We would like to invite our family and friends to partner
with us in the amazing work that is happening in Belize.
Belize is a very poor country. Though there is a substantial
tourist industry, the majority of those visitors travel to the offshore cayes. The
mainland, which represents 95% of the country, benefits little from tourism. As
we researched Belize we discovered that Gales Point, where we have decided to
serve, is known as the darkest area in the country. Historically missionaries
have not been successful in this area, and as a result have given up on the
village. The Belize Mission has been the exception, having been serving there
for over twelve years now.
It is well understood in Belize that Gales Point is a hub for
criminal activity. The gangs of Belize City often have connections to Gales
Point, with many young men leaving the village to join these gangs. Sadly, Gales
Point has little to offer these young men, so gangs become an attractive
option. As with other poor areas of the world, theft is also common. Again, men
from Gales Point are actively involved in this criminal activity.
There is great need for spiritual growth within Belize.
Reaching those in Gales Point is crucial to the spiritual development of the
country. Though it would be easiest to go serve elsewhere, the need is often
greatest in the darkest places. This is what has drawn us to the Belize
Mission. Also, the current missionary couple is leaving in January 2013.
Without replacements Belize Mission and Retreat would struggle to continue. We
desire to serve where the need is great. We aren’t seeking an easy ministry.
Rather, we seek ministry that will challenge and strengthen us. We are
confident serving at the Belize Mission and in Gales Point will do so.
Leaving everything we know and moving to a remote country
will be challenging, to say the least. We ask for prayer regarding our
transition, health, finances, and for the people of Belize, especially those
living in Gales Point.
Our other great need is financial support. Unfortunately, we
are not independently wealthy, and quitting our jobs will leave us with little
to no income. Though the cost of living in Belize is considerably less than in
the U.S., other costs, such as international health insurance, aren’t cheap. We
need to raise $2,500 per month for our ministry. We ask for your help in
raising these funds, as little or as much as the Lord leads you. We know money
is tight for a lot of people right now, so we ask that you give only what you
are able. Any amount will be greatly appreciated.
There are several ways you can donate to our ministry. One
time donations, along with monthly donations can be sent to Origins Faith
Community (PO Box 629, Ontario, OR 97914) with Mark & Sarah Bradbury in the
memo line. Donations can also be made via automatic payments for you savvy
online bankers. We are working on possibly having a PayPal account to be able
to accept donations from our website, but that is still in the works. All
financial support is tax deductible and receipts will be provided annually.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read about our
ministry, and for taking time to consider becoming a ministry partner with us. Should
you choose to support our ministry, through either prayer or financial support,
please let us know your commitment. We have set a goal to have all of our
fundraising completed by October 1st, and to be in Belize by
November 1st. Ideally, if we
can raise our funds in time, we would love to be able to move to Belize by
October 1st.
