Operation Belize

We are seeking your financial assistance to support:

1. The cost of our mission trip to Independence, Stann Creek, Belize, on June 30 - July 9, 2023.

2. The academic tuition for children attending 3 educational institutions in Stann Creek, Belize.

3. The additional needs, such as painting, repairs, facility enhancements, etc. of these 3 educational institutions in Stann Creek, Belize.

4. The shipment of barrels to Belize with school supplies and clothing for adults and children.

Background:

Operation Belize began when childhood friends Pastor Ainsley Richards and Elder Eric Morris reconnected via telephone in 2018 after being out of touch for almost 30 years. Pastor Richards is currently the lead Pastor of 7 Seventh-day Adventist Churches in the Stann Creek District in Belize. He requested that Elder Eric Morris, who lives in Toronto, Canada, come to deliver a one-week evangelistic series in April 2019 at one of his churches in Dangriga Town. Elder Morris was impressed by the Holy Spirit to invite 2 other friends, Elders Howard Shaw and Rodney Umrah also from Toronto, Canada, to accompany him to deliver the week-long evangelistic series.

During their stay in Dangriga Town, Stann Creek District, Belize, Pastor Richards made the Elders aware of the dire physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the community and the Zion Seventh-day Adventist School. These needs were reconfirmed throughout the week as the Elders delivered the evangelistic series at the church (see picture above of individuals being baptized in the Caribbean Sea), visited the school (see picture above) and many homes in the community.

After the Elders returned from Belize, they organized a collaboration between the principals of the elementary Seventh-day Adventist Schools in Dangriga Town and Toronto. They solicited sponsorships and received 60 tuitions for students who could not afford to attend the Zion Seventh-day Adventist school. Also, the Elders shipped 12 barrels of school supplies to Belize and children and adult clothing.

Operation Belize continues in 2023 with a mission trip to Stann Creek. Pastor Ainsley Richards is currently the lead pastor of 10 Seventh-day Adventist Churches and will continue to be our host pastor. We will be expanding our reach by operating from two church locations and Shiloh Seventh-day Adventist School. In addition, we will be providing clothing, school supplies and essentials to those in need in Stann Creek, Belize, as well as helping to sponsor students' tuition at 3 local schools. Any monetary donation you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Please pray for us as we embark on Operation Belize 2023!