I want to share about a new friend of ours, her name is Stephanie. She’s originally from Belize but lived 6 years in the US. Her story is filled with…fear, abuse, rape, forgiveness, redemption and God’s faithfulness! Stephanie was not just the cook for our trip, but someone used by God to speak to us. Her heart is for the community in which she came from…Hattiville. Currently she is rebuilding on a piece of property God provided. It will be a place in which people can be cared for, taught, fed and loved. A safe place where God’s presence will be known. Stephanie is 34 and a mother to 4 children. She’s a pillar in her community…reaching woman…sharing her story. She is in the process of writing a book. I hope to some day do ministry alongside her again. Please pray with me about what that would look like...and direction for her as she shares the vision God has laid on her heart for the people of Belize.
(Stephanie in the middle with sister and son, Alex. Her property and house for her ministry is behind them.)
(Alex)
(The Church in Hattiville...yes, the little place in the back and it's packed on Sundays!)
(Streets in Hattiville)
Like any other AIM trip…we ended with an ATL (Ask the Lord) day. Unanimously…we all felt lead to pour into Stephanie and her family. For some, this was staying back at the base and relieving her of her job cooking. It was a joy for the gals hanging out in the kitchen…with Vanessa, Stephanie’s daughter. It was a time of sharing and caring for one another. Was once again very exciting to see God working in ways we didn’t expect.
Lastly…pray for Joanna. She’s has no place to go, her mother doesn’t want her. Though she looks much older…she is only 14. Her heart is broken…no longer with the young man she was with for 2 years. Naomi and I spent quite a bit of time talking with her, listening to her…and praying. We walked away wondering what would happen next, there seemed to be no change. Just before loading up to leave…she waved me over asking if I’d take her picture. This was the first smile I had seen from her.
I’ve added additional pictures to the Browse Our Photos to the left. What was life like before digital cameras?
Don called from Lima, Peru...and will be flying back tonight!
We were all pleasantly surprised when the group from Lord’s Grace Church found a Chinese Church in Belize to worship at on Sunday. Some from Lord’s Grace spoke Cantonese, Mandarin as well as Chinese…and were blessed to share a delicioius meal and other meals the next couple of days as they helped to build a wall on the church property.
What makes this all really interesting is that the gals doing our set up randomly and at the last minute found this church’s number not knowing that this was the same church that Lord’s Grace was coming to later this year to minister with through medical teams. In fact, our team didn’t know this was the same church until they opened the Sunday bulletin that morning to find their church's name in their bulletin announcing the medical team’s arrival later this year!
…and so, they began building relationships with them while building a wall, playing basket ball, cards and sharing meals!
The rest of us went to Central Assembly of God. The largest church in Belize City where Cloyd’s brother is the pastor. Our group from PA did another fantastic job with their skits and testimonies!
Central and South America are known for their ruins…so we thought it fun to visit one. So, it was off to Altu Na. We arrive in the morning so we could spend some time worshiping there…and then we had time to explore and shop…before we headed out for more ministry.
Towards the end of the trip, our teams had planned a day of snorkeling at San Pedro Island (Also known as Ambergris Caye Island).
Naomi and I took the hour and half water taxi trip to the Island prior to the team’s arrival where we stayed for a couple of nights. While Naomi walked up and down the 25 by 5 mile Island making friends, I sat on the beach reading, taking pictures and watching the storms roll in. It’s one of the first times in my life where it was just me…no one else in a different place. Just me and my Heavenly Father. It was good, no distractions (except for the occasional crab). I did a lot of thinking…about the trinity, thanks to the book I was reading by William P. Young – The Shack.
It was good to join up with the teams again…
Eventually we made it back to Belize City after our boat stalled several times out at sea. Our evenings and mornings were spent worshipping and debriefing our day.
Prior to our adventure on the Island, we had spent some time in the jungle with the Moody family. To get to their home, we had an hour+ drive and over a bridge (where we all needed to walk across as to not exceed the weight allowance). Once we came to the spot of no return for the bus, we walked. Ok, we walked…fast. The mosquitoes were on our tails…literally. The “road” was dry mud…marked by all the cattle. In the distance you could hear the Howler Monkeys…howlering, and occasionally see a bunch hanging in the trees.
The Moody’s so graciously opened up their home, property…river for us to explore. They are a large family who live off of their land. We came and hung out with them on the riverside…talking, listening, playing in the river and a group prayed over Mrs. Moody’s health. We expected a miracle that day…and we continue to wait for the news of healing. Please pray for Mrs. Moody.
