One of the things that we have needed to apply for a missionary permit is a letter from a 'sending church'. Our brothers and sisters at Valley Christian Fellowship read about this need on our website and voted to not only write us a sending letter but also to set up a fund through their church where donors can support us and receive a tax deduction for it. We are so grateful for this answered prayer!
Valley Christian Fellowship of Halsey
27027 Irish Bend Loop
Halsey, OR 97348
October 31, 2011
Dear friends of the Grady McDonald family,
We at Valley Christian Fellowship have recently set up a fund for the benefit of the McDonald family in Belize. We would like to make this fund available for anyone who wishes to make cash donations to the McDonalds and their ministry. All of the donations received that are earmarked for this fund will be passed on to the McDonalds in full, or used for their benefit under their direction. We will also issue a tax-deductible receipt to the donor for any donation over $50, as well as for any smaller donations if a receipt is requested.
Of course, there is no need to give through this fund if you prefer to give to the McDonald family directly. As supporters of the vision and ministry of the McDonalds, we simply want to make this fund available to those who would prefer to give through a church. (One difference, for what it’s worth, is that donations to a charitable organization such as a church can be tax deductible, whereas donations directly to an individual are not.)
If any of you would like to donate to this fund, please mail your check to the address at the top of this page. Make the check out to Valley Christian Fellowship and write “McDonald Family” in the memo line. Be sure to give us your address (or an email address), if it is not on the check, so that we can send you a receipt for tax purposes.
If you prefer to give to this fund anonymously, please make a note of that with the donation. (Unless you tell us differently, we will notify the McDonalds periodically about the details of any donations received.)
Thank you for your interest in this family and this work.
For Christ and His kingdom,
Roger Hertzler
Valley Christian Fellowship
Valley Christian Fellowship of Halsey 10/31/11
27027 Irish Bend Loop
Halsey, OR 97348
Dear Grady McDonald and family,
As your brothers in Christ and co-laborers in the gospel, we at Valley Christian Fellowship would like to express our support for the witness and the work you are doing in the country of Belize. We have also decided as a church fellowship to open a designated fund to which money can be donated from private donors for your ministry or for your personal needs while in Belize. Any donations we receive that are earmarked for this fund will be used exclusively for your needs and related expenses.
At this point we at Valley Christian Fellowship do not envision planting or supporting a new congregation in the country of Belize. However, we do see a number of positive ways that you as a family could work to further the kingdom of God in that country, ways which would be very much in line with our vision here in Halsey. These methods may include, but are not limited to:
1. Attending or even joining an existing fellowship of believers and working together to grow more and more into the likeness of Christ.
2. Sharing your faith in Jesus with unbelievers around you and pointing them to the full Salvation that He alone can give. This could be done through door to door witnessing, tract distribution, gospel signs, or open-air evangelism. (We would be open to providing you with the tools necessary for these projects as funds become available and as you become interested in them.)
3. Developing relationships with pastors and other members of existing churches and challenging them to a more fervent love for Christ, obedience to His commands, and the life of holiness that He demands of His followers.
4. Distributing material (CDs, books, etc.) from organizations that promote the kingdom teachings of Jesus and call professing believers to repentance, revival, and full obedience to His commands.
The above points are merely suggestions that reflect the vision that we have as a church, and you can feel free to pick and choose among them as God leads you. It is not our desire at this point to start a new fellowship or take any kind of authority over the work you are doing there, but rather to simply walk beside you and support you, as we are able, in the work that you are already doing.
We feel blessed to be able to enter into this relationship with you, since we have come to know you and felt the unity in vision between us and you. Even so, we think it would be a good idea to evaluate the situation annually to determine whether it is a relationship that both of us continue to be comfortable with, and whether or not it continues to meet a need and be a blessing to the kingdom of God.
May God give you strength, wisdom, and an anointing by His Spirit for the work He has called you to.
Yours in Christ,
The brothers and sisters at Valley Christian Fellowship
Monday, November 7, 2011
Hopkins Village, Belize
This past Sunday afternoon we headed southeast to the coast of this beautiul country the Lord has brought us to. We enjoyed the beautiful Hummingbird highway and then headed south onto the Southern Highway to a small Garfuna village called Hopkins Bay.
We spotted this beauty along the roadside.. Grady thinks we should inquire on it! Talk about the ultimate family mover!
The red road heading out to Hopkins Village
We drove all over Hopkins and of course after the long drive, Miss Gracie had to use the restroom. We found ourselves at a new resort which had just opened a few months earlier. We asked the front desk if they had a restroom our daughter could use.. oh and could we visit their beach and look around? :) It being Central America and oh, so laid back.. he told us to make ourselves at home at the deserted luxury resort. OK!
Looks like a perfect place for a family picture!
Not a perfect shot but if you saw what we used to balance Ashley's camera on.. you would be impressed it turned out this well! (smiles)
Rooms at this lovely resort range in price.. to rent a cottage on the beach is $500 US per night!
Peek-A-Boo!
