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Muhammad Ali street was always filled with two things. Cars and children. We would play all kinds of games around the neighborhood, and us boys (my cousins and I) would playfully fight over which car passing by was ‘ours’. The memory of Mr. Dickie’s off-blue sedan making its rounds in our neighborhood with a cheerful smiling lady in the front (Mrs. Loretta Soutar) will forever be embedded in my mind. He had a street militancy about him, and I don’t remember what he said, but that was his vibe. My cousins didn’t fight for this car. They said it was mine.  Mrs. Soutar invited my cousins and I (the whole tribe) to VBS, and though I didn’t know it, this was probably the day I was called. At VBS, Mrs. Velasquez led me to Christ. I remember the Adam and Eve story, the same one I was reading at home, being told in Belize Kriol with a lot of improvising and visual aids by Ms. Jacqueline Jones, and other dramatic presentations from the bible being told. Ms. Jones and Mrs. Velasquez would cry real tears while telling a testimony or a bible story. I was amazed, and I wondered if the tears were real. Back at home, we had big discussions if the people at church were genuine or acting – or a combination. How and why were these women crying! One thing for sure, they really were putting their all into VBS. And VBS was so alive! I never experienced lively music in a church setting before; and Nicole Soutar led the music like an international singer. I returned year after year – eventually helping the team from about age 12. I remember a tall skinny White man named Matt, pretending to surf on stage as we sang the theme song Surfin’ God’s word! Moving in the right direction and we’re surfin’ His holy word! We had a blast. And it was quite interesting from a child’s perspective to see his relationship with his now wife Latoya bud and bloom along with his Belize Kriol which always made us laugh.  Church attendance most Sundays at my Primary School’s catholic church was mandatory. So for a while I was living an almost double life. Going to St. Ignatius early for mass to get my card signed by the priest and happily making my way to Open Door’s later in the morning. But the cherry on top of my week as a child and young Believer was Wednesday night Fellowship. Admittedly because of the food. Miss Heidy and Miss Yvonne served the food those Wednesday nights after church, and it felt like Christmas every week, as everyone would gather around and actually talk and fellowship. I got along with the young and the old. The young such as Jevon, and the old such as Fritz and Kris Bowen, Leon, Horace and Kenny. I had young men to look up to such as Andrew Arana. I admired the way he read. I looked up to people like Mr. Emil, who taught me how to pan a camera, and I looked up to guys like Kingsley for the way he talked to God/pray. It was Kingsley who taught me to always say “we” when praying in public. Little tips like that go a long way.  The first song I sang as a solo was Oh Holy Night. It was sometime around 2002 or so. I would have been about 11. The pianist, Mr. Andrew Cain, was practicing one Saturday afternoon in church, and I walked up to his keyboard and started singing. He quickly got up and set up a mic and said to sing it again. I did. I felt slightly self-conscious that the whole neighborhood could hear us. I didn’t realize he liked my singing voice and was somewhat amazed, until he said I sounded like the CD. He gave me a dose of confidence. The next thing I knew, I was in singing in groups with Ms. Sandra Bradshaw and her two daughters Sashá and Shanya, and soon after in cantata.  Through camps and church activities I grew and grew in the Lord. Nevertheless, during my teen years, I drifted a bit but like the numbers in the bible that represent the verses, I was guided by someone or the other along the way. A word of encouragement. A memorable one liner or two. For instance, at one summer camp about 2010 or so, someone said: “What is the point of doing something if it doesn’t change you?” That line stuck with me, and I began to not only be a one-day type of Christian.  But Open Door has been a source of fellowship, brotherhood, life-long friendships, and a place where we worship in spirit and in truth. A certain place where we come together and enjoy being in God’s presence together.   There is a myriad of words of wisdom over the years, but some that stand out are: “Richard, don’t be a statistic” – Mrs. Loretta Soutar “Mi nevah know seh Richard talk so much!” – Elder Dwayne Scott “Wait I say on the Lord” – Mr. Dickie Soutar  “I’ve been praying for you” – Ms. Vangie “Ah proud ah yuh, son” – Mr. Dickie Soutar But the quote we should all be striving to hear is “Well done my good and faithful servant. Enter innto my rest.” Over the past 25 years, I’ve seen many come and many go for various reasons: migration, changing locations and churches, or giving up. It is my prayer that all who step foot through these doors, whether they come to stay or eventually go, that they will come to the vital realization that we must be transformed internally and live out our salvation outwardly, using our time and our talents or the glory of God. 

