Arbor Pointe Church from Jefferson, GA
Bermudian Landing in Belize, July 11 to July 18, 2009
Local Pastor: Pastor Floyd Bood • PPM Staffers: Eustace, Kristie, Sarah, Pastor Lloyd
Ministries: Sports, Outreach, VBS, and more!

Ministries

We're all here!
by Matt
July 11, 2009 at 09:52 PM

Arbor Pointe arrived in great shape today! The flight was on time, and we got checked into the hotel and had some lunch. We went to the Mile 21 Youth Hostel in the afternoon to do some ministry....this Youth Hostel is a house for troubled Belizean children....it was quite a time! We hung out, played sports, prayed with them, and just plain shared the love of Christ with them! What a beautiful day....everyone is tired but in great spirits!
Thank you for your prayer support! Tomorrow will be a great day....our internet has been down a bit and we've been unable to upload photos, but hopefully tomorrow we can post some pictures!

An incredible day in Belize
by Sarah
July 12, 2009 at 11:12 PM

Today was our first full day in Belize! We started off with a breakfast at our hotel, and headed to Bermudian Landing for an amazing church service. A group from North Carolina led worship, and then our very own Reverend Joe preached a sermon on the Lord and how He is doing a "new thing" in the lives of His people. Michelle also spoke and shared her heart and her story of how she ended up coming to serve in Belize!

After church we ate a delicious Belizean lunch at Pastor Floyd's house- it was truly amazing. Pastor Floyd then gave us a tour of the community of Bermudian Landing, as well as some of the other surrounding villages.

We then had a little rest break in the afternoon and were able to eat another great Belizean meal- pizza! After dinner we again headed back to the church for an evening service. Despite the power going out in the church, the service ended up being incredible! Another one of the church groups led the time, and they spoke by candlelight. It was beatiful seeing the body of Christ joined together and praising His name in a dimly lit church building!

We are praising God for the experience and activites of the day and we are looking forward to starting vacation bible school, construction and sports ministry tomorrow!
Thanks for the many prayers!

Active in Belize!
by Sarah
July 14, 2009 at 09:08 PM

These past two days have been busy, yet amazing! Yesterday was our first day of VBS and around 80 kids showed up. Everyone packed into the small church building and the day was off! The kids really enjoyed the songs, games and the interactive bible story.

Some of the group also started construction on a brother in Christ's house. We are basically building Joseph a house from the ground up so people will definitely be gaining some skills in that area!

Yesterday afternoon we had a time of sports ministry and some were able to do some home visits. We wrapped up the day pretty early and were able to get amazing sleep.

Today we started VBS again and around 150 kids showed up! It has been amazing seeing the group interact with all these kids and seeing their love for them. After a delicious lunch we again started sports ministry. Basketball, softball, football (soccer) and volleyball went on constantly all afternoon long. Construction was up and running again and it was hot and sweaty work but all the support beams are in place for the house!

A lot has been going on, but it God has definitely been ministering through all of it!

Whats up in Belize
by Sarah
July 15, 2009 at 11:04 PM

Today was another packed day! We started off with VBS in the morning and about 150 kids showed up again. It was raining off and on throughout the morning but that did not stop the games, crafts and activity all around the church. The teens have also been enjoying their own type of youth group activities- things directed more towards them. Construction has also been going great and Joseph's house is coming along.

We were able to take some relaxation time today and go visit the Mayan ruins of Altun Ha. The group enjoyed climbing all over the ruins and enjoyed taking some sweet pictures!

Tonight was our last service with the church. The group from Hope Presbyterian Church led the service, and it was blessing being able to hear more about their lives and how they have been impacted by our Lord.

The week is coming to an end but it has been amazing and we are excited to share more stories with everyone!

VBS Crafts
by Sarah
July 15, 2009 at 11:09 PM

Check out Lynn doing crafts,
Children are the best craft friends,
Everyone should craft.

Jersey Time
by Sarah
July 15, 2009 at 11:12 PM

The group passing out jerseys to the kids!

Comments

David Benton

So glad you all are home.

David Moore

Let Patty and the boys know that we're still fine and that insurance says that after the deductible, they'll cover everything to remodel the kitchen. We went to Elder's Bridge today: one of the last covered bridges iin GA and a sliding rock. Oh, and we went to Nene and Papa's and after I fixed their shower, we went to Provino's. There, I just breathed on the screen so that you could smell the garlic rolls. D.

Brian

God Bless you all for your service in his name and sharing the love of Christ on behalf of our church. Have a safe trip home. Michelle, I can't wait to see you!! I Love You!

