SEPTEMBER 2023

“Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.

Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.

He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.”

Proverbs 37:3-6

First of all, I want to thank you all for your prayers, support, and love during this time of my dad graduating to his heavenly home and my time in Manitoba, Canada, with my family this summer. I was blessed to see all my aunts, uncles, and many cousins who came for the celebration of my dad’s life. 

While in Manitoba this past summer, I have been in communication with my Belize family. I have been getting  updates on how the camp is going, and I have participated in board meetings for Casa De Shalom via WhatsApp. Lord willing, we plan on starting with the foundation of this home in October-November. 

  

It looks like we have some construction workers coming in January and February. I totally believe that where God guides, He provides. We know of three children who are truly in need of a home where they can get full-time care. I am looking forward to seeing how this will all unfold.

 Prayer Points:

• Funds and workers for building of Casa De Shalom
• Health and safety for myself
• God’s will for Cory, Leah, and their two-year-old, Laelynn
• BTC (Baptist Training Centre) for the staff and for the teams that come and use and work at this camp
• For workers that will be coming to work with those that have special needs 
• Safety during the hurricane season

Thank you once again for being there for me in prayer! 

MAY 2023

 God is so faithful each and every minute of the day. The past couple of months have been filled with His blessings.

January, David Hansel came for two weeks to get some repairs done at BTC (Baptist Training Centre). I so appreciated all his hard work.  Then Beginning of February we had a Baptist church team come and they worked hard in re-doing the roof of the Hardy house. The Hardy House serves as our library, kitchen for the teams and the upstairs has rooms for teams. 

My sisters and their sister in law came for a week in February as well and helped move me to BTC. They worked hard and we got the majority moved in and able to bring some organization to the house I am living in now. 

The first weekend of March was my annual ladies retreat. This year we broke the record of number of ladies that attended. We had 107 ladies and was such a blessing that Denise Meyer came and brought our guest speaker for this year. Our theme was Joy of Surrender. Denise and her husband were missionaries in Belize city when we first moved here in 2004. Denise and I planned and organised the first retreat in 2007. Amazing how God has grown this ministry and ladies from all across Belize come. 

My cousins Loretta and Henry came from Manitoba to lend us a helping hand for five days. They were such a blessing in the work they did and also the fellowship they offered. 

David Wieler came from Alberta to take a tour of BTC and saw the need we had for a pump for our well. He did not waste time and went to pick up a pump in Spanish lookout the very next day and helped to install it. The day they were working on installing the pump I went to the airport and picked up Dora, Jake, Chris and Trevor Klassen from Manitoba. Minutes of arriving Jake and Trevor joined David and our care taker with the installing of the pump. It took Jake and Trevor the rest of the week to figure out how the water system works and also needed to get a new  pressure tank. Dora and Chris did yard work and organising the library as well. 

It was a blessing to be able to take them to Placencia for their last day and they experienced the sea and snorkelling. 

Such a blessing to see how God brings people to come help and we are overwhelmed with all the work that got done. 

My original plan was to head back to Manitoba in May as I need to renew my passport. Easter Sunday my dad took a turn for the worse and had abdomen pain and high fever. Monday he was taken to hospital for a ct scan and they found he had a very inflamed gallbladder. He is not doing well and is getting palliative care. I was able to get a flight out Friday 14th of April and arriving in Winnipeg Saturday the 15th. Please pray that I will be able to see him one last time, Lord willing. He has been a godly example to us and I know many have come to know  Christ through him and my mom over the years. 

I am blessed that my dad has run the good race and we are confident that he will hear “Well done, good and faithful servant” upon his graduation to his heavenly eternal home. 

Truly appreciate your prayers!

Psalm 119: 10-11  With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! 

YOUR Word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against YOU.

                                                         

October 2022

The Lord is my strength and my shield;
    my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
    and with my song I praise Him.”

Psalm 28:7

Sometimes our plans are not the same as what God has planned for us! On October 13, I left Canada and flew into Reno, Nevada. I was picked up by my friends Jim and Kelly Wheaton from Graeagle.

We had a great weekend of catching up, hiking, and fellowship. That Monday I had the privilege of joining Gail’s Bible study and was given an opportunity to share a little about what God is doing in Belize. Later that day, I was having some stomach cramps, but by Tuesday the pain went more to the lower right. I was praying for God to give wisdom regarding whether or not to see a doctor. On Wednesday morning, we decided it was time to check in with urgent care in Sparks, Nevada, which is where I had planned to go to visit Colleen, my sister-in-law, and her family. 

