SHZMPC First Mission Trip

We loved it!!! The SandHill Zion Methodist Protestant Church team consisting of Rev. Claudio Leal, his wife Alice, Oswin and Andrea Blease and Tanya Sutherland, had a wonderful time in Alabama and Atlanta last week. At first we were a little nervous about the Sunday Morning Service especially when we were told we would be invited to share with the Sunday School classes. Sensing our apprehension Rev. Bro. Mark (as so affectionately called by our very own First Lady, Mrs. Alice Leal) bailed us out. He joined their two adult classes and instead of having us stand up reciting our planned speeches he instead asked us individual questions about our Christian walk with God. This allowed us to share quite easily our testimony and the various ministries each of us are involved in at SandHill without putting us in the spotlight.

That same Sunday was celebrated as Pastor’s Appreciation Day at Springfield Methodist and we were touched to see members of his congregation get up and share their appreciation for Rev. Mark Lambert, Ms. Cindy, Charity and Wesley. Although Rev. Lambert is no longer our Pastor we still appreciate him and his family’s contribution to our church’s and our personal development. We were tempted to get up and say something but decided against it since that would mean getting up and having everyone look at us. We were still too new to our surroundings to do this plus we didn’t want to make our pastor jealous (just kidding).

Rev. Claudio Leal delivered the message on Sunday Morning as well as those for the four nights of revival services. Although he consciously spoke a little slower, despite his best efforts he could not help breaking out into Creole at times. As expected he did a superb job, if I must say so myself. Although we hear him speak every week in SandHill we will never get tired of listening to him deliver God’s messages to us. We enjoyed all the services and The Springfield Methodist congregation added to it by making us feel very comfortable; they treated us like family. We found the Springfield ladies especially helpful as they quite readily suggested locations where we could shop during the day and get great bargains. They did not forget to feed us! Throughout the week the congregation as well as the two families that hosted us fed us VERY well. The food and deserts were delicious and we ate to out hearts’ content – just ask Oswin.
Throughout the four days of revival services they continued to shower us with attention and encouraging words and even showed appreciation for the singing put off by the SandHill praise team comprising of all six Belizean – the five that were visiting and Ms. Cindy. Yes, SandHill congregation, we know the praise team was not “The Praise Team” but with God’s inspiration and Ms. Earlene on the piano we did a good job nevertheless! Thanks Ms. Earlene for your willingness to assist us with those songs. We couldn’t have done it without your help.
While we were there we even got the chance to visit Ms. Cindy's 9th Grade class (First Form) at the school where she teaches. We all went to share a presentation about Belize and our culture, our music and our food. We had lots of fun and while Oswin did most of the talking we were there to support him and to provide backup information. Our very own Pastor managed to wow that crowd too and left a few junior admirers back in Alabama.
Very, very early Thursday morning we all traveled to Atlanta where the men along with Rev. Lambert and Paul Jackson attended the Catalyst Leadership Conference which was held all day Thursday and Friday. They were met there by Ryan Leal and Glenford (Brads) Davis from our SandHill church as well as other men from the Methodist Protestant Conference in the U.S.

They had a great time and came back with lots of inspirational promotional items as well as a renewed and revived spirit. Go Men!! We are proud to see men who are willing to be part of a
movement to further God’s work.

The entire trip was a real blessing to us. We were able to experience for ourselves what it is like to worship God in another country with fellow Christians. It has made us more appreciative of those who sacrifice their time and money to visit us in Belize every year to minister to our people. It has also allowed us to develop relationships with Christian brothers and sisters. We shared our experiences in Alabama with the SandHill church on Sunday and next year the team will definitely be bigger.

We must thank our mushy, mushy hosts Bro. Mark, Ms. Cindy, Paul and Carol for opening up their homes and their families to us last week.

All the driving, shopping, eating, and late, late nights are greatly appreciated. We have developed lasting bonds with you guys and your families. Y'all were great hosts and don’t worry when you visit Belize again all our homes are open to you. Although we are glad to be back in the land of open windows and ceiling fans we miss you guys.