Part of the Family

Today was more meaningful than our leadership team could have ever imagined. For months, we’ve prayed, planned, and prepared for this moment — the first day of programming. And today, it all came to life. We didn’t just launch our week, we welcomed this team fully into the heart of our 28:19 Ministries family here in Belize. It felt like watching a dream unfold in real time. 

Our day started with breakfast as a team at 7am. All of our meals are on the rooftop of the hotel, and there’s just something special about overlooking beautiful Belize that sets the tone for the day. We had Johnny cakes, eggs, sausage links, watermelon, beans, and dragonfruit juice for breakfast. It was a delicious start to the day and the perfect fuel for the first day of camp! After breakfast, we jumped into quiet time before gathering supplies for the day. We huddled as a team to pray before heading to the school for Day 1 of camp! 

When we arrived at the school, we jumped right into getting everything ready for the kids to arrive. We opened the windows, plugged in the fans, set up the classrooms, and made sure every detail was in place to welcome everyone with open arms. This year’s theme is Once Upon a Time, and the decorations made it feel like we had stepped straight into a castle.

Around 9 a.m., the kids began pouring in, and it was officially time to begin! With so many new team members this year, we knew the first day might feel overwhelming — but this team is unmatched. Their joy, energy, and heart for these kids were exactly what the day needed, and the children absolutely lit up in response. Imagine this: fairytale music playing throughout the school grounds, little girls being twirled like princesses, and little boys laughing and playing tag (or “chase,” as they call it) with our team. It truly felt like something out of a dream — the purest kind of joy filling every room and every heart. We had over 50 kids join us at camp today!

One of the biggest highlights for our returning team members was reuniting with the kids and friends we’ve come to know and love over the years. These relationships matter — they’ve been built on trust, laughter, and shared faith. Seeing familiar faces run up with hugs and smiles reminded us why we keep coming back. This isn’t just a mission trip. It’s family.

Today’s Bible point was, “God is my King. He invites me into His family.” This truth echoed through every part of the morning and was woven into each activity and interaction. By the end of the day, the kids weren’t just hearing it — they were living it. In the Creation Station, each child decorated a crown of their own. They had so much fun personalizing them with stickers, jewels, and glitter, and they wore them with the kind of pride that comes from knowing who you are. Watching them walk around smiling, straightening their crowns, and calling each other princes and princesses was the sweetest reminder of how deeply this truth settled in their hearts. They left today knowing, not just in their minds but in their spirits, that they belong in God’s Kingdom. Chosen. Loved. Royal.

Before we ever arrived in Belize, our team members had the opportunity to learn and practice the dance moves for camp. I knew some of them had taken the time to prepare, including Chase and Nikki. What I didn’t know was just how much that preparation would matter. Right before the opening session began, I walked over to one of my buddies, Carlos, and asked if I’d get to see him dancing once the music started. He looked at me, standing with a line of boys backed up against the wall, and gave a quick, confident “no.” I laughed and said, “Oh, I bet I will,” before walking away. And sure enough, once the music kicked in, I turned around and saw Chase dancing. Right beside him was Carlos, dancing too. Chase had come prepared for this moment, and it made an impact. His willingness to step out and lead with joy sparked something in the boys. What started as one team member’s quiet preparation turned into a ripple effect of courage and fun. The wall of hesitation crumbled, and before long, several boys were joining in. It was such a simple moment, but one that reminded me how showing up ready, even in small ways, can create room for others to follow.

Mornings at camp seem to fly by in the blink of an eye. One moment we’re welcoming the kids with smiles and music, and the next we’re waving as they run toward the bus, full of energy and joy from the day.

Our team waited back at the school for our driver to come back and pick us up. We talked about highlights from the morning as we stood next to each other outside of the school. We were picked up and taken to the hotel for lunch around 12:15pm. We had meat pies, garden salad, cinnamon rolls, and lime juice. It was so yummy and was the perfect pick-me-up before leaving for our afternoon programs. 

Our afternoon programs took place at both the Pomona Community Center and St. Matthew’s Anglican School. In Sister Squad today, the girls learned the truth: “I am enough.” They spent time in worship, read their devotional, and made a special craft. The devotional had a true testimony from a sister back in the States — one that has been on a Mission Experience with 28:19 Ministries in Belize. Each girl painted a banner to hang in her home as a reminder of what she learned. The girls on our team walked away with a deeper understanding of just how important it is to love and encourage these young women while we’re together this week.

At Activate Conference, the women explored the message “I can belong.” and read the story of the first disciples. While the location may have changed this year, the format remained the same. They began with worship, then moved into reading the devotional, group discussion, and a time of personal response. During that time, many women came to the front of the room and wrote something in a plate of sand that she needed to surrender to God. She wrote it with a stick, surrendered it, and then wiped it away. The women will continue learning this week about how to activate their faith. Even on day one, so many special connections were already forming around the tables. Something new and special at this year’s conference was having women from The Gathering help lead and facilitate the conference. We can’t wait to see how the Lord continues to deepen those relationships throughout the week. 

At Warriors Camp, the boys learned about standing up for God’s truth through the story of King Josiah. They spent the afternoon learning, laughing, and playing dodgeball together on the field. Throughout their time, the boys completed a series of challenges that helped bond them with their tribes. They started with a relay to decode their tribe name. They came together faster than we’ve ever seen before. That unity is a direct reflection of the preparedness and intentionality of the men on our team. They showed up with purpose, and it’s already making a huge impact.

Our programs are designed with deep intentionality and purpose. Each one is written specifically with this community in mind, and we can already see God working through every team member. We are filled with expectancy for how He will continue to show up and move throughout the week.

After our afternoon programs, we returned to the hotel to freshen up before dinner. As we gathered on the rooftop, there was an overwhelming sense of joy that filled the air. The energy was vibrant and contagious — unlike anything we’ve ever experienced on the first day of programming. This team’s joy is not only steady but multiplying.

Dinner was absolutely delicious, and everyone was thankful to refuel after a full day of serving. We had white rice, stew beef, cole slaw, split peas, lime tarts, and orange juice. The food, the laughter, and the sense of family around the table made it such a sweet moment of rest and connection.

After dinner, we came together once more for team worship. We walked across the grass to the little church in front of the hotel, where we lifted up our King in unity. We sang “Firm Foundation” and “Jesus at the Center of It All” before hearing a word from Amy. Then we shared what God had been doing in our hearts throughout the day. Some shared how they felt the Lord stretching them. Others offered encouragement or reflected on meaningful moments that stood out. Each testimony gave glory to God and reminded us that He is moving in both quiet and powerful ways.

As we made our way back to the hotel to begin winding down, small pockets of prayer began forming around us. Groups of team members paused to pray over one another and lift up close friends in the community. It was a beautiful sight — a team ready and willing to turn to the Lord at any moment. What a gift it is to serve alongside people who carry one another to the feet of Jesus.

This day has been such a gift from beginning to end. We are full of gratitude, and our hearts are expectant for what the Lord has in store tomorrow. Would you pray with us? Pray that the Lord continues to unify our team, strengthen us for the work ahead, and reveal His power in ways that leave no doubt He is present here.