Mission work in Belize began in 2006 when St. John Lutheran Church in Ellisville, Missouri, began sending short-term mission teams to Belize. They established relationships that grew and eventually led to the formation of the Belize Mission Society (BMS). Over time, the BMS realized they needed a “flip flops on the ground” missionary who could foster established relationships and build a permanent Lutheran presence in Belize. The BMS worked together with LCMS OIM to begin this church-planting endeavor.

In 2015, the LCMS Office of International Mission (OIM) called the first missionary pastor to serve in Belize. Since then, with the Lord’s blessing, the mission team has grown, and the Lutheran Church of Belize now has five ministry points in place. The goal is to establish a Lutheran church in each of the six districts of Belize. Current work is happening in Orange Walk, Cayo, and Stann Creek Districts, as well as neighboring Chetumal, Mexico. Plans are to reach out to Belize, Toledo, and Corozal districts and continue expansion into the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.

Regular worship and Bible study are available at each ministry point. In addition, a preschool has been established in Vally of Peace, a Spanish-speaking area of the country. Vacation Bible School and ESL classes draw children and their families to hear God’s Word.

Mercy ministry includes eyeglass clinics, scholarships for students in Seine Bight and Belmopan, a nutrition program for students at St. Alfonsus School in Seine Bight, Griefshare and hospice programs. The BMS is also working to establish a physical therapy program for the country, as well as dental and health programs for the village of Seine Bight. This mercy work builds relationships in the local communities, enhances the efforts of our missionaries and provides an opportunity for hands-on participation by teams from the U.S.