Belmopan, Belize
This incredibly small Capitol of Belize has so much more to offer than I would have ever anticipated. Now, don’t get me wrong, the city of Belmopan has basically nothing for you if you’re looking for even the most simple of tourist attractions or fancy and diverse places to eat. As far as things to do around here, let’s just say there’s not much reason for us to leave the house unless it’s ministry related or a quick trip to a local grocery store for snacks.
So why on earth would I say that it has so much to offer?? Well, that’s simple. This place is FULL of excited believers who want to see the Kingdom of God furthered in the country of Belize! This small city has an amazing network of Christians, ministries, and churches who all live in one accord and are united in the truth of the Gospel.
Why Is That Such A Big Deal??
Why is it a big deal?? Well, let me fill you in on a small and unfortunate reality of missions and ministry all over the world…
There are too many christian ministries who proclaim the Gospel, and live for evangelism, discipleship, and servant hood who socially and spiritually “stiff-arm” other christian ministries! In my experience growing up as a missionary kid, and as one who has a diverse perspective and understanding of the church because of my up-bringing, it is sobering how many churches and/or ministries will reject the partnership, help, or even support of another ministry JUST because they are not affiliated with them. You can agree on the Gospel and agree on the needs of your community, city, and country but will still be denied any association with that church or ministry.
The unfortunate cause for this could be pride, fear, a cautious heart, or any number of things. Now, please don’t misunderstand me. I know that sometimes we must be weary of those who will say one thing and believe/practice another. We must be weary of those who’s intent is not to serve and support ministry but to infiltrate and destroy it. I’m not referring to those people. We are charged by God to guard the flock and protect it from the spiritual wolves of this world. But that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about one church not partnering with another church in order to reach out to their community more effectively for the sake of furthering the Gospel.
WHY?? We have so much division throughout the Christian Church that it’s not even funny, let alone the amount of division we find within the church itself!! If you are sharing two different Gospels that’s a different story but at the end of the day REVIVAL WILL NOT COME to our nation, or the rest of the world for that matter, if we’re too busy being a Lone Ranger Church, Ministry, or Mission. What happened to being on “the same team” spiritually and coming together with the ability to overcome the minor differences to become stronger in what we KNOW to be TRUTH!?
We Cannot Keep To Ourselves
I speak about this passionately because this is something that has been on my heart for a while now. Finally seeing a small community, like Belmopan, come together and partner with each other for the sake of the Gospel has reignited the fire within me to see the body of Christ all over the world come together in Jesus’ name. This group of churches and ministries have an understanding. They don’t “step on each other’s toes” or barge into one each other’s ministry. They respect each others individual mission and vision for the people around them. Yet, whenever there is overlap they CHOOSE to come together and combine forces to more effectively fill their community and city with Christ.
-They speak highly of one another.
-They pray together.
-They encourage each other in what God is doing through their respected ministries.
-They all spiritually “link arms” and pray over the city counsel and political leaders of their city and country.
-They have created a name and reputation for Christians that is redemptive and glorifying to God.
Do they have minor differences?? Yes. Are there even ministries within the area who they do not agree with altogether? Yes. But they STILL keep in perspective who is on the side of God’s Gospel and His Kingdom being furthered. As a result, I believe that they have made powerful strides towards revival within the country of Belize.
-Pastor’s are very much involved in the lives of political leaders.
-Christians have immersed themselves into the culture in order to change it.
-They have NOT stood from afar and prayed blessings and revival over their country…
… They’ve instead chased after revival FULLY CONVINCED that God has and will bless their passion and obedience for the sake of the gospel.
I am humbled by the example of this community of believers!! I want to see this happen in America. I want to see this happen all over the world! God’s desire for the institution of the church was not for it to be separated from itself but for it to come together, when needed, in order to reach a world that is damned for Hell. Just like in the Old Testament of the scriptures (Judges 17:6), everyone here on earth has rejected God as their King and chosen to do that which is right in their own eyes…
… If we choose to keep ourselves from effectively spiritually rocking this world, then the world is going to keep on doing that very thing. The sobering part about it is, if we have the very thing within us that can change this world and refuse to share it, TOGETHER, then we might as well be handing them over to hell.
Let the body of Christ here encourage and embolden you, wherever you are, to do the same. God bless!
-Daniel
