INTRODUCTION:

In 2005 we felt led to do international mission work in a third world country.  After much prayer, God led us to a small country (the only English speaking country) in Central America – Belize.  That spring we were able to join a short term mission team that immediately transformed our lives.  In addition to the traditional construction and VBS activities, we were able to spend considerable time at one of the few children’s homes in the country.  It was during this time at the children’s home that we both realized this would not be our only trip to Belize.

A few months later the Lord provided the opportunity for us to return, visiting numerous small villages all over Belize. Again, we were able to spend considerable time at the children’s home and the local village where a new Christian High School had just started.  This two week trip confirmed the following:  our love and desire to serve our Lord in this country; the foundational lack of biblically based churches led by trained pastors, lack of any organized children’s ministry, availability of affordable secondary (high school) education and the need for the most basic of health care.  The Lord laid a heavy burden in our hearts about these issues.  Without the church, the people are eternally lost.  Without a basic education, the people cannot be productive and support themselves and without basic health care, children die from the simplest illnesses. 

We returned from this second trip and immediately began praying for direction and next steps.  Karen was then invited to move to Belize for a month to teach Bible at the new start up school.  During her extended time in Belize she was able to gain invaluable information and local insight.  Belize is a beautiful, diverse country that borders Mexico to the north and Guatemala to west and south.  English is the official language, though Spanish, Mayan and Creole dialects are common.  Government sponsored education is only offered to grade 8 (4th/5th grade US education equal) thus putting most  14 and 15 year olds out on the streets.  The traditional family structure is minimal and almost 50% of the total population is under the age of 18 (literally, “babies” are having babies). 

Living conditions in most areas are well below poverty levels and health care for most (especially children) is non existent.  During her stay, Karen watched in shock and horror as the village buried one of her student’s four year old brother who had died from intestinal worms.  The most simple health care and basic medicine could have prevented this and other senseless deaths. 

Upon Karen’s return to the US, we prayed and were led to establish a non-profit foundation, Coastal Christian Missions of Belize (www.belizechristian.com).  During the past three years we have been able to return twice a year, always spending time at the children’s home and school along with providing supplies and financial support, including scholarships at the school.  We have also been able to establish a network with local missionaries and pastors, to assist them in working together for a common cause and to support each other instead of being individual silos.

During an “emergency trip” in early June, we received clear direction from God as to our purpose in Belize.  Even though 50% of the population is children, there are no effective or even basic children's ministry programs in the country.  Even in the “Christian” primary and high schools, there are no Christian programs or basic assemblies.  We have been called to develop and initiate high energy, biblically based children’s programs in both churches and schools throughout the country.                                                                     

THE NEED:

Children’s ministry programs in churches and schools. By introducing the students and children to Jesus via fun and engaging programs, we stand a much greater chance of impacting the adults and community.  Breaking the cycle of teenage pregnancy, drug /alcohol abuse, aids and domestic violence must begin with the children via a solid Christian faith and foundation.

1. •A network of biblically based churches that are led by passionate, trained local Belizean children ministry teams. 
   

2. •Cost effective and accessible Christian (biblically sound) schools to give the students a solid foundation and hope for the future.  Breaking the “cycle” also requires a fundamental education that allows this next generation to have hope for jobs and to support themselves.
   

3. •Basic healthcare, medicine, hygiene and nutritional programs that will be implemented in conjunction with the above ministries.
   

THE VISION:

God has given us the vision and opportunity to design, develop and implement children’s ministry programs for both the churches and schools of Belize.  The program will be adaptable, flexible and scalable to meet the needs of any size ministry (church or school) in any part of the country.  Local coordinators will be trained (with ongoing support/maintenance/training) at each participating facility/village.  Never before has Matthew 9:37-38 held more meaning to us, “The harvest is so great, but the workers are so few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send out more workers for his fields.”  We are very humbled by a calling that we are willing to commit the rest of our lives.

A major aspect of this ministry will involve the utilization of missions.  Visiting short term mission/vacation teams comprised of Christian families, including children (medical, dental, building and evangelism) will be actively recruited to help support ongoing efforts.  These families and individuals will be strongly encouraged to maintain an on-going relationship via return trips, sponsorship, mail, phone calls and prayer.  This demonstrates to the Belizean people how a God honoring family structure lives for His glory.  Belize is becoming an attractive, low cost tourist destination that will allow for increasingly popular “mission/vacation” trips.  Jungle eco-tourism, Mayan ruins and culture, great beaches with diving/snorkeling, sailing and world class fishing are just a few of the activities that couples, families and groups can enjoy.

