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For the past year, believers from Port Loyola Calvary Chapel in Belize City have been building relationships and sharing the Gospel with a nearby, unreached, indigenous people group called the Kekchi. A Central American tribe in Belize whose culture is almost untouched by modern technology, the Kekchi were presented with the timeless message of redemption in Christ through practical assistance with food and supplies, a vacation Bible school, outreaches to women and the elderly, and two showings of The Jesus Film translated into the Kekchi language. As a result, nearly 300 Kekchi villagers were made aware of the grace of God.
Eighteen missionaries—including Senior Pastor Joel Meyer, 14 high school students, and others—traveled six hours from Belize City into undeveloped land known as “the bush” to the village of Dolores where the Kekchi live. Port Loyola CC believers had made previous excursions—including a prior four-day mission trip and several day trips—to visit the Kekchi and establish relationships with them. Many of the Kekchi speak English or Spanish along with their native tongue, enabling believers to communicate with them. Additionally, the wife of one of the Port Loyola CC elders, Polfina Palacio, is Kekchi Mayan.
The Kekchi are descendants of the ancient Mayan people who originally inhabited the area. According to Pastor Joel, residents of Dolores “live off the land for the most part. They don’t have any electricity or running water. … Many had never even seen a TV or watched a movie.” They belong to a religion which teaches that salvation is by works, not trust in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. During the five-day mission trip last spring, Pastor Joel explained to the Kekchi “the difference between … religious traditions, and having a real relationship with the Lord.”
You can find the complete article in the Fall 2008 issue of Calvary Chapel Magazine, which will ship soon. To subscribe click here.
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