On another note: There is a bus strike currently in Peru. It’s to end on Thursday. Thursday, Don is to take a bus from Musho to Lima. Please pray … his flight is Friday night.
Due to the size of our group, we often were not all able to travel to or to participate in ministry at the same location. So we would split up…and head out. From the base, we could spend between 2-4 hours a day on the road on the bus or in the 12 passenger van… (which we found could fit 21).
(Dad and Cloyd...our driver)
(21 passanger van. Dad and Naomi in front)
The Children’s Home (Liberty) was our first stop for the California team where they were able to spend a couple hours playing and loving on these children, many of which were orphans. This is when you trust that God can use even the shortest amount of time to touch someone’s life. Face paint was pulled out and our team was transformed. (Inside and out)
(Above: Liberty Home for Children)
The Youth Hostel is a place where many troubled teens are placed. As the teams alternated in their visits during the two weeks, relationships were established. We were blessed one of the days to have the privilege to put on a program. This included singing, sharing and testimonies. Each student had the opportunity to share, participate in a skit or lead worship. We were proud of how they all stepped out of their comfort zone and embraced the kids! In return, the girls from the Hostel put on a special program of their own… I wish I had taken a video!
(Youth Hostel)
At a later time, we took these same youth on a very rare field trip to a cave! The youth were excited and so were we to share this adventure with them. All this is part of caring for these youth, building trust…and then, without knowing it…we took them to mosquito heaven! (See video below) 100% deet wasn’t enough to keep them away. The walk was long, but we were determined! All in all, everyone had fun and a story to laugh at.
(Swinging bridge to caves)
(Banana palms...better than deet.)
(Missee's legs after the walk)
One youth, “Dennis” who had no interest in our groups, warmed up to some of our guys and continually asked if we would come back. Several from our teams were intentional in reaching out to him, talking with him, listening…and spoke love and truth into his life. Pray for “Dennis”.
Block parties…were a fun time of “organized” chaos! We would show up at the local basketball court or city plaza, but before we had time to set up, or prepare ourselves…we were flooded with children! During this time, some of the team would split up and walk around the neighborhoods praying and inviting anyone to come hear the good news we came all the way from the US to tell them about!
“Show me the pictures, tell me about Belize!” Don said and then minutes later he was asleep. Who could blame him. He’d been on the go non-stop for the last couple months with training camps. He loved it…but was getting little rest. All Real Life and Ambassador Teams are now safely in their respective locations… as is he. Don is now in the cold highlands of Peru with a team of high school students. We had 3 days together at training camp between my trip and his. We never found the time to get caught up…except for that one time when I put him to sleep.
So, all that to say…you’ll hear about Belize before Don does. I’ve been back for over a week now and the mosquito bites have faded. As usual, I don’t know where to begin so I’ll try to break it down over the next week…hitting on something different each day.
How I ended up in Belize. Well, dad asked. Dad, (Gary Lengkeek) was approached to be the project leader for the STM (Short Term Mission) trip to Belize for a group consisting of 2 different churches. One team of adults from California’s; Lord’s Grace Church and another team made up of primarily youth from Vineyard Christian in PA. In addition, there was the AIM worship leader and his wife. However, they could use another AIM staff to help with the logistics considering the size of the teams and to lead the Listening Prayer, Head to Head time of prayer and ATL (Ask the Lord) times. I was originally scheduled to go with Don to Peru and thought it possible to do both, and agreed to go…and then I wanted to share this adventure with a friend in hopes to take a day and explore Belize. This friend ended up being Naomi Skeltis who brought 2+ years of experience as the leader for AIM’s FYM (First Year Missionary) Program in Mexico. We are thankful she came along!
(Gary Lengkeek)
(Team from CA - Lord's Grace Church)
(Team from PA - Vineyard Christian Church)
(Team Florida... Hope, David, Ross and Josh)
(Leaders: Naomi, Connie, Marlyse, Brooke and Missee)
(Missee, Kristen, Connie)
(Worship leader - Jesse and wife, Missee)
Upon arrival, we discover Naomi’s luggage had not arrived and like any other Latin American country…time is not all that relevant. Soon our teams arrived and we headed to the base here we would be making home for a couple of weeks. We arrive with sweat soaked clothes and soon after looked like we had a case of the chicken pox. Joining the AIM staff and our 2 teams was another group of 4 from a church in Florida, the two gals, Brooke and Marlyse from the local base (run by Commissioned International Ministries)…who were responsible for our food, lodging, and transportation and set up. The also had a friend from the US visiting…Kristen. All three full of life! We’ve got a big but great bunch. (See pictures above!)
