History of the Mission Work
In 1965 Elder Lincoln Berry Sr. answered the call from God to go to the country of British Honduras which is now called Belize. Not knowing anything about this country or where it was, Elder Berry researched, fasted and prayed until God provided direction and the means for him to travel to the British Honduras. Meeting the Belizean people and scouting out the country during his first trip was quite an experience. He returned home with an enthusiastic outlook on the work to be done in Belize. He built a mission home in Belmopan, Belize and set up what was called AID of Missions (American Independent Department of Missions) later becoming Belize Independent Missions. Elder Berry’s mission was to aid the poor and elderly. His vision (dream) was to build a home for the elderly. He helped Pastors develop their faith and taught them to build their members’ faith. He helped establish churches, physically built two churches, and assisted in building several other churches. Elder Berry is known throughout the country of Belize. His best friend, Elder Jessie Graham, traveled and assisted him in Belize for over twenty years. They traveled throughout the country of Belize evangelizing and teaching the people salvation and faith in God. Their ministry also included outreach in nursing homes and prisons.
Elder Berry and Missionary Jordan
Missionary Thelma Jordan, Elder Berry’s Niece, moved to Belmopan, Belize during the mid-80’s to assist Elder Berry due to his diminishing sight. Missionary Jordan continued the mission work after the passing of Elder Berry and his friend Elder Graham. Many years of service was given by Missionary Jordan until October, 2015. Missionary Jordan returned to the United States due to her declining health.
Founder and Co-Founder/
Elder Larry & Sister Ann Johnson
Continuing the Mission Work of Dad Berry Through Covenant of Love and Compassionate Missions International
“Covenant of Love Compassionate Missions International” was birthed out of love and commitment to fulfill the vision of the late Elder Lincoln Berry, Sr. Ann Berry Johnson along with her husband Larry Johnson and Sister, Lois Berry Steward, are continuing the mission work of Dad Berry in Belize.
In 2012 three of Elder Berry’s children, Ann Johnson, Lois Steward, and Lincoln Berry, Jr., along with two of Elder Graham’s children, Harold Graham and Jonathan Graham, made a visit to Belize regarding the mission work there.
During this visit, they were reunited with pastors and families that Dad Berry had worked with and assisted for many, years. Through Harold Graham, new Connections were made with Pastor Earnest Tate, pastor of Cayo Christian Church, founder and president of Cayo Christian Academy. Public schools only go through the 8th grade. Through the support of sponsors, Pastor Tate takes in students who cannot afford to continue their education. The school has over 240 students who could have possibly been drawn into gangs, sex trafficking, or on the streets. Covenant of Love’s mission is to help sponsor students.
Pastor Ernest Tate
Pastor Miki Collier
Speaking to students During Chapel
A team was organized in 2015 by Elder and Sis. Johnson to assist in the Belize mission work. The team was introduced to Pastor Tate and his work with Cayo District Christian Academy. The students fell in love with team member Pastor Miki Collier after she spoke to them during Chapel. Services were rendered by several team members at some of the churches Dad Berry worked with. Elder Johnson, Bishop Wright, and Elder Graham were invited to appear on Belizean National TV which was broadcasted throughout the country, and was very effective.