On Sunday night the four of us arrived home safe and sound.   Our plane touched down at 9:50PM; it felt good to be home to see our loved ones.  At the same time it is always a bittersweet experience as we leave behind many loved ones in the Lord.

God answered all our prayers for safety, good health and protection so that we could share the gospel with as many as possible.  As others who have traveled with me in the past know, my watchword is f-l-e-x-i-b-l-e … be flexible!   Plans are made to change and unexpected things will happen while traveling in places so different from the states.  I must say, however, everything went remarkably trouble-free on this trip.  God is good to us.

Greg Whipple, Yeovanni, Abraham, and, perhaps others, will be following up on the contacts we made in Corozal Town and the village of San Narciso.  Roger and I left 5 names of people we felt were worthy of follow-up work.  Steve and Chris left about the same number of contacts for the brethren there to see.  Now we hope and prayerfully wait to hear word about these folks God led us to in Belize. 

To me, the richest part of this particular trip was in rejoicing with our Belizean brothers about the precious souls who returned to Christ in the last few months.  The 3 souls who have recently returned (a man named Julio came back just 2 days ago- our last Sunday) have encouraged a church that has seen its share of problems in the past.  Brethren in SN seem to have a will to work for Christ, maturity that is honed in the fires of trials, and a deep love for each other and the God who forgives.  I am already anxious to return to see the good they will accomplish over the next several months, if God continues to wait for the sending of His Son back to this world.

Join us in earnest prayer for Maria, Adi’s friend, and her daughters, Alexis and Monica.  Satan will try to give them excuses for not obeying the gospel, but with our prayers, their good hearts and the power of the Truth, these three women can experience the true freedom in Christ.

Please pray for all the people mentioned in our Web Log over the last 2 weeks.  Prayer changes things!

THANK YOU.  Our thanks to the church in Fleming Island for sending us and all those who encouraged us with responses and email during our stay in Belize. 

I especially thank my wife, Ellen, who has supported me in full-time work for almost thirty years.  Because of her tireless efforts at home, I am able to travel to seek and save the lost.  Those who know me understand she really is my “better half.” 

I am thankful to the three men who traveled with me.  Steve just made his 9^th trip and Chris his 3^rd.  For 28 years Steve has been my evangelism companion.  I know the trip has impacted Roger in profound ways as well.

I thank the Whisler and Whipple families for making the real sacrifice in moving their families to another country to live and work for Christ.  Their reward will be great.

I thank my God who considered me, a sinner, worthy of salvation and gave to me the privilege of preaching that salvation to other lost souls.  May all the glory and honor be given to Him.

Adios … until next time.

Denny Freeman
Fleming Island Church Of Christ
2160 Gentelwinds Drive
Green Cope Springs, FL 32043
(904) 291-8550 (H)
(904) 703-2277 (C)
dlf100@aol.com

Well it is finally that time.  Our work in Belize is done and it is time to leave for the states.  It has been a good trip.  Lost souls had the Bible taught to them, faithful brethren were edified and encouraged, and all of us who traveled here wonder who reaps the greater benefit – the folks here or those of us who came.  It is, of course, a mutually beneficial endeavor.  That’s God’s wisdom.

All four of us traveled to Chetemal, Mexico this morning to worship with a church that meets in that city of about 150,000.  The picture below is of Greg preaching and Abraham translating.  Three other brethren went there from Belize.  After this meeting, we met with another church that meets in the home of one of the families.  Worship was entirely in Spanish.  They were grateful for our being there; I expressed our love for them as family in Christ and what a privilege it was to be there.

Greg is not sure who all was involved in the founding of these groups; apparently they have been there for many years.  He hopes in time to gain a better understanding of where everyone is doctrinally to explore the possibility of all worshipping and working together.

Our trip across the border was without incident, which is not always the case.  We praise God for the opportunity to meet these people.  I hope to make more of these trips with my Belizean brethren in the future.

We returned from Mexico in time to worship with the church in San Narciso.  Following services we said our goodbyes to everyone.  It is always hard to leave brethren you have come to be so close.  The prospect of enjoying the heavenly kingdom with so many here, however, becomes more real with each trip.

