Mennonites in Belize

    NEWS: As the global death toll from the coronavirus exceeds 14,000, Belize's Ministry of Health has implemented several regulations with the promise to constantly update and modify as the need requires:   The international airport is closing down for passenger planes this coming week. Only cargo planes are allowed.    The terrestrial borders have all been shut down; only cargo trucks allowed.    Gatherings of more than 25 people are forbidden.    Strict social distancing is strongly advised.    There was more on the list but these were at the top. Each major town is implementing its own regulations, with some towns ordering the closure of bars, casinos, and restaurants. The tourism department is by far the hardest hit as resorts, hotels and lodges have shut down country wide. All schools, private and public, were ordered shut down on Friday, March 20th. Quarantine orders are in effect for residents returning home from ...

  The following groups are inclined towards, but do not necessarily require, immersion (submerge) baptism                                    EMMC    Baptism is usually done at a river, often in groups and from what I understand it is something that is expected of a person after declares he has accepted Christ. Proof of genuine repentance and new birth do not appear to be obligatory, simply a verbal assent of belief in Jesus Christ. It's your heart that matters, nothing else. A baptismal service can be attended by anyone.                Other Charismatic Churches   While there is a stronger emphasis on accepting Jesus Christ and following it with baptism, there is also no questions asked about a person's previous life. A person could appear out of nowhere, attend services for 2 S...

The following Mennonite groups all practice affusion baptism, meaning water is poured or sprinkled on the head of the applicant.                              Old Colony   To become a member of the church requires baptism, which I understand is done just before marriage, which in turn usually happens at an early age. Age 17 to 20 for most girls while for boys it's usually a little older. There is a doctrinal handbook taught in their schools and homes, the catechism , which outlines the Biblical principles that must be adhered to. Unfortunately the spiritual meaning seems to have been lost over the years. There is no genuine repentance, new birth or knowledge of the Holy Spirit, simply a cold and rigid acceptance of community rules and traditions. To many of them, baptism is merely the first step of marriage. Of course, only members of the church can attend the baptismal service and ONLY community memb...

  With all the news and speculations about the global coronavirus floating around, I decided to do a bit of questioning around to see the Mennonites' response and opinion concerning the virus. I spoke to several persons, all under the various branches of  the Mennonite tree.   Old Colony, Holdeman, Old Order, Kleine Gemeinde, etc. While each spoke his opinion and view, one common thread could be heard in their voices: acceptance that God is the only life-giver. We can do nothing beyond our allotted time on earth. It is only God who can say when and how our lives will end. We should do our part in keeping and promoting a balanced diet and take the right vitamins, but whether or not we die from it nobody can control it. We should also do our part in protecting ourselves and our fellow-citizens and we should act responsibly in sharing the right information and follow government regulations. Tens of thousands of children die every year from malnutrition and hunger, not ...

  I am currently working on a Spanish article : Menonitas en Belice. In the meantime I have closed the Instagram, Facebook and Twitter page under the name "Belize Mennonites" due to personal reasons. Only the Youtube channel remains but I have been debating on whether or not to close that one too. You can leave your feedback or opinion  here .                               A. Mendoza