Hurricane Richard Update

Thank you to everyone for your prayers during the past week as we have been through Hurricane Richard and now assisting with the cleanup. The pictures are of a house we assisted with a new roof-A single mom and 5 kids reside here. We partnered with several ministries to complete this project. The house is in Camelote Village. We have also worked at Blue Thumbs Mission and Belize Christian Academy.

Lastly, we continue to need prayer support and also financial support. We are committed to continue assisting with the cleanup but are in need of funds. Please prayerfully consider supporting this effort. Please make checks to Fishers of Men, with Hurricane Richard in the memo line. Please mail them to P.O. Box 387, Selma, AL 36702. Our goal is $2000. Thank you for your continued support!!

Hurricane Richard-PRAYER UPDATE

Fishers of Men, along with others, spent today with chainsaws and moving lots of trees. Tomorrow, they will be replacing the roof on the home of a single mom, 5 kids. Please pray for the many, many families effected.

Below is an update of areas that many of you are familiar with:

CDI is ok, just trees down like everywhere but they are all safe.

Nurse Juan reports no major damage at the clinic the roof is fine! Great job on the roof!!

Joe and Piper are good, just lots of trees down. A coconut tree hit the white bus and the windshield shattered.

The Baptist Training Center appears OK structurally, but an estimated 40% of trees down. There is quite a bit of damage in the village where the BTC is located.

Johnny (ArtBox) has quite a bit of damage.

Oh, I did not ask about Western Dairies but will ask to make sure ice cream shop sustained no damage.

Please keep praying for everyone in Belize! We will update as new info is available.

Hurricane Richard-PRAYER

Hurricane Richard is moving our way and land fall is expected around 7:00 PM CST this evening. The current path will place it coming on land just south of Belize City. Right now here in Belmopan, we are experiencing some rain and light wind. Kathryn and I are as prepared as possible with ample food and a generator that is set up and ready should the need arise. Join us as we pray for those here that are less fortunate and blessed to have adequate shelter and food. We are poised to help others in the days ahead when and if the need arises.

Please pray for safety and shelter for all. Please pray for FOM as we are available to assist.

School Uniforms and Supplies

Fishers of Men has been working with the Iguana Creek Primary School in Selena for at least 3 years with Dental and Medical teams. In 2009, FOM conducted a VBS and Ladies Ministry week for both the Selena and San Marcos villages which are close together and are both visited each year by our teams. It was decided after our dental/medical team visit in February, that FOM would provide 2 school uniforms per student and provide the teachers with proper attire for their duties.

Buddy and Kathryn and Jack Barnes had the pleasure of going out recently and giving the uniforms to the students. The students were most appreciative for these gifts. In addition, FOM provides school supplies for the Iguana Creek School as well as San Marcos and the 3 schools in Valley of Peace. FOM provided uniforms to the Cayo Deaf Institute last year and will be getting theirs for this school year real soon. School starts here around the first of September.

If you would like to donate toward this effort, please contact us through our web site or email us at serve@fishersofmenbelize.org and we’ll be happy to give you the needed information. In addition, FOM volunteers in the Decatur, Alabama are receiving school supplies and flip flop shoes to be used in our ministry here in Belize. Thanks for praying for us and we invite all to “come and see”.

Ministry Update

In recent weeks, several important and exciting events have taken place in Belize.

Amber Tillet celebrated her 11th birthday and Kathryn and I had a party for her at her grandmothers home in Corozol, Belize. We were joined there by her aunt and several cousins who live nearby. The birthday cake was wonderful but took special handling since it had fresh fruit in and on it and we had to transport it 3 hours in the high temperatures and rough roads of Belize. The whipped cream on the cake was a challenge as well but with 4 bags of ice and a big cooler, we made it and everyone enjoyed it. We did not attempt to have ice cream because of the distance and heat as well as Amber's grandmother does not have a refrigerator. We took soft drinks and used the remainder of the ice to cool them down a bit. It was a special and happy time for a family that has been through a lot in recent months. Please continue to pray for them as they continue to adjust their lives.