Cindy

I know that God has done wonderful things through each and every one of you!! We pray for safe return tomorrow and can't wait to hear of your adventures!!! Cindy, Samuel & Christopher

Eben and Josie Mundy

We can't wait to hear about everyone's experience. We continue to pray for each of you and your safe return. Hi Daddy, we are so looking forward to you coming home. We have missed you SOOOOO very much. We went to the zoo today and kept asking when you were coming to join us. Love you, Eben & Josie (and Shannon)

Brian

Michelle, I just wanted to tell you how much I am looking forward to seeing you tomorrow and how much I've missed you!! Our two little ones have been great this week and we've had alot of fun on our various adventures. They really miss you too and have asked each day when will it be Saturday. They are spending the night with Nana and Papa and I'am working on getting the house back in order. I love you so much and we've been praying for you and everyone else. I showed them the picture of you handing out the shirts and they thought it was really neat. I love you and can't wait to have you back here.

David

Hi Mommie & Daddy. I finally made it back to Jackson County to be with my Poppie & MeMaw. We are having a lot of fun playing with cars, playing on Poppi's truck and laughing with each other. I had a good time with Nina andPaPa, Hunny, G-Daddy, Ninny, Matt, Kitty Cat and Jo-Jo, and it is good being with Poppi again. I missed them and you too. Please hurry home. I pray for you each night and I read my Bible Book at Poppi's. I love you. Poppi and MeMaw are praying for you too. They miss you and love you. They want everyone there to know how proud they are of everyone there. HURRY HOME SAFELY. I LOVE YOU. DAVID, YOUR SON

Thomas & Carolyn Latimer

We've been praying for the team this week. We know it has been a blessing to your life and the lives of those you have touched. Sharing thae love of Jesus is amazing. Safe trip home.

Dave & Pam Migneault

Thanks so much for keeping us all in the loop. You have been so blessed by this exerpience, as you have provided hope and the love of Christ to so many others. May God provide traveling mercies for your journey back to Jefferson. See you all very soon.

Pam & Rodie

Michelle, just want to tell you how much we love and miss you! I'm going to pick up the kiddies for a sleepover tonight and am looking forward to your return tomorrow! Love you and pray God's blessings on the whole mission team.

T cubed and J Dearman

Grettings from Tybee Island. We hope you have a wonderful Friday. I am so excited to hear how many kids you have had for VBS. I pray for your safe trip home. Jake said to tell O'Bryan, "let the cheese be with you".

David

It is my thinking that everyone should haiku: don't you think, Sarah?

Delaney and katie

from D, i hope you are teaching them well! I love you guys from,D from Katie , I miss all of you guys from Katie!!!

b rad

Thanks to three home runs by Sherman and Danny this evening, the Arbor Pointers only lost 16-6. We needed some more of our regular players but you are doing something more important and more satisfying. God has the plan and you are where you are supposed to be. Joe, I have some bad news. Mark Richt has taken a job at Colorado. Georgia let him go and now are looking for a new coach. Boy that hurts. He is a good guy. We continue to pray for all of ya'll

Bette Green

We look forward to your updates. Thank you so much for keeping in touch. You all are always in our thoughts and prayers. Wre so proud of you. We miss you.

Shannon, Eben, & Josie

Hello again! I love love love the pictures and smiles on everyone's face. Looks like the Lord is surrounding all of you and lifting you all up to do His work in such an awesome way! Its hard to believe your time there is almost done, but the impacts made will last a lifetime! We miss you all an look forward to your safe return! Robbie, its been hard not hearing from you but I also believe that is God's way of bringing us here at home closer to Him in prayer :) Love you and Miss you. Kids can't wait to see DADDY and play G.I. Woe! Shannon, Eben, and Josie

David McKechnie

I miss my Mommy and Daddy but Hunny and I keep praying for your safety. Hunny says you will be back but I keep saying you are at the airport. That is what you told me. I love you! I am having a good time playing with Kitty Cat, Joe Joe, and Matt. We went to McDonalds and I love getting the icecream out of the cone with my fingers. My face was a mess but I loved it. Matt is teaching me lots of new words and I say whatever he tells me to say! I spent the night with my cousins last night because Hunny was very tired! I will see you soon and I love you!

Polly Holt

I was just reading my daily devotional and this verse struck me. "Each one should use whatever gifts he (she) has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in it's various forms" 1 Peter 4:10 That is what each of you are doing and it looks like all of you are truly showing the ones you meet in Belize all of God's grace. Bless you and praying for you all.

