Tom and Alida Sharp were sponsored missionaries of DBR Ministries. This powerhouse couple had dedicated their lives to serving the Lord. After serving in ministry for 18 years, 13 in Belize. God has redirected them home in the United States for the time being.
The couple had started ministry in Russia in the early 2000's. After serving in Russia for several years, they moved to Belize where they continued in ministry for over ten years. Every month we would receive an update on their community, their missions, the people and more.
Read on to see how your contributions helped change lives in Belize as God used Tom & Alida.
For Tom's 60th birthday they highlighted the Primary School feeding program of our church, Roaring Creek Church of the Nazarene. The feeding program serves approximately 400-500 meals a week on a budget of $175US. We were able to raise $2490US or $4980BZ! Additionally a local business is donating 50 pounds of rice every month! Pastor Deon is looking at using the funds to build a 20’x20’ cover so the kids can eat in the shade during the dry season & out of the rain during the rainy season. Thank you so much for your generosity that is making this needed change a reality!
Recently Tom taught about ‘Self-Care to Prevent Burnout’ for the Belmopan Baptist High School Teachers at their retreat. The image above is right before Tom led the class.
In the two photos below, he is training parents from San Martin Government School under the UNICEF campaign for Preventing Family Violence. San Martin is a small village outside of Belmopan made up primarily of Kriol & Mayan families.
In the photo below I am listening to a pastor speak about ‘Worth’ to the Belmopan Baptist High School boys. I taught about ‘Healthy Sexuality’ to this large group of about 120 young men. Only three of the students from this group had any family members teach them about developmental changes & sexuality.
Belmopan Methodist High School put on a Boys & Girls Self-Care Wellness Conference. The school had over 400 students & 40 teachers in attendance. Alida was asked to speak on the importance of physical activity for youth. One of the highlights that day for Alida was chatting with several former counseling clients from her days as a primary school counselor. It was a joy for her to see their faces light up when they realized who she was!
In the photo above Alida is excited to be coaching a Masters 2 Athlete (age 50-59) for the upcoming Belize National Powerlifting competition. Her athelete is an American here in Belize serving with the Peace Corp. Alida is grateful to be able to pass on what she has learned to another female athlete. As she recently stated in an interview on the topic of Women in Sports, “It’s great to see women of all ages tap into their God-given talents & help them develop their skills to the highest level possible.”
Here, Tom was in Placencia for the Sidewalk Art Fest. This was his first time being at this art fest. He sold some art & enjoyed meeting people. Below is what his booth looked like. Don't you just love the irony of abstract art being displayed in this untamed beach/jungle setting!
"Thank you again so much for partnering with us in serving the children & adults of Belize who have been abused, sold into trafficking, or traumatized. God bless you & keep you safe as we cautiously move into 2025. May you be deeply connected & loved, incredibly healthy & grateful daily! We love you and truly appreciate you!" -Tom & Alida