Twenty-five years ago when the Lord called Gordon and Loretta Soutar to begin the work of Open Door Believers Chapel, he moved the hearts of friends near and far to come along side them and support the work. Dickie and Loretta had found the church that the Lord had shown him in a dream, but they would need $30,000 to secure the purchase. Gordon and Loretta emptied their savings and Mrs. Heidi Gutierrez and Ms. Florence Dillett lovingly gave the balance to secure the purchase of the building. Roy Bowen counseled Mr. Soutar on the importance of doing everything in black and white, so he went ahead and took care of the cost of all the legal aspects of the transfer. So, the land and building was legally secured and a mortgage was signed for Open Door Believers Chapel. There was now one looming problem, Dickie and Loretta who had used all their savings to pay towards the downpayment, were now unable to pay the first mortgage payment. God showed his hand of blessing and Raymond Arnold, a friend from Stan Creek stepped in and gave the first mortgage payment. Bill Hunter, Dickies close friend in Jamaica, and a constant support over the last 25 years, began to spread the word that Dickie had started a work; when Mr. Harris heard this he gave the first set of communion cups and trays to the church. Open Door had only been keeping services for a couple months when Dr. Martin from His Servants Ministry came to a service, this visit was the start of a long and blessed friendship. He saw that Dickie was singing from a karaoke machine with 4 mics plugged into it using a jack, he couldn’t believe that a such a powerful worship service was being done through that. So, seeing the need he gave the first amplifier and speaker to the church. Some years later he would once again donate another set of speakers to the work. And many years later Dr. Martin, his son Ricky Martin along with His Servants Ministry would give a gift that would be used to secure the purchase of the parking lot next door. Ever since the doors were opened on that September morning the giving of the saints covered not only the payments for the mortgage but also supported the expansion of the building simultaneously. At this time Mr. Mark Valesquez and his family were fellowshipping at Open Door. Mr. Mark was a contractor, and he took on the Levitical responsibility of building the house of the Lord. The one condition that Dickie had was that services must never be stopped because of construction. Mr. Mark made this happen. He built the new church building, around, beside and over the old building and not once was services ever canceled. My Father’s House on Central American Boulevard is another building that the Lord has allowed us to be stewards of. This much needed space houses the Bible Society, a ministry dear to the heart of Dickie Soutar. Ms. Mariane Smith who fellowshipped with us before she passed away along with Mr. James Petrie from Compassionate Heart Alliance who still visits us every year; asked our assembly to be the stewards for the building. It has been an ever daunting task but one that is a blessing. Camp and Vacation Bible School are major components of the fabric and identity of Open Door Believers Chapel. Dr. Lucas Henry and his wife Zelena have been ministering to the spiritual needs of our campers for over 20 years and their local assembly Sanford Chapel in North Carolina has given faithfully to the camping ministry.  13 years ago the Lord brought the First Baptist Church of Elijay into the folds of our assembly. They did a couple years with us and after that they began to do VBS in other parts of the city, but they always supported our VBS with much needed materials. From this partnership, lifelong friendships have been forged on individual levels with John and Debra Jones and with Josh Moyer; as well as a church partnership between both assemblies.  10 years ago, we met Ryan Foust and his team from Thrive Indianola Church in Iowa and an immediate bond was formed. From this kingdom connection we’ve been blessed both personally and as a church by friendships made with sisters Karen and Kathy and with Ryan who support our VBS, our productions and our back-to-school drive. Over the years as the church-fellowship tide has naturally ebbed and flowed, and persons have come and gone, the Lord has still moved the hearts of his people both here and abroad to give free will offerings to the work. Our diaspora has been faithful in their love and support and prayers. Marigold Williams who was once a member of our ladies committee migrated to the states several years ago but has faithfully supported our camping ministry. Even our young people that have gone away send gifts for the work. We can call on our diaspora from Taiwan to bring needed items for camp. We can call on our diaspora in America to order and send down a movie just to show at camp. We are never far from the minds and hearts of our members that have moved away. The prayer of the leaders of Open Door Believers Chapel has always been that the Lord would carry on the work for a thousand generations or until He comes; this will happen because the biggest supporters and partners of the work are the believers at Open Door believers Chapel. The saints at Open Door Believers Chapel have hearts of flesh that are soft to the voice of God and to the gentle leading of His Spirit. They give freely and willingly to support the various ministries and needs of the assembly; this has ensured and will ensure the continuous work that the Lord has started. The Lord’s work and his people will continue to