Maria, who we studies with each day last week, was at church along with both of her teenage daughters.  That was very encouraging to us, but especially to Adi, the young woman here who brought us all together.  After worship I spoke with Monica, Maria’s oldest daughter.  She is very bright and asked some very thoughtful questions. I look forward to helping her more via email when I return to the states.

Roger is packing, I’ll wait until the morning; all of us have turned toward home in our minds.  It was only a 10 day trip; I feel that I need to be doing more to reach the lost in this world.   I pray that our work has honored our heavenly Father.  I pray that some of these people will give their lives to Christ.  I pray that brothers and sisters have felt involved in the work through these pages in EVANGELISM UPDATE. 

I will post a final summary of the work after returning home.

Denny

Roger’s Ramble

The time seems to have passed so quickly, but still, meeting our Brothers and Sisters in Christ here has been a timeless experience.  The language is never a barrier when loved ones commune.  The people here are so giving and happy it brings my own shame to bear when times I have been slightly discomforted come to mind. Just when I have begun to remember names and a few Spanish words, it is time to go. 

We have walked the streets of San Narciso going door to door proclaiming God’s word about His Son and have been received every time with a glad heart. We were not turned away even once.  Several studies were attended, some being left for our hosts to follow up.  To God the glory. Great things He has done.

We have received several uplifting emails and comments from the BLOG that it almost seems God sent. We just heard about the Evangelism Update’s web blog at this year’s lectures at FC. I personally want to thank Alayne at Spiritbuilding.com for her diligence and willingness in support of the blog by posting our reports and your comments. God bless you Alayne and Carl as God has blessed us with you.

Winging Our Way Home

Roger

I know you all have mixed feelings as your time has come to an end with our brethren in Belize.  It is always hard saying goodbye, not know when or if you will see them again in this lifetime, but holding fast to the assurance that one day the faithful are promised a better meeting place, a home in the presence of our Lord.  How great that will be!!

I know it is hard for you to leave work behind but anxious to come back to continue your work with us.  Lord willing you and hopefully others will return to continue helping the local brethren spread the gospel to such eager listeners.  It sounds like great contacts have been made.

On a selfish side - I am ready for you to return to Fleming Island, you all have certainly been missed by your brethren here. 

Roger, Happy Birthday tomorrow!!  I will be thinking of you!!  When Steve flew home one year on his birthday he was upgraded to first class - maybe you too will be as lucky. 

I pray for your safe return!  Steve, Lord willing, I will see you tomorrow night.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Have a wonderful Lord’s Day.

It seems that you have had ten day of Lord’s days with all the bible teaching, singing and praising our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I am thankful to God that you are able to teach the word and touch so many hearts in so few days. I can’t even imagine it happening in the states or in Fleming Island.

Does it go to show that we are so wrapped up in our possessions for worldly goods in this sinful life of plenty that we don’t share the Word like we could? 

May God continue to bless you with a safe trip home.

Our trip is finally winding down.  The four of us took some personal time this afternoon and drove on a remote road to the other side of Corozal Bay.  The road is unbelievably bumpy but took us to our destination at Cerros, an archeological site of several Mayan temples.  We enjoyed the beautiful view of the emerald green water from the pinnacle of one of the temples.  The old Mayan ruins excavated there date back as early as 250BC.  It was relaxing and educational.  I usually enjoy ending one of these trips with some kind of excursion like we took today.

Steve and Chris had a discussion with a fallen brother this morning.  They tried hard to exhort Adolfo Ramirez back to faithfulness in Christ.  Adolfo could only say that he “wants to come back one day.”  I have read the passage from James 4:17 in Bible studies so many times the past week and a half, that I could only be reminded of James’ words.  “One day” is not on the calendar and God gives us no assurance that we will see another sunrise.  Still we love Adolfo so much that we pray to the Father that he will have mercy on him and allow him time to repent and return to his savior.

Roger and I had the one Bible study scheduled today fall through.  This young woman may not be serious about having a relationship with God as this is the second time this has happened.  We will leave her name so Greg can call on her after our departure.

