Thursday, February 21, 2008

Well its about time….

I know this has been quite a stretch…we’ve made a new goal- to actually update this site once in a lifetime…ohmygosh!!! This one is especially going out for Kristin Clark (who has successfully memorized the first sentence of our last post- its been awhile). Alright, alright, on with the show…

We’ve been in the trenches of transition since returning after the Christmas break in Wisconsin, its a bit more relaxed than the previous DTS season- but nonetheless, with its own challenges. As we look down the road of this year- its exciting. In August we will be traveling to Jamaica to come alongside Omar’s parents in their ministry “New Beginnings” a boys’ training home,(www.nbitc.org). Rev. Bob and Mary will be touring the States to cast the vision of their calling, while we oversee the ministry in Hanover, Jamaica. Omar is priviledged and excited to give back to the ministry that invested so much into his life. I will also be able to see the stomping grounds of Omar’s childhood- I believe they bear great differences than good ole Green Bay, WI. This will be an adventure!!

Right now, we are extending our physical and spiritual hands in some different areas. There is a fabulous team here right now from Saskatoon, Canada, that is a huge blessing to the nation and people of Belize. Omar has been overseeing this team with the help of other staff members.

A great opportunity for YWAM lies in the lives of the young people. We are extending into the local high schools- specifically four schools and igniting Christian clubs to encourage and spur on the students. There is a group of staff members with specific schools they connect with to build relationships and influence the students. We are hoping these small groups would grow and that these young people walking with Jesus would set in their heart to love Jesus above all else. In two of the schools presently, we have the priviledge to teach during regular class periods- capitalizing on the subject of relationships, right choices and their values/standards. Following God doesn’t have to be complicated, there is simple logic- if I love others, I don’t want to hurt them - so, if I love God, I don’t want to hurt Him.

Some of these same young people have attended our Legacy Youth conferences- we hope to continue to build the trusting relationships so that when these young people graduate to university, they will make right choices. The established influence they receive from God’s values now will direct them all through their life- when they are the ruling officers of this nation.

Discipleship Training School for YWAM-Belize begins July 1st, 2008. We will be jumping in another year with this ministry. We have seen great fruit in the lives of the students of past years. Its an opportunity that we feel God’s leading to be involved. Please pray with us that God directs the exact students He desires to attend this school. (A small shout out to Amanda, Art, Bryce, Frieda, Brian, Candice, Ev and Laura- small tears for last year’s class).

Prayer Points:

  • Upcoming Legacy youth conference- March 7-10, 2008 (for the students and youth leaders)
  • Our trip to Jamaica in August
  • We’re praying for a vehicle for the needs of our ministry/work here
  • DTS in July
  • YWAM launch into Belmopan- vision of coffee house, drop-in center, 24 hr. prayer/worship, dance studio and young people ministry center etc. (that God would provide all the people/materials/hands to make His dreams a reality)

Blessing to you…thanks for standing with us!!!

Posted by myries at 03:36:10 | Permalink | No Comments »

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Transitioning…

Do you ever feel like you’re in a time of constant transition? Just as soon as you get one block fitted, another block on the next side falls. You’re constantly in this state of trying to get 8 blocks in a space that only holds 7 1/2 blocks. I KNOW, I KNOW….so just cut the 1/2 off and get over it….what….but they don’t come like that. Its a process….

I’m reading this book, “Velvet Elvis” by Rob Bell. I’ve found that my perfect little space of 7 1/2 blocks is really suppose to fit 8, ahh! I just have to release some pressure and get on with it.

“When was the last time you read the owner’s manual for your toaster? Do you find it remotely inspiring or meaningful? You only refer to it when something’s wrong with your toaster. You use it to fix the problem, and then put it away. We have to embrace the Bible as the wild, uncensored, passionate account it is of people experiencing the living God” (p63).

God has been showing me the part about me…about my mind that wants it to fit. I think I’m this and this way, only to find…I’m so the opposite of that. Its a continuous process. The other day I was feeling so frustrated at a certain situation…its a growing time. This brought so much comfort, I know it might be the most elementary. We’re growing and learning, we’ve not yet mastered that or this. Just as you boast about it being “under your belt,” God once again reminds you, not yet…still going through.

One simple statement brings such breath…ha, its not heavy. More sight of what God is doing brings freedom, whether we see it in the spirit or with our physical eyes.

Posted by myries at 02:17:45 | Permalink | Comments (1) »

Sunday, September 2, 2007

OPERATION BELIZE MERCY: Hurricane relief post Dean

 

 

 

Hi everyone…

 

 As you may have been following the storm reports for Hurricane Dean…you saw that the storm did hit the northern part of Belize . Belmopan , and the surrounding area where we live sustained minor winds and rain…which was a blessing. The day after the hurricane hit, we were organized to action. We sent out a team of 15 or so men, ready to cut down trees and help in whatever way we could. The next day we followed, Omar, our DTS students and me. As we journeyed up to the northern most part you could see the increasing damage of the winds and rain. The trees were down, then uprooted, power lines down, buildings and houses damaged, windows shattered, roofs blown off, entire thatch roof houses torn to pieces. It was a wake up call.

 

The real story began when we reached our destination, Corozal, the northern most district of Belize. In a week and a half we were able to visit many homes but only able to help some. One house in particular grabs my attention. The roof was completely soaked and just blown and torn off. The entire inside of the house was soaked, it looked like it had been at the bottom of some body of water. the smell was that of an old musty, mildew basement. Every piece of furniture, clothing, bed was ruined by water damage. Our team was able to rebuild a new zinc roof, clean up the fallen trees and damaged outside shower and outhouse structures. Some of the girls helped the family actually move into the house. They began washing all the clothes, setting things outside to dry in the sun. One DTS student tells how she was just blessed by being able to help this family and share some of her life with the mother of these three young children.

 

These relief efforts were some stories that I will never forget. A team from our area will continue to journey up to this part in order to provide man power to these communities also the local Christian radio station is currently organizing a group of 80 persons to provide help to northern Belize . Continue to pray for the people and families that have been effected. There are resources being provided in some of these areas to rebuild roofs and such by NEMO, the Red Cross and other organizations, however the number of persons to actually do the work is lacking. Pray that God would soften the hearts of some to follow the call to action, even within the country itself.

 

This Monday we will continue in our school of Discipleship Training . After two weeks of intense work and experiencing the hardships of others, we will be studying the topic of spiritual warfare. Pray that God would continue to work on the hearts of the students and grow the leaders, Omar,myself, John, Patti, Jason and Sara into the servant-leaders He desires us to model.

 

Blessings,

 

Omar and Alyssa Myrie

 

SERVING GOD IN BELIZE

 
Posted by myries at 02:14:39 | Permalink | No Comments »