The doctor at the urgent care center quickly sent me to the emergency room, where they did blood work and a CT scan. My white blood count was way up to 20,000, and the staff told me it should be under 10,000. Long story short, I had a ruptured appendix which has caused gangrene, making my situation a little more serious. They performed surgery on Wednesday at 5pm, and I was in the hospital until Saturday morning. 

My scheduled trip to Susanville for last weekend has been postponed, and my plans were to be in Chico by now. Lord willing, if I am feeling up to it I plan to be in Chico sometime after the 1st or 2nd of November. 

I have been recovering here in Sparks, Nevada at Colleen's house and feel I am getting stronger day by day. 

My original plan was to fly back to Belize on November 1, but I have delayed my flight by two weeks. Lord willing, I should be back in Belize by November 15. 

I did receive some exciting news a week before I left Canada. We have been praying about purchasing property to create Casa de Shalom, a home for those with special needs. 

We have now been given property to manage for the home by the Baptist Association! The property is the Baptist Training Center, which sits on ten acres of land in Belize. This place has hosted many missionary teams over the years, as well as children’s camps, youth camps, and retreats. The land will still be under the ownership of the Baptist Association, but the board of Casa de Shalom will manage and oversee the daily operations. 

Please continue to pray for: 

• my health, as I heal before returning to Belize
• God's perfect will to be done as we build Casa de Shalom
• work teams to help build the house, and then for staff to serve at Casa de Shalom 

Thank you so much for your prayers, love, and support!

 May 15, 2021

Growing in Wisdom and Faith!!

As I am going through the book of James, he mentions count it all joy when you fall into various trials. Not IF but WHEN. Many times we do not understand why we feel the way we do or why certain things or trials come into our life. 

Verse five he says If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 

I can honestly look back and see many trials that have come into my life and I also know God is using them to mold me more into HIS image and the person I am today.

Twenty three years ago Brian and I said “I do” and now looking back 13 years ago he was not here to celebrate this day with me. Brian had graduated to his heavenly home. Thirteen years ago we had two young men from Calvary Chapel Chico, California come to Belize and helped work on a house of a family that was in need. As hard as I tried to focus on the project it was hard: should have been out tenth anniversary but he was no longer there to celebrate. 

That was a super hard day and we all go through trials as some may be for other reasons but hard in their own unique ways. Allowing God to do the work in and through us during these hard trials is what makes us the person we become. 

How can we rise above the pain of losing a spouse or a child? We take the time to praise God for the time we did have with them. Yes, we miss them but lets not get stuck in a place where God can’t help us move forward. We need to take the time to grieve and mourn for our loved ones. We also grieve for those friendships that we use to have before our loved one left. Not everyone is comfortable with continuing a friendship with those that have lost loved ones. It is not easy but with Christ at our side we can move forward with the purpose He has for us.

Yesterday the rain was refreshing and today the sun is so inviting to be outside. 

Let’s take each day as a gift from God and appreciate those He places in it. 

Love you my friends and family and thanks for being there for me during the good and hard times. Let’s keeping looking to the goal and finishing the race! 

 May 2021

I want to thank you for the prayers and support on my behalf over the years. 

Without your love, prayers, and financial support, I could not be doing the ministry in Belize to which God has called me.

When Brian and I got married in 1998, we drove to Mexico and served there for 5-6 years until God placed Belize on our hearts. 

In 2004, a social worker from the foster care office came to visit and to see if we would consider being foster parents. Many children have come and gone through our home over the years. Some still stay in touch; others I have not been able to see what path they have chosen. I know God cares for each one even more than I do, and they are in His care. 

With each child there are different needs. Some may eat more than others, some have anger issues, and others have emotional scars. Whatever the case, I seek God’s guidance in the care of each child who comes to my home, whether it is for an overnight, a week, year, or more. 

As mentioned in previous updates, my heart is to start a home for those with special needs. Five years ago when Tino, who has microcephaly, came to my home, many in the community noticed his special needs. Parents of children with special needs have come to me as they feel I understand the struggles of life with a child who has limited mobility. At that time, I started to pray and ask God to provide a facility where parents or caregivers can find respite care. 

We have found a five-acre property that can be used for this home, which we have named, Casa de Shalom. The next question is─how can we fund the home? There are a number of suggestions: 1) raise animals which could be used for our own table food. 2) plant a garden to supply our own vegetables. 3) animals on the property are a wonderful therapy for children. 

Our vision is threefold:

1. To see children and adults with special needs in our community celebrated and nurtured so they can reach their God-given potential.
2. To provide respite for parents and foster parents who need a break.
3. To provide emergency placement for children in need.

