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 [email protected]