Construction Mission
The purpose of the construction mission is to improve the living conditions of the Belizeans through the building of new houses, painting of existing houses or making improvements in the school or other community buildings. The houses are small by U.S. standards but represent a significant improvement in the shelter provided to the families in this hurricane prone area. A small (16x20) concrete block and stucco (CBS) house costs only about $5,000 US and the larger (18x24) CBS house is less than $6,000 US. The family provides sweat equity in building their own house or one for another family.
A coat of paint on a house that has never been painted or a fresh coat on a badly weathered house not only brightens the appearance of the village but also brightens the spirit of the occupants. This spirit has turned out to be contagious. Many villagers who could afford some paint have joined in the effort to brighten the village by painting their own house.
The construction PHOTO GALLERIES in this section show prior missions teams at work.
Evangelism Mission
The purpose of the evangelism mission is to be a Christ look-alike in the conduct of the mission team and to build relationships with the Belizean people. Daily devotions are an integral part of the evangelism mission for those team members wishing to participate. It is difficult in words to describe the evangelism component. In its simplest form, it is talking to the children and taking their picture. However, the evangelistic efforts extend to more organized activities with the children and to building of long-term relationships and friendships with the villagers.
The evangelism PHOTO GALLERIES show our mission team worshiping or relationship building through a variety of activities with the Belizeans.
Medical Education Mission
The medical mission prior to 2008 was an integral part of the annual mission trips with the team traveling daily to different villages to conduct health screening clinics. The main medical mission now operates independently under the leadership of Saint Elizabeth Medical Center of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Beginning in 2008 as part of the Lewisburg United Methodist Church mission trip, team member Ellen Hayes conducted one-on-one diabetes sessions with those Belizeans who were concerned about their health. Their blood sugar was tested and some were relieved to learn their sugar levels were OK. Those with high sugar levels were given test meters and were trained in their use. They were also given instruction in lifestyle changes to help in managing their sugar levels.
The medical PHOTO GALLERIES are available showing past medical team clinics and the new medical education initiative.
Oral History Project
The oral history project was undertaken to document the changing lifestyle and cultural aspects of the Maya-Mestizo inhabitants. They are descendants of the Yucatec Maya Indians of the Yucatan peninsula. For many centuries they lived in harmony with nature and their environment. The introduction of sugar cane as a farm crop in the mid-20th century started a transformation from self-sufficient farming to dependence on job income to purchase food and livelihood requirements. With independence from England in 1981, lifestyle and cultural changes accelerated with the introduction of electricity. Older citizens who had grown up in the self-sufficient style began seeing the younger generation preferring a lifestyle of NikeTM tennis shoes, Reggaeton music and television. The oral history project was undertaken to record the disappearing knowledge of the older lifestyle.
Video and audio versions of the unedited INTERVIEWS are found in this section. Provision has been made to make verbatim transcripts of the interviews available. Good oral history procedures require that transcripts be independently proofread before being made available. Only five proofread transcripts are currently available.
During the course of conducting this project, opportunities arose to video tape special events that enhance or supplement the interviews. SPECIAL VIDEOS are available along with some PHOTOGRAPHS of interesting artifacts.
Photography Mission
The photography mission is a natural product of the mission as the team members capture memories of THE PEOPLE, VILLAGE LIFE and the MISSION TEAM itself through pictures taken while living and working in Belize. The result shows many memorable moments to share after the team returns to the States.
The VILLAGE LIFE section shows scenes around the villages of San Victor, San Narciso or other villages visited by team members.
Playtime Purpose
The playtime mission gives the mission team an opportunity to visit various sites of interest around Belize. Playtime may be as simple as spending some leisure time at a beach or swimming in the Honda River to visiting some of the extensive Mayan ruins.
The playtime PHOTO GALLERIES show our team at play.