Judy Brewer

Hi everyone, Just returned from Life Study small group. We didn't have a tape and there were only five us but we had a great time talking about the laws and covenants of God. We prayed for each of you and can hardly wait for you to get home and tell us how the Holy Spirit guided you and helped you with the wonderful things you are doing there.Stay safe! Watch what you eat and drink! I sure don't want any of you to come home sick. We love you all and miss you somthing terrible. Judy

Patty Sanders

WOW!!! First 80 now 150 kids.! What awesome work you guys are doing for the Lord. I know that the kids are learning alot about sports with the Kendrix family there. Shannon, I hope all your family is doing well. I know that the seeds you guys are planting are just the beginning of great things to come. Take care and know you guys are lifted up daily. In His Love, Patty

Lewis Brewer

Hi Guys, I hope that you are all doing well and you should know that we are praying for you each day. We are very proud of what you are doing. As you are the hands and feet of Jesus in a foreign land, we are preparing our SWAT team to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ and bettering the life of a family here at home on Saturday. We love and miss all of you and are eager to see you home again safely. GOD BLESS YOU Lewis

David Benton

I will see yall at the airport Saturday. I have enjoyed reading your posts and know what all is going on. Thanks for all the note. We are all praying for all of you.

Brian

Happy Anniversary baby!! Love you, miss you!!

Alice and Judy

Hello Arbor Pointe mission group! God bless your efforts in Belize and may the people you are serving there see the love of God because of you.A special hello to our nieces Kim and Emily Fisher! We love you and remember you in our prayers.A special hello to Emily from Birdie. I got my belly rub from Jessie! :-)

David, Delaney, and Katie

Hey, we haven't heard from Patty and the boys, so please tell them that we're fine, have been sending emails, and are doing fine. Please tell the boys not to be touching any of the frogs down there: Les Stroud said never to do that, b/c even small frogs can carry toxins that you can transfer to your mouth. If they've already touched small frogs, ask them what hallucinations are like. Love, D.

Kathleen "ribbit" heltsley

Tears as I read about your Christ-filled days!! Just fantastic!!!! Are you learning any of their games> Love and God bless

Shannon, Eben, Josie

That is so wonderful that you all are having such a big turn out at VBS and the sports camps. I know you are making a huge impact on the lives of so many in such a short period of time. Can't wait to see the pictures and hear the stories! Love, Shannon, Eben, Josie (p.s. Robbie we miss you and love you!)

Darla and Margaret Paiter

Well it's mid week and you guys are doing some amazing things! We can't imagine building a house from the ground up! Kudos! VBS is something that has always been near and dear to both of our hearts. We can just see the sea of smiling little faces and the joyful "noise" you must all be making! Looking forward to seeing you back here in Jefferson!

Peggy Holt

I am so glad that your mission is going well. I want the Fishers and the Moores to know that the "rear guard" is on duty. The Grandma also known as "not grandma".

Polly Holt

Good Morning everyone, Wow, I am so happy your VBS is growing so great. From 80 to 150 in one day is amazing (a blessing). They must have heard about how much love, enthusiasm, and faith that you have there to share. I know it's wrong to be prideful, but I am so proud of all of you and so happy for all the blessings you are giving and recieving and cannot wait till you get back to share it all with us. Praying for all of you.

Harold and Jessica Fisher

Hi, it looks like you are having a great mission. We are keeping you in our prayers and look forward to your return. Kim and Emily, we love you and we are having a good trip as well.

T cubed and J Dearman

Hello to our Arbor Pointe family. It looks like you are having a wonderful experience. What a beautiful thing you are doing. We have been praying for you all this week. I hope that the rest of the week is awesome and that you have a safe trip home. How are the frogs??? Ribbit ribbit:) Jake said to tell O'Bryan hello.

Amy Hatcher

Patty and Aidan, Great to see your smiling faces! I am praying that God will use you all in a mighty way to share His love to the people of Belize!!! We are never stronger than when we rest in His hand, willing to be used by Him. I look forward to hearing how God worked in your lives this week!!! I am praying for you every day!

Dave & Pam Migneault

Enjoy hearing about your activities. Great photo! What a great experience to have a candlelight service! We uphold you in our prayers and thoughts.

Me

Daddy I miss you so much. Please know that I am praying for you.

Brian,Maddie and Rylan

I hope everyone is doing well, we've been praying for you all. Michelle, I am not sure if you'll get this, but just wanted to wish you a Happy Anniversary. Love You and miss you!!

