Juntos Belize | Why Belize?

Seeds to Sprouts | The founders of Juntos Belize first travelled to Belize in 1997 for a short-term mission project. They lived and worked at the Belize Christian Academy just outside Belmopan, the capital city. That initial visit planted seeds that would eventually grow into what Juntos Belize has become today.

It’s Closer than You Might Think

Just two jet hours away from Houston, Dallas, or Miami, the country of Belize is remarkably accessible.

Why should you care? You (or your team) are less likely to arrive jet-lagged and tired. Invest more of your limited time and resources in the project.

Words with(out) Walls

Belize is Central America's only English-speaking nation.

Why should you care? There’s more to a common language than meets the eye. Here’s a bit more detail:

  • Connect Immediately
    Conversation flows naturally without the barrier of translation, allowing for presentation and discussion of more complex topics… immediately.

  • Get the Subtlety
    Complex topics and subtle principles can be conveyed precisely without losing meaning and/or impact in translation.

  • Cultural Relevance
    Many aspects of relationship building depend heavily on listening to the people you have intentions to serve for guidance, direction, and cultural relevance.

  • Common Resources
    Training materials can be used directly from U.S. sources. Share access to web resources. Eliminate the time and expense of translation services, reprinting, and transportation. Full access to social media and online communication tools for all team members.

  • Operational Efficiency
    Communicate clearly in one-on-one discussions, meetings, and workshops. Implement programs quickly. Easier documentation and shared record-keeping.

Shared Time Zone

Belize doesn’t observe daylight savings time but depending on the time of year, the country is +/- an hour of EST or CST in the U.S

Why should you care? The shared time zones between Belize and the U.S. (Belize aligns with U.S. Central Time) enable several practical advantages, including: ready access for daily interaction, meetings, and presentations; more frequent opportunities for regular collaboration; and immediate interaction and response on time-sensitive issues.

The nature of ministry partnership also aligns with normally scheduled events such as online training and mentoring and the natural rhythm for regular check-ins and spontaneous updates.

Safe Harbor

Belize stands out in the region for its political stability. Since gaining independence from Great Britain in 1981, Belize has maintained a stable parliamentary democracy with peaceful transitions of power through regular elections.

  • Unlike many of its regional neighbors, Belize has avoided the military coups, civil wars, and drug-related violence that have plagued countries like Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.

  • While Mexico continues to battle powerful drug cartels and other Central American nations struggle with gang violence and political upheaval, Belize maintains a relatively peaceful society governed by democratic principles. 

  • This stability, rooted in its British Commonwealth heritage, makes Belize an attractive and secure destination for international partnerships and ministry, allowing organizations to focus on their mission without the safety and security concerns that often complicate work in neighboring countries.

Why should you care? Common sense and normal precautions will provide a reasonable framework for effectively and safely navigating Belize.

Cultural Diversity

The total population of Belize (~400,000) reflects a rich diversity of cultural groups, including descendants of British settlers, the descendants of African slaves (Creole), the indigenous peoples of Belize (Mayan), a unique culture blending African, Carib, and Arawak heritages (Garifuna), a unique blend of Spanish and Mayan heritage (Mestizo), and other well-represented segments including Chinese, Lebanese, Indian, Mennonites, and East Indians.

Why should you care? This cultural tapestry creates a unique opportunity to engage multiple distinct communities with ready access to:

  • English-speaking Creoles,

  • Culturally rich Garifuna,

  • Three distinct Maya groups (Kekchi, Mopan, and Yucatec), and

  • Mestizos with European and indigenous American ancestry.

All this makes Belize an ideal platform for developing culturally sensitive approaches to ministry, allowing teams to experience cross-cultural service without the expense, delay, and logistical challenges of overseas travel.

For more information about Belize, visit About Belize. And if you have any additional questions, please contact us directly at info@juntosbelize.org.