THE PLAN:

We have begun the process of planning and implementing a country wide program for children’s ministry that will phased in over the next few years.  With that said, this endeavor will necessitate frequent trips to Belize for insight, communication, relationship building and investigation.  Our house is presently on the market to allow for the utmost in flexibility.  We will fully launch fund raising for our general support in the summer of 2009. 

As independent missionaries, we have been asked to pioneer the children’s ministry programs for the Belize Baptist Association.  Karen will oversee the creation, training and implementation of this ministry.  David will handle logistics, financial and technical support. The Belize Baptist Association is an existing and established ministry organization consisting of 59 churches, 9 pre-schools, 3 primary schools and one high school.  As with most third world countries, the Baptist Association does not have the funding to sponsor such a ministry.  Even though this is a “Baptist” organization, this group readily accepts and works with other like minded organizations, allowing this ministry to be implemented across a greater area with other denominations.  A proposal and time line implementation is currently in process and will be presented, October 3, 2009 to the national, district and local leaders.  A pilot program and ministry training is scheduled with a targeted launch for 2010.

Kidz Konnect 4 Jesus.org is a new program that will assist in the funding of the Belize ministry as well as establishing long term relationships between families in both countries.  This model can be utilized in other countries as well.  More information will be provided as the ministry details come to fruition, but the basic concept is for a “group” of US churches to “adopt” and partner with a Belize village.  This allows for even the smallest churches, regardless of denomination, to be involved with mission efforts in Belize.

THE COST:

Basic supplies (paper, crayons, markers, Bibles, etc), basic laptop computers, basic projection systems, sound systems, printers and curriculum.  These are the initial items.  We are the process of exploring different scenarios and will update as information is made available.  Local churches and schools will share the ministry equipment to keep cost to a minimum.

SHORT TERM NEEDS:

Prayer:  Please lift us up in prayer for God to provide wisdom, discernment and direction that can come only from Him.

Local transportation: During our past ten visits we have spent over $5,000 in rental car expense.  As the frequency and duration of trips will increase in the near future, it is wise to invest in a local car.  Purchasing a used, late model US vehicle (small truck/suv) and driving it to Belize is the most cost effective method.  Imported vehicle must be 2007 model or newer per Belizean law.  The vehicle would be kept with a trusted, local pastor.

Travel costs/supplies: On previous trips we have used frequent flyer miles to purchase 20 roundtrip tickets for ourselves and other ministry personnel.  The mileage bank is almost empty.

Long term commitments/Financial support:  Supplemental to our personal retirement funds, we estimate we will need approximately $3-$4,000/month in financial assistance to meet living and ministry expenses.

As you can see, God has placed a HUGE burden on our hearts.  It is our prayer just as Nehemiah was a man of God and action; we too will be among those that the Lord can depend to act for Him and His glory.  We believe in and serve a God of possibilities, not a god of impossibilities. We recently led a mission team in late June that ministered to over 1,000 children in various villages all over the country.  This trip enabled us to trial various ministry techniques to aid us in the development and implementation of the vision. Once again, God reminded us of just how “GINORMOUS” He is!  We thank you for helping us to help the children of Belize to “JUST BELIZE IT!”

Because Jesus Loves Kids,

David and Karen Rhodes

If you would like more information on how to be a a part of this ministry, contact David and Karen Rhodes at info@belizechristian.com or 704-533-3176.

ACMA is dedicated to being involved in missions.  ACMA will work to use the collective influence of American Children’s Ministers to impact the lives of the local community and people abroad.  10% of each membership subscription goes towards financially supporting missions. 

ACMA has teamed up with David and Karen Rhodes, founders of Coastal Christian Missions of Belize, to help children in Belize.  By providing educational and medical recourses, they are able to impact the nation with the gospel of Christ.  Read Karen and David’s letter below for information on this ministry that has such far reaching and eternal benefits.  The end of this letter states specific needs of this ministry and ways others can help.

We encourage members of ACMA to be a part of this incredible need.  If you would like more information on how to be a a part of this ministry, contact Michelle Romain, Association Director, at info@acmaonline.org or 859-519-8055.

Check here regularly for updates to Coastal Christian Missions

ACMA Member Mission Trip - September 13 - 18 (see above)

May 20, 2010 Mission Trip

Through a series of difficult circumstances, God turned discouragement into blessing and this trip saw 53 kids come to salvation. “God clearly showed us that the Kidz Konnect 4 Jesus ministry is making a huge and immediate impact on an entire generation throughout the country of Belize!”

