When David strode onto the battlefield to confront Goliath, every step was fraught with the opportunity for both risk and reward. Obviously, from our vantage point in history, we boldly cheer on David’s determined advances. Why? Because we know the end of the story. David didn’t. It is no different for the child of God today when confronting obstacles that stand in their way. Sometimes, the sheer size of the Goliath’s we face has the potential of intimidating our inner shepherd boy — tempting us to pack up our sling and run for the hills.
Yet, like David, the price of letting Goliath live outweighs the potential cost of trying to conquer him.
Such is the case with the Apostolic Pentecostal Church of Belize. APCB is presently staring down a colossal-sized obstacle. However, let me be clear: the story of the Apostolic Pentecostal Church of Belize has not ended. In fact, this correspondence is an invitation for you to partner in authoring the next chapter of their miraculous journey.
The History
The Apostolic Pentecostal Church of Belize was established in 2001, by Rev. Tim Joiner & Family. With plastic tarps crudely draped over poles harvested from the jungle, an Apostolic church was birthed in Guinea Grass Village, Belize. Evangelistic efforts orchestrated from this central hub led to the establishment of three other works throughout the country with congregations located in the following four villages:
Guinea Grass — Headquarters
San Felipe
San Jose
Punta Gorda
The Present
In 2018, Rev. Tim Joiner resigned from exercising oversight of the Apostolic Pentecostal Church of Belize and appointed Rev. Keith Nix to be his leadership successor. Leading up to the time of Rev. Joiner’s resignation, financial support for the Apostolic Pentecostal Church had deteriorated significantly. This resulted in accumulation of debt, to keep the work functioning. During the months following Rev. Nix’s appointment, he poured his heart into a work understandably shaken by the uncertainty of transition and bearing a crushing financial burden.
This led to Rev. Keith Nix’s resignation on March 5, 2019 — spotlighting the gravity of the situation affecting the Apostolic Pentecostal Church of Belize. After eight months, he had been unsuccessful in securing the necessary legal documentation (Working Visa, Residency Permits, etc.) to ensure that he could remain in a permanent leadership position over the work in Belize. That reality, coupled with the decrease of approximately 90% in monthly support, rendered the work virtually incapacitated. These factors summarize the reason Rev. Keith Nix is unable to continue with the work. Hence, his resignation. Thankfully, Rev. Nix remains on-site in Belize, and is committed to helping the APCB get through the next few weeks/months.
On March 25, 2019, the oversight of the Apostolic Pentecostal Church was transferred to myself, and the following Board of Directors:
Rev. Ron Garrett
Rev. Sam Ham
Rev. Jose Hernandez
Rev. Gary Howard
Rev. Brad Lambeth
Rev. Keith Nix
Over the past month, we have been working feverishly, as we prayerfully chart the next chapter of APCB. This has included meeting bank note deadlines that were past due, as well as securing interim monthly funds. Thankfully, God’s people have rallied; pastors and churches are stepping forward. We are eternally grateful.
Going Forward
The path going forward is divided into the following categories:
Eliminating the Debt: $58,000 USD — One time donations towards this project are greatly appreciated and help us position this work strategically for going forward, by minimizing monthly demands.
Monthly Support: $4,000 USD — This does not include support for an on-site missionary.
Placement and support of on-site leadership.
As donations come in, we will update www.belizemissions.com with the status of funds received vs. remaining debt load. Transparency and accountability are our pledge. If you wish to partner, you can do so by sending donations through the following venues:
“I AM Foundation” — Care of the Apostolic Pentecostal Church of Belize.
The WPF — Care of the Apostolic Pentecostal Church of Belize.
Checks can be made payable to the Apostolic Pentecostal Church, PO Box 88, Presque Isle, Maine, 04769
Or, by online donations @ www.belizemissions.com
In Closing
Thank you for prayerfully considering supporting the Apostolic Pentecostal Church of Belize. Yes, APCB is facing down a giant — but we feel the shepherd boy is up to the fight. We are already hearing the rumble of victory! If you have any questions about the Apostolic Pentecostal Church of Belize, please feel free to contact any one of the members of the board of directors.
Sincerely,
Pastor Daniel McKillop
President of APCB