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Belize

Input, please?

I’d love your input. If I were to lead another Junkyard Wisdom Belize trip, would you be interested? And if so, what would you like to achieve on the trip?

I’m asking because we’ve done the trip for the last two years and thinking about doing it again in 2019. Of course there needs to be strong interest to make it happen.

Check out the pictures on the website if you are curious about what we do — it’s an absolutely blast for 20-25 people.

If we do this trip I’d redo the curriculum a bit to fit my recent …

Belize, Book Reviews, PathLight,

Rooting for Rivals by Peter Greer and Chris Horst is one of those books all of us in ministry need to read. The premise of the book is simple: when nonprofit groups work collaboratively, generously, and across organizational boundaries, putting aside rivalry, great things can then transpire. All of us who work in the nonprofit world know how obvious this is, but we also know it should be practiced more frequently. I’m glad Peter and Chris finally wrote what we all needed to hear.

Despite the lovey-dovey image of the nonprofit world, it can sometimes be as ruthless as the …

Belize, Jaguar Creek, Junkyard Wisdom Book,

Transition, Purpose, and Laughter

When two dozen people go to the Belize rainforest to discuss wealth and justice, while also spending their evenings talking about seemingly insolvable issues like Middle East peace or child exploitation, it’s either going to be an amazing experience or an absolute explosion of entrenched opinions and logistical challenges.

Thankfully, no doubt in large part because of your prayer, it was an amazing experience.

The second annual Junkyard Wisdom Belize went off without any logistical challenges, thank God.

More importantly, the people who came had a wide range of opinions and perspectives, but a shared love for God …

Belize, Jaguar Creek, Junkyard Wisdom Book, PathLight,

Wealth, Wisdom, and Howler Monkeys

Wealth, wisdom, and howler monkeys? Well yes, actually, they do go together.

A year ago D’Aun and I, along with Ken and Tamara Wytsma, hosted an event called Junkyard Wisdom Belize. Two dozen folks joined us for 5-days of discussion, adventure, prayer, and going deep into the themes of my book. We did this at the amazing Jaguar Creek, where howler monkeys regularly wake people in the morning.

So yeah, they all do go together!

As you read this we are probably on our way to Belize to host the second annual event. We will again spend …

Belize, Jaguar Creek,

Jaguar Creek – Airbnb Superhost!

A few years ago we transitioned Jaguar Creek from a missions center to a jungle lodge, and the results have been amazing. While maintaining our focus on a Christ-centered mission, we’ve opened our doors to all visitors who wish to stay at this amazing place.

And the world is taking notice. Jaguar Creek has been recognized by TripAdvisor with a Certificate of Excellence, it is a Preferred property on Booking.com, and just recently it was awarded the Superhost status by Airbnb!

As Airbnb describes it, “Superhosts are experienced hosts who provide a shining example for other hosts, and extraordinary …

Belize, PathLight,

Abundant Joy

As readers of this blog know, the work PathLight does in Belize is among my favorite ministries. Recently the CEO of PathLight, Roger Dermody, wrote the letter below announcing the launch of a new campaign built around Abundant Joy. I’m sharing it here in whole because it is so good!

Dear Friends,

I am writing this letter after spending a week in Belize surrounded by people who have what the Apostle Paul describes as “abundant joy” in his letter to the Corinthians. In the midst of poverty, with no obvious way out, the people Paul wrote to embraced joy – …

Belize, So you think you're a writer?,

The Second Book is Closer!

Last week was a busy one. For three days my focus was completely on the final manuscript of my second book, and now I can say all 30+ chapters are written!

Notice I didn’t say the chapters were “done.” They are written, but now the tough part begins as we edit, cut, shape and form the overall package. We might (oh dear!) even cut a whole chapter.

One old wag — Faulkner? — said “in writing, you must kill all your darlings.” That’s hyperbole I hope, but you get the idea. It’s tough cutting things I’ve written!

Some of the …

Belize, PathLight,

Back to School!

It’s back to school time! Millions of students are returning to school this time of year, and almost all of them are receiving some degree of financial aid. Not just college students — but anybody who attends a public school, in any nation, is receiving a subsidized education. Even those who attend private school are being assisted by an endowment or scholarship.

We’re fortunate in America to have good school systems and generous donors (or local governments) who provide for students. Unfortunately, in Belize, the government struggles to meet the needs of students, especially thousands who live in poverty. Secondary …