News
June 2026
Sure Foundation,
It is with gratitude that we share news from the past quarter.
Truthfully, in the physical sense, nothing earth shattering occurred. No massive buildings were erected. No great crowds gathered. No headline worthy event took place. Instead, what occurred was something far more common in the Kingdom of God and yet equally important: faithful men and women continued showing up day after day to serve the Lord where He had placed them.
We live in a world that celebrates the spectacular. The dramatic gets the attention. The crisis gets the headlines. Yet the Kingdom of God often advances in quieter ways. A teacher faithfully entering a classroom. A principal encouraging a struggling student. A pastor praying with a hurting family. A volunteer painting a wall. A church returning year after year to serve people they have come to love. These things rarely make the news, but they are often the very tools God uses to transform lives and communities.
In education, Ruth Ku continues to serve faithfully alongside her team. Their work is not limited to the Corozal District in northern Belize. It stretches into some of the most remote communities in the nation, including Mabil Ha Primary School in southern Belize. This past quarter, our friends from Bethel Church in the United States completed the work they began in December by providing the finances necessary to install the anchored flooring in the four buildings their team constructed.
Yet the buildings themselves are only part of the story.
Day after day, Ruth works hand in hand with the Ministry of Education, encouraging, equipping, and inspiring teachers and principals across Belize. Through workshops, mentorship, school visits, and relationships built over many years, she and her team continue to impact more than one hundred schools throughout the country.
Steady.
Consistent.
In March, our dear brothers and sisters from Covenant Church once again descended into Belize. This marked their fourth year serving alongside The Belize Project. Under the leadership of Kimberly Carraway, their first team of thirty individuals spread across Chan Chen, Cristo Rey, and Corozal Town. They worked with teachers and students, improved the living conditions of an elderly couple by constructing a restroom, ministered alongside local churches, and encouraged believers throughout the communities they visited.
As the first team departed, a second and much larger team arrived. Nearly ninety individuals came ready to serve. There was a massive community outreach and concert in Chan Chen Village. Relationships were strengthened. The Gospel was shared. Local believers were encouraged.
The projects were important, but perhaps even more important were the relationships that were formed. When people leave the comfort of their homes, travel hundreds of miles, and give of their time and resources to serve others, they remind us that the Body of Christ is real. They remind us that a village in northern Belize matters to believers in the United States. They remind us that we are one family in Christ.
At the same time, we welcomed Trinity Presbyterian from Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This was their first visit to Belize. They served in the community of Patchakan with great enthusiasm and humility. By the time they departed, they were already speaking about returning. We pray this will be the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership.
The work of House of Dorcas continues as well. Through the efforts of The Belize Project and our faithful partners, resources were made available to complete the fence around the property, helping secure the compound and better serve the women and children who find refuge there.
Restore Ministry continues to impact lives both in Belize City schools and within the prison walls of the Kolbe Foundation. While much of this work happens quietly and away from public view, eternity alone will reveal the full impact of seeds planted through faithful service.
Steady.
Consistent.
More than twenty five years ago, God placed a vision in the hearts of Mack Kelton and Ishmael Vallejos. I doubt either of them could have fully imagined all that the Lord would do through their simple act of obedience. Thousands of lives have been touched. Students encouraged. Churches strengthened. Communities served. Friendships formed across borders, cultures, and generations.
Today, we are not building something new.
Rather, we are carrying forward a torch entrusted to us by those who came before. We are simply another generation seeking to be faithful to the calling of Christ in Belize. The vision continues because faithful people continue saying "yes" to the Lord.
As we look ahead, the opportunities remain great. Schools still need support. Families still need hope. Churches still need encouragement. Communities still need the Gospel.
So we ask first for your prayers.
Pray that we would remain faithful.
Pray for wisdom as we seek to steward the opportunities before us.
Pray for protection over our staff, volunteers, churches, schools, and communities.
Pray that in all things Christ would be glorified.
If the Lord leads, we invite you to partner with us financially. Every gift helps strengthen the work and extend the reach of the ministry. And if God has placed Belize upon your heart, perhaps He may even be calling you to come and serve. Tell your church. Tell your school. Tell your organization. Bring a team. Come and see what the Lord is doing.
The harvest remains plentiful, but the workers are few.
We do not know what the next twenty five years will hold, but we know the One who holds them.
Therefore, we will continue forward as we always have.
Not seeking recognition.
Not seeking applause.