We had lunch with Bartolo and his wife in San Narciso.  Bartolo is deeply loved and appreciated by the brethren here.  He is a very mature man and his stability has helped see the church through several difficult times.

Tomorrow AM we go to Mexico to worship there.  I will make one final post about that tomorrow night, God willing.  Thank you for your prayers to the Father.  May God receive the glory for what a few undeserving humans do in this mighty work.

In His steps,  Denny

Roger,

Happy birthday Monday.

Your reports have been so uplifting. You all encourage the rest of us. Miss you and hope to see you soon.

So encouraging to get this report...keep up the good work guys!

Miss you all.

Friday
March 6, 2009, 2:42 pm
The four amigos spent the day yesterday in Orange Walk, an hour south of SN, visiting and encouraging our brethren there.  We spent some time with Idolene Flowers, a sister who has come to mean so much to every American visitor.  Russ Bradshaw and I taught Ido about 6 years ago and she has been faithful to God and the church ever since.  Ido has had serious medical issues but is not afraid to meet her heavenly Father at any time.  She is an inspiration to all of us; I am humbled being in her presence.  I can only strive to have her faith.

Steve and Chris outside of Ido’s home

We then spent time with our sister in Christ, Amelia, and her children.  Amelia spoke with us about her past.  Steve asked her how she now felt; she replied, “Good!”  Living a new life without the guilt of sin and the ungodly man who was spiritually holding her back for years is truly a relief for her.  She is a babe and we encouraged her to continue reading the scriptures and assembling with those of like mind.  She stated clearly that those were her intentions and she was in the assembly last night listening attentively to the preaching of the gospel.  Amelia lived in Texas for 17 years illegally.  She had 5 children.  She was finally deported and suddenly torn from her family who she has never seen since the deportation.  She can only speak of it in tears.  Occasionally she hears from them but, sadly, they have gone on with their lives without her.  I don’t know if she will ever see them again.

We got to visit with Antonia, a young woman several of us have studied with for the last 4 years or so.  We want so much for her to serve the Lord in truth, but a strong-handed father keeps her going to a denominational church.  We pray that someday she will have the courage to make the necessary change.  Continue to pray for Antonia.

Regrettably, we missed Karen, a recent convert who always has good Bible questions.  She was not at our gathering last night in OW. 

Our gathering for worship last night was very encouraging.  Some of the brethren from San Narciso were there which made for a crowded living room in the little house.  A NEW CONVERT named Juan Garcia met with us.  When his conversion was announced to the church the words were met with hearty “Amens.”  Juan has studied with Dana Whisler for one year and was actually working at converting others to Christ before he was baptized!  Sometimes people will do that.  He and his wife seem genuinely sincere and showed gratitude and love to all last night.

I was given the privilege of preaching one more time in OW last night; I spoke on the Cross Of Christ while Steve Bradshaw led us in singing on the same subject.  It was uplifting.

This Friday AM we conducted our final study with Maria, Adi Gonzales’ friend, that we have met with every morning this week.  Greg Whipple joined us and will take over from here.

Pray for Maria.  She has had an exceptionally difficult 35 years of life but realizes now the only way to peace of mind and assurance of salvation is through Christ.  She has been one of the best Bible students I’ve had in a long time.  We read everything in English and Spanish and discuss every word of every verse to gain a clear comprehension.  We studied salvation in Christ this morning.  She is not yet ready to be baptized because she wants to be absolutely certain she counts the cost of discipleship and is able to make a life-long commitment to God.  May her kind increase.

Her daughter, Monica, took my email address so that she is able to continue seeking answers to questions she has about the scriptures.  What pure hearts they seem to have.

FRIDAY PM:  Roger and I just finished lunch with the Whipples and will soon leave for 3 Bible studies we have scheduled this afternoon.  Then it is off to Jorge and Marilyn’s home for supper and some hymn singing.

Roger has done very well on his first trip to Belize.  He loves people and has made many new friends.  He loves to help others and is always finding something that needs attention, then he does the job in a most effective way.  He has certainly been an encouragement to me; I think we have enjoyed each others companionship this past week.