Fisher's of Men had the awesome privilege of donating a mini van to the Good Shepherd Clinic as part of the clinic's new "birthing center" funding. Nurse Juan was deeply moved when she saw the van and is greatly appreciative of the gift. She hardly could speak and she cried tears of joy. Nurse Juan gives all the glory and honor to Jesus. Many thanks to all the ones that made this gift possible and to the foundation in Alabama that has been most generous in helping with Good Shepherd Clinic projects.

Fisher's of Men was able to work alongside Trinity Baptist Church from Raleigh, NC several weeks ago and assist with a dental clinic. The mission work was done at the Lagoon Road Baptist Church. The team also conducted a VBS and had revival services each night. It was a very busy week but much was accomplished and many people were helped both physically and spiritually. Dr Herb Land worked real hard to see as many patients as possible and his helpers worked equally as hard to make this a very successful ministry. It was a real blessing getting to know this team and we are looking forward to them coming again next year. It was also a blessing to share the FOM dental equipment with them and be able to help many people.

As you can tell, exciting things are happening here in Belize! I would like to invite others to "come and see" and experience the joy of serving others in a different culture.

Summer Update

First, sorry it has been so long since we last updated our blog!! We hope everyone is enjoying their summer! It has been a busy summer for Fishers of Men so far.

We have had 3 teams come down. We hosted a small group of high school seniors from Faith Christian School (Grapevine, TX) for a few days in late May. They worked at the Cayo Deaf Institute (CDI). They removed an old ceiling and also painted the exterior of the same building we worked on in January. The highlight of the time was interacting with the staff and students at CDI. They are such an encouragement to us each time we are there!

The 2nd team was a survey team from FBC Trussvile, AL. They are interested in ministry possibilities in 2011 and beyond. It is always a pleasure to show others what the Lord is doing in Belize! Pray for them as seek direction and guidance on partnering with FOM.

The 3rd team was a group of teenagers and adults from AL. The hosted a VBS at San Ignacio Baptist Church June 25-July 2. Tropical Storm Alex provided some obstacles the first couple of days but God provided a great week of ministry! We averaged around 90 kids each day. The VBS consisted of Bible stories, recreation, crafts, etc. The team did a great job in presenting the gospel and 5 kids trusted Christ, while many more seeds were planted. We have already been invited back in 2011! Please pray as we seek how to further minister in and through San Ignacio Baptist Church. It is a great opportunity for FOM to partner with a local church. Plan are already underway for VBS 2011 and possibly adding ministry to preschoolers and the Moms during this same week next year. We will post more detailed info and some pictures of this trip in the near future!

Thank you for your support and prayers for Fishers of Men. Buddy and Kathryn are entering the final couple weeks of serving in Belize for the summer. They have assisted with a couple of others teams ministering in Belize. Please continue to pray for them as they get settled in Belize and become involved in their local church there. There are already several new ministry opportunities coming our way.

Please pray as we are planning for several teams in 2011 and where to serve. Already, there are 2 teams in January and 1 in February.

Ministry Update

Fishers of Men has been tremendously blessed over the past few months and God continues to provide. Last summer, we began searching for a secure property in the Belmopan area to serve as a staging area for all vehicles and equipment. We also had a desire to have a house on the property. After much prayer and a couple closed doors, God provided!! Not only did HE provide the property but also the funds to purchase the property. FOM owes NO money on the property!! We now have a house in Belmopan, very close to the U.S. Embassy, which will now serve as the FOM Logistics Center. Buddy and Kathryn will now serve more time in Belize throughout the year as FOM Missionaries. As many of you now, they were also able to sell their house in AL. The 2 deals were agreed upon within a matter of maybe 48 hours in March and both were closed last week within 24 hours of another.

We also have a couple of mission teams coming down this summer, so please join us in praying for those. We have a small group of seniors from Faith Christian School (Grapevine, TX) who will be working 2 days later this month at the Cayo Deaf Institute. The 2nd group is from AL and will be conducting Vacation Bible School in a couple locations. Please pray for safe travels, good health, and most of all, for those that will be introduced to Jesus by the missions teams!

Thank you for your continued prayers and support of Fishers of Men!!

