Love That Stays

It’s hard to believe we’re already here. Tomorrow is our final day of Bible Adventure Camp and Love Conference, and none of us are quite sure how the week has gone by so quickly. Every year we say the same thing, but somehow it always feels even faster than the year before. This year’s theme, “Don’t Miss This,” has been such a gift because it’s reminded us to slow down, be present, and soak in every conversation, every hug, every laugh, and every glimpse of God’s faithfulness.

Everyone was in such good spirits as we gathered on the rooftop for breakfast this morning. The sun was shining, at least for a little while, and we were excited to head back to the school for our third day of Bible Adventure Camp. Breakfast included pancakes, sausage, eggs, fruit, beans, and juice, and as always, Miss Shirlene took such good care of us. Every meal she prepares feels like another reminder of the love and hospitality we’ve been shown all week.

After breakfast, we had a little extra time for quiet time before heading out for the day. We have been running hard all week, so those extra few minutes with the Lord were a gift. Before long, we gathered our supplies, loaded the bus, and headed toward the school.

As we were getting ready to leave, the sky suddenly grew dark, and we knew another storm was on its way. We hurried to unlock the classrooms and carry supplies inside, and just in time. Not long after we arrived, the wind picked up and the rain began coming down sideways. We’ve never experienced rain like this on any of our previous trips to Belize. This rainy season is definitely showing off!

We kicked off Bible Adventure Camp by introducing today’s Bible Point: “God is faithful. He loves me beyond my imagination.” Our memory verse was John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” There couldn’t have been a more fitting message for today. All week long, through Bible Adventure Camp, Love Conference, the Love Center, and every conversation we’ve had, we’ve been sharing one simple truth: God loves you. Watching that message come together throughout the valley has been one of the greatest joys of this week.

Our morning at Bible Adventure Camp may have been rainy, but that didn’t stop us from having the best time together learning about God’s love for us.

At Activation Station, the kids played Four Corners to help them remember just how far and wide God’s love stretches. Each corner represented a different biome on Earth, reminding them that no matter where they are, God’s love reaches them.

At Creation Station, the kids made “My Place in the Universe” flip books. As they flipped through the pages, they were reminded that God loves His galaxy, His world, their village, their home, and ultimately, them. It was such a simple craft, but it sparked some really sweet conversations.

At Hydration Station, campers reviewed the Bible Point and memory verse while enjoying peanut butter crackers and water for their snack.

I think Investigation Station may have won the award for favorite station today! This is where the science theme of camp really comes to life. During the first experiment, the kids watched iodine, water, and bleach demonstrate how Jesus washes away our sins. As the mixture suddenly turned completely clear, one of our sweetest little girls looked up with wide eyes and said, “Oh my gosh, it’s magic!” Doug, her squad leader, smiled and replied, “That’s Jesus.” The smile on her face after hearing those words was priceless. The second experiment showed that God’s love is overflowing and greater than we could ever imagine. Using hydrogen peroxide, yeast, and dish soap, the kids created a foamy explosion that had everyone laughing and cheering.

Finally, at Bible Exploration Station, the kids heard the story of Jesus dying on the cross for their sins. After the lesson, each child wrote their name on a red heart and placed it on a poster that read, “For God So Loved…” As they attached their heart, they filled in the blank with their own name and said it out loud. “For God So Loved Thalia.”

Watching each child personalize John 3:16 was such a powerful reminder that God’s love isn’t just for the world. It’s personal. He loves each of us so intimately.

Before we knew it, the final bell rang, marking the end of our third day of camp. We couldn’t believe how quickly the morning had flown by. This week has been such a gift, and none of us are ready for it to end.

After Bible Adventure Camp, Maddie and I made a quick trip to the store to look for bananas for tomorrow’s science experiment while the rest of the team headed back to the hotel on the bus. We searched the store but couldn’t find a single banana. As we walked back to the car, still wondering how we’d find enough for tomorrow, we passed a little produce stand. We turned around, parked, and walked over. Sitting there was an entire crate of bananas! The owner was so kind and helpful, and getting six huge bananas for just one Belize Dollar felt like a pretty great deal. It was such a small moment, but it felt like another little wink from God and a reminder that He cares about even the smallest details. Like we learned at camp yesterday…God is mindful, He cares about the small things.

When we got back to the hotel, it was time for lunch. If you’ve ever been to Belize with 28:19 Ministries, you know the fettuccine alfredo is legendary, so everyone was excited to see it on the menu! We enjoyed fettuccine alfredo, garlic bread, salad, fresh mango, and juice. Let’s just say there were quite a few second helpings that afternoon.