One little funny: For some reason the words “mucho gusto” (roughly- “Good to meet you”) have stuck in his mind.  Whenever he can’t find the right Spanish words, “Mucho gusto” always slips out.  He has introduced himself to every plate of food we’ve eaten so far!

Hasta manana.

Denny

Happy belated birthday Denny!

Glad everything is going well with everyone and that studies are being generated and conducted as usual.

I have mixed emotions about reading these reports. They are so encouraging. They bring back very fond memories. However, they generate in me a feeling of wanting to be there with each of you and the brethren in Belize. Please give my regards to everyone that you see. Please let them know that I think of them often and so desire to see them again.

Continue to do well in your efforts in Northern Belize. Also I hope things go well in Mexico.

Brethren, may God be with you.

Why didn't anyone put that poor animal down???

Denny hope you had a great birthday!

Miss you all...keep up the good work!

Each day in northern Belize brings us in contact with people that are seeking a better purpose in life than the physical and the flesh seem to provide.  Yesterday Roger and I had another productive scripture study with Maria, Adi’s friend.  This time her two teenage daughters joined us.  It was a good opportunity to teach them the absolute authority of God’s word as they both attend the Adventist church here.  They read the scriptures with us and participated in the discussion.  I am still mainly focused on Maria as we’ll not have another chance to see the girls but will work with Maria each day until we leave (hopefully).  Please pray for her as she is genuinely looking for the peace that God provides.


Alexis, Monique, Maria and Adi

Steve and Chris had a Bible study with another woman named Maria and her husband.  Steve said the study went well especially with her husband.

Roger and I scheduled 3 more classes with 3 different families to be held on Friday.  Each one will probably involve the woman of the house since the men are in the middle of cane season.  The only regret about having preaching services each night this week at SN is that we do not get to meet and study with the man of the house (when there is one).  However, our work is primarily to make contacts for the brethren here to follow-up with; they can come back in the evenings and involve other members of these families.  As the sugar cane is being harvested in Belize we hope that over the next months some souls can also be harvested for Christ.  One plants, another waters, but God gives the increase.

Today we will conduct our morning classes in Corozal and a nearby village.  Afterwards we will drive one hour to Orange Walk and visit as many of the brethren there as we can until the evening service when I will preach another lesson from God’s word.

MEXICO WORKS.

Since this site is devoted to updating folks about evangelistic works around the world, allow me to say a word concerning work being done in the Yucatan of Mexico.  Greg, Abraham, and Yeovanni have been working with as many as 10 different churches located from the border of Belize and spread through the Mexican peninsula above them.  Good is being accomplished.  Some of these churches are house churches planted by brethren many years ago, then left to be on their own for some reason.  Abraham reported last night at worship that 3 precious souls were added by God to His church as they obeyed the gospel of Christ.  The whole church praised God for this work.  What an encouragement to know that Belizean men who have come to Christ through the preaching of the gospel here over the last several years are now spreading the message of salvation to their countrymen and to those in other nations!  May God be praised!

All of us will go with Greg and Abraham to the work in Chetemal, Mexico this Sunday to encourage the brethren there while Abraham and Greg preach and teach in Spanish.

We want all of our brethren out there to know about Yeovanni (Geo to us) Suarez.  Geo was converted here several years ago, he is about 22 years of age and is devoting his life now to preaching the gospel.  Geo is no stranger to hard work as he has spent his young life working in the cane fields and is now applying the same industrious spirit to teaching everyone in his path the wonderful blessings in Christ.  Every American who has visited here that I know would highly recommend Geo as worthy of our support.  The church at Fleming Island has been helping a little as Geo has been getting started in this new work, but I know he will need more support as time progresses this year.  I will have more to say on this site later in the year as Geo is in greater need, but I wanted to make folks aware of a future opportunity now.


Yeovanni

God bless you all.

Denny

Comment by: Mabel Robarts
March 5, 2009, 9:32 am

Hi Steve, Chris, Denny & Roger
Kim sent me an email telling me how to read about all of your activities in Belize. I think this is great! I think about all of you at Middleburg so often. I will keep you in my prayers and know your work will be successful.

Roger's Ramblings - Wednesday PM
March 5, 2009, 1:14 am

We will post info on the rest of today’s Good News Thursday AM. 

