Redlands Group Participates in Belize Mission Trip

For Thanksgiving this year, a group of 53 adults and youth from Redlands SDA Church and Redlands Adventist Academy traveled to Orange Walk Town, Belize for a mission trip. “At the core of Thanksgiving is gratitude and service,” says Todd Rosspencer, Redlands Church Youth Pastor and trip leader. “I’ve found no more transcendent way to experience this holiday than to be on a mission trip, giving for the benefit of others.” On their first night, the group’s Belizean hosts put on a cultural event of native cuisine, cultural dances, an exhibition of their national game and gifts. The Redlands group was immediately struck by the local people’s warmth, generosity and Caribbean flavor. A portion of the mission trip participants provided a health fair for the community of Orange Walk Town. The fair was comprised of interactive learning stations on diet, dental care, hygiene, exercise and mental health. There was also an eye clinic where over 350 pairs of glasses were given, providing clear vision for people to read, be active and see loved ones. The team also visited two children’s homes. “The trips to the orphanages were so heart wrenching and so heartwarming at the same time,” Kari Haloviak said. “Our kiddos, teens and young ones, connected in ways we adults never could through play, laughter, quietness, singing, and cuddling. It was beautiful.” The King’s Children Home, one of the orphanages the group visited, had just suffered the loss of their milk cow. Local thieves broke in one night and butchered the cow for meat to sell in the market. David Wren explained how the group was able to help. “Through great miraculous efforts by multiple people in Belize, we were fortunate to have a milk cow delivered to the King’s Children Home the day we visited. Not only was it a milk cow, but a pregnant milk cow that will ultimately provide the home with two cows. What a blessing for the children's home,” said Wren. “It was such a great feeling to meet that need.” Additionally, the group completed a two classroom extension at Solomon School. They finished walls and roofing, painted, completed four bathrooms and hung windows and doors throughout the school. Brian Watkins worked on the building project and explained, “No one from the construction team arrived in Belize as an experienced roofer. God was nonetheless able to complete the job by providing leadership, stamina, and supplies from unforeseen sources and utilizing the unique skills of each team member.” After a talkative and upbeat Thanksgiving meal Thursday night, the team raced to complete the construction project the next day, putting the final coat of paint on the school rooms by nightfall and eating a celebratory dinner in the finished space. “Of all that you can spend and acquire on Black Fri-day,” adds Rosspencer, “we were blessed to empty our pockets and selves in exchange for such a rich experience.” The Redlands church and school believe in the value of learning about a broader world and appreciate the opportunities that international mission trips provide. Trip sponsors believe that mission trips are greatly beneficial experiences that challenge those involved to go outside of their comfort zones, think about people other than themselves and gain a glimpse as to what life is like outside the United States. Lemar Sandiford, Campus Ministries Director at RAA, said of his experience, “Serving God gives us life and purpose; it inspires in us a sense of identity and motivates us to serve our global communities. It was a blessings and a joy to see the lives of so many young people beginning to fill with such a positive purpose.” Redlands SDA Church and Redlands Adventist Academy are planning a local mission trip next year and an international trip the year after.