Todd and Mike

Please say a BIG "HELLO" to our friends Kim and Emifly Fisher!! Work hard and enjoy yourselves and tell Kim not to be afraid of getting her hands dirty!! Oh and I hope Emily can teach some of the locals her skater moves!! Love and Kisses...

David McKechnie

mom and dad, I miss you ver much and I love you too. I am praying for you. I had a great time at my Nina and Papa's house and I am now at Hunnny and G-Daddy's. Matt, Jo-Jo, Kitty Cat, Hunny, Ninny and I went to see Clifford today. He was a big red dog!!!!! I love you

Andrew Nelson

Dear mom and dad I hope you are having a great time. We miss you. Love Andrew

Virginia Nelson

Dear Mom and Dad, I miss you so much! Love,Virginia

Matthew Nelson

matthew loves you (Matthew wanted to type the note himself for ya"ll)

B rad

Hey Everyone, It sure seems that you are having a wonderful time. I knew you were on a meaningful mission to begin with but the more I think and pray about it, I cannot begin to imagine the impact on the children of Belize aannnd our Arbor Pointe team of angels... it doesn't stop there because it has already had an impact on the rest of Arbor Pointe. We cannot wait to see the next installment of your adventure and you are the talk of the town. You are in our prayers and know you are there, at that place, at this time, for a reason and I know that reason is already quite evident or will be by the time you leave..

Kathleen Heltsley

Glad to read that all is well. All smiles in the photo!!! God Bless, Kathleen "ribbit"

David Benton

Praying for all of you.... lets get some video and some pics posted. :) :) You all are a blessing.!!

Shannon, Eben, and Josie

I just realized the photo is one that was taken there. I thought it was one of the ones taken at the church property before everyone left. Best that I can tell it from weather.com it "feels" very hot down there (98+ degrees). I pray everyone is in good working condition for another day of fun tomorrow and getting message out about God's love. I look forward to hearing about more wonderful and uplifting experiences. I really enjoyed the dimly lit message! Robbie, I took Eben to see the goats today behind the house. He loved it! He chased around chickens too. Josie is doing good too! Both in bed sound asleep by 8:30. We said a little prayer for all of you! And we continue to lift each of you up in our prayers. Thank you all for the love and passions of Christ you are sharing to so many. Love and blessings, Shannon, Eben, and Josie

David Yon

Keep up the great work! All of you are in our prayers!

Margaret Paiter

Hope your having a great time changing hearts,homes,and humor!Good luck.love margaret!

Don, Dawn and Dylan Thomas

Seeing the picture of you guys in Belize on the website and knowing that you would be touching many lives with Christ's love within each of you brought a huge smile to my face and a warm heart. Praising the Lord in a dimly lit church by candlelight must have been an inspiring and humbling experience. Great job Arbor Pointe!!

Cindy Phillips

Hi gang! Quit eating so much and get to work! I want to see blisters and sunburns! Seriously, sounds like you are really working hard and making a difference with the children there. I'm with you in spirit! Give someone a hug for me (seriously, I mean it) I know Michelle will do it for me...she knows how much I love to hug...kids! Cindy

Debra Pipes

Hey Moore family! I am glad things are going so well. I am praying for all of you guys....for protection, wisdom, and blessings on the people there and all of you. Is. 30:21 Debra

Darla Paiter

I was so excited to jump on the computer this morning and read about your first full day! The details of the evening service by candlelight in the event of power failure I'm sure do not justice of how moving this special time must have been. You all look fantastic and full of the light of the Lord! All is well here and we had a nice rain storm Sunday evening! Missing you! p.s. Shelton - our three girls are very proud of what you are doing and Margaret in particular is quite envious :)

Lewis & Judy Brewer

Hi Guys, You sure are missed. Our Church felt so empty without all of you. However we are so proud of each of you for giving of your time and hearts. Church went well yesterday in spite of Joe not being at the pulpit. David did a fantastic job. Our prayers are with each of you and we know you are doing fantastic things with these kids. We know that God is with each of you and his Holy Spirit surrounds you with his love and protection. We will be so glad to have you back home safely, but in the mean time know that you are truly loved and missed.

Rae Nell Bennett

Hello to everyone - I am so greatful how the Lord is working in your lives. I am praying for you daily. I am Kim Fisher's mother and Emily's mam maw. You all love on the people you come in contact with and realize that what you are doing is showing the people of Belize how much God loves them too. Take care and God Bless

Heather Meadows

Sounds like everyone enjoyed a wonderful worship filled day! We continue to lift all of you up in prayer. God be with each of you as you spread His love, hope, promise, and message.