For now a message home to the folks we love.  You all know that today was Denny’s birthday. He celebrated the 30^th anniversary of his 29^th birthday. I would like to honor him in pictures but, this is all we have.

After services tonight (Denny preached) we came back to our host family, the Whipple’s, for a party of chocolate cake and cola.

Jonathan Whipple provided the ceremonial cake cutting knife.


We all sang and had cake.

We all love and respect Denny and it is a privilege to work next to him. Happy Birthday Denny.

Samuel Whipple, reminds me of one of my own grandsons. Comical, never stops and very gullible to an old Grandpa’s joking.  The entire Whipple family, working full time in Belize, maintains a whirlwind of activity serving the Lord.  They continue to host Americans by opening their home as refuge from the field of harvest. Greg and Kristine have created a Godly Christian atmosphere here that refreshes the Spirit.

Good Night, God Bless

Roger

P.S.

Denny wanted steak for his birthday dinner but we couldn’t find one on this local steer.

HA

Comment by: Kim
March 4, 2009, 2:12 pm

What great news to hear of all the contacts and bible studies that are being made.  Our prayers are with you that the gospel be spread and received.

We miss you being with us but we know seeds are being planted.

Happy Birthday, Denny!!  Another birthday spent in Belize with your spiritual family. 

I look forward to reading the daily blogs and seeing the photos, keep it going.

Keeping all in my prayers, Kim

Comment by: Ellen Freeman
March 4, 2009, 10:46 am
Denny,

Happy Birthday. I know you will have a great day. Give everyone a big hug for me.

Love, the wife

Wednesday AM
March 4, 2009, 9:25 am

Another beautiful Spring day in northern Belize.  The weather this trip has been incredibly mild and we are thoroughly enjoying it.  Our trip is progresses rapidly as we meet more and more people who are willing to hear the gospel of God’s son.  What a blessing.

Our bible study yesterday with a friend of Adi’s named Maria was encouraging.  We are going back this morning for a second study of the scriptures.  I hope to be able to leave her in a position of wanting to continue the scripture studies with Greg Whipple when we have to leave Belize.  Pray for Maria.  Ady loves her as a good friend and wants her to become a Christian.  Her background is in the Adventist church but she is not wedded to that doctrine.

The 4 of us walked the streets of Corozal yesterday afternoon.  Steve and Chris have 4 studies scheduled for today.  Steve had what I call a “Right now” study yesterday with a young woman of the Catholic faith.  (It would amaze many in the states to see the vast number of on-the-spot Bible studies we get here.)  He remarked that she will be a good prospect for Greg or Geo(vanni) to continue with after our departure but is unable to meet with him any more this week.  Roger and I arranged a Bible study at the very first house we went to.  Of all the places in this world I have been to, none is better than Belize at having people respond to studying the scriptures. 

Dinner at the Suarez household yesterday late afternoon was most enjoyable.  The rice, beans and chicken was outstanding, the laughter hearty, and the fellowship rich and deep.  A family photo taken by Roger afterwards of Mom and Pop, all the children and grandchildren will be a treasure for years to come.  A special child is Junior who held Roger’s finger walking around outside after supper.

All of us will be busy the remainder of the week with new studies both in Corozal and the village of San Narciso.  That never fails.  What a blessing.  I must admit after all the prison work I’ve been doing it is a reprieve to be here and be involved in this work again.  Selfishly, I need more of this. 

Last night our worship service was well-attended.  Steve B. led a rousing song service along with heart-felt remarks about the nine trips he has now made to Belize.  There was a lot of emotion in things last night and everyone left with the faith increased from the Word, and their hearts knit together in love.  I can already see that leaving here next Monday is going to tug at the heart strings in a profound way.  What a privilege to be a part of this work.

The four of us were filled with happiness last night as we drove back to Corozal from SN with a van full of brothers and sisters.  Hard laughing is g-o-o-d for the soul.

More later.

Denny

Roger's Ramble - TuesdayNight
March 4, 2009, 1:56 am

As Promised a couple of days ago, I would like to relay the significant impact this trip has and I’m sure, will continue to impact my faith, love and concern for our Brothers and Sisters wherever they may be, and my concern for the lost. 