Each prayer warrior, donor, and volunteer is part of the Casa de Shalom family, partnering together to reflect God’s love and hope to each other and the community around us.

I desire to see each person with special needs living to their full potential, and I am eager to meet the workers God will choose for this project, according to His will.

As my parents are getting older and my dad is in need of a place in the care home facility, I decided this was a good time to come back and be a support for my mom. This will not be an easy transition as they have been married for 61½ years. I plan on being here for an extended stay to be a support and help for my parents. When I say extended stay, I plan on being here for about six months or until a room becomes available for my dad in the care home, and he gets settled.

Thank you once again for your love and support!

Love,

    Margaret

“With my whole heart I have sought You;

Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!

YOUR Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against YOU.

Psalm 119: 10-11

 February 2021

Many have asked the question, concerning Casa De Shalom, home for those

with special needs. The property is almost paid and I praise God for many

generous donations towards this project.

I would like to send out this quick prayer request concerning this property. I

think I have shared with you before that Baptist Association has 100 acres

to sell and they have given us first choice to pick five acres before selling

the rest. They believe this children home will be a great benefit in Belize.

They were served an eviction notice last year in March but so far the squatters

have not taken it serious. Now the Baptist Association has hired a lawyer it is

going to court this month and they are confident that we will be able to obtain

the property that we have chosen to be for Casa de Shalom.

I would like to ask you to partner in prayer with us for God’s will to be done

and that we could get started in building the facility for those with special

needs.

Thank

 February 2021

To everything there is a season,

A time for every purpose under heaven:

Hard to believe I am in Manitoba after several months of planning to come back.

It has been quite the journey with getting everything in place for my trip back to the

cold country. God has been truly faithful in providing and guiding me each step of the

way. I had to get my pcr covid test done before leaving Belize and I received my

results via WhatsApp as I was traveling to the airport.

The day or two before I was to leave on my trip my fridge was not working. I found

out two outlets in my kitchen were not working and I tried checking to see if the

breaker had tripped. Then I saw one of the outlets looked a little burnt.

Thankful for an electrician that is able to help out and get this fixed before a fire

starts. God has kept us safe!! Now it is time to get all the outlets checked.

So thankful that Jessica and Jeffrey’s prayer was answered that they  were granted to join a foster home with their little sister.

Tino is in good hands at home with Marisol. God placed Marisol in my life the month

before Brian graduated to Heaven in 2007. She has been a huge support to me over

the years and once again she offered to take care of Tino. Marisol has a heart for

those with special needs and has fostered Minerva for almost five years now. She

also has two other girls in her care at this moment as they await their more

permanent home. She showers these children with Christ like love that only comes

from God Himself.

Cory and Leah are doing well, thanking God for the full time job that Cory was able to

find. They both battled the bad flu in January and praise God they are feeling much

better. They did not get tested so not sure if it was covid but Cory did have all the

symptoms. Praying that they have built up their immune system with beating it and

that they will be able to stay healthy

I truly appreciate all your prayers as I have been preparing for my time in Canada. I

also give God thanks for providing for me to come home and be with my family during

this time. The day I arrived in Manitoba, my dad was admitted at the local hospital. I

have had a chance to call and talk to him on the phone. He has settled in nicely and is

getting the care he needs. My mom is doing well and has been getting much needed

rest.

I am so blessed that I am able to quarantine at my sister’s apartment which ends

February 25th. I have found things to keep myself busy with puzzles, crocheting and

reading and of course connecting with family and friends via calls, texts and

messaging.

I am looking forward to seeing how the Lord wants to use me during my stay in

Canada. Looking forward to spending quality time with family and friends and

especially being here for my parents.

Thank you so much for your love and support.

With Love,

Margaret

Tino turned 7 February 16th. He is growing and changing so much. He truly loves life and people around him. 

 January 2021

Reflections from this past year.

Picking up Jeffrey and Jessica from school and listening to the highlights of their day as we head home, fills my heart with gratitude and joy!   As we get home they both rush to the gate to see who can open it first.  I lift Tino, my six year old infant-like foster son who was born with microcephaly, out of his car seat and he gives me his big smile as we walk up the 24 stairs to my house.  I feel so blessed to have this home that Tim Springer and his mission team built for me in 2011. They not only built it, but also supplied all the materials that would be  home  to my many foster children. 

