Mennonites in Belize

  This article refers to the Plautdietsch Mennonites of Blue Creek, Spanish Lookout, Shipyard and Little Belize    We hear and read of how the Mennonites have built strong businesses, have prospered, have strengthened the economy, etc. But what we don't read or hear is the fact that for the last 3 decades or so, Mestizos (aka "spanish people") have gained strength in the labor force of the modern communities of Spanish Lookout and Blue Creek, especially Spanish Lookout. Western Dairies, Quality Poultry Products, Farmer's Trading Center and other well-known businesses are made up of an estimated 80% Mestizo employees. And not just common jobs; many have ascended the ladder to distinguished positions. The famous prefab "Mennonite" houses built by Linda Vista and Plett's Home Builder are built by Mestizos from surrounding villages. The trees are being cut down by non-Mennonites, a mixture of Mestizos, Creoles and Maya. The men tramping in the mud and ...

    Above is the  testimony of an ex-Holdeman Mennonite. Some of my future articles will be of ex-Mennonites who left their home churches and the reason why they left them. Old Colony, Beachy Amish, Old Order, etc. throughout Belize there are many who have left their traditional churches either voluntarily or were forced to.

  Menoniten Gemeinde Rosenort is a conservative church in Spanish Lookout which is made up mostly of ex-Kleine Gemeinde and ex-Old Colony Mennonites. They formed a few years ago and since then have been steadily growing. Their dress code and worship service is not traditional but is still very conservative (e.g. the ladies wear modest shirts, long skirts and no jewelery) as compared to other modern churches in Spanish Lookout. I was invited for evening services and enjoyed it very much, especially the sermon. Here is a  video of the choir singing. Services are all in Plautdietsch but English and Spanish translations are available. This video is not mine I'm just providing a link so you get a glimpse of this church.