Being my first time coming on this evangelistic work, I also wish to convey some Will Rogers, “don’t squat with your spurs on” first timer, perceptions about Belize…

1. Often it is possible to eat an entire meal without a napkin.
2. Lumber and plywood can be rented.
3. AVOID piccata pepper seeds every chance you get.
4. Don’t assume if a bottle of Pepsi is set in front of you, that it is intended for you.
5. The worst potholed streets in the USA are pale in comparison.
6. People with little will give abundantly.
7. It is not necessary to name all your dogs.
8. Deet mosquito repellant in confined spaces also repels oxygen.
9. Habanera sauce can leave a mark.
10. People can have the time of their lives (literally) coming here finding and teaching the lost.

I was asked to keep the pictures coming so here are a couple more…

Typical houses, flora and fauna in a four block area in the city of Corazol.

Denny is asleep and will continue with the important blog notes stuff tomorrow A.M. We have had some long days.  He is the trooper that you all know and remember, always with an answer for the hope within him.

May God continue to bless us our work and keep our families safe while we are away.

Roger

Comment by: Ronald
March 3, 2009, 6:30 pm
Greetings to all of my brethren working in Belize;

It is good to see and hear of the work that is taking place there and to know that we at Fleming Island is having a part.

I have posted the link to your work (Belize 2009 Roger, Denny, Steve and Chris) on our web pages so that anyone who looks at our site can link to the work that we are involved in.  The Link is at the top of the Main Page “Click here to see our work in Belize”.    I appreciate all of you who are there working from Fleming Island as well as those whom you are visiting carrying on the work in your everyday life.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

We pray that you have prosperous journey and a safe trip home to the work here.

MondayNight
March 3, 2009, 2:31 pm

After a quick breakfast of coffee, instant oatmeal and muffins Roger and I left to visit Aldolfo Rameriz in Corozal.  Adolfo was an early convert who recently slipped in his faithfulness to Christ.  He has suffered the discouragements and frustrations that come with being intimately involved in teaching others in and out of the church.  Adolfo has served as a translator for years and has taught and preached in the churches here but for the past year he has allowed the world back into his life.  Roger and I encouraged him all that we could; we hope we have left enough impact that, with the encouragement of others here, it will all make a difference.

Before we left Corozal we spent more time with Jorge at his place of business speaking of things relating to Christ and His word.  Then, we left for the villages.

While looking for the house of a man named Gregorio, a new member at San Narciso, we found two neighbor girls that spoke with us about the Bible.  Our conversation was relatively brief but indicative of the openness of the people here.  In the states it is not hard to get chased away from a front door; here that is very unlikely.  We will return to see them later this week.  Their story is like many:  Their father had left their mother for another woman and these two teens were living with their uncle.  They asked us to pray for their mother who was now in the hospital.

This is the little sister to the two teenagers, who would not allow us to take their picture.  The house in the background is typical to some of the homes here.  Small trees are lashed together and the inside walls are covered with plywood or cardboard.

While in the village of San Roman we spoke at length with sister Mariceila who left the church a year ago.  Fortunately her oldest son was there to translate for us.  We spoke of discouragements that beset all Christians from time to time.  She obviously was holding some anger and resentment in her heart and needs to resolve inner conflict.  Roger and I did all we could during that visit considering the difficulties with the language barrier.  We may have another session with her time permitting.

We had Mayan soup with chicken (pecetos pollo) for lunch with sisters Maria, Laticea (Abraham’s wife), and Nubia and Brother Carlos at Laticea’s home.  The pepper was H-O-T, but so good.  Bananas are eaten to help take away the sting.

Denny… (Roger will ramble later tonight [Tuesday] laptop and connection permitting)

Comment by: Jen
March 3, 2009, 2:19 pm
Roger, I'm so excited for you! I know this trip is true blessing and forever will change you. I know it has done that for our family.  I still remember our first trip, the thoughts, feelings and how God opened our hearts to teach.  I'm so excited that you are getting to experience all this too.  The last trip I asked Mr. Denny how can one even tell or even explain our trip and you just can't.  Life is so different over there.  It truly humbles you and it reminds one of our true purpose.  To serve our God with all our heart, mind and soul.  It's makes it clear that life isn't about us it's about serving God almighty.    

