The first place we stayed during our month of Unsung Heroes in Belize was at the YWAM base in San Pedro. YWAM Destination Paradise is the most beautiful location. We woke up in the morning, stepped out of our casita to the courtyard by the pool. We walked down the palm tree lined path to the beach. We spent time with the Lord, ate breakfast and shared conversation with one another, all the while overlooking the Caribbean Sea. We sat in awe of how the Lord had provided for us with lodging. We were in awe of the beauty of His creation. Our second morning in paradise was one of our teammate’s birthday. When asked “what do you want for your birthday?” Amanda replied “I want a new contact!” And that is exactly what the Lord provided.
A few of us got on our bicycles, without having a meeting set, and went to visit Living Word Church. We met the pastor in “Heaven’s Salon”, the hair salon run by the pastor’s daughter next door to the church. We sat with Pastor Ian Zalvidor and his wife, we shared some of our World Race stories, and in turn heard about some of the Lord’s provision for Living Word Church.
Pastor Ian Zalvidor grew up in a conservative, traditional church. As he came to know the Lord personally and the Spirit of God took hold of him, his life was changed, and he hasn’t ever been the same. The miraculous way the Lord has provided for his family and the church is another testament to the goodness of God. Repeatedly, Pastor Ian saved money for the church building and the Lord called him to pour out those hard saved dollars elsewhere. As he trusted the Lord, the Lord was faithful and provided in abundance for the needs of his family and church.
Pastor Ian’s heart is to see the people of San Pedro changed by the Spirit of God, to see people renewed, to see the community changed. As we spoke with Pastor Ian it was so apparent that he was filled with the Spirit of God. As he shared his heart and his vision for the community, he overflowed with joy. As he prayed, we felt his passion for the Lord and for the things the Lord is doing in the people of San Pedro.
