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HC Students arrive at dorms in Belize.
Belize – April 26, 2010. The Worldwide Pentecostal Fellowship (WPF) has set up a short-term missions program for young men and women under the leadership of their Global Missions Chair, Rev. Johnny King. The program features the option of taking accredited courses from Apostolic School of Theology or audit courses online. This year was a pilot program and had over 35 students participating. Since November of 2009, these students have been involved in online courses that have given them a foundation in Apostolic truths that covered fundamental doctrines, spiritual development, leadership, and missions. One of the purposes of this program is to get students founded in truth and immersed in short-term missions projects that will range from 1-12 months. These students have already been greatly impacted by the teachings and new friendships that they have formed with students from Canada and the U.S. The next year they are launching the full program and expect to have 100′s of students taking part in these training sessions.
Presently, they are taking intensive training sessions in the country of Belize with missionary Tim Joiner for nine days.
HC Students on their way to the Mission.
The first day of training has already impacted these students as they heard great teachings on the practicality of doing missions and the need for getting direction from God. They have already heard from Rev. Kelly Nix, Rev. Tim Joiner, Rev. B.J. Wilmoth, Rev. Johnny King, and Rev. Paul Baumeister. During the sessions, an incredible move of the Holy Ghost fell on the students. Students were moved with compassion for the lost and sense of urgency for winning souls like never before. Powerful night services have taken place both on Saturday and Sunday with people receiving the Holy Ghost and intense worship. The students could not help but weep as they prayed for people in the altars. Just this first day of classes have been life-changing!
Students during one of the sessions in Belize.
After two days of intensive missions training, the group of Hope Corps students took part in a site seeing tour of the pyramids of Belize. It started off with a squirrel monkey hijacking the boat and stealing some of the food on board. The group thoroughly enjoyed their time in climbing the pyramids, swinging from Banyon trees, and traveling through the rain forest.
Tuesday night, the Hope Corps students went to San Pedro and held a service there at night. The church was packed with people that were ready for worship. As the service progressed and the neighbors could hear the worship, many came to the church and saw the people from outside the entrance. It was such a powerful service. One could see the Hope Corps students praying for the people all over the church. That night several received the Holy Ghost. One of the neigbors ended up coming through the doors and received the Holy Ghost also. She was so excited that she brought in the rest of her friends for them to receive it also. At one point I glanced at two 6 year-old boys and saw them hugging each other crying and speaking in tongues.
Wednesday night, they went to San Jose, Belize and had an open air service at a small park. There were many people that came to the service as they were passing by. There were many that received the Holy Ghost. It was great to see the Hope Corps students praying for the people. I went to pray for one of the visitors and asked one of the Hope Corps students whether the visitor had the Holy Ghost. He responded with a big smile and said, “now he does.” The day before they had training sessions on how to pray for people. It’s great to see how God is using them!
6 year-old boys that received the Holy Ghost Tueday night.
Rev. Tim Joiner has been a tremendous blessing to open up his mission field to Hope Corps. They have provided dorms for all of the students and staff and air conditioned classrooms that make it so comfortable for all. The Joiner family has been first class in their hospitality and are tremendous leaders. They have adopted many children that were homeless and have opened their home to the community. The people love them and feel a part of them. Often one could hear them say Daddy to Bro. Joiner. Their staff have treated all of the staff and students as royalty.
Friday was an incredible service at the headquarters church. During the worship service, the choir sang and the Holy Ghost fell on all of the people. There were more that received the Holy Spirit. One of them that received the Holy Spirit was a tall boy that had been backsliden that never had received it before. It was great to see how God was using the Hope Corps students to pray the people through to the baptism of the Holy Spirit. What an incredible experience and joy to see what Hope Corps is all about!
Rev. Johnny King and Hope Corps students walking towards High Tower pyramid at Laminia
Tesimonials
“The inagural Hope Corps is having life-changing impact all of the students. We couldn’t have picked a better missionary and church for these world-changing sessions.” – B.J. Wilmoth
The work here is truly amazing. When our bus pulled into the church parking lot I stood in awe of such wonderful facilities. Then I met the sweet people who love God and worship Him with all of their hearts.
We have had church two nights and the Spirit of God has moved both times. The alters have been filled with people praising and seeking the Holy Ghost. Several people have recieved the Holy Ghost and my life has been also impacted. Tomorrow we are going on outreach and have several other church services throught the week. I am excited about what God has done here so far and look forward to His will being done. Please pray for us and the work here in Belize. – Curtis Hendryx
- Some Hope Corps students mimicking the howler monkeys.
Arriving Saturday evening on campus, I was sent for a spin. Everyone pouring from the bus and hugging old friends, forced me out of my comfort zone. Since I hadn’t met many of these people in person I felt slightly alienated. Before long, I realized; these were my peers. We all possessed the similar goals and aspirations in the kingdom of God, and I was not alone. After the first couple of days had passed, I knew we had become family. And it wasn’t just with the Hope Corps students, but also with the local church as well. From learning in the classroom to praying in the altars, we were there for each other, encouraging and motivating. The local relationships I’ve made with the local young people, have made me feel more like an older brother rather than an outsider. All of the experiences from exploring the ancient Mayan ruins to indescribable prayer in the classroom, has made Hope Camp one of the most amazing and life changing events in my life. One of the most impacting events was watching how God used Hope Corps students in three services, who were leading in worship, to turn the service upside down. I don’t think there is any better feeling on earth than knowing you are in the will of God and He is using you to do His will. Leaving Belize was very emotional and difficult, but I know God can now use me more effectively in His kingdom. I will have to return to Belize. The relationships that were formed with fellow students and the locals ran too deep for me to simply walk away and return to my old routine. Hope Corps has changed the way I view prayer, worship, and souls drastically. There is a new desperation and urgency that has been planted in my spirit and it flourishing. Hope Camp has empowered me and assisted in giving me more specific direction for my life. - Matthew DeMan