Simply seeking to be faithful.
Steadily.
Consistently.
In the name that is above every name,
Jesus Christ our King.
March 2026
On the Ground in Belize
In January, the Board of The Belize Project traveled to Belize, beginning their visit at Mabil Ha Government School. There, they saw firsthand the newly built teacher dormitories, students learning in safe classrooms, and teachers serving with renewed hope. Moments like these remind us that vision is not sustained from a distance but strengthened by witnessing the work of God up close. The Board also met with partners in Belize City to reflect on the ministry’s growth and challenges. As Acts 14:27 records, the early church gathered to “report all that God had done,” and in that same spirit, we sought the Lord’s wisdom as we discern how He is leading us forward.
We are deeply grateful for a Board that remains engaged, prayerful, and committed to staying in touch with what is happening on the ground in Belize. Their willingness to come, listen, and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit strengthens our unity and sharpens our direction.
As we move further into 2026, we do so encouraged. The work continues. The partnerships are strong. And the Lord remains faithful.
The House of Dorcas Expands its Reach
The House of Dorcas continues to stand as a place of refuge and restoration for women and children in Belize. Alongside providing safe housing for survivors of human trafficking and domestic abuse, the team has expanded into preventative education, helping women and young people recognize the warning signs of trafficking.
Scripture reminds us that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” Psalm 34 verse 18. The House of Dorcas embodies this truth each day as they bring light into places marked by deep pain and silence.
What the enemy intends for destruction, God is redeeming through compassionate care and faithful service. We ask you to pray for the leadership of The House of Dorcas. Pray for wisdom, protection, and provision as this ministry continues to shine the light of Christ.
Jacob’s Farm: Rehabilitation Center Restoring Men & Rebuilding Lives
Jacob’s Farm remains a place of hope for men seeking freedom from alcohol and substance abuse. Through structured routines, biblical teaching, mentorship, and community living, men are given the opportunity not only to step away from addiction but to rediscover their identity in Christ. As Jesus declares in John 8:36, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Every life restored strengthens a family and brings hope to a community. Please join us in praying for the leadership, staff, and residents as they walk through the difficult but life-giving work of recovery.
London Bridge: A Community Renewed
Through the faithful work of The Belize Project, we recently helped rebuild a home for a family whose house was lost in a devastating fire. What began as a tragedy has become a testimony of restoration, as a safe home now stands where loss once marked the landscape. In the nearby London Bridge area, what began as simple outreach has also grown into a small house church where women and children gather regularly for prayer, fellowship, and the teaching of God’s Word. As Jesus reminds us in John 10:10, He came that we might have life abundantly, and we are seeing that promise take root in this community.
Education Transforming a Nation
Ruth Ku, our Education Director, recently traveled to the United States to represent The Belize Project at First Presbyterian Church of Augusta, one of our partner churches. During her visit, she shared how the Lord continues to expand our education initiatives across Belize.
Last year, The Belize Project directly impacted 125 principals across the country. Through those leaders, the lives of more than eighteen thousand students were indirectly influenced. From the northernmost schools in the Corozal District to the southernmost
We believe education is not only about academic excellence but about shaping character and cultivating faith in the next generation. We ask for your prayers for Ruth and her team as they travel throughout the country, seeking wisdom and open doors as they continue building foundations that will bless Belize for generations.
Go Serv Global Serving in Corozal
In February, our partners from GoServ Global joined us in Belize to serve at San Pedro Government School in the Corozal District. For many on the team, it was their first mission experience, and it was clear that the Lord was working both through them and within them. Team leader Dan Jones guided the group with humility and reminded them that the seeds planted during their week of service will, in God’s timing, be nurtured by the Holy Spirit and brought to bloom. We were also honored to welcome Terry Baxter, co-founder of GoServ Global, and we are grateful for this growing partnership in the work of the Kingdom.
January 2025
The Belize Project Board's Impactful Visit to Belize – January Reflection
The Board of The Belize Project had a productive and purposeful visit to Belize in January. We were blessed to be accompanied by two representatives from ThriftSmart, Lily Rivas and Isa Monestina who joined us on our journey as we visited and fellowshipped with our partners.
