Belize

Because of the new life that Jesus has given us, we will: build relationships, transform our communities and change the world!

That’s the mission statement from our church, New Life Community Church, where we’ve been serving as a family here in Wellman, IA for the past nine years. It’s a great mission statement and we’ve decided we’d like to keep it as we begin the next phase of the journey with our family as missionaries in a town called Dangriga. 

The Garifuna people are of African descent and are known for their traditional drumming and for their cultural gatherings that honor the dead.  Among the Garifuna along the coast of Belize, there is much economic and spiritual bondage affiliated with the practices of throwing parties for and attempting to appease the spirits of those passed.

We have visited the villages of Dangriga and Hopkins in the Stan Creek District of Belize. The church there among the Garifuna people has been slow to grow. There is a small band of leaders working faithfully there, and it is our vision to work beside them, encourage them, and learn what we can do to help the power of the gospel bring new life to the Garifuna people in that region.

 Some of the specific goals that the Garifuna leaders have shared with us are to begin a men’s Bible study group and some after-school tutoring programs at the church facility in Dangriga.