Started the month out with a presentation to the newly formed Crestview CMC Kosciusko Ms. Rev. Jerry Meggs has always been a supporter of Belize missions and has shown his commitment to our work in Mexico with two volunteers to Monclova Mexico in October. Jim and Barbara Easterling were also in attendance. I presented Short Term missions for Belize and Mexico and Ms Barbara presented her WMU presentation. The church was very excited about our mission program and asked many questions on involvement in the work.

Pulling together the medical supplies for the medical mission was next in order. Dr. James Lewis and Dr. Lee Giffin made commitments to our supply list this year. We made the week with most of what was needed to treat the sicknesses within the villages. There was a lot of colds and flu this year in the villages and of course many of us on the team either got it that week or came home with flu or cold symptoms. The volunteers sick or not continued to work hard through the week and many people received care and compassion from the team anyway. We ministered to over 400 people during the week. Those we heard who were too sick to come to our site we visited took them medicine and prayed with them. 

We visited 4 villages again this year: San Benito Poite, Corozon, Otoxha, and San Lucas in Toledo District. We did not get our Bible order in quick enough to receive the goal we had set. We were able to buy only 4 cases of Kekchi Bibles. However, even though they didn’t come in while we were there the Bibles are ordered and will still go to Bro. John Shol for use in the 13 churches and pastors under his supervision. I’ve also asked Bro. John to save a few for our next teams coming in the area.

Also, while there we were given a presentation by the Health Administrator Ms Eva Middleton. She gave us an overview of healthcare in Toledo district and some of the challenges they face to care for the sick. She also mentioned the maternity annex project. This is of interest to her because most of the midwives of Toledo District are under her supervision. She gave several examples of birthing problems that this facility will be able to help with. We appreciated her time and effort to speak to us. She was very thankful for their work to help the people of Toledo.

I am very thankful for every volunteer also. We have had some of our best young leaders and some of the best workers for the kingdom on mission trips in 2008. I am also thankful for the opportunities we have been given by the Lord and by the mission fields we are entrusted to serve. I want that service to be a witness to those we meet for the Lord and to further His Kingdom. I am praying for volunteers who are willing to make the sacrifice to represent Christian standards and to respect the cultures we visit. I believe 2009 will be a successful year for the Lord. However, that success will be a challenge especially in the economic times we are going through. I pray God will bless our efforts as we continue to serve His purposes.

Charlie Joe Green