God is so Good and may He bless you as you are sharing of His Greatness! Enjoy your trip!

Jen

p.s  and watch out for the chicken foot soup!  LOL

Roger and I left the Whipples’ this morning and drove to Orange Walk for worship at 9:00.  A good crowd gathered including a couple of visitors and our new sister in Christ, Amelia.  The church meets in the living room of a small house just across the street from the Whisler family.  I did the preaching while Yeovanni translated into Spanish.

Following services we had lunch at the Whisler’s along with Dale and Selma Tosti who live about and hour and a half from Orange Walk.  It was wonderful to see these loving people again.  They’ve been in Belize for the last 5 years or so. 

YOUNG PEOPLE

I was genuinely amazed at the Spanish song leading done by Luke Whisler (11) today and the prayers offered by John Pollard (12) during our worship.  These young Americans and Belizeans will provide spiritual strength to the churches here for many years to come, and hopefully one day, leadership.

After lunch we drove to san Narciso and met with the brethren at 2:30 – 5:00 PM.  Two men in the church handled the preaching and teaching today.  I will be preaching in evening services Monday through Wednesday this week.  Roger’s camera was suffering from over use and we were unable to capture pictures beyond one of the San Narciso building.  We are in luck because we’ll be holding evening classes there throughout this week. Our plans are to post more pictures of the Saints that meet there.

Tomorrow Roger and I will be in the villages surrounding the church house in San Narciso.  We will be visiting those who are weak or new in the faith from the church and making new contacts as well. 

Steve and Chris arrive tomorrow afternoon; we will spend the week days arranging and teaching Bible studies. 

Roger and Denny

My first trip to Belize has been, so far, a very eye opening experience comparatively. Faithful brothers and sisters in the “states” that have never been to foreign fields, as I was until this trip, couldn’t fathom the width and depth of the level of poverty people can exist and still be inspired by the truth.  Today I have met some very wonderful people, God’s people, just in flame with zeal and spiritual comfort. I am in awe.

I will try to continue to present a “first-timers” point of view as this trip progresses through our time here.  A few pictures to follow…

Roger

An early start


Beginner's luck (mine)

Roger and I had a fantastic day making visits to our brothers and sisters scattered throughout NE Belize.

PABLO & NELDA.

Pablo lost his hands and became partially paralyzed in an accident on a sugar cane truck years ago.  He and his wife, Nelda, were born again in Christ about 7 years ago.  Although Pablo needs considerable help getting to and from worship services, he is always there.  He has been a great source of encouragement to many Belizean brethren and American travelers through the years.

THE SUAREZ FAMILY.

Roberto and Albina Suarez have 9 children.  They serve the Lord faithfully along with several of their children who have become Christians.  Our great joy this year is that Yeovanni, about 22 years of age and the oldest son, is now preaching the gospel full time.  He’s left the cane fields for teaching the good news of Christ.  He is energetic and deeply spiritual; he is teaching Christ in northern Belize and the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico.

THE CAMPOS FAMILY.

Andreas Campos was one of the earliest converts in the village of San Narciso.  He has been instrumental in bringing his family to Christ, and many others to the Lord.  Sadly, Andreas has fallen away from the truth and the church.  Happily his entire family, including children and grandchildren, serve the Lord in San Narciso with vigor and sincerity.  Elide, Andreas’ wife, told us in tears how much she prays for her husband to return to God, but no matter what happens, she will serve the Lord.  She and her daughter are afraid that Andreas could die without repenting.  They pray fervently for their husband and father.  Pray with them.  After all the good he has done, it would be tragic that he would fall short of the prize.

OTHERS:  We saw Amelia in Orange Walk.  Amelia was baptized quite recently.  I was overjoyed to hear of it as I realized that I knew Amelia from 3 or 4 years back when we had Bible studies.  She has finally rid herself of an ungodly man in her life and is moving on with her two children.  Pray with us that Amelia will be true to her savior.

