November 2, 2009

October Update

Greetings,

It has been a wonderful year so far as we have seen many great and mighty things. To date we have hosted 12 different teams in 2009 who have worked on a variety of projects including mechanical work, construction work, medical/dental services, VBS, evangelism, food distribution, etc. Each and every team has been a tremendous blessing to the people of Belize as they shared the love of Jesus Christ through their various avenues. What a privilege and joy it is to be a part of seeing souls saved, lives changed, and churches being established! You are such a vital part of what is happening and we are so grateful for your love, prayers, and support.

The planning has already begun on the 2010 calendar and scheduling teams for next year in Belize. If you are interested in bringing a group down for hands on ministry of any type, please contact us by email at gem3737@gmail.com. We would love to introduce you to the people of Belize so that you can experience firsthand the amazing things God is doing.

One thing in particular that brings us great joy is working with the children in various villages. We are very proud of the preschool children in Valley of Peace. Spanish and Ketchi are the primary languages of many of the children. Our two teachers, Ms. Elba and Ms. Mabel, are doing a great job teaching English and preparing the students for primary school. We are using a Christian curriculum that is not only making an impact with the children themselves but also in their homes. Plans are under way to open two additional preschools in other villages.

As we have mentioned before, we now have seven churches throughout the country of Belize. One of the churches is located in the Ketchi Indian village of Jalacte´. Recently we were approached by the leadership of two other churches in that village requesting to bring their congregations to join ours. They are so excited about what God is doing and want to be a part of it. There is now a need for a sound system and instruments to facilitate the ministry of the growing church. There are a number of good musicians and singers who have joined the church family in Jalacte´.

The Lord moved on the hearts of two young men from Arkansas to come on board temporarily to help us in Belize. Ben Smith and Andrew Brock are in Belize for 2 to 3 months assisting with the day to day operations of the ministry. This has helped make it possible for us to come back to the states in lieu of Randy’s dad’s current medical condition.

As far as family news, Randy has been hopping back and forth across the “big pond” between Belize and the US trying to take care of business as well as spending as much time with his dad as possible. Sheila’s main job has been to keep the laundry clean and suitcases packed along with keeping Micah corralled (especially in all the new places). Brandon has been a good sport about keeping up with his school work on the go…his new motto is “have books, will travel.” He is also learning that “my little brother ate my homework” is not such a ridiculous statement after all. Micah is…well…into everything! Nothing is safe from his hands (or his mouth), and he loudly proclaims full ownership of anything in his sight. Woe to anyone who tries to convince him otherwise. There is never a dull moment with the Gaither clan, but we are enjoying every minute.


Blessings,
Randy, Sheila, Brandon, and Micah Gaither

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