Patty Sanders

Sounds like God is making great things happen through you. Those of us who are believers know the electricity was out for a reason. The Holy Spirit had another idea of how He wanted to present Himself. God has chosen each of you to minister to this community. We are praying that The Lord continues to speak through you and lives will be changed. In His Love, Patty, Rick, and Nick.

CINDEE MILLER

I KNOW ALL OF YOU ARE DOING GREAT WORK!! BUT I JUST NEED TO SAY A SPECIAL HI TO MY SISTER AND NIECE. KIM AND EMILY FISHER, JUST SAYING I AM PROUD OF YOU AND LOVE YOUR EFFORTS YOU ARE DOING DOWN THERE! LOVE YOU! CINDE

Pam and Rodie

Michelle, we are thankful you all arrived safely and that you are doing what God has called you to do. We love you and are praying for you every day. Courtney said yes! Love you.

David

Mommy and Daddy, I miss you, but I'm having fun and am fine. I helped Papa make ice cream, and I drove all the stuff from the barn. I've been swimming, riding my bike, and playing with cars. I've been reading books and singing and dancing. I learned how to order stuff on e-bay. I love you.

David Benton

Just wanted to send you all a note before the day was done and tell you we certainly missed you all today at church. I hope you had a wonderful day today. Thank you for ministering in the mission field of the world.

Shannon, Eben, and Josie Mundy

We look forward to hearing about you all's first full day! I am sure you all were so busy and making such an impact on the lives of so many. Robbie, the kids are wonderful and we miss you. Love and prayers :)

Brian,Madelyn and Rylan

We're glad everyone is doing well and I know your presence is such a blessing to everyone. Michelle, the little monkeys are doing good. We Love You and miss you!!

Bette and Harold

We know that the feeling of carrying out God's work will be equally as gratifying to our Church group as it is to the people of Belize who will be the benefactors of this endeavor. Everyone take care and enjoy this mission.

Judy

So glad to know you guys made it safely & have had a great start. We look forward to hearing how the Lord's work is shared there & blessings are experienced. Really missed Joe on the drums this morning & all of the rest of you. Look forward to the next post of wonderful news.

Darla and Bill Paiter

WOW! We are so excited for you all! Can't get off our minds for a minute knowing how God is working through you right now. Church was great this morning; I have to be honest and say I really did miss the drums though Joe! Can't wait to see some pics! Be safe!

L.D. Migneault

May everyone have a blessing and cherished memory from your experiences. My thoughts and prayers are with you always.

Cindy Benton

Hello all!!! Glad to hear you all made it fine! Praying for each and everyone of you to be used by God in His perfect plan. Have fun!

Jennifer & Chris Kuykendall

So glad that you all made it safely. Our family will contiue to pray for each and everyone of you. I can't wait to hear the stories and see the pictures of God's work!

David B.

I hope you all have a great day today. Glad you arrived safe and sound.

Dave & Pam Migneault

Blessings to each of you and your Belizean friends. Know we are uplifting your experience in prayer. Sounds as if you are off to a great start in sharing your love to others. Be safe. Have fun.

Polly

So thankful that the trip went well and keeping all of you in our prayers. I pray each of you feels all of the love and support being sent from us to you and I know this will be a wonderful mission trip, not only for you, but all the lives you will touch while you are in Belize. God bless all of you.

David Benton

Thinking of all of you. Have a safe trip. I can't wait to hear from you all.

Shannon Mundy

So glad you all arrived safely! The kids said a special prayer for everyone (especially Daddy) tonight, and I will certainly be praying for everyone during this week. I look forward to hearing about all God's work manifesting through the hands and eyes of those who were called on the mission trip.

Jim, Cynthia, Matthew, Sara Catherine, & Joseph

We are praying for all members of the team. As we were thinking of you all, the Lord put this verse on our hearts... Eph 2:10 - "For we are what He has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life." May you all be richly blessed and witness mighty miracles as you bless and serve others in Christ's name.

Kathleen Heltsley

Have a wonderful time everyone:) We are so excited about the new experiences for all and the joy you must be feeling doing God's work:)

Rhonda K. Adams

I am praying for everyone on the team! I know the people there are so excited to have you there. I pray that the the Holy spirit will be released and many lives will be changes forever! May God bless you and keep you safely! Love Rod, Rhonda and Jared

Corrine

We are thankful for each of you that are serving the Lord in a mighty way. I know that the people there will be blessed and well as you all. We will continue to lift you up in prayer. Know that you are loved.

Brian,Maddie&Rylan

We are glad to see you arrived safely. Love you and miss you.

Lynn Latimer

Welcome everyone. Hope the trip is wonderful