Meet Jennifer Gillett from Belize

Jennifer Gillett is a professional woman from Lord's Bank, a community just outside Belize City, Belize. Her father, Archie Gillett, served as pastor of Zion Church of the Nazarene in Belize City. One of four siblings, Jennifer is an elementary school teacher. She received her education at the University of Belize.

At the time of this interview, Jennifer was engaged to Nicholas Newman. They were married in December 2009.

HT: List the areas where you serve the church locally and on your district.

JG: At my church, I am involved with the church board, youth board, women's ministries, choir, and anywhere else I'm needed. On the Belize District, I serve on the boards of Nazarene Missions International and Nazarene Youth International (NYI).

HT: Since you were raised in the church, and since it is such an important part of your life, how do you connect with people in the world?

JG: I'm a very friendly person and have good, open relationships with the parents of my students. It seems that people tend to come and talk to me. My students love me. In Belize, it's okay to hug a child. I invite my neighbors to church and now two of them visit the church regularly.

HT: Who has inspired you?

JG: My parents, Archie and Celia. I would like to have a marriage just like theirs. To me they are the perfect couple. They've been together nearly 50 years.

HT: Tell us about the NYI on your district.

JG: Many people outside the Nazarene church don't know about NYI. We want people to know who the Nazarenes are when they see us doing outreach.

We're rallying the youth of Belize. The NYI hosted a variety show, a fundraising venture, and an outreach ministry. On a local radio station before the show, we did an interview letting people in the community know about NYI and that the Church of the Nazarene has this program for youth. Also, we wanted to get the word out about our summer youth camp.

My heart goes out to youth. We want to get outside the church and let people know about God. News reports show that almost every day a youth dies of a gunshot wound or from other violence. So our district NYI has decided to go out and see what we can do to help stop the violence and meet the needs of the youth

HT: What advice would you give to youth in Belize or anywhere?

JG: Make yourself marketable with education - go as high as you can go. Then you can choose your job rather than taking what they give you.

HT: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would you change?

JG: Would have gotten married earlier in life. I was into education, not men.

HT: Was it hard to find time to date?

JG: Where ministry is concerned, I was always busy - didn't have time for anybody (i.e., to pursue a relationship). I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

HT: What did you look for in a person with whom to share your life?

JG: I looked for three things:
1. Someone who loved the Lord more than he loved me.
2. Someone who was willing to share ministry with me.
2. Someone interested in the same things as I am.

HT: What propels you in life?

JG: First of all, my love for the Lord - I just want to do what He wants me to do. I enjoy working with people. I love what I do! Also, I love the church and want to see the best for the church.

HT: As a teacher, do you have a favorite children's book?

JG: I read a lot of Helen Keller books and use some of her stories in the classroom.

HT: Favorite childhood memory?

JG: Traveling with my family, especially to Mexico just before Christmas.

HT: Is it hard being a single adult in this world?

JG: Well, it can be lonely sometimes. But sometimes it's good to be by yourself.

HT: How do you maintain your morals?

JG: Everything is God. 'God, you take care of me, you know my weaknesses.' It's amazing what you can do with God's help.

Country Facts
Population: 307,899.
Location: Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico.
Religions:
Roman Catholic-50 percent.
Protestant-27 percent.
Other-14 percent.
None-9 percent.
Languages:
Spanish-46 percent.
Creole-33 percent.
Mayan dialects-9 percent.
English-4 percent (official).
Other-8.
Source: CIA World Factbook

Church of the Nazarene in Belize
Region: Caribbean
District: Belize
Members: 2,152
Churches: 43

Holiness Today, 2009

Please note: This article was originally published in 2009. All facts, figures, and titles were accurate to the best of our knowledge at that time but may have since changed.