Open Door Bible Church from Port Washington, WI
Benque in Belize, July 25 to July 31, 2010
Local Pastor: Louis • PPM Staffers: Rae, Burton, Karissa, Caleb
Ministries: Service , Children , Church , Mercy

Ministries

Waiting, waiting....
by Raeanna
July 25, 2010 at 06:10 AM

And so the day has finally come for our groups to arrive in the country, and boy are we EXCITED!!! We are geared up and ready to go!!! They should be arriving early in the afternoon. As soon as we are able to find internet access, Ill post pics!!!

Just some bits of info for you, there have been some changes to the staff, however we are sooooo excited about these changes. Burton and Karissa are working with a team this week in their home church, so Pastor Mark and Pastor Floyd will be working with us. You'll be hearing a lot about them I am sure!!

So just sit back and relax, because your friends and family are about to have the time of their lives! We are stoked to see God work in each life, not only in the locals, but in our groups too! :)

STAY TUNED!!!

Let the fun begin!!!
by Raeanna
July 25, 2010 at 07:47 PM

So the group / Vetter family arrived this afternoon all safe and sound. They all loaded up on the bus, and headed into the BEAUTIFUL town of Succotz. This place is so quaint, and the weather is awesome (we now consider overcast to be a blessing!). At this current moment, the groups are in the church which isnt but about 30 feet behind me, singing to the top of their lungs to Jesus! This is the coolest sound! I know I can speak for all the PPM staff when I say this, so here it is. We are in LOVE with these groups! and this week is going to be imprinted on lives around the world from the work God allows us to do here for Him! Our prayer is that Christ works through us BIG TIME this week, and that we dont get in the way of His mighty works.

I know all the groups are super appreciative of your prayers... so keep 'em coming! :)

also, if you would like to leave comments, DO IT! I know the groups would love to hear from you guys!!!!

Tomorrow starts the hard work. And these guys are ready for it! Lets do this thing!!!!

And the good times are rolling
by Raeanna
July 27, 2010 at 05:52 PM

Yesterday was PHENOMENAL! Sorry for the delay on the update. I wasnt really near anywhere with the internet yesterday so Ill update you on the success for yesterday and today. I know you cant see the smile on my face or excitement in my voice when i say this, but its been AWESOME!!!!!!! The team has worked seamlessly together, which says so much about the individuals in the group. Its absolutely incredible the potential that is being revealed in this group!

Yesterday, the group headed into Benque, Belize where they began a church project that literally is in the beginning stages of being nothing more than a concrete slab. I believe this is where it hit them. Im sure as soon as they realized they were in the jungle and as the bus drove away, they thought to themselves "here i am, this is real... Lets do work." These guys stepped it up, and have been given the opportunity to lay the foundation of this two year project. They realize that groups will come in after them, and that they play a VITAL role in the making of this church.

Today, part of the group went back to the construction site, while the rest of us went prayer walking into the community. The group was allowed to see the condition of this village on foot, and I know it was eye opening for them. As they saw the clothes hanging on the clothes line, the bike leaning against the fence, the shoes in the yard and the plants that had been potted, they realized that even though they may have not seen the people who these objects belong to, they can still pray for them. Purposely looking for these things allows their eyes to be open to the lifestyle and culture here. This group (which includes the Vetter family) is experiencing something that can never be taken away from them, but more importantly that they can go home and share about!

We have thanked God for the overcast weather and extreme amounts of rain over the past few days because the heat hasnt been as bad as usual. However, today when there had been NO cloud cover, the group decided to do a rain dance, which produced 2 things. 1, a crazy cool pic with amazing poses in it, and 2, RAIN! They all stood out in the rain for 15 mins it felt like, enjoying the cold water. What a cool experience!

I want to personally thank you for being so supportive of this group. Its so encouraging to them to be able to hear from you guys! Theyve only been here for three days and you all have FLOODED the website with comments. I appreciate that as much as they do. It tends to make the sting of being away from home less painful. :)

keep posted. ill update as internet access allows. THANK YOU!!!

Making Memories.
by Raeanna
July 28, 2010 at 03:27 PM

Today has been incredible. In fact, every time I log on to make a new post I have a hard time coming up with words to describe things going on because words alone simply do not paint the picture for you. God is truly using these teams for His glory!!! As eyes are opened, truth is revealed, and hearts are softened, God is showing Himself, and let me tell you, major learning opportunities are taking place. I wish you could be here to see this as much as these teams do.

This morning we took a little break from all this work, and headed out to some local Mayan ruins. (note the pic. everyone was on the top of the ruins!!!) What a fun day!!! I believe everyone needed a few hours of down time, so it was very much appreciated. Then the groups split back up and headed to their churches for another day of VBS.

Everything is going so well. and might I add that the groups LOVED hearing your comments last night. Keep them coming!

Working working working...
by Raeanna
July 29, 2010 at 10:25 AM

So first of all, im having some technical difficulties as far as these pics go. dont know whats going on or where the group pic went. dont know if its a website error or user error, but we are working it out. group pic will be back up soon. so disregard the pic up there. its the other group that paired up with open door. but the website downloaded the same pic for both groups, and i dont know why, but ANYWAYS.

today the group is back out at Benque working on the church and prayer walking yet again on another day. the cool thing about this is that its something new everyday though. the project is progressing very very well, and the prayer walking is still opening many eyes to what we are truly dealing with here in Belize. VBS is growing so fast, and the community is being woke up to God! HOW AWESOME!!!

These teams are finally totally in the groove of culture change, heat adaption and are completely impressing me and the PPM staff team. They are definitely making the most of their short time here in Belize.

I tomorrow as soon as i find internet. Stay tuned,

p.s. they are still LOVING the hilarious comments you guys are making. thanks for them!