Sharani Tillet Update

Sharani went home to be with our Lord this morning! Her sister called around 8:15am this morning. Please pray for the family as they grieve but also rejoice Sharani is in no more pain!! Buddy is en route to Belize today and is meeting with the family this evening. Please pray as Fishers of Men continues to support and minister to this family. FOM will be covering the funeral expenses for the family and will continue to support Amber.

Thanks again for all of your support and giving!

Sharani Tillet Update

Please continue to pray for Sharani. She is in a coma and will soon go home to be with Jesus. Please pray for this family (especially Amber) in the hours and days ahead as they wait. The family is at the Good Shepherd Clinic with Sharani.

Pray for one of Sharani's uncles as we had a special time of sharing Jesus with him. He knows about Jesus and religion but has never accepted Him as Lord and Savour. We will follow up with him in a few weeks.

Thanks for your continued prayers and support for this family!!

Sharani Update-Prayer!

The news is not good--Sharani is in constant pain and not improving. In fact, we learned today she will most likely go home to be with our Lord in the next few days. It is expected she go into a coma within the next 48 hours. We were able to locate some medicine in Belize City today that will used to only comfort her in these final days. She is being cared for by Nurse Juan and her sister. Her Mom is coming Friday.

Please continue to pray for her and her family. Specifically, pray for her daughter, Amber (10). Pray for Fishers of Men as we continue to minister to and support this family.

Thank you to all who have contributed financially. We will continue to provide for the family as the Lords leads. We are planning to provide financial support to Amber in a scholarship, books, clothes, etc.

Thank you again for your prayers!!

Sharani Update

This update is from Wednesday, March 24.

Sharani is still in the hospital and probably will remain several more days. Talked with her today. She was not feeling very well because of pain from drainage tube that is still in. The doctors were hoping to have had it removed by now but they are having to leave it in for a while longer. Sharani's sister (Chrissie) and daughter (Amber) are staying with her at hospital. Hopefully, Sharani will be able to go to the Good Shepherd Clinic very soon so as to receive some necessary care from Nurse Juan and her staff.

Continue to pray for Sharani and her family as they go through this difficult time. Your prayers and financial support are greatly appreciated.

Update on Sharani Tillet

Sharani had surgery today in Belize and the news on Sharani is not good and is very heart wrenching for her family. Dr Nelson said that he did all he could but could not remove all the cancer. In addition, he said that chemo and/rad would not help in this case. The only good news was that she will have some relief from pain for a "while". I have been with the family all day and Nurse Juan came in this afternoon to share with the family and Sharani. She is not yet fully aware of the circumstances but said that she was going to fight this with all her strength so as to be able to care for her 10 year old daughter whose name is Amber. Amber will be coming tomorrow to see her mother and spend the weekend. Sharani and Amber live in north Belize in the town of Corozol. This is about 3 hours from Belmopan.

Though the news is not good, the family knows that she is in God's hand and will be praying along with us and many others for healing. Fishers Of Men is committed to helping this family and has been blessed greatly by getting to know them and providing medical test and transportation this past week. Nurse Juan and I (Buddy Hardy) both shared with the family that we would be on this difficult journey with them together.

Sharani will be in the hospital several more days and do not know what will happen then. We still have no idea of the expenses but know that God will provide as needed.

Again, if interested in contributing, please email serve@fishersofmenbelize.org.

Thank you for your continued prayers for Sharani and her family, and also for your continued support of Fishers of Men.

Urgent Prayer Request and Assistance

Please be in prayer for Ms. Shareni Tillet in Belize.

Shareni Tillett, a 32 year old mother, is in need of surgery to remove a mass in the area of one of her kidneys. She is currently staying at the Good Shepherd Clinic and Nurse Juan is trying to help her. Time is of essence and her condition is very serious. She is in terrible pain and needs help as soon as possible. She was taken to Belize City yesterday for a CAT scan. The results are abnormal and the mass is large. In faith, we have offered to pay for this surgery through Fisher's of Men. We, as a ministry, have been blessed and we continue to be given opportunities to minister. We believe as the Bible teaches, "to whom much is given, much is required". This is one of those situations that is going to require a lot of money but could very well extend her life BUT it is being done completely in Jesus name. We ask you to spread this message and ask people to pray and to provide provisions to help with this surgery and follow on treatments.

