Prayer for NAzarene Missions

NMI Emphasis

posted July 24, 2024 by Nazarene Missions International

MesoAmerica Region


Belize

The early history of Belize identifies several Mayan city states until their decline at the end of the first millennium. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the country we now know as Belize was a "prize between rivals," over which Great Britain and Spain constantly disputed authority and possession. In 1862, the name of the country was determined to be British Honduras, but in 1981, it attained independence and changed the name to Belize. Located on the Mesoamerica Region, Belize borders the Caribbean Sea between Guatemala and Mexico. The Church of the Nazarene has been active in these surrounding countries for many years but established work in Belize in 1934. Since these early days, education has been critical to the growth and mission of the Church of the Nazarene here.


PRAYER

  • Pray for more Christian teachers to be part of the school and school management.
  • Pray for the involvement of missionaries in the schools throughout the country.
  • Pray for the government, that they will continue to see the need for partnership with Christian churches.

PRAISE

  • Praise God for his blessing on our school and for the teachers and students.
  • Praise God for three newly ordained ministers who have completed their courses of study for the ministry.
  • Praise God for the recent ladies' three-day retreat, which hosted over 90 ladies.
  • Praise the Lord for willing hands to work the variety of ministries taking place in Belize.

NMI Snapshot


In Belize, the Church of the Nazarene manages two high schools, seven primary schools, and two preschools with the help of government salary subsidies. With this opportunity, the nearest church to the school acts as the local manager, and the district appoints the general manager.


Each school operates with assistance from school fees and missionaries, who contribute their support in many ways.

The local churches engage with the school through feeding programs, where possible, with most of the children or their families unable to provide a proper meal during the school day.


In the chapel time, children receive the Word of God, and they are encouraged to attend Sunday school and children’s services with their teachers.


Not all the teachers are Nazarenes, and the government must approve all teachers and provide a curriculum. There are many government schools, but they allow others to offer spiritual guidance in their schools through Christian education.

Missionaries, both Nazarenes and others, help with the upkeep of the buildings, teacher training, supporting the children with fees and school supplies, and modeling the life of Christ.


The great desire of our Nazarene schools is that as they continue to shine the light of Christ, the hearts of students and families will be softened to receive Christ personally.


One example of this partnership is in the village of Sarteneja. At the primary school, the principal is a member of the Church of the Nazarene. Each week, he has an entire day at the church for the children. There is a children's music group and a dance group. It is encouraging that some of the former students who have come through Nazarene schools have become teachers in the same school they once attended.


A Related Vignette from Belize
When the focus is given to education and nurturing a spirit of missions in every local church, positive intergenerational "consequences" occur. Recently, in one Belizean church, the pastor shared a message on the life of Lois and Eunice and their influence on Timothy, Paul’s young colleague in ministry. Two families in that church had multiple generations present and active (five in one family and four in another).