Comments

Dawn Henry

I pray you all had a great last day in Belize. Praying for a safe return. Brittney Tigger has a message for you, Meow,meow meow

Becky

Awesome group picture. Keep up the good work. So very proud of all of you. Sara- Dylan wants us to take you to the Chinese place where they have the Chinese pizza, haha. We all miss you and are counting the days to your return. To God be all the glory.

anya

Again, praying for you all....Praying God will use you all in a huge way! I love you Seth and miss you! The boys are counting down days til daddy gets home! Take care of him you guys...c-ya all soon!

Barb

Good to see the group shot! Great to see Alex B upright as we sent him off with poison ivy in full bloom! Mom's can't help but worry : ) I am confident that God is doing an amazing thing in each of you and those you are in contact with. Autumn misses you - I know, scary, but she really said it! Much love, Mom, Sean, Ariel & Autumn.

Grandma Ruth

Glad I'm not the only one who has technical difficulties. I am so excited for what God is doing in each of you and in the people you are serving. Praising God for all the little ones coming to VBS. I pray that hearts, young and old, will be touched by God's Word and your visit. Take good care of 'our' luggage, Sara. It still has to go to Ghana as soon as you get back. Grandpa and I are praying for you (and Derrick) every day. Love Yah, Sarrie.

grandma moe butler

hi brittney; how are you? is everyone ok ? i'llbe so glad when you and all come home.i can hardly wait to hear all about it . i pray GOD will bring all of you home BLESSED. we are all fine here at iowa. i just got back from ca. last night.i was so thank ful to get home. love you honeyGOD BLESS GRANDMA

Noel

Hey everyone! Praying that everyone is having a peachy time, enjoying the sun and absorbing the way God is working in you guys! with lots of love and hugs! --Noel Schommer

Kris

Hi Raeanna, The group pic looks great! It was a different groups pic earlier, but it's our group now :) Praying for each of you as the week is coming to an end.

Rodgers

Good to see that God has brought you to new "heights". We're hoping that God is working in you and the Belizans(?) this week. We can't wait to be "knocked out" by the stories and photos from this trip.

Becky

You give climbing to new heights a whole new meaning. As I have said many times before, this group of young people are an inspiration, and a great testimony of Gods love. Keep up the great work gang. Praying continuously.

Kris

Is that a picture of the construction project and bricks you've been working with?? Impressive :) haha! Praying for you and sending you cool lake breezes ...

Ray & Karen

We can see from the picture that you are all climbing to new heights! May you be climbing to new heights spiritually as well as you continue to serve the Lord.

Char

I'm thinkin I might be jealous of your tan when y'all come back. I'm wondering if it's as hot as it was in New Orleans? I can only imagine the memories you are making and the things you are learning. So thankful you have this opportunity. Continued prayers and love!

Tim & Sharon:)

Hey Guys, It great to hear that God is working in your lives & through you to minister to others. Michelle, what do you think you were doing going up there!!! ha ha ...What a view you must have had from the top of the pryimid, Love to you all! Just to let you guys now, that it is very warm here this week too

Ruth Ann McGuire

Really glad to hear everything is going so well! We are praying for you all. Brittany we look forward to hearing all about the trip!! We love you.

Nancy Keirsey

Scott, I'm praying for you every day. Keep up the good work. See you Sunday!

Grandma Ruth

I am very excited to hear more about the work you are doing. We are keeping you in our prayers. May the Lord increase you faith, keep you safe, broaden your understanding of 'church', give you enduring friendships, and bring you home safely.

Cheryl Livingston

Praying for you daily and hoping you are surviving the heat. Stay close to Jesus, see Him in everything you do and say. I am encouraged by all of you.

Grandma Jean

Hi everyone, soooo glad to hear you are doing well. Praying it truly will be an experience you will never forget, in one way or another. I sure hope you do not do the rain dance when you get back home, we do not need it. Will keep praying for spiritual growth and safety and impact on the lives of 'God's people' you are coming in contact with on a daily basis. Have a safe trip home. Luv u all!

Ray & Karen Will

We continue to keep you in our prayers. May you stay focused on God and have a Christ-centered week. "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17

Becky

Love the rain dance guys. Glad to hear God is using you in very positive ways. We miss you very much and are praying for you continually. Sara - your brothers send their love and laughed at the pic. Keep up the awesome work!!!

Char

So glad to hear you are working well together, since that is EXACTLY what I prayed for today! :) God is good, hey? We miss y'all in Wisconsin. Continued prayers and love.

Kris

Thanks for the update, and the sweet pic! Now we know what a rain dance in Belize looks like. We'll have to see a reenactment when you return to WI. And the dance actually worked = crazy! And hello to the Vetter family! Hopefully the ODBC group is behaving themselves.They're a great group. Enjoy your time serving together :)

Naomi Dieringer

Hey! I'm praying for ya'll!!! Don't get into to much trouble:P

Dawn Henry

hey everyone, I hope everyone is having a great time. I can't wait to see pictures. I am praying for you. Britt, I love you.

Mickie Schueller

Hey Open Door Team, I have been praying for you daily. Miss you all and can't wait to hear what you are doing for God's glory. Be safe. Love, Mickie :)

John Henry

I am glad to see that all of you have made it safely. It is wonderful to see the hand of God at work since the beginning. I am praying for all you. May God bless each of you and that you be a living testimony for Christ.

Sid

It's great to hear you arrived safely. I'm praying for your effectiveness, unity and that God implants a life-long desire to serve Him. And I also pray you can stand the heat or any other obstacles.

anya

wish I could hear the singing! :)

Char

Can't wait to hear how God works! Expect a full report! Praying daily!

Kris Bretl

Glad to hear you made it safe and sound! Praying for each of you as you are the hands and feet of God in Belize this week.