We also visited with Dana and Carol Whisler in Orange Walk.  Dana was arriving home from a Bible study.  We talked for a while.  Ady Gonzales, recently restored, was there.  Ady is also among the early converts in this area.  It is a thrill to see her on fire for Christ again.  She is dear to us. 

Also visited with Jorge and Marilyn Gonzales.  More on them in later reports.

Roger said he had met so many people today it was difficult to keep everyone straight in his mind.  I can remember how it was during my first few trips.  It shows just how much work has been done here by so many people.  It is wonderful to be involved in the great commission.

It is late.  Roger is killing ants.  I’m going to bed.

Denny

Love being able to receive daily reports. Chris and I are packed and ready to head your way early Monday morning. Lord willing we will see you and all our brethren next week.

In His Service,

Steve

From left:  Chris Morris, Steve Bradshaw, Denny Freeman, and Roger Creamer prepare for their trip to Belize.  Photo is taken after mid-week Bible study at the Fleming Island church. 

It’s Friday evening; we have arrived safe and sound to Corozal, Belize.  Our flight went without problems despite the fact that the plane we arrived on was held together with duct tape (see photo). 

Well we did hope that the rest of the aircraft was in better shape than this overhead bin. 

Our host family, the Whipples, met us at the airport on time and drove us the one and one half hour trip north to the town of Corozal where they live.  We have had dinner and are now sending some email to loved ones back home. 

The weather is beautiful, not hot at all and hopefully will remain this way throughout our trip.  I have been here many times in mid-summer while the temperatures are merciless.  It is easier of course to work in the villages spreading the gospel from house to house without the extreme heat.

We are spending the couple of hours we have tonight getting the computer set up so we can send these reports each day, getting acclimated to our surroundings, and finally getting some rest.  God blessed us with a smooth travel day.

Denny

SATURDAY

Roger and I got some needed rest last night.  The 5 dogs barking outside kept Rog awake for awhile but those who have been here know all about the dogs that roam freely.  They call them “Pot-lickers” as that’s how they find their daily meals.

We plan to spend this day seeing many of the brethren in Corozal and in the village of San Narciso where the church meets.  We’re blessed with the use of a car while here so we can get around to the areas we need to visit. 

We should see Jorge and Marilyn Gonzales, Ady Gonzales, Pablo and Nelda, the Suaresz family including Yeovanni who is now preaching full-time, and some others time permitting.  It is mutually encouraging to be with our brothers and sisters who live so far away, yet whose hearts remain so near to us.  I like to spend the first day seeing our spiritual kinfolk and sharing together the Lord in our lives.

Coffee’s ready … see you later.

Denny

Tomorrow, Friday the 27th, we will begin our trip to northern Belize.  We will have a group photo on the blog tomorrow night along w/ some traveling day information.

Roger and I will stay with Greg and Kris Whipple in the Corozal area.  It is always a joy to see them and their kids.  Their hospitality is always warm and wonderful.

We are ready to begin going house-to-house in the villages, following up on any studies from last year, and being with our brothers and sister there.  Their dedication to God is a great encouragement to everyone who travels to Belize.

In case you haven't yet heard, Phares Acuff's group had a good trip recently with one person putting on Christ in baptism and a fallen brother being restored.  Praise God.

See you tomorrow!

Denny

Four men from the church at Fleming Island, Florida will go to northern Belize to teach the lost and edify the brethren already there.  Denny Freeman, Steve Bradshaw, Chris Morris, and Roger Creamer will be in Belize from Feb 27 to Mar 9.

This is Denny's 19th trip to Belize dating from October 1998.  Steve and Chris have also made the trip before; Roger is the newcomer.

We will spend most of our time evangelizing the villages around Corozal, located in the NE corner of the country.  We also look forward to being with the brethren in the church in San Narciso and Orange Walk.  The work in SN was founded about 11 years ago; the OW congregation has existed for the past 5 years or so.

Beginning Friday, we will work hard at posting daily information and photos.  Please check in with us regularly and pray for the Lord's work in this corner of the world.

To Him be the glory!

Denny Freeman