In the midst of the hustle of this time of year we hope and pray that you find space to be present to the moments…enjoy family, reflect on the blessings God has given, experience hope and peace and healing where it is needed, and step into purpose as you head into the new year.
2019 in Review
GHANA We continue working with children rescued from slavery. Our teams teach in the local school, tutor students, cook meals, provide staff appreciation day, and lead a right of passage for the youth. A trip to Ghana is not complete without a harrowing visit to the slave castle active during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. We learn about the history and how to actively engage in breaking the cycle of human trafficking/slavery that exists today, even in our own back yards. Seeing first hand the power of forgiveness, the healing of God and the resiliency of the human spirit is life-changing.
SERVE SAN DIEGO, our Middle School Service Experience, kicked off in February. Hamilton Middle School in Novato, CA sent a team of 
students to serve alongside organizations that are working with the homeless and immigrant communities. Empathy and kindness were practiced and students who have themselves felt overlooked were able to feel the power of their intentional, genuine acts of kindness when they leave their electronics and are present to the world around them. Kids laughed, elderly shared stories and grown men cried tears of hope. To BE SEEN, to Be KNOWN, even if for a moment…reciprocal service matters.
GAP SEMESTER Three college students, three countries, three months serving, working and learning about their leadership gifts, justice, and growing in their understanding of who they are and who God is. The GAP student’s highlights were leading the Serve San Diego and Spring Break Mexico and they rocked it!
IMMIGRANT/REFUGEES 2019 saw a large influx of people seeking asylum in the United States or safety and a new start in Mexico. Through 
your support, Be2Live provided prenatal check-ups for 4 mom’s, 2 baby showers, beds for 24 people, 100’s of pounds of food and cleaning supplies, psychologist visits for minors, sponsoring the resettlement of a family from El Salvador. and the education of two minors.
MEXICO Over 300 people from 5 states and England helped build 2 houses, do updates at two orphanages, begin the perimeter of a new 
bilingual school, finish the computer lab at a local middle school, hang drywall, paint and level ground at a new youth center, serve hundreds of meals, play with kids and so much more. We learned from local Mexicans, we wrestled with the complexities of cyclical poverty and the refugee situation during our visit to the border wall. Mexico trips 2019 ended with the 4th annual Surf and Serve with a group of men who surf in the morning and night and serve in the community during the day.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT It is one thing to extend a helping hand and serve in another country, it is another thing to come under 
qualified indigenous leadership as they shape their own country. This is where we see a sustainable impact in the countries where we work. Be2Live currently sponsors three people from Nigeria, Ghana, and Mexico in different levels of their University/training degrees. For U.S. youth, the Be2Live Student Leadership Academy returns in January 2020 open to high school students as an avenue to discover and hone their unique skill sets. We love coming alongside people, seeing them take personal risks and thrive in their unique giftings.
We couldn’t do any of the above without you! Every trip you take, every donation you make creates change in the lives of people all over the world. If it has been a while since you have been on a trip, we’d love to have you back. If you are curious about anything mentioned above…contact us. Organizations in 3 new countries have reached out to us, asking for our help. When more people come alongside us, we are able to come alongside others who are making a difference all over the world. As we end this year we look back and say “Thank you”!
Thank you for impacting the lives of many with us. We wish you and your family a meaningful and fulfilling holiday season.
Much love, the Be2Live Team
