From the time they enroll in Preschool, Cherry Hills Christian School students are taught that God wants everyone to love Him by loving and serving others. Our efforts to be of service to others include travel near and far. Students and their parents are encouraged to participate in missions trips that have taken us to rural villages in other countries, to orphanages, to Native American reservations in other states — and to nonprofit organizations throughout metro Denver.
In April, students in Grade 8, their parents and members of the CHC Faculty traveled for a week to Belize with our partner organization, Praying Pelican Missions. They served in Libertad, a rural town north of the capital, Belize City, in several ways. The CHC team took with them much-needed supplies to support a church, school and surrounding households, including water-purification filters, learning materials, sports equipment and clothing. After arriving, team members engaged in a whirlwind of service. They led worship services and fun activities for local youth; delivered groceries to homes; and assisted with the installation of water filters, a small construction project, and the planting of vegetable gardens. They even hosted a day of “pampering” for local women by giving them manicures and pedicures.
Grade 8 students Gabby Heckman and Asa Thurstone described the trip as “life-changing.”
“Belize is where I learned that I love working with children,” Gabby said. “I might have found what I will do with my life.”
“This is a great trip for learning about gratefulness and the importance of being grateful for every, single, little thing,” Asa said. “I returned home with a new understanding of how God has blessed my family and me.”
Soccer games with Mr. H
How CHC team members busied themselves while waiting for planes, trains and automobiles.
Food ministry
The CHC team had the privilege of assembling bags of food for about 20 families. How humbling to be part of this!
Praying in homes
CHC team members visited families, taking a bag of groceries to them and saying prayers of blessing for their homes. Everyone was received with great warmth and hospitality. It was such an honor to pray with and bless these homes and families.
Making bandanas
Crafting with local kids was a great deal of fun — and making bandanas with them was a definite hit with everyone.
Sunday School in Belize
The CHC team sang, made crafts, played games and enjoyed hanging out with about 20 children from Libertad Full Gospel Church.
Learning new tunes
Who doesn’t love “The Banana Song?”
Walking the neighborhood
CHC team members took a Sunday afternoon walk through the community and were warmly welcomed. They prayed with some of the people they met.
Leading worship
The CHC team especially delighted people attending a Sunday evening service in Libertad because they could lead worship in Spanish and English.
Sharing the Good News
CHC students performed a skit about God’s creation of the world during a worship service. For many who attended, it was an introduction to Christianity.
Biker boys
Students learned their way around Libertad from the locals.
Libertad Methodist School
The CHC team helped with repairs to this school serving Libertad, Belize.
New flooring on the way!
CHC team members helped make way for new tile flooring to be installed in a classroom.
Getting into Missions-Shape!
CHC Faculty Member Nathan Hynam realized that because the world was locked down for more than a year, many CHC team members were out of “Missions-Shape!” He taught the team how to whip themselves back into great form with things that can be found on the mission field of Belize.
Water purification
In the village of Libertad, Belize, many people use use water from a well. CHC team members provided filters to help them purify water for drinking and cooking. Everyone especially enjoyed seeing residents’ reactions to the filters as they would put dirt in the water and filter it out until there wasn’t a trace.
Sightseeing!
The CHC team made time to see extraordinary things, including ancient Mayan temples in Altun Ha.