Our hearts were encouraged by the remarkable progress at Jacob’s Farm. We witnessed firsthand the expansion of their agricultural program and the transformative impact it has on the lives of the men at the Rehabilitation Center. It was inspiring to see how their lives are being changed for the better through the power of God’s Word and the dedicated love and care of the Jacob’s Farm staff. Our Chaplain, Mr. Isaias Botes, continues to pour into the lives of these men, offering spiritual guidance and support. We were further uplifted by the report received from the dedicated staff at the House of Dorcas. The atmosphere at the shelter was filled with peace and tranquility. We learned about their ongoing outreach efforts and their hopes to expand partnerships with other organizations to continue their impactful work.
Our visit to the Presbyterian Clinic was equally inspiring. This vital healthcare facility serves many communities, and we explored new ways to strengthen our partnership to make an even greater impact. We then visited the Presbyterian Day School, where Principal Pott and his team shared their visionary goals, which they are actively bringing to life. Their commitment to education left us deeply encouraged. The following day, we had the privilege of meeting with Ruth Ku, Director of Education. We were beyond impressed by the reach and effectiveness of the Education Ministry. The Board visited several schools, witnessing firsthand the widespread impact of The Belize Project, not just in the North, but throughout the entire nation of Belize. We were honored to have the Manager of all Government Schools accompany us, highlighting the confidence that the Government of Belize places in both Ruth Ku and The Belize Project. The Board also spent some time serving preparing a Literacy Center at one of the Local Government Managed Schools.
During this time, Mac Purdy and Eric Van Zee from Christ Presbyterian Church also made time to fellowship with us as we connected with our partners. It was a profound reminder that the movement known as The Belize Project was birthed out of Christ Presbyterian Church. It was a joy and great honor to have them return and witness the fruits of seeds sown decades ago through the obedience of Mac Kenton and Ishmael Vallejos. We were also blessed by a presentation from Beverly Totty, Global Director of Restore Ministries, alongside Ruth Williams, Chairperson of The Belize Project Belize. They shared the profound impact Restore Ministries is having in schools, prisons, and communities across the nation through the tireless efforts of its dedicated team. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Restore Ministries for their unwavering commitment to serving "the least of these" and helping to shape a brighter future for Belize.
On our final night, we gathered for a dinner attended by the Belize Restoration Movement Board, representatives from Christ Presbyterian Church, Isaias Botes, members of The Belize Project Belize, ThriftSmart, our founder Mac Kenton, and The Belize Project Board. It was a time of deep encouragement as we stood united in spirit and purpose for the development of Belize and the advancement of God’s Kingdom. We humbly ask for your continued prayers and support for this vital work. To the glory and honor of God Most High!
December 2024
Matthew 28: The Great Commission
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Most of us know what it’s like to wake up feeling the weight of the world around us—the ceaseless noise, the cries of injustice, the pull of worry and struggle. Life serves each of us a portion of pain, and our world adds to it with plenty to spare.
It’s tempting, sometimes, to see God’s promises as distant, unreachable, something ethereal rather than deeply relevant to the here and now. But faith was never meant to be kept separate, floating somewhere outside of reality. No, it is meant to walk with us, work with us, and bind our lives together in service, even when we feel powerless. The call Jesus left for us, to go, to lift, to love, echoes through every hardship, and it asks something deeply real of us. Today, The Belize Project family would like to share the story of someone who answered that call with his whole heart.
Fred Threet reached out to us with a desire to return to serve in Belize, as he had done a few years ago. The day he arrived, I met him at the airport, and I saw instantly that his heart was set on the work ahead. After some small talk, I shared a story close to my heart. A young man in Belize City had recently been shot while running to buy groceries for his mother. He survived but was left paralyzed from the neck down. His family’s porch was falling apart, and he longed to sit outside and feel the breeze, but the structure was dangerous and crumbling. As I told Fred, without missing a step he looked up and said, “Why are we still talking about it? Let’s get it done.”
We spent several days building that porch over swampy ground, constructing a solid foundation on silt and sewage. Once it was finished, Fred delivered a message to the neighborhood about God’s love and His desire to seek and save the lost. He also spent time at Jacob’s Farm, supporting the leadership there by purchasing materials and setting up a tilapia hatchery. He had studied extensively for this, even visiting a tilapia farm in the USA to understand how best to serve. Fred worked alongside the Director, Rodell, in establishing a charcoal-making facility to help generate income for the ministry. Throughout his stay, he fellowshipped with the men at Jacob’s Farm, encouraging them to seek freedom in Christ and supporting the leadership and staff.