Five years ago when the social worker brought Tino to me, he was 22 months old, and wearing size 12 month clothes  with little expectation to progress much. I  had very little knowledge  about microcephaly and started to research and ask doctors what to expect. He responded  with such a happy smiles and giggles when we talked  to him. I started taking him to physiotherapy after he turned two. At that time he was not able to roll over or sit by himself, but now,  five years later he creeps and explores,  sits on his own, and plays with his toys.  One of his favorite  past times is when someone reads  to him. I am so blessed to see how Jeffrey and Jessica (also my foster children) love to spend time with Tino even though he cannot run and play like other six year olds. I have been so excited to see his progress, and reach his potential!  He is such a delight to our family.  I think back to my late husband and the call we felt to come to Belize and can’t help but think that he would be so proud of him!  He also had a special place in his heart for those with special needs. 

I ponder the level of care Tino will continue to require, and the care Denisha, who was severely brain damaged and passed away (2009) in my arms after 10 months of caring for her.  Nothing thrills me quite like seeing these children able to  live to their potential, and be able to be loved and cared for in comfort with hope.  

I see doors opening and the dream of seeing a special needs children’s’ home becoming reality.  Through connections with a local church we have been given first dibbs to purchase 5 acres, and have realized 4/5ths of it paid for.  We are now seeking God’s wisdom in how to clear the property of squatters, so we can move forward and build our Casa de Shalom!!!  God has been so faithful to provide, way beyond my wildest dreams!  To Him be the glory!

April 2020                                                                                                      

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.  (2 Chronicles 7:14) 

There is so much going on all around the world. This is an update on what is happening in our lives here in Belize. 

March 20^th the schools were closed until further notice. Children were sent home with schoolwork to be done in the coming two weeks. They normally get two weeks of vacation for Easter. 

We have had our first death from the virus and seeing this is not a big country, they have closed the borders and want everyone to stay home. I am the only one who leaves the yard to get groceries when needed. I have started a daily routine of doing some math and reading/spelling with Jeffrey (8) and Jessica (10).  

Cory is doing well in his walk with the Lord. He has made a more serious commitment to the Lord this past year and is now leading worship in church. He has also been asked to teach on youth nights. His goal is to help the youth develop a closer relationship with Christ and the importance of it.  

The country of Belize relies on tourism and with all the borders closed, tourists are not allowed to come in. The families that really suffer are those who live day to day from what they go out and earn. I have thought of buying extra bags of rice and beans so I could hand them out when there is a need around us. Also, it is predicted that Belize will be in another drought this year, worse than last year. I am not sure what will happen if the farmers cannot harvest and provide food for the country.  

Jessica has been part of a worship dance group. This has been wonderful for her coordination, and it is building confidence in herself. She loves life and learning in school as well. 

Jeffrey loves his LEGOs and is very creative in his building. He is also very good with spending time with little ones who come for a day or two. 

Tino is in his second year of pre-school and I am amazed at how well the children have taken to him. They see he is different; but yet, they want to help him when they can. Tino is six now and keeps growing and doing well. Yes, he is getting heavy to carry, I pray for the Lord to give me strength for each day.

Thank you so much for your love, prayers and support. 

December 2019

Every year my intention is to send out an end of year letter but often my December becomes way too busy and I do not get it done. 

December 2018 Jeffrey and Jessica joined our family. Jeffrey was with us for three weeks in 2017 and was reunited with a grandfather at the time. This time his sister Jessica came with him. Jeffrey completed 8 years in July and Jessica will be 10 in November. They are doing well in school and truly enjoy making new friends.

January, Cory and I were blessed to have the opportunity once again to attend Calvary Chapel missions conference in Murietta Hot Springs, California. This is a time of reconnecting with like minded friends and a spiritual feeding. 

Bruce and Pam from Global came to visit us soon after we got back from the conference and was an encouraging visit.

When I took Bruce and Pam to the airport I picked up my nephew Jeremy and his wife Alana. Was a lovely visit with them and fun to show them around our town. 

February was a time of getting ready for my annual ladies retreat. It is always a pleasure to work along side of Anna and Rachel as we do the planning of this retreat. 

At the end of February my childhood friend Dora came to visit and she stayed for the ladies retreat. God knows what we need and was such a blessing to have her come share in my life here. 

Wally and Kathy Chopee came from Winnipeg. They have been coming almost every year since 2010. They are a blessing, helping with some minor maintenance  that need to be done and most of all some good fellowship and food.

In March my cousin Loretta came with two of her children. Jeziah came for the first time and Raquel, who served with us for five months, four years ago. It was a blessing to spend time and fellowship with them as well. 

