New doors

Submitted by Jason

     I remember myself thoroughly enjoying the end of the NFL season last year. While my beloved Eagles were eliminated from playoff contention, I turned my attention to what was unfolding in Denver. Tim Tebow had the attention of the whole country as he found ways to perform at high levels at the end of several consecutive games and leading his team to victory in most improbable ways. The sports world was a buzz with discussions about his faith and his willingness to give God the glory at every possible chance. While watching one of these games, I recall having the thought, "Wouldn't it be impressive if one of these high profile athletes, in the peak of their careers, walked a way from it all to answer the call of the Lord in their lives.". Little did I know, just several months later, the Lord would be speaking to me about doing exactly that.
     One week has gone by since our return from Belize. It has been exciting this week to watch new ministry opportunities present themselves to us as we continue our correspondence with potential future neighbors. One of these new ministry opportunities stemmed from a "random" conversation that appeared to be coincidental at the time. I walked to the far corner of one of the available properties with my friend Rick to take pictures of the property from different angles. There were two men there returning to their pickup truck that was parked just a few feet from where we were standing. These men were there doing surveying work for the owners. Rick and I introduced our selves to the first man that approached us. His name was Victor. Victor told us that he pastors a small church just over one of the hills and he surveys for extra income. We shared our vision with Victor and what we believe the Lord is calling us to do. At the conclusion of the conversation we prayed a blessing over Victor as we parted ways.
     Earlier this week, Victor, aware of the fact that both we and the Reeds homeschool our children, expressed a need for higher quality schools in the area to the owners of the properties. This idea was presented to us via email by the owners. Apparently, the families in the surrounding communities are discouraged with the local schools. With the right financial support, proper planning and of course the blessing of the Lord, we may have an open door to the hearts of the community through planting a new school. At this point, this is only an idea at it's earliest stage, but the potential to have a near immediate impact on a community is humbling and a responsibility not to be taken lightly.
     I mentioned previously that I would share our vision as a ministry with you. The Lord has given each of us our own unique vision for ministry. While some of this vision is short sighted and immediate, others may be long term generational callings. I will share some of the things that I feel are part of our calling as a team.
     -ministering to orphans and widows.
          Caring for orphans has been our desire as a team from the beginning of our ministry discussions. After sharing this with several of the people that we met in Belize, we have been told that there is more of a need for ministry to young boys and men growing up without father figures in their lives. While we still desire to minister to orphans and widows, we recognize the other needs and will be prepared to meet them as the Lord directs.
      -connecting missionaries and ministries.
          Several factors can contribute to missionary families and ministries losing their passion and hope. We hope to strengthen and connect ministry minded families by establishing greater communication networks than those which currently exist. We hope that this network extends throughout all of Central America and possibly into South America.
     -provide opportunities for short term missions teams
          Our desire is to eventually establish a base from which teams or individuals can come and minister alongside of us, stay while passing through or come for rest, encouragement and restoration.
     -meet the needs of the community
          Seeing and meeting the immediate needs of the surrounding communities will be an essential part of gaining the trust of the locals. If done properly, this will open other doors to minister.
     -break prejudices and stereotypes
          There are existing prejudices and stereotypes that the Belizeans have labeled American missionary families with. The experience of the locals tells them that we won't be there very long and that we aren't truly interested in their needs. This is a pattern that we expect some time to break, but with provision from the Lord and a consistent display of the Lord's love from us to them, we are confident that this can be accomplished.
     These are just a few of the things that the Lord has put on our hearts. I fully expect our vision for the upcoming season in our lives to be expanded. As this happens, I'll gladly share more with all of you.
     As always, thanks to all who continue to stand with us in prayer.