Dear Family and Friends,

The past three months have been packed with activity. In February, Ron & Cindy Johnson from NJ and Roosevelt Thomacin from Ontario, Canada, came for a two-week mission trip. Their big project this year was installing a better security fence along the front of the property. The old barbed-wire fence was removed, and a two-foot-high concrete base was poured, topped with chain-link fencing. It was a big job for a small crew of, should I say, very skilled older men. Next year, we need to recruit some younger helpers. We are grateful that the concrete part is completely done. To the team’s disappointment, there was not enough time to fully install the chain link on the north side of the gate.

Cindy helped with the meals and with organizing the kitchen cabinets. She also brought down used clothing and some very nice shoes for children from four families we are working with. Herman & Tommy had the greatest need, as their shoes were falling apart, and their clothing was worn and ill-fitting. Their widowed mother was surprised and greatly appreciative of the help. The boys’ excitement was really special to Cindy. Herman told me that, “Maybe the other boys at school will stop making fun of me now.” Herman was helping us here after school. Now that school is out, he is working for a dairy farmer near their home. We usually take the family to church on Sundays as they have no transportation.

On the last Sunday in February, we attended a dedication service for the New Life Ministries Radio Station in Orangewalk, Northern Belize. The Lord gave Pastor Ruben Leiva a vision for this outreach many years ago. It was a blessing to be part of transporting some of the materials and equipment for the station and tower.

In March, Nancy traveled up to Pennsylvania for the CMTS Food Fest Fundraiser. She spent two days with her 93-year-old mother in NJ, visited all of the family, enjoyed the grandchildren, replaced her PA driver’s license, credit cards, and filed our Federal income taxes. She also gathered car parts and other items for a 55-gallon drum being packed at the CMTS Warehouse. The drum was shipped two days before she returned to Belize on March 25th.

Nancy was excited to have her long-time close friend, Cindy Krill, travel back with her. This was Cindy’s first time in Belize, and she stayed for almost two weeks. She was a big help in the kitchen, with painting, cleaning, and food preparation. We hosted about 40 people for a spaghetti dinner on her first Sunday here. This seems to be happening about twice a month. The three of us took an overnight trip down to the coast. It was a very relaxing time, and Cindy met some of our friends and saw more of Belize’s culture and landscape.

We are experiencing a very unusual dry season. Normally, the rains stop by mid-March, but this year we are still getting scattered showers, and everything has remained green and lush. When Cindy was here, the sky was overcast, blocking the hot sun, which was a relief for her.

During that time, our workers were preparing the wooden house we had purchased last year for transport to our property. Heyner’s father had formerly moved houses for a living. Therefore, Heyner is experienced and has access to the necessary equipment. He and Johnny disassembled the veranda and its roofing from the main house. They have been transported here along with the bathroom, which was located on the back porch. The night before the main house was to be moved, a powerful storm with high winds and heavy rain swept through the area. One person recorded 4 inches of rainwater from the storm, and we lost several trees. The cleanup is done, and now we must wait for the ground to dry out again. Last weekend, Andy purchased another wooden house for $2500. This one must be moved by May 16th.

We are traveling back to Pennsylvania on May 9th. Both of us have doctors’ appointments or scans scheduled. These are required check-ups. Andy plans to send off some of the vehicles loaded with supplies we have at CMTS for shipment to Belize. We need at least one more driver. Heyner needs to renew his U.S. visa so he can travel with us. Heyner will help get the vehicles ready and drive one back.

Prayer requests:

• Pray for success in bringing the vehicles to Belize
• Praise the Lord for our good health
• Praise the Lord for our trustworthy workers, Heyner & Joni, and pray that we will impact them and their families spiritually.
• Pray for wisdom and the Lord’s leading in our relationships and daily activities

We are very grateful for your prayers and support!  We are encouraged by your messages, too.

May the Lord richly bless you.

Nancy & Andy Merrick