Gathering at DFW airport, the mission had already begun… or the attacks had, though I am sure everyone has had their fair share leading up to the trip.  A girl named Sarah did not have a consent form from her father.  This was her first mission trip, and she has dreams of being in medical missions, so it was a rocky start.  I waited with her and told her stories until her dad came back and narrowly missed the cutoff time.

As we entered through security, this minor calamity averted, it was obvious that the enemy was trying to keep us all from coming to Belize.  However, we did not let fear or worry get in the way, but pressed in with faith.

More complications when we arrived and getting our luggage through customs, but no big deal.  Here, I am in my element.  With this being my 28th foreign mission trip though I have never been in Belize, I was ready for the adventure once again!!!

L.J and Sheldon transported us to the Belize sign after we had loaded our luggage and I was blessed with being in the van with a very nice luxury AC.  Probably the only time I will have it on this trip, but for half the team or more, this is their first mission trip, and I was glad to let them have the true cultural experience riding in the window-conditioned bus.  Belize has surprised me at the poverty level and run down appearance even near the airport.  It reminds me of Cambodia in many ways.  The air is muggy though the temperature is less hot than Texas.  It does not seem like it when you are constantly sweating.

At the Belize Sign, I approached a man named Ashton.  I spoke with him a bit and invited him to take a picture with us.  He seemed to have other intentions when he hugged several of the attractive females, and I even had to pull him out of an embrace and ask him questions about himself to keep him focused on other things.  I ended up praying for him and asking God to show him his true family and His love.  Paul happened to be there and gave him a word about God restoring a broken relationship in his life.  Here it was, real-time ministry in Belize, and it was so easy.

We left here and ate together at the Cheers restaurant where I was able to get to know Santie a little better.  Then we journeyed to the base and had an orientation before heading to bed… later than most wanted.  After taking a nice cold shower, I write this basking in the glory of the foreign mission, where I have been privileged to be once again.

Devotion – Boots on the Ground

You are in a battle!!!  Every day of your life you are warring for the freedom of your soul.  Sometimes, you will be given the opportunity to fight for others as well.  As we travel to Belize, we are warring for an entire nation, souls to be prepared and revival to be harvested for the Kingdom.  Wherever you are, God is able to use you in a mighty way as long as you do not let the enemy make you back down.  Sarah did not give up but pressed in because she has a purpose on this trip. I stepped in to encourage where I could have passed by only looking out for myself.  Brothers and sisters, we are in this battle together and we cannot afford to leave anyone behind.

God is calling you to do great things for Him wherever you are.  When you obey, you are His boots on the ground.  It is up to you to take the fight to the enemy and forcefully advance the Kingdom of God.  The enemy will not stand by and do nothing, but you partnering with God makes a majority in any and every situation. Never back down from what God has called you to do and never settle for less than all He has for you.  You must stand for Him and do what’s right because so many people are counting on you!!!

Challenge – Ask God to help you be His boots on the ground today. Now, step out and be obedient to what He tells you to do no matter how big, small, or silly it may seem.  Your obedience has the power to invite God into a situation so He can move in the greatest way possible.