Look who caught the first (and only) fish of the day! Ryan was literally just telling her.. "Ash, I don't think you are going to catch anything with that bait.." Then she yelled, "Ryan, I caught something!" Everyone ran over to see the great catch of the day! Great job Ashley!
Ryan had his line in the water and caught this huge crab!
As we left the resort we took in some of the sights of Hopkins Village. Most everyone was very friendly. Tourism definitely seems to be the main bread and butter for the village. It did seem that a few tourists were there but if Hopkins is anything like the rest of the country they have probably seen an immense drop in tourism business. It was apparent that many people in this small ocean village suffer from extreme poverty.
As we wound our way back north up the Hummingbird Highway to home we just drank in the lovely jungle scenery. In addition to the jungle we also enjoyed the endless miles of citrus farms. We intend on heading back that way soon in order to visit a few of the spectacular tourist stops including some waterfalls, a deep cave and the (interior) blue hole.
We spotted this beauty along the roadside.. Grady thinks we should inquire on it! Talk about the ultimate family mover!
The red road heading out to Hopkins Village
We drove all over Hopkins and of course after the long drive, Miss Gracie had to use the restroom. We found ourselves at a new resort which had just opened a few months earlier. We asked the front desk if they had a restroom our daughter could use.. oh and could we visit their beach and look around? :) It being Central America and oh, so laid back.. he told us to make ourselves at home at the deserted luxury resort. OK!
Looks like a perfect place for a family picture!
Not a perfect shot but if you saw what we used to balance Ashley's camera on.. you would be impressed it turned out this well! (smiles)
Rooms at this lovely resort range in price.. to rent a cottage on the beach is $500 US per night!
Peek-A-Boo!
Look who caught the first (and only) fish of the day! Ryan was literally just telling her.. "Ash, I don't think you are going to catch anything with that bait.." Then she yelled, "Ryan, I caught something!" Everyone ran over to see the great catch of the day! Great job Ashley!
Ryan had his line in the water and caught this huge crab!
As we left the resort we took in some of the sights of Hopkins Village. Most everyone was very friendly. Tourism definitely seems to be the main bread and butter for the village. It did seem that a few tourists were there but if Hopkins is anything like the rest of the country they have probably seen an immense drop in tourism business. It was apparent that many people in this small ocean village suffer from extreme poverty. 
As we wound our way back north up the Hummingbird Highway to home we just drank in the lovely jungle scenery. In addition to the jungle we also enjoyed the endless miles of citrus farms. We intend on heading back that way soon in order to visit a few of the spectacular tourist stops including some waterfalls, a deep cave and the (interior) blue hole. Living Together
Some days here in Belize are harder than others.. Trying to be respectful of the new people around us while also keeping our own family identity and convictions can be a struggle. It is on the hard days that we really appreciate the fact that while we all have weaknesses and needs within our family, we have been and remain very close. It seems that when one of us is down, there is always someone else nearby who can lift up and encourage the one who is discouraged. How pleasant is is to dwell in unity! ♥ Please pray that the Lord would continue to help us learn how to be more and more like him in this area and that he would deepen and strenghthen our relationships even further!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Cahal Pech Ruins
(I have been wrestling with this post for a few days now.. I cannot seem to format the text correctly but decided to just post it anyhow and move on! :) Please excuse the clunky text.. hopefully it is still read-able!)
Edgar our very friendly tour guide was very knowledgeable about the ancient Mayan Civilization. In addition he has spent many years studying and learning all about the vegetation of Belize and it's beneficial properties and uses both medicinal and nutritional. We were so blessed to get a lesson in horticulture and medicine as well as history!
This beautiful tree is located in the courtyard of the ruins
The site consists of seven plazas and over 30 structures including temples, residential buildings, ball courts, and an altar, all situated on just 2 acres. A royal burial chamber was found in one of the structures. Included in the discovery were shell & bone ornaments, pottery vessels, obsidian blades, and jade objects, the most impressive being a jade & shell mosaic mask. One of the temples in this small complex commands the best view of the surrounding Belize River Valley. The view was wonderful but to get up there was a bit harrowing! The rain made the 82 ft high climb a bit rocky.. but what do you do when your tour guide bounds up the sheer, slippery 1,000 year old steps? Follow of course! I had Laura on my back and Grady carried Gracie. All I could think about as we admired the view from up there was "How in the WORLD are we going to get back down?"
A view from above: This is the courtyard where they kept the Mayan princesses..
The money changers pavilion
It was a scary trip back down but we all made it in one piece!
These steps were seriously so mossy and slippery.
Edgar our very friendly tour guide was very knowledgeable about the ancient Mayan Civilization. In addition he has spent many years studying and learning all about the vegetation of Belize and it's beneficial properties and uses both medicinal and nutritional. We were so blessed to get a lesson in horticulture and medicine as well as history!
