Alcester Baptist Church Merge Youth Group

And thank God, we finally made it to the Burrell Boom Church of the Nazarene!

We were warmly welcomed by the pastor and his amazing team, who were very kind. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside them and excited to see all that the Lord has in store during our time here. Thank you, Burrell Boom Church of the Nazarene, for opening your hearts and welcoming us with so much love. We look forward to the days ahead!

We also went grocery shopping to prepare for the week ahead. It's always exciting to see how God provides every detail, allowing us to get everything ready for the ministry opportunities that await.

We also spent time inviting members of the community to join us for the upcoming activities and services. As we went from house to house, we had the opportunity to meet families, build new relationships, and begin connecting with the children who will be part of this week's ministry. Their excitement and smiles reminded us why we are here—to share the love of Christ and create a welcoming space where they can grow in faith. We pray that every invitation and every conversation will open hearts to experience God's love and hope.

Ready for today!

One more day to serve, love, and watch God move. Let's go!

We visited the Baboon Sanctuary, where we had the opportunity to learn about the black howler monkeys that live in Belize. We learned about their habitat, behavior, diet, and the important conservation efforts that help protect them. It was a great experience to see these amazing animals in their natural environment and to gain a deeper appreciation of the importance of caring for it.

Another part of our day was spent packing food bags for community outreach. Serving in this way reminded us that ministry is not only about sharing the Gospel with words but also about meeting the needs of others through acts of compassion and generosity.

We ended the day by attending the church service, where we joined the congregation in heartfelt worship and listened to inspiring testimonies shared by members of our team. It was encouraging to hear how God has been faithfully working in their lives. One of the most special parts of the evening was being reminded that, although we come from different communities and backgrounds, we serve the same faithful God. We were also challenged by the reflection from Philippians, which reminded us of Christ's example of humility and self-emptying. The message encouraged us to surrender our own desires and ambitions, recognizing that it is only as we empty ourselves before God that He can accomplish His will in and through our lives.

Today was a meaningful day of ministry as we visited homes throughout the community, delivered grocery bags to families, and prayed with them. Every home we entered had a unique story, and it was a privilege to encourage each family and lift their needs before the Lord. While the groceries helped meet practical needs, we were reminded that God's love is also shared through our presence, our prayers, and the hope found in Christ. We left each visit with grateful hearts, encouraged by the faith of the families we met and thankful for the opportunity to be His hands and feet in the community.

Today we officially kicked off our Vacation Bible School, and it was a joyful and energetic start! We spent time teaching the children choreography, sharing a short Bible reflection about God's creation and how it points us to Jesus, and engaging them through arts and crafts and sports activities. It was wonderful to see their excitement, participation, and eagerness to learn. We are thankful for the opportunity to invest in these children's lives and pray that the seeds planted today will continue to grow in their hearts.

This morning we spent time painting as part of the ongoing work at the church. Working together as a team allowed us to accomplish so much, and by the end of the morning we had completed most of the painting project. It was encouraging to see how everyone's willingness to serve and work side by side made such a difference. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to preparing a welcoming space for the church and the community

Today was another exciting day at Vacation Bible School! We had around 50 children join us, and the energy and excitement they brought made the day even more special. We spent time teaching and practicing the choreography, and it was such a joy to see more and more of the children confidently joining in. Watching them sing, dance, and participate with enthusiasm was incredibly encouraging. During our art session, the children created a craft based on the story of the wise man who built his house on the rock, providing a creative reminder of the importance of building our lives on the firm foundation of Christ. Days like these are a beautiful reminder of the impact that joyful worship, biblical teaching, and meaningful relationships can have in the lives of children.

One of the highlights was seeing more of the older kids joining in for the basketball camp. Their enthusiasm and willingness to participate helped create a fun and welcoming environment for everyone.

Today we continued visiting families in the community, delivering encouragement, spending time in fellowship, and praying with them. One of the most meaningful moments of the day was hearing the testimony of one of the sisters we visited. As she shared how God had faithfully carried her through difficult seasons, we were deeply challenged and encouraged by her unwavering trust in Him. Her story was a beautiful reminder that God's faithfulness remains constant, even in the midst of hardship. We left each home not only hoping to be a blessing, but realizing that we had also been blessed and strengthened by the faith of those we met.

Today marked the final day of our Vacation Bible School, and while it was bittersweet to say goodbye, our hearts were filled with gratitude for all that God has done throughout the week. From worship and choreography to Bible lessons, crafts, games, and countless conversations, it has been a joy to spend time with these children. As we celebrated together one last time, we were reminded that every smile, every song, and every lesson was an opportunity to plant seeds of faith. We pray that God will continue to nurture those seeds long after this week has ended.

"Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." — Matthew 19:14

Although our VBS has come to an end, we trust that God's work in the lives of these children is only beginning.

We ended the evening with a farewell bonfire, and it was the perfect way to celebrate everything God had done throughout the week. We laughed together, roasted marshmallows over the fire, danced, and enjoyed spending time with one another. It was a night filled with joy, gratitude, and memories that we will cherish for a long time.

God has been so good to us. As we prepare to leave this place, we do so with hearts full of gratitude—for the friendships that were formed, the lives that were touched, and the many ways we witnessed God's faithfulness. We leave encouraged, inspired, and reminded that the seeds planted this week are in His hands. We pray that He will continue the work He has begun in this community, and we are thankful to have been a small part of what He is doing.