January 2011 Letter from Roy Goble

Dear Friend:

As I reflect on the past year I am humbled by the grace, mercy and encouragement that came through the work of PathLight. God shaped my heart in the midst of emergencies and disappointments. God sharpened my mind in the midst of challenges. God lifted my soul with unexpected accomplishments.

When the hurricane approached Belize in late October, I fell into prayer. It was a frightening experience as the weather maps showed the storm heading right over the PathLight mission and conference center. But in the midst of it, just as in the eye of a storm, I felt peace. God was present and protective. Nobody was harmed.

When a boy dropped out of our sponsorship program for academic and behavioral reasons, I mourned the lost opportunity. It felt like failure. But even in that "failure," God was at work: that boy later came to Christ and his life has been transformed.

When an unexpected staff change left us shorthanded for the Teacher Training Conference, the challenge seemed overwhelming. But again God took charge, and nearly 100 Belizean teachers received training that will be used to impact over 3000 students.

When the new school year was about to begin and both the tutoring and discipleship efforts were unstaffed, I wondered how we could possibly find the right person at the last minute. And then an extraordinary leader stepped forward and took charge. God was at work again.

When the oldest students began internships, I worried about how these kids from a rural village could adapt to a professional workplace. Again, God was at work, and I celebrated their accomplishments as I heard about their incredible experiences.

In the midst of poverty, during the worst economic climate in 70-years, with a damaged facility, God provided PathLight with all the resources needed.

Students are growing socially, academically and spiritually. Teachers are sharpening their skills and impacting thousands. Volunteers are offering their time and talent. Those who have been given much are providing much more. Students are becoming scholars, confused teenagers are developing confidence, and directionless hearts are seeking and finding the Savior.

I am humbled, and thankful, and looking forward to an incredible 2011.

Blessings,

Roy

Roy Goble
President and Co-Founder