All Creation Cries Holy

After an unforgettable Night of Worship, today gave us something we all needed: time to slow down, reflect, and celebrate everything God had done throughout the week.

We woke up to the most beautiful weather for our final full day in Belize. Not a cloud filled the sky, and after a week of rain, the sunshine felt like one more gift from God. We had our earliest wake-up call yet, with our first knock coming at 5:30 a.m. Breakfast was at 6:30 a.m. so we could leave by 7:30 a.m. and stay on schedule for our Reflection Day. We enjoyed tortillas, eggs, bacon, beans, fresh fruit, and juice before grabbing everything we needed and meeting in the lobby to wait for our van.

Once our van arrived, we loaded up and made our way to Sittee River, where our boat captains were waiting for us. The drive was absolutely beautiful. After the weather we experienced all week, seeing nothing but blue skies felt like such a blessing. When we arrived at the dock, our captains had both boats ready to go. We split into two groups, put on our life jackets, and climbed aboard.

In years past, we’ve traveled to the caye from Dangriga or Hopkins, but this year we left from Sittee River. Boating through the winding river before it opened into the Caribbean Sea was an adventure all by itself. As we made our way farther from shore, the water became brighter, bluer, and clearer until South Water Caye came into view.

When we arrived, we were greeted with cold towels and refreshing welcome drinks. After pouring ourselves out all week, it felt like the Lord was inviting us to simply slow down and enjoy His creation. We spent the morning snorkeling in the shallow water, relaxing, laughing together, and enjoying a few mocktails before gathering for lunch.

Lunch was barbecue chicken, coleslaw, rice and beans, plantains, and lime juice served on the main deck of the resort. It was delicious and gave us another opportunity to simply enjoy being together before the afternoon’s reflection time. We were so glad they were able to accommodate a family-style table.

After lunch, we gathered together in the shallow water for team worship and baptisms. Eli led us in singing “Oceans,” followed by “Amazing Grace,” before Amy invited us to share what God had done during the Night of Worship. One by one, team members shared testimonies of the ways they had seen God move throughout the evening.

Then Amy asked if anyone felt God leading them to take their next step of faith through baptism. After a brief pause, Eli quietly raised his hand. Watching Doug baptize him in the clear Caribbean Sea was one of the most joyful moments of the entire week. There was so much celebration as our team gathered around him. As we continued worshipping, something incredible happened. An angelfish swam in and out of our circle for nearly our entire worship time. Around the outside of our group, schools of fish surrounded us, and a bird flew overhead as we sang together.

“All creation cries, holy.” It was one of those moments that words simply can’t capture.

After worship, one group climbed aboard the boat to snorkel along the Belize Barrier Reef while the rest of the team stayed behind to enjoy a slower afternoon. Some spent time in their devotionals, others paddle boarded, took naps, or simply enjoyed conversations together. When the snorkel group returned, they couldn’t stop talking about everything they had seen beneath the surface. Belize is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, and getting to experience it together was something we’ll never forget.

Then, it was time to leave the island. None of us wanted to go. There was something so special about sitting still after such a full week and simply reflecting on God’s faithfulness.

As we pulled away from Southwater Caye, we received one final surprise. A pod of dolphins surfaced beside our boats. They swam alongside us, leaping through the water as if they were sending us off. Every person on the boat squealed with excitement. It felt like one final gift from the Lord before we headed back to the mainland.

The ride back gave us even more time to reflect on the week. Looking out over God’s creation while remembering everything He had done in our hearts made the journey back especially meaningful.

Once we arrived at the dock, we loaded into the van for the drive home. The mosquitoes were out in full force, so we quickly turned it into a competition to see who could swat the most. Alejandra claimed the victory and earned the coveted first spot in the dinner line!

Before returning to the hotel, we made one very important stop. We visited a sweet little girl we love dearly who now lives outside of Pomona and wasn’t able to attend Bible Adventure Camp this year. Her mom and granny worked so hard to make sure we could see her. Hearing her sweet voice and wrapping her in a hug was exactly what our hearts needed before heading home.

Back at the hotel, we gathered on the rooftop for our final dinner together. We enjoyed split pea soup, rice, meatballs, garden salad, fresh fruit, and donuts for dessert while watching the sun set over the valley one last time.

Then it was time to pack. Packing suitcases is always part of the last full day in Belize, but this year it felt like we were packing so much more than clothes and souvenirs. We leave with stories of God’s faithfulness, new friendships, answered prayers, and memories we’ll carry with us for years to come.

Tomorrow we’ll begin our journey home. As you pray for our team, we’d love for you to pray for safe travels, renewed strength, and that everything God has done in our hearts this week would continue long after Belize is behind us.