By: Seidy Williams A Graced Moment is an occurrence in our lives that causes us to stop and think about the role we are called to play in the Kingdom of God.  A Graced Moment can come at a major decision, an impactful(insightful/happy/sad) event or situation, or when a person feels the need to change his or her lifestyle. –Msgr. Joe Pellegrino God’s grace on the other hand, is usually defined as undeserved favor. Grace cannot be earned; it is something that is freely given. (Ephesians 2:8) I started my marriage journey around the same time I started Open Door Believer’s Chapel (ODBC), about 24 years ago.  On the 9th anniversary of our marriage, the Lord blessed my womb with the child that my husband Fernando and I had been praying for, for several years. Our first 9 years of marriage were rocky.  It’s like I existed without purpose. I wasn’t completely happy at home, and at church I was what some would call “a bench-warmer”.  I was very shy (still kind of am), so I would mostly stay invisible.  My walk with Christ was unstable so naturally, my marriage was also unstable.  I now realize, our relationship was dependent upon our continued, intimate connection with Christ.  Fast-forward a couple years, our marriage was now on the verge of a divorce. Satan would have loved that.  I really am not sure how we got there, other than we didn’t give our all to the Lord nor to each other.  I realized we had entered the marriage unprepared, clueless of God’s design: to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ and to imitate the relationship of Christ and His church.  In my hopelessness and despair, I cried out to the Lord for answers and He heard my cry.  He spoke to me with love and grace, in many ways through family, friends and my church community at ODBC.   The first thing the Lord did was to bring back to me the words Bro. Dickie had prayed over our son Jonathan on the day of his dedication to the Lord, when he was 2 months old.  These words made a resounding impact.  Fernando and I had promised to train up this child in the ways of the Lord, in a godly home where we would love, honor and serve the Lord always. I was reminded that motherhood was my ministry.  I was reminded of my role as a godly mother, wife and Kingdom woman.  My marriage covenant was not only between two, but three: Fernando, myself AND God.  That was “the moment I stopped to reflect on my role in God’s Kingdom and I had to make a major decision”.  I chose Jesus Christ. God’s grace saved us.  My husband and I repented and decided to fight for our marriage and fully surrender our lives to the Lord.   He continued to put the right people and send the help we needed as we continued to trust Him.  As I look back, I am so grateful for Bro. Dickie’s words of encouragement and love, despite our obvious failures and imperfections.  Had he not allowed himself to be used by the Lord and extend his love and grace to us throughout all these years, without condemning us, we would not be here today. When I thought I was broken and unworthy; when Fernando thought his failures overcame him, there was hope in Jesus through the ministry, the teachings, the activities and the love and grace from Bro. Dickie, his wife Mrs. Loretta, and the ODBC community.  Since recommitting my walk to the Lord back then, a series of happenings have contributed to where I stand today in the Lord. I suddenly wanted to be a part of His Kingdom work and be used by Him. I did not want to go back to the lifeless me.  I delved into God’s Word.  I still have this verse written on a paper in my Bible, which I clung to from 2 Cor 12:9. I sought the Lord in every way possible, and ODBC had a lot to offer: Sunday’s song sheets became clippings on my prayer/worship wall , I soaked in sermons and mid-week teachings; attended marriage seminars and fellowship events such as Valentine’s; Ladies’ meetings; camps; VBS, cantata; the Lord’s Supper, which is vital.  Under the leadership of our Elders, I have grown to love God’s Word even more as they continually expound the Word of God.   Fast-forward to the present. I continue to serve in God’s Kingdom, whether its supporting fellowship events, serving on our ladies committee or being a part of a small women’s group, that Aunt Flo leads. I seek to fulfill my Kingdom woman role.  