The Underwoods begin 14th year of Ministry in BELIZE on June 14, 2023!

A big THANKS to Dan and Toni for 13 great years of mission work!

In 2009, Mission Journeys had been praying about what the future of our mission work might look like. Not too far into the year, we were approached by Dan and Toni Underwood with a proposal. They felt God calling them to the mission field and they wanted to be the first “full-time” mission initiative of Mission Journeys. A partnership was formed in June of 2009. The Underwoods would be going to the Central American country of Belize, heading up a new ministry initiative called the Barnabas Project.

It was not the most conventional way to the mission field as Dan and Toni drove a RV (purchased in April 2010) through Mexico to Belize. They arrived in Belize on June 14, 2010.

Since then, the Underwoods have lived in Belize year-round, helping nationals and working with a few existing churches. Through this partnership, the Underwoods have been able to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of many disadvantaged people, with an emphasis on helping “at-risk” kids. They have also served as a point of connection for various mission teams looking for a place to serve.

Dan and Toni used the RV as their home and base of operations for nearly three years.
In 2015, however, the focus of their ministry shifted to the village of Cotton Tree just outside the capital city of Belmopan. Cotton Tree has served as the base of operations for Dan and Toni ever since. This location gives Dan and Toni more opportunities to share the Gospel through teaching and preaching. Dan continues to preach and help lead the Cotton Tree Church.

The Cotton Tree Church had 2 baptisms on June 04, 2023. That makes 4 baptisms for this year so far! The other 2 took place in late March/early April.

Hazel Underwood (Dan’s mother) passed away on Friday, June 09, 2023, at age 90. Dan and Toni will be coming up for the funeral to be held on Saturday, June 17. It will be a quick trip for Dan and Toni as they will get back to Belize rather quickly. Please keep the Underwood family in your prayers.