Monkey River

It surely is the rainy season here in PG. This means heavy rain and thunder almost every night and possibly (like today) continuing through the day. But the days are still warm and sometimes hot.

The last few days have been busy. On Tuesday I accompanied the Bishop and a delegation from Synod Office on a visit to Monkey River and Punta Negra. To get to Monkey River I took the 6am bus which arrived at the Monkey River cutoff at about 7:30. Soon the bishop arrived, having left Belize City about 5am, and we drove the 8 slow miles on unpaved road to a ferry that takes you across the river to Monkey River Town, known for its howler monkeys. Deacon Tess used to minister in Monkey River but since she returned to Canada in the beginning of the year Sunday worship has been a rarity. There is, however, a very active Anglican school and we got to be part of a ceremony honouring the retiring (again) principal. The 25 minute boat ride to Punta Negra was a wet one, both from spray and rain, but the meeting held with the Punta Negra community was very productive. By the time we made the return trip the ocean was calm and the skies dry.

On Thursday the Pastor’s Fellowship heard from two speakers. One was promoting Every Home for Christ – Belize and the other introducing YC Belize, a youth outreach conference which will be an outgrowth of a Canadian initiative, YC Alberta. The pastors here have a very high concern for the spread of the Gospel in the Toledo Region.

In between such things I am trying to work with a group to organize a summer softball league for 8-12 year olds. Fun and games, but I think enough enthusiastic people to make it go.