Imagine! For the 24 plus years that I have been at ODBC, half of that life I had been pretty much inactive.  Thank God for His grace, for He pulled me out of that zone and placed me where I am. What’s my purpose in God’s Kingdom?  To bring my Lord glory, as He alone deserves.  Have things been perfect?  None at all.  But as I face struggles, and some have hit really hard, I make a daily choice to surrender and allow the Holy Spirit to lead me, and to rest in His peace. Difficulties and trials have brought me to Jesus’s feet and have helped me grow nearer to Him and have strengthened my faith. In those moments He has shown me His grace. I leave you with these final words of my favorite “grace” song:  “But for your grace I could not be saved, but for your grace, I would go my way. I’m forever grateful that You have been faithful to me Lord, for Your amazing Grace”.

Delanni Thurton Romero, Fellow Saint – ODBCer For Life ODBC Creativity What would we bottle in a time capsule that captures ODBC that we can take out in next 25 years. Well in the twenty-five years of Open-Door Believer’s Chapel ministry – there are thousands of photographs to choose from our countless events – girl’s club, men’s mentorship trips, sleepovers, valentine fellowships, Caye trips and many many more adventures over the years that can be placed in our ODBC time capsule. Videos that showcase our numerous productions, dances, drama, music, choir, movies, and the list could go on. For the next twenty-five years ahead, I instead would want us to encapsule ODBC’s creativity – whether it’s technical or artistic or whether it’s our innovative thinking, this element that God has blessed our church with breathes energy and life through the years. As the God who is our creator – who is exceptionally creative with his inspired expressions and his intentionality about details – so must we as a church be intentional about doing the work of the Lord through our creative facets.  Meeting the needs of the Saints As ODBC encapsules the attribute of meeting the needs of the saints I’d like us to reflect on what that embodies. Throughout the years, ODBC has consistently served others whether it was through weekly lunch monies for selected students or for the faithful weekly prayers as a church for our saints living or studying abroad, prayers for the sick, the needy, those seeking jobs etc. This need also encompasses great messages and rich teachings that we’ve received over the years. In Ephesians 4 God’s word instructs us to equip the saints for the work of the ministry and for building up the body of Christ. ODBC leaders have poured into its saints equipping and training.  Yes, ODBC has managed through God’s grace to live out 1 Thessalonians 5 where Paul encourages the believers in Thessalonica to build up one another, pray always for others, respect those who God places over you to lead and instruct, being patient with everyone, be joyful always, and learn to be content in any circumstance and do not repay evil for evil. May we as a church never lose this important core of who we are but more importantly what God’s commandments state – faith, hope and love abides but the greatest of these three is love. May we always endeavour to meet God’s requirements.  Pioneering Spirit I would want us to recapture that pioneering spirit so it can be encapsuled. According to Church News Archives (2005) pioneers are those that go before, tread first on new terrain, and those whose critical moments of decision must be based upon faith alone. ODBC was born from one man’s vision and his obedience to listen, trust and follow God. May we retrieve this pioneering spirit that would allow us to step out in faith braving the storms that may come in order to prepare a way for others to come to know Christ. Afterall we would be following the example of our saviour – the one who is the pioneer of our salvation. John 14:12 says “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do…” Truthfully though – things placed in a time capsule stands still – they are placed in a durable container that would preserve and protect its content so that nothing changes – minimal damages but also no growth. While we would want to bottle these attributes which is the essence of ODBC, wrapping them with acid free tissue to ensure longevity or utilizing archival quality paper for photocopying so documents would last through the ages; instead, we should wrap and enclose these attributes in new wineskin that is able to withstand the new wine the Lord is getting ready to pour into his ODBC saints.  May we all be encouraged to take on the next twenty-five years with these elements or characters if you will, encapsuled in every ODBC member’s heart. An era has undoubtedly marked and left its legacy, let even the residue of this legacy be persevered in a life that pleases God who called us to share in his kingdom and his glory.