Our first day in Sand Hills, Belize ended with an evening of worship under the thatched meeting area. I knew that night that the trip was going to be hard but good for many of us. God was there…we just had to work through the distractions…mosquitoes and missing comforts from home.
(Meeting area)
(Home in Sand Hill, Belize)
More tomorrow.
On another note: Don is loving Peru. It's cold at night... but beautiful! They had a great conversation with a couple of men on the street who gave their lives to Christ. They will be meeting with them again...connecting them to a body of believers for continued discipleship.
As of 12:30 AM today...Don and the Ambassadors highland team has arrived safely in Lima Peru. One participant is a student from our time at Windwood Church in Houston Texas. His name is Kyle and we are so excited to see him embracing this experience! Today the team will spend the day in Lima...only to climb aboard the bus and take the long, overnight drive to Musho. (See picture) Please keep them all in your prayers.
Three down, one in process and one more to go! Between Real Life and Ambassadors, Don and Allie are running 5 training camps… lasting a week each.
Despite the heat…it’s been a great time of training camps. We’ve recently sent over 100 college students to Thailand, India, South Africa, Mozambique, Peru and Swaziland. What an amazing group of individuals! They are now all in their respective countries with excitement and anticipation of what the Lord has ahead of them. They know they are going to grow and be stretched, but perhaps don’t fully understand how much this experience will change their lives. They will hold orphans, care for the sick and dying and be Jesus to those who have never known Him before. We look forward to hearing their amazing stories in 2 months at debrief. Please keep them in your prayers.
Our roles… with a team of AIM staff, are to pour into the participants and leaders. We get to hear their excitement, fears, life stories, dreams and heartaches. We have seen people set free of burdens and hurts they have carried for years. There have been great times of sharing, teaching, worship and prayer.
Sadly for us personally, Allie who has been the Director for Real Life will be stepping away to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a new and exciting manner. We’ve really enjoyed Allie this past year and have learned a lot from the 10 years of experience that she brings. She will be missed…she leaves big shoes to be filled.
Don has been busy with the details of all things Ambassador and after the year of learning, is enjoying this part! Training camp is when you see it all come together…it’s a sweet time and we love it.
Here are a few pictures of the past couple of weeks… and tomorrow, I’m off to Belize!
As we mentioned in the previous post…I may not be able to join Don and the Peru Highland Ambassador team on July 2nd. However, I'm excited to share that I'll be support staff for my dad, Gary Lengkeek on a two week trip to Belize. The team is made up of 32 participants and two different church groups. One from CA and another from PA. Participant's ages will range from 10 to adults. We'll leave on June 16th and return on the 27th. For many going, this will be their first mission experience.
Location:
Located in Central America, Belize is a place of natural wealth and archaeological wonder…a neighbor to both Guatemala and Mexico. There are ancient cities with Mayan temples. In addition, there are jungles, rainforests, coastal lagoons, and rivers. Culturally the north is primarily Mayan and Spanish. Another beautiful country!
Ministry Description: We will work with a church in Orange Walk and possible help repair churches, homes, and the mission facilities. Our inner city ministries will include work with several orphanages and Bible studies in youth detention centers. We'll stage huge block parties for kids in very poor neighborhoods in Belize City and Belmopan. Our outreach will include door-to-door evangelism in neighborhoods as directed by our pastor partners. We will work with pastors in rural areas like Burrell Boom to share the Good News with families scattered along the Belize River and in remote villages. Again under the direction of local pastor partners, we'll reach out to local believers who need encouragement or comfort, others who need teaching, and still others with whom we'll share lives and our own struggles. All of us will learn and grow in the process.
We are just days away from starting our second week of training camps.As of right now we already have one team serving in Thailand.The next training camp involves our Real Life teams (these are teams with college age participants).It really looks like the next 9 weeks will be activity filled.Much of my life will be training, sending out, and then receiving teams back for debrief.
In the midst of all that activity I will be joining one of our Ambassador teams for the first half of their trip in the Highlands of Peru.The following is description of the location and ministry that we will be involved with in Peru.