At one point, Fred traveled with my family and me, from the northern reaches of Belize to the far south in Punta Gorda. In the long hours on the road, he shared his story with quiet humility. I learned that he had served in Ukraine, that he held a Ph.D. in Christian Education. But he never spoke of these things with pride; they were pieces of his journey, given only when needed. One Sunday, he preached at
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, and his message resonated deeply with those gathered.
In the south, we joined the Education Director Mrs. Ruth Ku and the Director of Government Grade Schools, visiting remote Mayan villages. The schools there are in dire need, and Ruth shared her vision for supporting principals and teachers in these far-flung communities. Fred listened intently, and later we talked about ways to bring a team down to camp in the jungle, cut timber from the forest, and build what was needed. Even here, Fred’s heart was all in.
In his short time with us, Fred impacted lives across Belize. The work he did and the hope he offered reached from the neighborhoods of Belize City to the farthest southern villages. And we know his heart is still with us. Friends, would you, too, follow in the footsteps of Christ? Could you, like Fred, bring your gifts, your heart, and your hands to serve under the warm sun of Belize?
Just as Jesus walked among the people, bringing light into the shadows, would you walk with us here? Together, we can help Belizeans realize their God-given potential. Your service, your story, and your heart could be the answer to someone’s prayers. The Belize Project offers a place where you can make a difference that reaches through generations. The life you touch might be the one God prepared for you to inspire all along.
Thank you, Fred. We carry on with gratitude, and we march forward in faith.
May 2024
Trinity Presbyterian in Belize!
We are elated to share that Trinity Presbyterian Service Team of 34 has arrived in Belize! This week, they are serving and living life with us at the Chan Chen Government School, building and improving the facilities designated for The Belize Project’s Education Ministry, led by Ruth Ku. The grade school age students in the team are attending their respective grades at Chan Chen, and the Lord is being honored in it all.
Ruth-Ann, an engineer, is leading STEM sessions at San Antonio Government School. Students from six different schools are attending to learn about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math! The Robotics team from Garden City Primary is visiting all the way from Belmopan, 118 miles away, to hear from Ruth-Ann about robotics and computer programming. While in Corozal, they will also showcase their knowledge in this area.
The men from the team will be serving at Jacob’s Farm all week, encouraging the 24 men there in the Lord. Trinity Presbyterian fellowshipped at Betel Presbyterian Church in Cristo Ray and will be building and improving the facilities at the church as well. A small team, led by our volunteer Monique Bartley, will be painting at the Presbyterian Day School.
We ask for your prayers for these precious servants of God. Indeed, the Kingdom of God is global, and it is an honor to have Trinity Presbyterian serving in this part of God’s vineyard!
January 2024
In January 2024 the board of The Belize Project visited with our partners in Belize. It was a time of great encouragement. Visiting relationships and partners we worked with for the past two decades as well as building new relationships with organizations in the nation’s capital.
The tour started with the visit of Jacob’s Rehabilitation Farm Center. Their director shared with the board the great progress being made with the Tilapia project, signing an MOU with the Government Health Department to welcome twelve men to the farm, and the vision to minister to men in all walks of Belizean society who is seeking freedom from Alcohol and substance abuse.
Thereafter we spent some precious time listening to the hearts and efforts of those at The House of Dorcas. One of only three safe houses in the nation of Belize! The house of Dorcas was established to provide a safe place for women and children fleeing domestic violence and human trafficking. The Christ centered ministry is a safe haven in what could be life threatening situations for those they serve. We ask for your prayers and support for this much needed ministry.
Belize has a very young population and education is key to the stability of the nation and to guarantee a secure future. The Belize Restoration Movement in partnership with The Belize Project leads in excellence in the area of education. The director Ruth Ku provides mentorship to all principals of government schools in the nation of Belize in partnership with the government ministry of Education. She also provides teacher’s training and literacy workshops to improve the teaching skills of teachers from the north to the south of the country. Ruth says her hearts desire is to demonstrate the love of Christ through service and give our children a fighting chance in this world through a solid education.
We visited with the principal of The Presbyterian Day School, located in Cristo Rey Village. The principal Mr. Pott shared with us his vision for the school and the challenges they face. The Board got a chance to sit in classroom and made a pledge to continue to support the work of school. This support was made tangible by the funding of a new restroom for the school as the facilities that exist are inadequate and provided health challenges to the young pupil of the school.
