Happy December everyone! I have no idea how in the world it is actually December already and that it hasn’t just been one long, strange month since April. There are some days I have to stop and think about it to remember what month we’re in. But at least now, with the Christmas tree, stockings, and smell of the Christmas candle burning it keeps me centered on the fact that we are now in December. It’s kind of a relief to finally be here, although it doesn’t seem as if anything is changing soon. At least we can look back and see how sweetly faithful God has continued to be through it all, and to remember even more this month that He is Emmanuel, He is with us, He came for us.
The past month of this hurricane season has been quite intense. There was a drought our first two years here and we barely experienced any rain, let alone a hurricane. So this year, when two huge ones were threatening all of Central America our anxiety was pretty high. Honduras and Nicaragua got hit the worst, but the rains still hit hard and long here. Rivers that surround us on every side began to rise. Areas of Belize flooded and families told us waters hadn’t risen that high in over 40 years as their homes were under water. The main highways all had sections covered in water and a bridge we take weekly was under more than 35 feet of water. Downtown San Ignacio and the whole market area were also completely under water.
The devastation for many continues. Some still have not been able to move back into their houses and many farmers have lost entire crops. There’s a village near us called Calla Creek where many families are still displaced by the flood and sleeping in small village churches for refuge. A group from our church has been going out to serve them several times with groceries, warm meals, new rain boots, and we’re hoping to help them with some needs as they begin moving back into their homes. We are so grateful for all the support that has come in over the past several weeks to assist these families in their moment of crisis. As they walked us through the soggy fields, our feet squishing through mud, we could see inside their simple homes where everything was mud stained and much of their belongings were strewn about all over the fields. They have all lost a lot and we could see how much the support and assistance that has come in means to them. Thank you all so much for being a part of this!
Sometimes when there are big disasters like this it feels so overwhelming, and it’s hard to even know how to help in a way that really matters, that will help people to move forward, but we’re trusting in God to guide us as we go. On our last visit Gerson met the pastor of the church that is housing some of the families, his entire little church has converted into a shelter for about 10 families. He himself doesn’t have much, but he knew they needed to open the church. With the little he has, he has given so much. The provision and hope of God is real and even out there on that mud soaked land it is evident.
As Christmas comes nearer, hope is real, don’t miss seeing it even in the difficult and unexpected circumstances we end up wandering through.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.
**As this year comes to an end, if you would like to help support our ministry here in Belize with a one time gift or become of our monthly support team pleas visit our giving page by clicking on the button below.**
