What's it like in Belize?

Well, in some places, it's beautiful.  Take the Maya Ruins for example.  It's gorgeous to look at and climb.  You experience an incredible view of Belize and Guatemala from the top of the ruins.  You see nothing but jungle and just a few roads.

And I mean, few.

There are only two main roads in Belize.  They are paved.  Most other roads besides that of the couple of big cities?  Dirt and gravel.  It's tough on your vehicle to say the least.

The sky and natural settings are immaculate...

...while most of the houses and buildings you see are decrepit.

The heat is intense, and the money is sparse.  So drinking often comes out of a pouch instead of a bottle.

And at Hearts of Christ Children's Ministry, people come to the gates every single day, wanting the help of people who  know Jesus.

Only HOC is without a missionary/missionary family to live on their grounds to help these people.  The only exposure they are able to have with the people of Belize right now is through the sponsorships of these children.  By ministering to the children, HOC ministers to the whole family.  By giving an education and clothing to the children, the family has higher hopes of having a healthier state of living.  And most importantly, by HOC ministering to the children, the entire family gets to hear and see the gospel.

The most important part.

Visit: http://www.heartsofchristblog.blogspot.com

With love and In Him, TK

2911studios.zenfolio.com / twitter: @tarabkirk

Hearts of Christ Children's Ministry, Belize

Over a week ago, I was in Belize.  And on one of the first days there, I was approached by this little boy's face:

 Sweet, tiny little man of probably 5-6 years old, teeth that looked of wood, asked me if I had a sponsor for him.  Being my first trip with HOC, I did not know what to say as I didn't know the protocol for those who did not have sponsors.  My job was to make the snacks and take the pictures.

Children in Belize have to pay to go to school.  In a recent speech, I heard that about 49% of children can actually afford and go to school.  Out of that 49%, about 60% of them graduate.  Children are faced with the responsibility of making the money for their families, therefore school is not an option or not encouraged.  But through sponsorship, the family is loved on by families like yours, and school is an opportunity and encouragement.  Sponsorship covers their school tuition for a year as well as their uniform.  You can send the child Christmas gifts and letters too, if you desire.  Which you will.  More importantly, the gospel is shared, lives are changed and Jesus is a part of their lives.

Hearts of Christ gets sponsorships from everyday people like you and me.  But if they are out of sponsors, then these kids are simply and sadly left unhelped.  I know HOC would love to sponsor every single kid that comes to the Gate.  But if there is no money to give to the schools for the sponsorship, then it is monetarily impossible.

Throughout the next few weeks, I will be sharing stories through photographs about our life-changing trip to Belize.  Even though my bunk looked like this...

...we didn't wanna come back.  We weren't ready for America again.  It will never be the same.

"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you."

Matthew 28:19-20 HCSB

In the meantime, contact me at contact@2911theplan.com  if you are interested in sponsoring with Hearts of Christ.  We'll get ya on board.  It's a one-time commitment, or you can make last through the years as the child you sponsor goes through school.

2911studios.zenfolio.com / twitter @tarabkirk