Friends United Meeting's North American/Caribbean Board has dedicated the multipurpose room at Belize Friends Center in honor of Dale Graves, formerly the Interim Director for Belize Friends Ministries. Dale died on December 10th, 2018, eleven months after receiving a cancer diagnosis. He gave tirelessly to fulfill God’s call on Friends to witness to the love of Jesus Christ among the Southside community of Belize City, and was instrumental in helping FUM reach clarity on that call.
Since Dale led the work of finding, buying, and rehabilitating a new facility in which to house a burgeoning ministry, it is fitting that a room bears his name. The room was dedicated on March 2nd in honor of his service and faithful example, at the 3rd Annual Belize Friends School Gala.
Members of the Belize Friends School Board, School staff, FUM staff and the FUM Board all spoke at the ceremony in Dale’s honor. Two alums of the school, Brithney Bradley and Lisanie Garcia, spoke at the ceremony as well. Garcia is now in his second year at Maude Williams High School. His remarks included this quote from Nelson Mandela, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Garcia remembered Dale, and all the staff, as instrumental in building his confidence to go forward, saying:
"My world changed when I was enrolled here at the Belize Friends Boys School. When I started school here I was unsure of my true potential. Mr. Dale was among many other staff members who have given me the weapon which I can use to change my world. Mr. Dale and Ms. Candi were my greatest motivators, always pushing me and helping me whenever I needed extra help with my studies... I believe that we all have great potential to do great things in the world if given the chance and support. I don't know what the future holds, but I'm stepping forward with positivity anchored in my soul. I thank you all for believing in me and I vow to always make you proud."
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