by Bobby L. Graham
Synopsis: Bobby relates the history of gospel preaching in Belize, discussing its rewards and challenges, in an effort to motivate more to labor for the Lord at home and abroad.
"Come over and help me" was the cry of Dana Whisler soon after his arrival to live and preach the Gospel in March 1999. Because of several factors, concerning which I will not here elaborate for lack of space, I responded to Dana's call and started what has become a labor of love stretching over nineteen years and twenty-three trips. Those trips have included several dedicated men, whom I took to introduce them to the work in Belize. Some of them have continued their interest in Belize, while others have understandably chosen to manifest their interest elsewhere in the Lord's vineyard. Alton and Diana Bailey have continued their work there, and now some others who enlisted to help continue to go, including Mike and Delane Merritt from Pulaski, TN, Paul and Robin Clifton from Kaysville, UT, Colby Junkin from Florence, AL, Laura and Jeremy Paschall from Beckley, WV, and Richard Graham from Athens, AL. Others have made occasional trips to help in the work.
The Dana Whisler family moved in February 1999, to help in the Lord's work in Corozal Town and San Narciso, because the congregation meeting in Corozal soon moved to the rural village of San Narciso. They provide a much-needed example, wisdom, teaching, and strength for the young Christians, none of whom has been a Christian for more than a couple of years.
A few years later, the Greg Whipple family moved to help in the work. Greg and Dana shared the preaching-teaching work for a few years before the Whislers moved south to Orange Walk Town to help with a new work which had recently begun. The Whipple family also supplied strength, teaching, example, and wisdom in young works. There was good growth, which usually brings some problems because of the immaturity of young converts.
First, the Whislers left Belize to return to the United States, because of health problems experienced by some family members exacerbated by the heat and humidity of Belize. A few years later the Whipples left for home as well. Each family had stayed in Belize for approximately ten years, but since their return, they have continued working for Christ.
Dale and Selma Tosti moved from New York State about sixteen years ago, planning to live on his retirement while helping in the Lord's work in any way they could. Dale did not plan to become a preacher; but circumstances forced him to do so, without any support through the years from U.S. churches. These precious people have contributed much to the work of God in both places they have worked in Belize—San Narciso and Orange Walk. As the most mature Christian man in Orange Walk, Dale has willingly done what he did not really come to do—speak quite regularly.
How do congregations survive without USA preachers? That is a question often asked by uninformed, immature Christians. The Lord provided in His Word the means for a church to operate, survive and flourish without a preacher from the United States to help it. A church should develop its own teachers, preachers, and elders.
To that end, teaching and training took place while the two evangelists were present in Belize. They taught, encouraged, and trained brethren to teach publicly/privately, to make proper decisions with the Scriptures as their only guide, to solve their individual or congregational problems, and to function independently of other congregations. Teaching about elders took place early in the history of San Narciso. The biblical fundamentals of independence were stressed and demonstrated so that there did not need to be a preacher from the States upon whom they could lean, or constant infusions of money to help them keep their heads above water. Is not this the Lord's plan (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:1-4; 1 Cor. 16:1-2)?
As a result of this approach, mature men arose in the churches able to lead and to teach. Men like Abraham Jimenez, Andreas Campos, and Geovanie Suarez at Orange Walk, John Pollard at Orange Walk, and George Gonzalez at Corozal illustrate what has happened. Moves by members and conversions of others will sometimes alter a church's capacity in this area, but they will continue working toward this goal (Rom. 15:14; 2 Tim. 2:2).
The Tostis' want to move back to the States soon, if possible, because of grandchildren whom they don't know very well. Good, faithful men who are interested in working in Orange Walk can contact the brethren. I have the contact information. Laborers are needed, but there are few at this time.
Although the two churches referenced continue meeting, in the last three years, two new works have started in Corozal Town and San Pedro. The amazing thing about their beginning is that they started without the involvement of an American preacher. In each instance committed Christians desired to work for the Lord in situations where their lives placed them. George (Jorge) Gonzalez, who taught much in Corozal, San Narciso, and Orange Walk since his conversion in the mid-nineties by Jesse Hightower, had wished to start another work in Corozal Town where his family lives. Brethren began meeting and working there three years ago, and now number around fifteen.
Work to support a family is often difficult to find in Belize. Some moved to San Pedro Island for better-paying jobs. At the beginning of this year, a group started meeting there; they now have about a dozen. I hope to visit with them during a later trip in November. (Our first trip is planned for August.)
Several faithful men have worked in Belize as visiting preachers. My work has taken me there numerous times. I have never gone without an invitation from them, nor have I pushed myself on a church to preach there. While my years of preaching in Belize might not continue too much longer, I appreciate younger men who are willing and able to go to do God's work.
Working in Belize, one faces the basic challenges common to humanity: poverty, temptations posed by riches and the upward lure to climb the financial/social ladder, religious error and lack of biblical knowledge among the lost, etc. Satan's presence can also be felt in other ways. In Belize one also must be prepared to deal with the heat and humidity, especially during the dry season (eight months from December to July). During the wet season, poor roads and mud sometimes pose a challenge.
In facing such challenges, specific problems can arise. The hospitable personality of many Belizeans often makes them quick to agree to Bible study, but then they hesitate to commit to the demands of biblical teaching upon understanding it. Also the common practice of most religious groups of "giving something away to draw crowds for Jesus" results in many coming with similar carnal expectations as they study or visit services of local congregations. Because of poor roads, car repairs are often needed, especially if heavier, sturdier cars are not used.
Some brethren began the work in Belize in the 1960s, but their efforts were characterized by institutional approaches like building schools connected with churches and "give-aways." When Bernie and Barbara Leavitt visited Belize about five years ago to teach, after working there under institutional church sponsorship in the early seventies, Bernie viewed the work from a fresh, biblical perspective with amazement that so much had changed for the worse in the institutional churches he had influenced. God's simple New Testament way will succeed in accomplishing His will better than well-intentioned but humanly-devised schemes.
I trust that this brief overview has given our readers a better understanding of laboring in the Gospel in Belize. Wonderful Christians and many kind, hospitable people await you. Might you be that laborer needed in Orange Walk Town?
Author Bio: Bobby participates in fill-in preaching, Belize trips, teaching at Athens Bible School, and in gospel meetings. He and his wife, Karen, have three children: Richard, Mary Katherine Winland (Darren), and Laura Paschall (Jeremy). He can be reached at bobbylgraham@pclnet.net.
