Your Questions Answered

 And today we break from our regularly scheduled programming to bring you...

Questions from Readers!

Q: Where are you & Nate?

A: We are in Belize. Belize is a country in Central America. They speak English and use American Sign Language, among other languages (including but not limited to Bileez Kriol (Belize Kriol), Maya (Mopán), q'eqchi' (Kekchi), Spanish, Mandarin, Garifuna and Plautdietsch (Low German)). We are in the Stann Creek District in the southern part of the country, in Independence village, sometimes called Mango Creek. We are here because there is a greater need in ASL.

Q: What is a need-greater?

A: Put simply, there can be a need for Kingdom publishers, for qualified brothers or for encouragement. In Belize, there is currently one congregation and one group for ASL. The group is here in Mango Creek, and personally, I think all three needs are present here.

Q: How did you settle on Belize?

A: Long story short, we sent off a letter to the US Branch asking where there was a need in ASL. Through the course of that conversation, we considered Puerto Rico and Jamaica. While contacting the brothers in those two places, a couple asked us if we would consider Belize. We had previously written the Central America Branch but had not received a response. So we said yes, we are willing to consider Belize. So we got in touch with a need greater couple that are currently serving in the ASL congregation in Belize. And they just made us come (Acts 16:15).

Q: Can I do what you're doing?

A: Absolutely! Need-greating as I like to put it, is your time, your dime. It is not an assignment, you can come and go as you like. There is also no stipend for this. It would be helpful if you have a privilege of service or a responsibility but this are not required either. Prayerfully consider writing a letter to a branch office or asking your CO, and then see where the spirit leads you. In the meantime, practice being involved to a greater degree in your home congregation - commenting more, preaching more, encouraging more. All of those things will help you wherever you serve. :-)

Q: What's it like there? I mean, what's it REALLY like?

A: Specifically for our area, it is a small town in the country. It isn't a touristy area, it isn't a big city. We have a Kingdom Hall in our village that has meetings in Bileez Kriol. This congregation also needs help. Our village has 3 service stations, no traffic lights, 2 paved roads, a high school, a library, a stadium... The next closest big town is Placencia. That is more touristy and has beaches. To get around, you can take a bus (a repurposed school bus), a bus (a van), a taxi (a regular car like an Uber, but not Uber), a bicycle or you can walk. A Belize dollar is equivalent to $0.50 US and they will accept money in either currency here. Local foods - groceries and cooked food are cheaper and you'll pay more for American foods - imported and prepared. Belize is known for pepper sauce & rum, among other things. The weather is hot but not oppressively so in the "winter" months. The sun can be intense so bring an umbrella/wear a hat. Insects are also an issue so wear repellent to deter the mosquitoes/no see ums. But you were asking about the ministry weren't you? We have preached in both the Kriol and deaf territories. If people are home, they're home and they'll talk to you. If they work, they most likely work 6 days a week and are home weeknights and Sundays. When you call on a deaf person, most of the time, their family will walk in, sit down and listen in too.

Q: Are you going to move there?

A: TBD ;-)

Q: What is there to eat?

A: Chinese food in the Chinese restaurants. Belizean food from their homes, food carts and restaurants. Seafood in Placencia. You can find a mix of Central American, African, Mexican, Caribbean foods - like ceviche, salpicon, garnaches, enchiladas, tacos, burritos, fry jacks, stuff jacks, Johnny cakes, etc.

Q: What is there to do?

A: For our area, preach! And also day trips - waterfalls, the beach, hiking, Mayan ruins, chocolate factories, rum distilleries, snorkeling and scuba diving...

Q: If I come down for a week, what will we see and do?

A: Preach and beach! lol That's what we do! We can snorkel, cave dive, see jaguars, eat chocolate, drink rum, ride a bus, ride a water taxi, sun tan and preach... just not on the same day....

Hope you've enjoyed this installment of Questions from Readers! Thanks for your questions, please keep them coming!