CONTEXT
The Ambassadors will be working in the village of Musho and the surrounding communities. Musho is in the state of Ancash, about 12 hours north of Lima in the highlands. Musho sits at the foot of Peru's highest mountain, Huascaran which is 22,205 feet high. The Andes Mountains are the second highest mountain range in the world.
The geography is stunningly beautiful and season when the Ambassadors will be there offers almost perfect weather. Apart from an occasional bout of rain, the skies will be mostly clear and the mountains in full view. Musho sits at about 10,000 feet. It will be hot in the day and cool to cold at night. The sun is really intense.
PARTNER CHURCH
We will be working with a small Assembly of God Church that is led by a devoted young pastor named Pedro. Pedro is single and is in his early 20's. He grew up in the church and his father was one of the church's previous leaders. He believes that the best returns in terms of benefiting the work in that area will be focused on young people. He is particularly interested in grooming future leaders. His priority is focusing on the youth and on nurturing leaders who can help share the responsibilities of the church for evangelism and discipleship.
THE PEOPLE
The people we will be working with are "highlanders," people of the mountains. They are direct descendents of the Inca. Their native language is Quechua. Most of the men speak Spanish. Most, but not all, of the women do as well. The women are much more comfortable with Quechua than they are with Spanish. There are many different dialects of Quechua throughout the highlands of Peru.
These people are very hard workers. They get up early, work in their fields all day and go to bed not long after sunset. They live life at a subsistence level and it is almost impossible for them to envision life outside of that paradigm. Their culture goes back thousands of years. They have been doing things in the same way for millennia. Change does not come easily.
Women do much physical labor in the fields as well as care for their families. They walk up and down the mountain sides on foot most of the time. They are small and strong and typically healthy. Their dress is very distinctive. They are lovely people with big hearts.
MINISTRY
Door-to-door evangelism, outreaches in the town squares, sports ministry, drama, movies, and other outreach ministries. There are also ample opportunities for service ministry. We can help with projects at the church. The World Race Teams actually helped some of the families in their fields to help build relationships. The possibilities are really very broad.
I hope this gives you a good idea of the Ambassador trip that I will be involved with in June.On another note, Connie will not be joining the team as previously planned but instead spending 2 weeks in Belize as support staff for her dad, Gary Lengkeek.She leaves June 16th and returns the 27th… and will be around camp for the 3 days prior to my departure to Peru.Please be in prayer for all of our training and the teams that will be in the field, for the ministries taking place…and our adventures with missions! Thank you!
We miss Texas…and Delaware…and Michigan. No, rather…it's more that we miss the people. We are enjoying Gainesville, GA…much of that is due to the community here at AIM that have become family. If you or someone you know is interested in experiencing community life, an internship with AIM…there is a new program. Check it out at -www.adventures.org
Above: Last night...at the Cinco de Mayo party with some of the AIM community.
I digress. Due to unforeseen events, we weren't able to make a few of the trips to see those we miss as we had originally intended. We still hope to get over and see you all before 2008 comes and goes.
To the best of our knowledge, here is our travel schedule:
-I (Connie) may be spending 1-2 weeks in Belize as support staff (with my father, Gary Lengkeek thelengkeeks.myadventures.org) on a youth mission trip for 2 different churches.June 16-22 or 27th?
-Both Don and I will be with the Ambassador team heading to the highlands in Peru from July 1-12th. Training for all the Real Life and Ambassador teams that Don is involved with is - June 11-30th.
-Sometime this September, we hope to return to Guatemala and scout out/set up for an Ambassador team next year. We love Guatemala and are excited about adding this as one of the Ambassador locations for 2009.
-End of October, beginning of November, Kenya! God willing…and our AIM staff are able to return to Kenya, we will be taking a team to support them in whatever way possible.If you are interested in participating in this…please email me. Length of time is not determined yet. No shorter than a week and no longer than two.
In August, we have dear friends (Chad Mustain chadmustain.myadventures.organd Heather Beard heatherbeard.myadventures.org) who we met through AIM, that will be married in Boulder, Colorado. Don is the best man…and wouldn't miss this opportunity. If our finances and schedule should allow…I hope to attend as well.
Mom and dad are preparing for a trip to debrief the FYM students in Mexico, then on to Costa Rica where they will join the World Racers for a time. www.theworldrace.org
(Picture to left: Team J-Bay 1)
Location:
Musho is in the state of Ancash, about 12 hours north of Lima in the highlands. Musho sits at the foot of Peru's highest mountain, Huascaran which is 22,205 feet high. The Andes Mountains are the second highest mountain range in the world. 