By Gordon “Dickie” Soutar In hindsight hearing and responding to God’s call was in three stages over a long period. For me it was never just “a me thing”. From the very first encounter there was always a three-fold witness working with me for God’s good: Therefore, there was no excuse for me not to hear and respond to God’s call. Believe me, I was prepared for what would come to be known by me as “special moments”. My first encounter with hearing God’s call was in church when I was only 10 years old. The message that night was on the “call of Samuel”. Every word seemed like arrows of fire shot straight at my tender soul. It was as if every word of the text leapt out of the page of scripture and burned its way into my heart. A strong presence of the Holy Spirit seemed to be speaking to me loud and clear by name. This caused my tears to flow non-stop throughout the message that night. At the end of the sermon the pastor closed the service with “Hushed was the evening hymn”. It served as a prayer for me as I dedicated my young life to the service of the Lord in answer to His call. That hymn left its mark on my life forever; and its melody was imprinted on my spirit’s memory. Verse three of the hymn says O give me Samuels’ ear. The open ear O Lord. Alive and quick to hear. Each whisper of your Word. Like him to answer at Your call. And to obey You first of all. I never heard that hymn before and I haven’t heard it in any service since; but I still sing it privately to remind and renew my call to the Lord. Beloved, the Lord has not stopped whispering to me since. My mother explained to me what was taking place. “My child” she said, “tonight, you, like Samuel, heard and responded to the voice of God. This is what you were born for”. She then explained to me how she had dedicated me to the Lord from the womb, for this very purpose. She promised that blessed assured she would be praying to this end. Sometime later that year she called me to her side, and told me that I was not to marry a Jamaican but a Belizean , a girl from the country she was born. But at ten years old this meant nothing to me. During my high school days, my homeroom teacher, who had spent some time in Belize showed a special interest in me that would last for the next 47years. Burdened for the Brethren work in Belize he quietly prayed that the Lord would raise up one of his students to serve in Belize. I learnt of this 14 years later when I was about to depart to Belize. What a man of prayer. Now at a missionary meeting 15 years after my first call, the Word of the Lord spoke to me again. This time the Holy Spirit identified both the 1) person I would marry (a young lady from Belize) and 2) the place where I would serve – Belize. When I told my mother she was again overjoyed, and said “Son, this is where you were born to serve.” To prepare myself for missionary service on the advice of my elders, I enrolled at Midland Bible Institute. The dorm mother was a former missionary in Belize. She was a prayer warrior who trained me in righteousness. She made it her promised duty to pray with me and for me. Many years later on her dying bed she held my hand and told me faintly she had not stopped praying for me. Now after all this encouraging background of witnesses, when I came to Belize the leaders of the church told me I was not the man they were praying for. I could not understand it. All my life I prepared myself to come here, first studying at Midland Bible Institute then the International Seminary in Florida. When I informed my Brethren leaders in Jamaica they wisely told me that I was in the place God wanted me to be – that they were convinced. Brother Clyde Edwards told me that maybe the Lord wants to use me for the redemption of the Brethren work in Belize – be patient. I received that Godly advice as a word from the Lord as I waited. While still doing the work of the Lord I began teaching. Some 20 years after coming to Belize, God spoke again from His word. This time it came with commands and a promise- II Corinthians 6:17 “Come out from among them and be ye separate saith the Lord and Isiah 43:18-19. “Do not remember the former things. Nor consider the former things of old. Behold I will do a new thing. Now it shall spring forth, shall you not know it?” In 1998, the year of jubilee – the new thing – Open Door Believers Chapel was raised up by the Lord. It was 40 years after I heard and responded to my first call. It has been a patient, sometimes painful but precious journey; a journey I will always treasure, for now I knew without the shadow of a doubt – This was the work I was born for.