My First Trip to Belize, Part 2

Today, we have more of Tara's story from her first trip to Belize. If you missed part 1, read here! And here is Tara's blog if you'd like to read more. Thank you so much for sharing with us, Tara! And if any of YOU would like to share your stories and experiences with Hearts of Christ, please let us know! 

What's it like in Belize?

Well, in some places, it's beautiful.  Take the Maya Ruins for example.  It's gorgeous to look at and climb.  You experience an incredible view of Belize and Guatemala from the top of the ruins.  You see nothing but jungle and just a few roads.

And I mean, few.

There are only two main roads in Belize.  They are paved.  Most other roads besides that of the couple of big cities?  Dirt and gravel.  It's tough on your vehicle to say the least.

The sky and natural settings are immaculate...

...while most of the houses and buildings you see are decrepit.

The heat is intense, and the money is sparse.  So drinking often comes out of a pouch instead of a bottle.

And at Hearts of Christ Children's Ministry, people come to the gates every single day, wanting the help of people who  know Jesus.

Only HOC is without a missionary/missionary family to live on their grounds to help these people.  The only exposure they are able to have with the people of Belize right now is through the sponsorships of these children.  By ministering to the children, HOC ministers to the whole family.  By giving an education and clothing to the children, the family has higher hopes of having a healthier state of living.  And most importantly, by HOC ministering to the children, the entire family gets to hear and see the gospel.

The most important part.

My First Trip to Belize

Today, our friend, Tara Kirk, is sharing with us about her recent trip to Belize! 

Over a week ago, I was in Belize.  And on one of the first days there, I was approached by this little boy's face:

Sweet, tiny little man of probably 5-6 years old, teeth that looked of wood, asked me if I had a sponsor for him.  Being my first trip with HOC, I did not know what to say as I didn't know the protocol for those who did not have sponsors.  My job was to make the snacks and take the pictures.

Children in Belize have to pay to go to school.  In a recent speech, I heard that about 49% of children can actually afford and go to school.  Out of that 49%, about 60% of them graduate.  Children are faced with the responsibility of making the money for their families, therefore school is not an option or not encouraged.  But through sponsorship, the family is loved on by families like yours, and school is an opportunity and encouragement.  Sponsorship covers their school tuition for a year as well as their uniform.  You can send the child Christmas gifts and letters too, if you desire.  Which you will.  More importantly, the gospel is shared, lives are changed and Jesus is a part of their lives.

Hearts of Christ gets sponsorships from everyday people like you and me.  But if they are out of sponsors, then these kids are simply and sadly left unhelped.  I know HOC would love to sponsor every single kid that comes to the Gate.  But if there is no money to give to the schools for the sponsorship, then it is monetarily impossible.

Throughout the next few weeks, I will be sharing stories through photographs about our life-changing trip to Belize.  Even though my bunk looked like this...

...we didn't wanna come back.  We weren't ready for America again.  It will never be the same.

"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you."

Matthew 28:19-20 HCSB

Check out Tara's blog at 29:11 Studios! 

Photos and Letters to Your Sponsored Child

I got a photo and letter from my sponsor!!  You can send a photo or letter to your sponsored child any time during the year.  Mail to:  Hearts of Christ, P.O. Box 114, Belmopan City, Belize, Central America (don't abbreviate anything).  Check with your local post office on postage rate; usually around $1.  The kids love getting mail; especially photos of you, your children, your pets, snow days...   Send your child a letter today! 

Graduation May 2013 in Belize

Hearts of Christ Children's Ministry has 30 sponsored students graduating from high school next month!  Some of you have sponsored these students for many years and now their hopes and dreams are a reality.  We lift these students up in prayer as they begin a new season in their lives.  They have heard the good news of Jesus Christ and many of them have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior!  Praise be to God for what He has done and how He has used you and Hearts of Christ to shine "The Light" in a third world country.  Below are graduation photos of previous graduations.

2013 Christmas Shipment to Belize

The time is fast approaching to get those Christmas packages ready for your sponsored children in Belize.  If you choose to send a package this year, here are the drop off dates:  August 31st, September 7th and September 14th from 10am - 2pm at Justin's Restaurant in Morristown.  Sponsors that live out of state have 2 options:  (1) mail your package to us by September 14th or (2) send your money and our shoppers will shop for you and complete your package.  You can pack one 3 gallon plastic bag for your child.  Watch your mailbox for the Hearts of Christ 1st quarter newsletter which will have details for your package preparation and requirements.  Blessings!

Hearts of Christ Children's Ministry Coordinators

Korie and Alicia Williams are now coordinating all on-site mission teams for Hearts of Christ Children's Ministry.  They have been working with the ministry from its origination in 2003.  Alicia travels to over 50 schools in Belize to pay school fees, size children for school uniforms and help students write letters to their sponsors.  She is the lady that delivers all your letters, cards, photos and gifts to your sponsored children.  Korie is now transporting all mission teams to and from the airport as they serve on the mission field in Belize with Hearts of Christ Children's Ministry.  The couple holds mission team orientations, helps with team planning and is always available for coordinating all events for Hearts of Christ.  They are a blessing!

Meeting My Sponsored Child!

Meeting for the first time 

When I began sponsoring a child several years ago, I never imagined all that God would do in my heart. I have found that sponsoring a child has changed me, as well as my children, in ways that would never have happened had I not taken this step of faith and obedience.

One of the best things about sponsoring a child through Hearts of Christ, is that going to meet my sponsored child is a very real and possible opportunity! {Look here for more information on going on a mission trip yourself!!} I have now been twice to Belize with Hearts of Christ and have been able to meet my sponsored child, her family, take them groceries, take them a Bible as well as other gifts.

Meeting my sponsored child along with her family has been one of the highlights of my entire life. I just cannot tell you how precious it is to have a mother wrap her arms around you, with tears in her eyes, and tell you just how much it means to their family that you sponsor their child. In the United States, we just have no idea how much an education truly means to those who can't afford it on their own.

Seeing my child's home was a very humbling experience for me as well. The blessing was all mine and I felt so honored that they welcomed me into their home to meet their family.

I was also able to see my child's school...

And these are the bathrooms at her school...

Sponsoring a child is an amazing experience for a family to do together. My children are learning about another culture, they are praying for a family on the other side of the world, their eyes are being opened to how other people live their lives so differently from ours. We have our sponsored child's picture hanging in our home and pray for her daily. Truly, it is one of my favorite things we have done as a family! And someday I hope to take all of my family to meet our sponsored child!! What a day that will be!

 ^"And the King will answer them, ‘I assure you: 

Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’" 

Matthew 25:40