FUM Belize Friends School

BELIZE FRIENDS SCHOOLBridging the gap between

poverty and possibilities

Belize - A Tropical ParadiseMost people know Belize as the nice stop on a Caribbean Cruise or as a

wonderful place to go snorkeling and diving in one of the most beautiful

coral reefs in the world.

People are also drawn to Belize to visit the ancient Mayan ruins and the tropical wildlife.

A Brief Background ReportFormerly known as British Honduras, until

1963.Achieved full-independence in 1981.Currently: second lowest population of any

Central American CountryApproximately 50% of this population is

under 16 years old!

Sub Umbra Floreo: “Under the shade, I Flourish”

An Opportunity for MinistryThere are not enough schools and

churches to serve this young population. There are not enough high schools

to serve the number of students who qualify.

FUM has been considering for some time how we might respond to this need.

Because of Sadie Vernon….• A Belizean herself, Sadie Vernon began a school for girls to teach

them practical skills. • Eventually, the school became a boys school instead, offering a

second chance at education to students who hadn’t passed their eight grade exam.

• Sadie recruited youngsters off the streets:• A year to strengthen their academic skills• If they passed the entrance exam, they could go on to high school and,

perhaps, even college. • There is still a Sadie Vernon High School in Belize City which

stands as a tribute to her efforts to help struggling youngsters.

Then Mike & Kay…• Mike and Kay Cain went to Belize to give

Sadie a hand in the mid 1990’s. • Friends United Meeting appointed them to

be the school directors.• They served in that role for over a decade. • Florence Peery and Pat Schrock have also

given much time to help at the school.

Since 2009, the Barbers….• From Oskaloosa, Iowa.• Sam and Becky Barber

are beginning their third year as co-directors of the Belize Friends School.

• They each have Bible College and Education degrees and both help with teaching in the daily school program.

Their children, Robert, Katie, Kristie and Kassie, participate in many student activities.

Miss Candi Young, Teacher• Miss Candi has been at

the school for nine years serving as a teacher. • When she opens the

doors early in the morning, there are already students waiting to start school.

Besides Bible instruction the daily program includes…Academic Skills & Drills

Science Experiments

Experiential Learning….Field Trips to the

Zoo

And, of course, a little fun...

All this to help students grow spiritually, academically, & socially

The School is located in Belize City.This is the neighborhood just a couple of blocks from where the cruise ships land.

This is the school:

The Minister of Education in Belize has asked us to expand the program. An empty warehouse behind the school is a

possibility.

The walls are strong, but plumbing & electricity & lots

of paint will be necessary.

What is God’s will for FUM?Shall we build a school on

this property in La Democracia according to

an earlier dream?

Shall we build a retreat and/or training center on 30 acres on the Northern

Highway?

Shall we invest in the warehouse and expand our existing program?

Or shall we take a conservative stance given the current

economy and financial struggles of our churches, say “no” to this

opportunity, and just try to maintain the program we have?

Please pray with us….The General Board will try to discern

God’s will, so if you have thoughts, please share them with your representative.

We still need financial support to help the Barbers continue their service in Belize. Their work depends on donations from yearly meetings, monthly meetings and individuals.

Because of your help, God is transforming young lives in Belize! Teingkyu! (Thank you)

For more information,You can find us at

Friends United Meeting101 Quaker Hill Drive Richmond, IN 47374

Phone 765-962-7573

Check the FUM website at www.fum.orgOr contact Terri Johns at terrij@fum.org