Cory has picked up  jobs here and there and in June he committed to work with Word of life for part of the summer. He has also been working on his paper work for Canadian citizenship, he has mailed in his stage two papers and this is when he will find out if he gets accepted. Praying for God’s perfect will in his life.

I had the privilege to join my family in Canada in the celebration of my parents 60th anniversary in July. The first week of August I was able to join Global Outreach Mission in Ontario for their 75th anniversary. 

September my three youngest are back in school. Jessica is in fourth grade and Jeffrey in third with Tino in his second year of pre-school.

Wishing you a blessed year ahead! 

God bless you! 

Love,

Margaret

October 2019

WE were blessed to have Annie and her mom Kelly come from Kodiak, Alaska. We had the opportunity to make a trip to the Mayan Ruins with them before Kelly had to head back home. Annie has been helping with Tino in pre-school and also helping Jeffrey and Jessica with homework. 

The other question that I have been asked is about what are some of the needs I have around my yard and home. In the years past some of you may know I have had problems with bats getting into the roof or walls of my house. Other times I have had some bees making nests inside the walls of my house. I do believe we have solved the problem of the bees coming back. 

Mr Carlos is one of the men locally that I would ask for advice when things need to be fixed or done. He helped Cory pick out paint for the painting job Cory did on the lower part of my house. They were not able to match the exact green that we had on the upper part of the house but it works. The bigger issue at hand right now is to close in the small holes for the bats to no longer enter in and the trim is in real need of some paint as well. 

Mr. Carlos informed me that the reason the paint was pealing on the bottom part was I need rain gutters. He gave me an estimate of $1,600.00 for all the material and labor for this job. He says he also has a solution to fix the beam at the top where the woodpeckers have done a lot of damage. 

update:

WE had the holes fixed the best to their ability and also the rain gutters put up. The woodpeckers seem to really like the east side of my house and keep coming back. 

Was able to get a couple of guys go up on the roof and put some poison under the roofing so that the bats would leave and find another place to call home. They also saw that the zinc needed some more screws to help keep the roof down when we come into hurricane season. 

Psalm 107:1 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!

For His mercy endures forever.

August 2018

Many changes have happened and it is time to do the update again. First of all I want to thank you for words of encouragement and being prayer partners in what the Lord is doing here in Belize. 

Cory has graduated and is looking for a full time job and seeing what God has for him. Please continue to pray for Cory.

Samaritans purse sent down 100 shoe box gifts to our church in May. They also gave us books to do a 12 week follow up study with the children. We had several students from different ages that were faithful in coming Sunday mornings to study God’s Word. We had a memory verse each week and we had several students that did memorize many of the verses but we had one that could recite the 12 verses without a mistake. 

I had several little boys ages 6-8 that were working hard at changing their behavior. They wanted to please Jesus and no longer fight with their cousins, brother or fellow students in school. 

Jim and Kelly Wheaton came to stay with Cory and Tino when I had to go back to Canada for my week orientation with Global Outreach Mission. I had a super special time meeting other missionaries and servants that serve missionaries. 

While I was being refreshed, blessed and meeting new family Jim and Kelly took on the challenge of getting to know Tino who cannot talk and getting in some valuable time in with Cory my teenager. 

After I got back we took a few days to spend on the beach in Placencia. There are many Mayan ladies that walk the beach looking for tourist to sell their crafts. They all see Tino and the know he is Mayan and ask me questions about him. This one lady in particular wanted to know if Tino would be able to walk. I told her I take him for therapy and that Lord willing I believe he will be able to walk some day. She asked if we believed in prayer and if she could pray for him. As you know I would not ever turn down prayer. She knelt down in the sand and started to pray for Tino. AS she got up she handed me this craft and said this was a gift for Tino. I was filled with such joy in this special gesture, I know God provides in His perfect timing. 

As Tino is getting bigger he is getting heavier. Please continue to pray that I would have the strength to care for him and not hurt my back. 

AS I have mentioned in the past about our desire to start a home for children or adults with special needs. We are moving along with raising funds for Casa de Shalom and if anyone has questions please feel free to email me. WE have selected some of the Santa Elena Baptist church members as the local board. 

We are so blessed that Graeagle Community church has taken on being the board for us in the USA. There are several options we have with buying property. Could be anywhere from 30-50 thousand dollars. I know God already knows where this should be and I know He will provide the money for the place. 

If you feel led to donate to help us get this home built please send money to:

Make checks out to Graeagle Community Church

Graeagle Community Church, PO Box 1208, Graeagle, CA 96103

Memo ; Casa de Shalom