If anyone feels led to help financially, please ask them to email FOM ASAP @ serve@fishersofmenbelize.org and give your pledge and then mail check to FOM, P.O. Box 387, Selma, AL 36702-0387.

Thank you in advance.

February Trip Report

Wow-what a week! 72 men and women from 4 states (AL, GA, FL and MI) gave their time Feb 6-13 to serve the people of Belize. This was, by far, the largest group to ever go with Fishers of Men on a single trip. Once again, God provided!!

They met both medical and dental needs of over 2500 people in that week. There were 7 doctors who saw 1500 patients and 9 dentists saw approximately 1000 patients. The team worked in several villages, with the largest being the Valley of Peace.

However, the most important statistic of all is 24 persons placed their faith and trust in Christ and Christ alone!! Meeting the physical needs is only a means to reach people and let them know we care in order to meet the most important need of all--their need for a Savior!!

This trip, as with all, would not be possible without the prayer and financial support of many friends and family. Thank you to everyone who made this trip possible!!

Please continue to pray for Fishers of Men as we seek to follow God's leading in serving the people of Belize. We are humbled and honored that He would choose to use many of us, as we are well aware He can accomplish His work without us.

Please continue to check back for more updates--Exciting news will be coming from Fishers of Men in the next few months about expanded ministry opportunities, so be sure to check back soon.

January Trip Report

Wow-what a week in Belize! It was so special to serve the people of Belize again alongside both Mom and Dad and special friends from Alabama and Texas. We arrived in Belize on Saturday, January 16. On Sunday, we attended 2 different morning worship services ( Santa Elena Baptist Church and Lagoon Road Baptist Church). It was a great experience to worship with our Belizean brothers and sisters! We also were a part of a men's outreach event, involving 2 local churches (Santa Elena Baptist Church and San Ignacio Baptist Church), on Sunday evening. We had a great time of worship and sharing. We had over 20 men from the 2 different churches. We were very encouraged by their commitment and desire to grow in their relationship with the Lord.

The team, which I was assigned, was privileged to have worked at the Cayo Deaf Institute (http://cdi-belize.net). Our task was to remove the old roof and install a new roof on bldg #8 and also demolish and install a new porch. After several broken drill bits and bent nails, we were able to accomplish the task God had planned for us. We began each morning with prayer as we arrived on-site and our focus was to keep the main thing the main thing-the main thing for the week was to be an example of Jesus Christ to all we came in contact with. The construction project was just a means to be used by God.

There are a few instances that come to mind when I reflect on the week at CDI. One of the most special moments was seeing the kids walking across the property from the classroom to lunch and lining up to hug each one of them. Another is being able to eat lunch with the staff and kids each day, what an honor! The kids were a living example of both joy and contentment. We left each day with those two words in our hearts and minds as we reflected on each day’s work. What an inspiration to see the kids always with a smile on their face and joy in their heart! They truly ministered to us each minute we were there.

A very teachable moment for our team was on Wednesday afternoon: We were working hard on the porch when the kids were released from school and came to play with us. We were so involved in the construction of the porch that we asked the kids to “go away” while we worked. We left later that afternoon very convicted we missed an opportunity to play with and love on the kids. We temporarily lost focus on the main thing. We prayed that evening for forgiveness and another opportunity on Thursday to spend with the kids. God definitely honored our prayers!! We were able to spend time with the kids Thursday morning and again in the afternoon. It was a special time! The most special time was with Clarence and Jona (age 12)-Jona, through Clarence’s interpretation, responded to Jesus after hearing the gospel presented by placing his faith and trust in Jesus Christ as his personal Savior.

Thank you to each of you for your prayer and support! It was very difficult to leave Belize, but very exciting to come home to Sara and the kids! Please continue your prayers for the mission efforts in Belize. I am planning to return to Belize in June or July for a few days to conduct follow-up and also begin planning for our 2011 trip. The dates for our 2011 trip are January 15-22.