Julie Williams

Dear Friends, Family and Supporters,

The past month has been busy here in Belize. I believe it has been the most trying time so far, but it has also been the time where I feel like I have grown the most spiritually. God has tested my perseverance and patience in many ways. In February the high school hosted a Valentine’s dinner in order to fundraise money for the school. We had a lot of students volunteer to help out with this event which was encouraging. Friday afternoon, as we were setting up and preparing, my wallet was stolen from the teacher’s lounge at the school. I didn’t realize that it had been taken until later that night when we went to leave. It was a huge blow to me. It wasn’t as much the fact that my money, credit cards and driver’s license were gone but the fact that they were taken by a student. I felt disappointed that a student that I have invested time in would take it from me. Nothing else was missing from my bag, and the person knew exactly where to go. No student ever came forward and confessed even though many students were questioned. I talked to many students personally, and most of them were ashamed that one of their fellow students would do this. The disappointment and frustration were hard for me, but in the midst of it all I realized that I deserved far worse then simply having something stolen from me. God has spared me from the eternal suffering that I deserve through His perfect Son’s death on the cross. The whole situation tested my patience as I went about canceling credit cards and working to apply for a Belizean driver’s license. There were many days that I was frustrated and unsure of why all of these things were happening, but God was working His purpose out through all of these situations that I faced. James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and completed, not lacking anything.” God is faithful through all things, and I am learning never to doubt Him.

Other things at the school have been going well. We are at mid-semester of the second term already. Time flies. I have seen a turn around in many of the students’ attitudes, and they seem to be working harder in their studies. We are studying Africa in social studies and working to compare it back to the country of Belize. The students seem to be really moved by this unit, and they have surprised and impressed me with their mature attitudes in many of the subjects we have discussed.

Church life is good. I miss English services, as always. I have become quite involved with my church’s youth group. We meet every Friday night for a time of singing and teaching. This past weekend our youth group hosted a football marathon in the village where our church is located. We had a good turnout for this, and it served to be a great fundraiser for the youth. We had a cheap sale (like a garage sale) as well as sold rice and beans and garnachos. I really enjoy spending time in the villages, and I feel like I have grown close to many of the people in the village of Cristo Rey. Many of the families have opened up their homes to me for meals and times of fellowship. These relationships are priceless!

This Sunday all of the Presbyterian churches gathered together in Belize City to dedicate the building of Unity Presbyterian Church. This church has been a huge project, as it is built in a literal swamp. It is in the slum area of Belize and has a large ministry in this area. Members of the church have reached out to this extremely poor community, and God has used them to change lives. It is always encouraging seeing the churches worshipping together and supporting one another in the work of Christ!

Big news from Belize-After much prayer and consideration I have decided to work towards staying in Belize for an additional year. After all that has happened this past month I feel even more called to staying here. God is working in me and through me in the lives of these kids, and I want to continue to be apart of the work going on in this country. My parents have blessed this decision and are in support of it. I am excited to see what God has in store for me over the next year. I know that there are trials ahead, but I also know that He will continue to be glorified through it all.

As I have decided to stay in Belize I am faced, once again, with the task of fundraising for an additional year. I know that if it is God’s will for me to be here in Belize for another year that He will provide above and beyond what I need. I rest in this fact. I appreciate the support that all of you have given me over the past months. The prayers are priceless, and it is so wonderful to know that I am being lifted up by you. Your financial support has been a blessing as well. I thank you so much for diligently supporting me both through prayers and monetary gifts. I would like to ask you to pledge your support of prayer for an additional year. This is the most important thing to me. Please pray that God will continue to strengthen me and cause me to rest in Him alone. Pray for the students that God will open their eyes to His amazing love. I would also like for you to consider supporting me financially for the next year. I must fundraise $25,000 in order to have full support. Please pray about this possibility. If you are interested in supporting me for the upcoming year you may use the attached form to indicate so.

Thank you once again for all that you have done in supporting me. God is working His purposes out here in Belize. There are students who are working to seek after Him and desiring to live a life for the glory and honor of Jesus Christ. Praise God for this!

Yours in Christ,

Julie Williams

(Check out http://www.mtwla.org/people/jwilliams.htm. It is my new personal MTW Latin America page.)