07/29/2026
There are moments every year in Belize that stay with me long after I come home.
This year, one of those moments happened in a simple conversation with a mom. She told me she still has the mustard seed necklace she received at last year’s Women’s Conference. She’s allergic to the chain, so she keeps it tucked away in a special box. Every so often, she takes it out to remind herself and her son that faith as small as a mustard seed is enough.
So much time, prayer, and preparation goes into these Mission Experiences, and in that moment, God reminded me that He’s still working long after we’ve packed up and gone home.
She continued to share that her son had been counting down the days until Bible Adventure Camp because he couldn’t wait to see one of our team members from last year. When he realized that person wasn’t able to return this year, he came home heartbroken.
Then she looked at me and said, “A physical item won’t get me through a hard day, but the love and the truth we learn from you will.” I haven’t stopped thinking about those words.
Sometimes we can measure the success of a mission by attendance numbers, projects completed, or supplies distributed. Those things matter, and they help meet real needs. But this conversation reminded me that the greatest gift we bring isn’t something we can pack in a suitcase.
It’s love that shows up, year after year.
It’s love that remembers stories and names.
It’s love that points people to the unchanging love of Jesus.
It’s love that stays.
I think that’s one of the most beautiful pictures of the Gospel. Jesus didn’t simply come to meet a need and leave. He came to dwell among us, to know us, to walk with us, and to invite us into relationship with Him.
I’m so thankful that God allows us to experience just a small glimpse of that kind of love in Belize. It continues to remind me that ministry isn’t just about the week we’re there. It’s about the relationships that continue long after the plane takes off.
