….To Those Who Have Come

Dear Friends and Supporters of CBM,

This September, we want to take a moment to remember and appreciate the people who have traveled to Belize through CBM mission trips.

Every mission trip looks a little different. Some people come to build, some to teach, some to help with projects, and some come simply ready to serve wherever they are needed. But what often stays with people long after they return home are the relationships, the people they met, and the moments they shared.

This month, instead of simply telling you about the work being done, we wanted to let some of the people who have experienced it firsthand tell you what their time in Belize meant to them.

“We Didn’t Know What to Expect.”

Mrs. Manjit Singh — February 2026

“We went there thinking that we would be setting up a new library, not knowing that schools in remote areas didn’t have books for children to take home for leisure reading.”

For Manjit, the trip quickly became about much more than setting up libraries.

The team began by sorting through thousands of books that had been donated and shipped to Belize. Those books eventually went to five school libraries.

“We were so impressed with the mission volunteers’ enthusiasm and hard work to build bookshelves and whatever was needed to create a small space in every school to set up the library.”

While Manjit and Kathryn worked with the library project, other volunteers were building homes, repairing school facilities, delivering food, and helping families throughout the community.

One of the most meaningful parts of the trip was seeing the relationships formed between volunteers and Belizean families.

“I was very much moved to see the work they were doing with a big smile, delivering food to the needy families, and how the Belizean families showed their gratitude with love and hugs.”

For Manjit, the library project became something especially close to her heart.

“I feel everyone should have access to free libraries and books to read for leisure.”

Her experience with CBM has continued beyond that first trip. She plans to return to Belize to help provide library training for school staff so that these libraries can continue serving their students.

“I am so glad that I got an opportunity to work with this mission to set up libraries and connect the children to books.”

More Than a Project

For many people, the things they accomplish during a mission trip are only part of what they take home with them.

Manjit’s son and grandson also joined the trip. For her grandson, Henry, the experience included meeting children his own age and forming a friendship that continued even after returning home.

“It was so nice for my grandson Henry to meet children his age and connect with them. He keeps in touch with one of the children he met on this trip.”

That is one of the things we value most about mission trips. The work may have a beginning and an end, but the relationships can continue.

“The Smiles and Hugs Warm My Heart”

Lynn Holl — January 2026

Lynn has traveled to Belize with CBM twice, spending time visiting children in schools and getting to know the people she came to serve.

“I am always amazed at how welcoming these children are with me.”

For Lynn, some of the most meaningful moments came through conversations and Bible studies with teachers after school.

“The Bible studies with the teachers after school have been faith building to say the least. The stories they share are so inspiring.”

Although Lynn does not consider herself a teacher, she found that the relationships she built with the children and teachers became one of the most memorable parts of her trips.

“I am not a teacher, but the respect I receive and the smiles and hugs warm my heart immensely.”

Her experience is a reminder that a mission trip is not only about what we are able to accomplish, but also about the people God allows us to meet along the way.

“To be a part of something so beautiful, seeing a new culture, and having a small part in making lives happier is an experience I will cherish and share with others.”

Even after returning home, those experiences have stayed with her.

“I still see the faces, the smiles, the beautiful eyes of the children and thank my Lord for the opportunity to experience such a beautiful time.”

Your Stories Are Part of the CBM Story

These are just two stories from CBM mission trips.

There are many more.

There are people who have returned year after year, people who came once and never forgot the families they met, and people whose first trip to Belize changed the way they saw service, community, and missions.

Every person comes with different gifts and different reasons for serving. Some come ready to work with their hands. Others come to teach, encourage, pray, organize, build relationships, or simply be present.

But through each trip, God works through ordinary people who are willing to come, serve, and love others.

Thank You

To everyone who has ever traveled to Belize with CBM, thank you.

Thank you for giving your time, your energy, your skills, and your heart. Thank you for the early mornings, the long days, the hard work, the laughter, the conversations, and the willingness to serve wherever you were needed.

The projects matter. The books matter. The buildings matter.

But so do the relationships.

The people who come to Belize become part of the story, and the people they meet become part of theirs.

Most importantly, we are grateful for the opportunity to see God working through these relationships, these acts of service, and the people who give their time to serve others.

You came. You served. You cared. And you became part of the CBM family.

With gratitude,

Corozal Belize Ministries