Prayer Mail

Dear Friends,

This has been an eventful week.

The storm of last weekend turned out to be more than exceptional. In fact, I think I downplayed it a bit much, as I continue to listen to stories that people have been telling me about the results of the storm  this week. 

According to one newspaper report, the storm was the biggest weather event for Belize City since Torre Bissell survived Hurricane Hattie, here, in 1961. (Torre's story is much more dramatic.)  

And since then, just about all water has receded. The river did not overflow its banks. And the weather is now mixed: with sun, overcast, and occasional rain.  

I have done some traveling around Belize this week, particularly to parishes and Anglican schools in the Dangriga and Hopkins area (to the south). 

Our English visitors and I met with the Bishop and Commission on Ministry this week, a conversation to be continued this Friday, in terms of planning for the future of the ministry of the Diocese.

Last evening, I came back from Belize Cursillo 11, at which there were 32 candidates and a team of about 24. I served as the Assistant Spiritual Director for the weekend, presenting 2 rollos and a meditation, as well as serving in other capacities. A FB link to a short video from the closing can be found at this Web page. https://www.facebook.com/shaw.mudge

In hindsight, my tour to the south came in handy in preparation of the Cursillo weekend because quite a few of the candidates were from that area.

I have touched base with people in the ordination process based on the outcome of the meeting with the Bishop and Commission on Ministry, several of whom were on the Cursillo weekend. One of the leaders of the weekend is also one of the co-chairs of the Commission on Ministry.

I am attaching a photo: Belize Cursillo 11. The person who took the photo with my camera was the driver for the Belizean government's Minister of Education, Youth, and Sports. 

And people have already begun to turn their attention to Belize Cursillo weekend 12, to be held in 2017 (two years from now).

Your prayers are requested for the following:

A) This week, I plan to:

1) continue with more diocesan meetings and travel, 

2) become acquainted with additional participants of the English short term mission trip, 

3) probably do some course development work, 

4) begin a new course on Saturday morning (internet connection permitting), all things being equal, and

5) write ministry reports for Bishop Philip.

B) Family members continue to face major decisions, and your prayers for all of us are always welcome.

Thank you for praying. I pray for you every day.

God bless you. 

Shaw, and on behalf of Julie.