want to remember and savor the events, sights, sounds, and enriched friendships as long as I can.

I return to the States feeling like I was more blessed and impacted by the people and experience and they were impacted or helped by me. Please join me in journaling about it, and meditating on what you saw there, asking God to refresh your memory or show you His greater purposes or lessons for you.

Having said that, the people certainly seemed to appreciate us and welcomed us into their village and lives. The older people came and watched how we accepted them all, adoring their children, inviting them to work along side us when they wanted to “help,” stopping to speak, smile, or tote them around. The village served us a feast in the new church, sporting it’s yet unpainted ceiling and walls. One week later the church goers were treated to a beautifully painted church, inside and out, walls supporting a beautiful mural up front, walls adorned with thoughtfully chosen Scriptures, windows made beautiful by borders topped with a simple cross. I think we, with them, are in awe that the whole is greater than the some of our parts. It’ been said, “little is much when God is in it.” Tis true, and I think we’re all humbled and quietly overjoyed by the outcome. The village has two newly painted, brightly colored buildings, bringing a sense of hope, joy, beauty, and excitement about the future - that God is in her midst.

Indeed the Lord is to be remembered and thanked and worshiped. He made Belize, her people, and gave us the best trip I can imagine, meeting us with good weather, safe passage, health, joy, spiritual insights, new friends, natural beauty, and surprises at every turn.

I know we all feel humbled and good about sharing His Name, proclaiming His faithfulness and greatness to other generations and other nations, and serving them. May His Name continue to be known and magnified in Belize and in our lives. May God bless you and your families, may He turn His face toward you, and give you peace.

Your grateful brother in Christ Jesus,

Dwayne