Drupal

I never thought it possible to sit on the Caribbean in the shade of swaying palm trees, watching the waves roll in off aqua blue water, with a sense of despair. The picture is idyllic and romantic. There isn’t any sense of hurry or urgency as people sit in the shade and wait out the heat of the afternoon, watching the boats bob in the surf. About half a mile out, the waves break over the reef and the water between here and there is calm and crystal. The surf is intoxicating. The mood is tranquil. The horizon is off a postcard. Yet, I am sad. What’s my problem? It is too tranquil and peaceful and calm. There isn’t any urgency among the people here in San Pedro, Belize. “Life is good, Mon.” But it isn’t. I find myself among a culture that is using the tranquility of this sanctuary God has provided to escape the terminal nature of life on the island. Substance abuse is sky-high. Teenage pregnancy is very common. Abortions and STD’s among young teens are accepted. Affairs are accepted. The church of Jesus is mostly non-existent. There isn’t a need – it is a kill-joy and a crutch. It cramps a care-free lifestyle that marks a deep concern about one’s mortality and well-being. Today seems good but tomorrow is frightening. We met with a local pastor today who is passionate about reaching the island. His little church is English speaking and tries hard, but is considered irrelevant. Women and children come to church but “once the boys become teenagers, they leave and don’t return.” He prays that men will come to church but his hope is waning. We met with a missionary from the U.S. who has been in Belize for many years and is trying to fix the problem of Belizean churches being dependent on foreign churches to survive. He feels it is threatening the future of the Christian Church in Belize – the whole country. We will meet with another local pastor later today – his church speaks the local dialect of Spanish.  We need to continue to listen to the leaders of the church that is here so we can know how to help them overcome the “way laid back” attitude and introduce the culture to a Jesus that desires to lead them to change designed to rescue and restore them. About 10 miles north of where I am typing, there are 40 children gathered at Son and Sea Camp where Ridge Pointers are serving this week. Last night, as we had dinner with the children and joined them for singing, I experienced the birthing of a movement that will be vital and key to transforming this island. Ridge Pointers and counselors from literally all over the world – the drummer was from London, England – shared Jesus with these kids and the joy was palpable. I watched “church” happen as they sang, laughed, praised Jesus, loved on one another, and expressed a sense of holy urgency about knowing God and following Jesus. Not panic – urgency that combined with the gentle breeze of the Caribbean to create a calm that was elevating. We need a church for these kids to go to after camp. Right now, the kids are experiencing Jesus one week a year. Their parents – who have no regular exposure to following Jesus, love sending their kids because they come home different and delightful. Tomorrow, we meet with the owner of the local radio station.  He is a follower of Jesus, a Belizean, and excited to talk with us.  We will also meet with another church leader from the mainland and possibly the mayor of San Pedro. Pray for these meetings and ask that the Spirit would translate for us so that we might know our responsibility and be willing to assume it.  If we all do what we can, it will all get done. Thanks for praying. I feel joy knowing we are all doing this together – Ridge Pointers and Jesus! Love you all!