Hey Randy

I was thinking of you and your family and the Congregation. Sandy Hayes has so kindly kept me informed of the Brethren during the Holidays. I hope you are all well and in good Spirits. Several times you have asked if I would write a bulletin. I did once, however, that was a long time ago. I always would justify not having enough time because of this or that but now that I am in Belize there seems to be lots of spare time now that I'm mostly settled. So my conscience keeps reminding me, do you remember Randy asking you to write a bulletin. What should I write about I ask myself.

Well what about your conscience? The conscience is a very controlling part of the human anatomy. So I went to my study bible concordance and it referenced Ro 2:15 in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them. This quickly brought me to one of the main purposes I came to Belize to encourage the Brethren and hope to be profitable. It is very interesting when one gets away from home how apparent it becomes that no one knows you. Well that can be good or bad depending on your conscience. I want to be profitable so it becomes very important that I behave as a Christian ought. The Brethren in San Narciso where the Church building is located hold the Americans is high esteem. This is very nice but makes one aware of his responsibility as a Christian. In the town of Corozal where I live I found the people also have a similar opinion. This is somewhat on the contrary to what I have observed in other countries. After I got settled in my apartment I began to meet the neighbors. They are very polite and friendly it reminds me of the neighborhood I grew up in back in the 40's wow that's a long time ago. Back then every neighbor watched who ever was in the area as to their behavior and if someone acted poorly their family was sure to be informed or the neighbor might just give you a stern look and that would be sufficient; this helped one to develop a good conscience so as to feel comfortable in the neighborhood. My new neighborhood has many of these same qualities. I guess one could look at it negatively and say the neighbors know everything about a persons business. But I say it is a good thing and should help neighbors to respect one another. My neighbors seem to know when I come and go and make suggestions such as where to park my car so it will be out of the sun. My Landlady told me last night that I could park it in the driveway under the carport. I am sharing it with her daughter so we have worked out a way for each other to come and go. This is like family.

I have explained to several when asked why I'm here. I tell them I came to enjoy the beautiful weather and encourage my church. They quickly ask what church am I connected with. The Church of the Bible I reply. My response always makes them open with questions and I have the opportunity to explain. I have arranged a study Sunday at lOAM. The congregation meets at 2:30PM on Sundays. This gives me the opportunity to meet with local people that are not working. I like the congregation's schedule. We meet for worship then a short break and then a study. Both are spoken in both English and Spanish so it takes several hours to get through. This is also a good way to start to learn the language. The person whom I am studying name is Douglas who only speaks Spanish so I have asked one of my neighbors to be my interpreter. So I hope to be profitable.

Give everyone a hug for me, especially Brian, Tracy, Emily and Samuel.

Brother in Christ

Paul