Central America – Belize

HYMN: WHAT A DAY THAT WILL BE

Psalm 33:6-12

By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by breath of His mouth. He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: He layeth up the depth in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spake, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast. The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: He maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of His heart to all generations.Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom He hath chosen for His own inheritance. KJV

Prayers:

1. Psalm 33:6-9

Let us acknowledge God for who He is, worship His name, exalt his name because

He alone is worthy of praise. He created the heavens and the earth. He created the nations for His pleasure. Let us pray.

2. Jer 29:11, Psalm 33: 10-11

Pray that His thoughts towards us will remain forever good.

He will continue to nullify the works of the enemy.

He will have no cause to turn his back on all nations that declare His name.

Belize is an independent and sovereign country located on the north eastern coast of Central America. It is bordered on the northwest by Mexico, on the east by the Caribbean Sea, and on the south and west by Guatemala.

The capital is Belpoman and it has an area of 22,970 square kilometres and a population of 408,487. Its mainland is about 290km long and 110km wide. It has the lowest population and lowest population density in Central America. The country's population growth rate of 1.87% per year is the second highest in the region and one of the highest in the Western Hemisphere.

Previously known as British Honduras, Belize changed it’s name in 1971. They gained full independence on 21st September 1981. Tourism is one of the biggest drivers of the economy. They are also blessed with sugar, citrus fruits and bananas.

Belize has suffered major challenges that has affected its people. The poverty rate is one of the highest in the world. The have a high public debt due to increased spending and high labour cost. Environmental disasters are very common. The hurricanes season is June –November. Hurricane Dorian is the most recent in the neighbouring environs.

Belize has a remarkably high homicide rate. The main source of crime are the domestic gangs that operate in the city. They engage in drug trafficking and robberies. Other countries have established their presence there as their international reputation has grown. The Caribbean coastline and heavy jungle renders Belize an attractive destination for drug smugglers who use it as a gateway to Mexico. There are already 70 murders so far this year. In June 2019 Australian Dr was killed in a Gang Crossfire.

Dean Oliver Barrow is the current Prime Minister since 2008. He is in his 3rd term in office. He is the country’s first Black Prime Minister. Unfortunately, his popularity is waning.

The Belizean government are aware changes have to be made to the country’s security forces, but they are overwhelmed with the rate of crime. They remain underfunded and poorly trained. The Police force and Justice system are regarded as corrupt. Low salaries make them susceptible to accepting bribes. Public confidence is low, so crimes go unreported.

Prayers:

Eze 22:30

‘I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no-one’. KJV

‘I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no-one’. NLT

Lord see us as worthy intercessors. Fill us with compassion and empathy to pray for others.

Isa 59:2

‘but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, And your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear. RSV

·      Pray that God will have mercy on Belize.

·      Ask that God will remember them for good.

Prov 11:14

Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. KJV

·      Father grant the leaders in Belize the ability to distinguish between righteous counsel and deceitful counsel. Surround them with men and women who will give them sound advice. Flush out every form of corruption in leadership.

There are divers’ religions in Belize with Christianity being the most dominant.

There is a record of 73 Churches; The Roman Catholics are the largest group. 40% of Belizeans are Catholics followed by the Protestants who make up about 27% . 8.4% are Pentecostals.

Muslims have been in Belize since the 18th century. They make up 0.5% of the population. Activism of the 1960s saw many converts to Islam. Mosques continue to be built in major cities.

There are 7 RCCG parishes in Belize.

The church exerts most of its influence in education and not nearly enough in government as is the norm in most nations.

Prayers

Mk15:16. And He said to them, Go ye into the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. KJV

1. Pray that the gospel will reach everyone within Belize, for more labourers of the gospel to spread the good news, to heal the broken-hearted and to set the captives free. His saints are crying as they did in Macedonia- Lord hear their cry. Raise up Brethren with a burden for Belize Isa 61:1, Acts 16:1

2. Send up prayers for increase grace and anointing to preach the word.

2Chr7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. KJV

3. Pray that God will heal the land. Peace will reign in Belize.

Jer1:10 But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.8 Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord.9 Then the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lordsaid unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.10 See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant. KJV

4. Begin to root out, pull down and destroy anything that is not of God regarding Belize.

5. Remember the Independence Holiday today and as they celebrate peace will reign in their midst. There will be no bloodshed. The Lord will show up and take control.

Rev 21:4-7 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. 5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7 Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will  be their God and they will be my children. NIV

This is our heart cry for Belize. Pray an end to death, crying and  pain. Old  things have passed away- Indeed all things have  become new.

Pray that God will indeed be  their God  and   they  will be  His children.

We declare Belize for Christ. They shall be victorious over  every form of sin.