Since today’s Love Conference was within walking distance of the hotel, we had a little more time to rest before heading out. After several long days, those extra moments to recharge were such a gift. As we were getting ready to leave, the skies opened up once again. We waited a few minutes before carrying our supplies over, and thankfully the heavy rain didn’t last long. Before we knew it, everything was set up and it was time to begin another afternoon of Love Conference. We’ve been so excited for this day’s Love Conference location since it’s the village we’ve known, loved, and served for years.

Together, we worshiped through “The Perfect Love of Jesus” and “Good News” before hearing Amy teach on the theme, “Transformed in Love.” We welcomed 61 attendees (plus their many children) to the conference today, and the room was absolutely full. Looking around and seeing so many people gathered to worship, learn, and grow together was so encouraging. 

After the conference portion was over, it was time to transform the Community Center into the Love Center. Outside, the kids enjoyed the carnival while families checked in and were paired with a helper who walked alongside them through each station.

Inside the Love Center, families could have their blood pressure checked at the Medical Station, shop for children’s clothing, receive a “For God So Loved Belize” tote bag filled with rice, beans, soap, and a washcloth, enjoy chips and queso at the Snack Station, receive prayer, and take home a Gospel booklet in either English or Spanish.

Today, we had the opportunity to serve at least 53 families, the highest attendance we’ve had at the Love Center all week! We’re so excited that these “For God So Loved Belize” bags will be carried into homes all across the valley, serving as a reminder that each person is deeply loved, fully known, and seen by God.

There were so many “Don’t Miss This” moments throughout the afternoon.

One woman told me she still has the mustard seed necklace she received at last year’s Women’s Conference. She’s allergic to the chain, so she keeps it in a special box and pulls it out often to remind herself and her son that faith as small as a mustard seed is enough. Hearing that almost brought me to tears. We spend so much time planning, preparing, and praying over these experiences, and it was such a beautiful reminder that God continues using them long after we’ve returned home.

That same mom shared another story that I won’t soon forget. Her son had been counting down the days until Bible Adventure Camp because he couldn’t wait to see one of our team members from last year. When he realized that person wasn’t able to return this year, he came home heartbroken. As she shared that story, she looked at me and said something I’ll never forget. “A physical item won’t get me through a hard day, but the love and the truth we learn from you will.”

Those words captured the heart of 28:19 Ministries. Programs matter. Resources matter. But relationships matter even more.

Doug also had the chance to reconnect with a man he met last year. The two have stayed in touch since Doug prayed over him at Night of Worship, and when the man walked into the Love Center today, the first words out of his mouth were, “I’m here to see Doug.” It was another reminder that showing up consistently matters.

Amy, Maddie, and I also got to reconnect with two girls we’ve known since they were little. We have so many memories of playing Cinderella with them on the sidewalk outside the hotel. Today, they walked into the Love Center as beautiful young women, and the oldest was carrying her own baby on her hip. We spent time laughing, reminiscing, and marveling at how quickly the years have passed.

We even had the privilege of praying over a woman who is expecting her baby tomorrow!

As we looked around the room today, it became so clear that this week isn’t just about a camp or a conference. It’s about people. It’s about relationships that continue to grow year after year. God continues to write stories that only He could write.

After we wrapped up the Love Center, we carried all of the supplies back to the hotel and headed upstairs for dinner. Tonight’s menu included stew beef, yellow rice, salad, fried plantains, juice, and blueberry muffins. The muffins were made by Shelika, Annamay’s daughter, who owns a catering business. They were absolutely delicious, and I don’t think there was a crumb left by the end of dinner!

Around 7:30 p.m., we gathered on the second floor for our nightly time of worship as a team. We started by watching a few video clips from the week before sharing our “Don’t Miss This” moments together. Then we worshiped through “Yeshua” and “Perfect Love of Jesus.”

I don’t know if there’s a better way to end a day of ministry than reflecting on where we’ve seen God at work and worshiping Him together. These moments have become one of the sweetest parts of our week.

Now, after another full day of loving our neighbors and watching God move in incredible ways, it’s finally time for bed. Tomorrow is our final day of Bible Adventure Camp and Love Conference. We’re holding onto every moment because we know this week will be one we’ll remember for a long time. Thank you for following along and continuing to pray for our team. We can’t wait to share what God has in store for our final day of programming.