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Glasgow Belize Missions |
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Fulfilling the Great Commission |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long are you (John & Darlene) committed to staying in Belize?
We moved here in January of 2005 with a commitment of at least 2 years. We will serve here in Belize until we are sure that God is calling us to serve elsewhere.
What did the two of you do before moving to Belize?
John owned a lawn care business. He also was attending Seminary at New Orleans Baptist Seminary in Birmingham. John pastured a church for awhile also. Darlene worked as a Social Worker for the Department of Human Resources. She worked in family and children’s services and was in charge of training foster parents and licensing foster homes.
What do you miss about home (US) the most?
Our children, grand-daughter, family in general. We don’t really miss being in the States because we are very happy serving the Lord here in Belize but we can’t help but miss family and I don’t think that will ever get any better.
What time of the year is the best time to visit Belize?
Any time of the year, it is beautiful here. However if you are coming to work in the ministry, the cooler months are October through February. There is little rain during these months so the “no-seeums” are not biting as bad. February and March have become a popular time for mission teams to stay at the camp so you have to book early if you plan to lodge at the camp.
What is the primary language spoken?
English is the national language of Belize. It is fairly easy to communicate with the people almost anywhere you go because most people speak English, especially the children because they are thought English at school. However, there are several Spanish speaking Villages where you may need to have an Interpreter. When ministering to the Maya/Ketchi people, you may also need to clarify that they understand you.
Can a group choose the type ministry they would like to do if they work from the camp?
Yes, of course. We try to get an idea of what types of ministry your group is interested in and what areas you feel that your group members are strong in and then we either place your group in a particular area or we set up ministry in the area that you have requested. Some groups have no preferences and others prefer to work with a particular group of people, a particular church or a particular Village. How large a group can you host at your camp?
At the current camp, we can sleep 56 people. We have two bunk houses that sleep 20 each and a duplex style dorm that sleeps 8 people on each side. At the new facility, we will also have two dorms that sleep 20 people each but we will also have individual cabanas that will sleep up to 4 people. We also plan to build a hotel style dorm that will sleep 4 people in each room.
Can groups of all ages come to Belize to do mission work?
We do welcome groups of all ages. There is some type of ministry for most anyone. We host a lot of “youth” groups but these groups tend to have just as many adults as they do youth. We have found that those who are at least 15 years of age seem to enjoy the experience the most. We have had many people over 60 and even over 70 who enjoyed their time here very much and nothing seemed to slow them down.
What type ministry would you say is most needed in your area?
There is always a need anywhere for Evangelism. However, Belize has been evangelized and people have heard about Jesus. The problem seems to be that most people do not understand what it means to have a personal relationship with Christ. We need to provide more discipleship training, and we need to provide the proper resources for the people to read and study so they can grow spiritually. It is a challenge to minister to the men in most areas but it is much needed here. Also, we have feel that promoting Education is a key element of ministry. The children need educational resources (books, dictionaries, Encyclopedias, etc.); they also need supplies to assist them in school, (pencils, pens, notebooks, etc.). It would be a great help if teams brought educational resources and school supplies to the children instead of giving out “candy” all the time. What if our group would like to take a day off for a fun activity, could you help us arrange that? Absolutely!... We often arrange snorkeling trips for groups…. As well as jungle hikes to a nearby waterfall or a visit to the Belize Zoo or maybe to one of the many Mayan Ruins. We have also taken groups canoeing… and we can arrange Fishing trips, diving or even a night time crocodile tour. Just let us know what your group is interested in doing and we will check into it and get a price for you. What is this “building project” that you speak of all about? We will be building a new facility about 6 miles south of the current camp grounds. The church camp facility will be moved to the new property. Diana Gordon donated 37 acres of land to the Baptist Association of Belize to be used for a new camp facility. This ne w camp will be called the Rodney M. Gordon Christian Development Center, in honor of the late Pastor Rodney Gordon. It will be a multi-purpose facility where we can host mission groups as well as provide a place for retreats, training and many other type ministries. We will also have housing that will be used as safe shelters for women and their children who need to leave an abusive situation.
If we did not answer your question here, please submit it through email at johnglasgowjr@yahoo.com. We will answer your question or find the answer for you ASAP. |