This beautiful tree is located in the courtyard of the ruinsThe site consists of seven plazas and over 30 structures including temples, residential buildings, ball courts, and an altar, all situated on just 2 acres. A royal burial chamber was found in one of the structures. Included in the discovery were shell & bone ornaments, pottery vessels, obsidian blades, and jade objects, the most impressive being a jade & shell mosaic mask. One of the temples in this small complex commands the best view of the surrounding Belize River Valley. The view was wonderful but to get up there was a bit harrowing! The rain made the 82 ft high climb a bit rocky.. but what do you do when your tour guide bounds up the sheer, slippery 1,000 year old steps? Follow of course! I had Laura on my back and Grady carried Gracie. All I could think about as we admired the view from up there was "How in the WORLD are we going to get back down?"
A view from above: This is the courtyard where they kept the Mayan princesses..
The money changers pavilion
It was a scary trip back down but we all made it in one piece!
These steps were seriously so mossy and slippery.We were all so happy to get back on solid ground!
A lovely view of one of the passages within the ruins
This is a view of the temple which we had climbed to the top of.
A lovely view of one of the passages within the ruins
This is a view of the temple which we had climbed to the top of. You can see the throne where both the King and Queen sat.
A closer view of the throne
On the left hand side of this photo you can see where they are just starting to dig.
Nearing the end of our tour was this gift shop.
A closer view of the throne
On the left hand side of this photo you can see where they are just starting to dig.The know that under this hill lies another temple or housing area. The
various archaeological organizations which are responsible for the digs are waiting on
funding to finish discovering just what lies under the dirt here..
Nearing the end of our tour was this gift shop.Seemed a bit out of place in the midst of ancient old ruins..
This is the site of an ancient ball court. Strangely enough, the winner of the Mayan game was promptly beheaded and his head was used for the ball in future games. The incentive was that the family of the deceased would be moved up one rung in the social structure for their sacrifice.
Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life.
This is the site of an ancient ball court. Strangely enough, the winner of the Mayan game was promptly beheaded and his head was used for the ball in future games. The incentive was that the family of the deceased would be moved up one rung in the social structure for their sacrifice.Interestingly enough many of the Mayan stories and history also align up with the Bible.. a flood which washed away the evil spirits.. a man like white bird creature which descended from the sky to teach what is right and good to all the Mayan people. We enjoyed speaking with our tour guide about the correlations. We also discussing how the Mayan calendar does not show past the year 2012. Many Mayans believe there will be a great catastrophe which will once again wipe out the evil people as the flood of old and only the upright will inherit the earth. 2 of the verses which came to mind were:
Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 NIV
However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. Matthew 24:36NLT
We are praying that our new friend finds the one true God! We also are so grateful that the Word of God does not return void ♥
Out and About
While the pools heated up back at the hotel, we headed into San Ignatio for some breakfast. We found a great fast food place which prepared 8 breakfasts for our family for $8 US! And boy was it yummy! Normally we head into San Ignatio on Saturdays for the market and are in such a hurry that we miss the normal city life. This day however we were able to really take the time to wander the streets; meeting folks and checking out some of the shops. We met quite a few locals and some American transplants as well. We especially enjoyed visiting with Sean, the espresso guy from Boston who had moved to BZ 18 years earlier. He was a wealth of information plus he makes a mean americano!
Dad and Mom check out the Belize map.. making future plans for exciting road trips! But first, San Ignatio town for breakfast.
The San Ignatio market is much more quiet on a weekday. Still, we were able to shop for some fruit and veggies for the week
La La enjoys some breakfast
Uh hem, I thought we stopped by this park for Laura and Grace! Well, I suppose parks bring out the kid in all of us..
One thing that is fun about Belize is that people share their things more freely. Also, children are a very welcomed part of their society and it shows in the way they treat babies and children. This bike was on the sidewalk near the fast food place we ate at. Many of the children took turns on it.. no need to ask. Here you find many restaurants have play areas and toys to keep the children occupied.
Sean the espresso guy talked with Dad for a full half hour about local ruins and tourist attractions which we may want to consider visiting. This included a Mayan ruin which literally sits on the same block where our hotel was located! (pics of this to come in the next blog post)
You would never know it by looking at this photo but Gracie had experienced a fever of 105.7 the night before! Poor little thing has been battling something for the past 2 weeks but thankfully seems to be getting better now.
Dad and Mom check out the Belize map.. making future plans for exciting road trips! But first, San Ignatio town for breakfast.
The San Ignatio market is much more quiet on a weekday. Still, we were able to shop for some fruit and veggies for the week
La La enjoys some breakfast
Uh hem, I thought we stopped by this park for Laura and Grace! Well, I suppose parks bring out the kid in all of us..
One thing that is fun about Belize is that people share their things more freely. Also, children are a very welcomed part of their society and it shows in the way they treat babies and children. This bike was on the sidewalk near the fast food place we ate at. Many of the children took turns on it.. no need to ask. Here you find many restaurants have play areas and toys to keep the children occupied.
Sean the espresso guy talked with Dad for a full half hour about local ruins and tourist attractions which we may want to consider visiting. This included a Mayan ruin which literally sits on the same block where our hotel was located! (pics of this to come in the next blog post)
You would never know it by looking at this photo but Gracie had experienced a fever of 105.7 the night before! Poor little thing has been battling something for the past 2 weeks but thankfully seems to be getting better now.
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