The program this week was brought to us by the husband and wife team, consisting of John and Lisa Gott, behind Kabod International (“Kabod”). Kabod is the Hebrew word for glory and this duo selected this word because their mission is to do just that – give glory to God. They have three children and five grandchildren and have spent the majority of their lives overseas. They met in school in Utah and both felt the call to fulfill a need to help people. Specifically, they sought endeavors where they could help families. Albania in Eastern Europe was one of their first projects. However, the war on terror in Albania was difficult on their blooming family and an opportunity presented itself in Belize in the form of 250 acres in Punta Gorda Town.

Their organization offers many programs to families. One of which is a one week summer camp for approximately 600-800 children, not all at once. Belize is known as a “fatherless” nation, where it is not uncommon for one man to have many children with different women and not play a father role in the lives of these children. As a result, the traditional family unit is not known and poverty is wide spread. Kabod models family, traditional Christian values and abundance for these children during their camp. Kabod also helps fathers realize and appreciate their importance through various training and mentorship opportunities. There are also programs to help children with special needs and to help lead law enforcement to have better morals.

They are currently seeking $25,000 to build a playground and many families will travel for hours just to let their children play at one of Kabod’s playgrounds – the same types of playgrounds that we pass by in abundance in California at least once on our way to work, school and/or home without much regard to their significance. A group of Arcadia Rotarians are of course planning a trip to Belize to help – why wouldn’t we, it’s what we do. Thanks to John Wilson, next term’s President, for getting the wheels spinning on this endeavor.