Sunday, November 18, 2007

Exciting Steps


Many of you are aware of the vision we've carried over the last season of the need to establish a work in Belmopan, our nation's capital. Primarily, we feel to focus our efforts among young people and the University students. We know God is calling us to reach out to the University Students and bring strong kingdom influence, keeping in mind that many of our present and future leaders are coming from that institution. Presently, there are open invitations to speak in different high schools as well as other opportunities to speak into the lives of the young people in our Nation. By the grace of God “Legacy Youth Ministries” has been a key tool in discipling this generation. However, we are continually in prayer on how we can be more effective in the discipleship of our Nation. We have spent the last season praying for direction from the Lord on how to move forward and believe God has opened some amazing doors.

Last month we were approached by a friend who heads up a performing arts ministry in Belize. He felt his time in Belize has come to a close. However, over the course of time he was able to attain 4.5 acres of land in Belmopan, about 10 minutes walk from the University of Belize. He asked our YWAM Belize leadership team the heart and vision pertaining to the Arts and youth ministry. While praying about who to turn the land over to he met with several other ministries in Belize. The value of this land is around $275,000us but he is willing to give it a Christian organization for $50,000us, which is basically the cost of finalizing paperwork and legal fees. This week he approached us and said that he knows YWAM would have the hardest time presenting the money but feels strongly that God wants us to have this land.

As mentioned before, we feel strongly that it is time to establish an extension of YWAM Belize into the capital, where there would be a strong focus on discipling the future leaders of our nation attending University of Belize. We know there is more God wants to impart to this nation with Kingdom truth. God has placed Youth With A Mission in this nation at this time, we believe there is an anointing and authority to walk in that calling. We want to take our position and stand up for this generation and believe there are things we can do to facilitate change in this nation. We feel God has opened a door for YWAM Belize and don't want to miss the opportunity to fulfill our destiny. With that in mind we have begun the process of purchasing this land. Below are some ministry ideas we feel God has given us for the Belmopan property.

Vision for the "Power Center"
This word came to my mind as we stepped foot on the property and prayed that God would establish a work on that land that would be a "Power Center" for our nation and the Nations of the Earth. (A place where young leaders would be trained equipped and empowered for the fulfillment of their God given Destiny). We believe God will raise up a new breed of leaders in our Nation, He is building an army of young men and women of God that exist to serve the dreams of His heart and who radically impact all spheres of society. In time we believe that God will lead us to establish a house of prayer on this Property where young men and women will be in worship and intercession night and day before the Creator God for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Youth Drop in Center
Glancing at the city of Belmopan we see a high concentration of young people "hanging out" before and after school waiting for classes to begin or buses to arrive. By nature this city is a hub for youth because of the many schools and the university. I do not know of any place in Belmopan where our young people can go for good recreation in a Christian environment. We believe that God will use the Youth Drop in Centre as a tool to reach out to the youth of Belmopan. This will serve as a means to bring them into an environment where there is a strong Kingdom influence. We hope that many will be restored back into right relationship with God though this ministry. The drop in center will also serve as a place for our Christian youngpeople to gather and strengthen each other.


Performing Arts Dance School
We believe that in order be effective in reaching out to this generation it will take a deliberate step to actively empower youth to reach youth. This generation is full of creativity, given to them by Father God, and a desire to see it used for His glory. We believe it is God's heart to see the area of the Arts be further developed in our Nation. We hope to bring a Christian perspective of the Arts, focusing on heart purity and passion for our King. Focusing on heart purity these students will gain Biblical authority and receive God's purpose for the various art forms and will bring strength as they walk in their gifting and calling. Patti has expressed her strong hearts desire to see this vision become a reality in our Nation.
Housing for UB Students
Legacy has been growing and has developed strong relationships with many of the young people and youth leaders who are presently attending the University of Belize. Students come from all other districts to attend UB in Belmopan. In the future we hope to build at least two apartment buildings on the property which will provide secure housing on the YWAM campus for some of these UB students and will help provide income for the expenses of the campus. While pursuing a University degree these students will receive strong Christian support and fellowship as well as have opportunities to enroll in various YWAM schools providing credits for a Christian degree. Automatically, by living together we will establish relationship and times of discipleship will take place. Our vision is to empower this generation of leaders with kingdom values and principles that will result a transformation in all areas of society. As these students graduate and take their place in different fields of calling, change will begin to take place.
An Invitation
Thank you for walking beside us in faith and friendship through many years and many different seasons. Would you continue the journey with us and be a part of what God wants to do in this nation? Will you prayerfully consider making a sacrificial donation toward the purchase and development of the land in Belmopan? For more information or if you'd like to talk further about this project please feel free to email or call us. We would love to pray with you and join our hearts in faith for this next step.
To receive a tax deductible receipt for your donation, all checks should be made out to "YWAM" with a note enclosed saying "YWAM Belize - Belmopan Land". Please mail donations to:
US Donations
YWAM-Accounting Dept.
PO Box 3000
Garden Valley, TX 75771-3000


Canadian Donations
YWAM BC Society
Donor Services
Box 21505, Little Italy RPO
Vancouver, BC CANADA
V5N 5T5


Thank you for your prayers of faith in this time. May the Lamb that was slain receive the glory…