Next mission trip for David and Karen:  June 22 - July 3. David and Karen continue to seek your support through prayer and the Kidz Konnect 4 Jesus ministry.  For more information, visit www.kidzkonnect4jesus.org.

March, 2010 Mission Trip

Just imagine….two people checking in at the airport with 10 bags and over 600 pounds of children’s ministry materials, including two large projection screens!  That was the scene as we headed back to Belize this month... Read More - March 23 Belize Update.pdf

January, 2010 Mission Trip -  During this trip final logistical arrangements were made for the upcoming launch and implementation of the very first Kidz Konnect 4 Jesus ministry program at Light of the Valley.  David and Karen will return March 1-8 to train coordinators and teachers.  The “go live” date is Monday, March 8!!!!  Please be in prayer for all the leaders and teachers involved.

October 1 - 8, 2009 Mission Trip Successful!
“IT'S OFFICIAL !!!  Coastal Christian Missions/Kid Zone Ministries is an official member and partner of the Baptist Association of Belize.  32 member churches with over 100 representatives at the annual meeting voted unanimously to include us as a partner with the churches and schools of Belize.  Great excitement was experienced throughout the membership.  The pilot program will launch in early 2010.  Thank you all for your prayers!  More details to follow in the coming weeks.”

“Also, we will be in contact with those churches at the Essentialz Conference in Alabaster that signed up in support of Belize with more details.”  ~David and Karen

October 1 - 8, 2009 Mission Trip
The focus of this trip is for the Rhodes to give a major presentation on implementing new Children’s programming to the entire membership of the Baptist Association which consists of 59 churches and 13 schools.  Currently, there are no Children’s Ministries in the churches of Belize.

August 31, 2009 Belize Mission Trip

Karen and David write of the outcome of the trip:  “Every pastor that we spoke with has agreed to allow us to implement Children’s Ministry!  We have also been supplied with land to build a church/community center.” 

The Rhodes stayed in in Seine Bight, a voo-doo village in south Belize.  They commented that they could feel the spiritual warfare there.  While on the trip, David and Karen were robbed in their sleep by armed gunman.  These gunman took many valuables, including their computer, wedding rings, and more.  However, they did not take the medications, and the Rhodes were able to distribute these to the children as needed.  The robbers were caught:  “It was the villagers themselves that took a stand and provided the necessary information to the authorities that led to the arrests.  From what we have been told this is the first time that the villagers have come forth on the behalf of someone outside the village.  We will probably never retrieve our stolen items yet we were blessed with a much greater gift - encouragement.”

Praise the Lord for blessing the Rhodes with favor of land, willing churches and protection!

August 26, 2009 message regarding Belize Trip 

Thank you so much for your prayers.  Today was a full day of meetings and continued affirmation of what the Lord is preparing to do here in Belize.  I am so completely humbled that sleep is nearly impossible.  Tomorrow we get to provide lifesaving meds and love to the Banana Plantation.  It is amazing how the Lord blinds you to lice, infection and disease so that you can open your heart and love with a glimmer of the only light of saving grace.   We continue to be reminded that His grace is sufficient.   I look forward to the day that we can minister together in this great country.  You continue to be in our prayers as well.

 

Because Jesus Loves Kids,

Karen and David

August 24, 2009 Mission Trip Agenda

1. •Deliver and administer de-worming medicine and vitamins to Sagitune Village.  Please pray for safety in travel and the well-being of the children. 
   

2. •Exploration and development of dental clinic.  A retired dentist has donated dental equipment to set up a clinic in Belize where visiting dental missions teams can serve.  Pray for the means to ship the equipment to Belize, property to build the clinic, and visiting missions teams. 
   

3. •Meeting with several members of the Baptist Association of Belize to prepare for upcoming Children’s Ministry presentation on October 3 to the entire membership of 59 churches.
   

Want to connect your Children’s Ministry to the Belize Mission Project?  Check out KK4J Brochure.pdf (Kidz Konnect 4 Jesus) brochure or visit www.kidzkonnect4jesus.org

ACMA Member Mission Trip - September 23

Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to impact a nation.  In a short week the mission team will visit 7 villages and schools in addition to two children’s homes (there are only three in the country) to build relationships, administer medications, deliver foods, and evangelize.  Cost:  approximately $600 plus airfare. 

Contact David and Karen Rhodes for information or to sign up:  info@belizechristian.com or 704-533-3176.