The Belize Project is a Christian organization and we believe our duty is to spread the good news of the gospel of the Kingdom of God. In keeping with the Lord’s command to go into all the world the board met with Isaia Botes; a pastoral Candidate under the Presbyterian Church in Belize. Isaias shared with the board the Presbytery’s gratitude for the relationship with The Belize Project and also some of the needs of the ministry. Carlyle our Chairman hopes to continue to support the work of the church in Belize to the glory of God.
After visiting with our established partners the Board looked to Belize City where precious time was spent with Andrew August the Director of Restoration Ministry. One of their tools to facilitate restoration is the use of The Journey to Freedom Curriculum. Andrew and his facilitators reach out to communities’ country wide and focus specifically in several high schools in Belize where there is great need for support. Andrew also build relationships with the Police Department and the armed forces making waves through the Journey to Freedom curriculum. The Belize Project looks forward to continuing with this invaluable relationship and its support of Andrew’s and his team’s efforts.
The board got to meet with John and Karen Stodghill the Mission to The World Country Lead and we were encouraged by the time spent with them. There is great opportunities for synergy especially in the area of support for the Medical Clinic in Patchakkan Village.
It was indeed a great pleasure to meet with a potential new partner Mr. Lewis Wade Jr. Pastor Lewis is the founder of Hedges, a rehab center supported by the members of the Belmopan Church of the Nazarene. Pastor Wade’s passion was evident and the Lord is truly doing a great work through them. The visit was enlightening and we will continue to speak and see how we can further the objectives of the Kingdom of God together in the Lord’s time.
Our second to last stop was with Steven Lewis. Steven is a Mathematics lecturer at The University of Belize and his wife Sarita Lewis also lectured at the University but was called into full time ministry after serving for eighteen years at the university. Mental health support is lacking in Belize and after ministering to students for many years they decided to open the Master’s House. A Christian center that provide counseling to those suffering from depression, sexual abuse survivors, marriage counseling and other maladies of the mind and soul. At the house they’ve purchased for that purpose we felt a presence of peace as the birds chirped in the background and we all listened to Steven as he shared with us his heart and the hope they have for the nation and the church in Belize.
The board then went on to meet with Monique Bartley and the principal of Garden City Primary School. Monique has been providing meals for fifty students over the last two years and sharing the gospel with children at the school. The Board served the children and spent a little time fellowshipping with the principal of the school. Indeed this board visit was filled with much thought and heart and the needs are truly great, but we must say that there is hope and the people of Belize are doing much with the support of The Belize Project and their own dependency on God. We look forward to what the Lord has for The Belize Project and her partners in 2024 and beyond.
Business As Mission - July 2022
“Business as Mission” — In July, two professors from Baylor University’s School of Business visited Belize to explore a new vision that Baylor is developing with their business students. Baylor would like to work with The Belize Project to help partner students in their Business program with local entrepreneurs in Belize. These students would be able to share the journey of entrepreneurship through the partnership, helping economies flourish, and supporting small business owners across the world to implement their ideas, embrace their God-given skills, and expand their businesses in Belize for the glory of God. Listen to the radio interview (begins around 31 m
In July, The Belize Project staff and some donors, the US Army, and the US Embassy attended the San Antonio New Government School building inauguration. The opportunities we have had to be a part of these schools are a blessing that we hope will grow and continue in the future!
April 2022
A local entrepreneur hosted a manicure training for women in the community at The Belize Project ministry house. She wanted to give back and do something for single mothers who wanted to become more skilled in their job. It's a blessing from God to have the space to hold events such as this for young women in our community!
February 2022
On February 10th, 2022, the House of Dorcas hosted a workshop in partnership with CDF (Child Development Foundation). The main objective was to train and educate community and church leaders about the issues of child abuse, human trafficking, and domestic violence awareness. A total of 24 women from the villages of Cristo Rey, San Pedro, & Patchakan attended this workshop. We are grateful to all of those who assisted, organized, and attended the workshop.
Find out more about The Belize Project’s partnership with The House of Dorcas:
November 2021
On November 26th 2021, the House of Dorcas ministry hosted our first activity with the Department of Human Development in the battle to eradicate violence against women. We were blessed to have Nayley Moreno from the National Drug Abuse Control Council as the facilitator for this event. She engaged teenage girls in a roundtable discussion and shared with them what domestic violence is and how to detect violence at home, school, and even their own families. We shared vital information on what to do if they experience any violence and how to ask for help.
