The Full Story
About Us
Build Up Belize is a faith-driven nonprofit committed to repairing and rebuilding homes to create safe and sustainable infrastructure in impoverished communities across Belize. Our team - made up of professional builders, local volunteers, and ministry partners - work together to meet both physical and spiritual needs.
While our hands carry hammers, our hearts carry the Gospel. Every project we complete is an opportunity to share the love of Christ — through prayer, discipleship, and deep partnership with the people we work with and serve.
About Jesse McKenzie
Founder & Director of Build Up Belize, Inc.
My name is Jesse McKenzie, and my journey with Build Up Belize is deeply tied to my personal story, my faith, and the calling God has placed on my life.
Growing Up With a Heart for the Nations
When I was in high school, my family lived overseas in Africa on mission. Those years left a deep impression on me — I saw firsthand both the challenges and the beauty of life in developing countries. My family always made it a priority to serve and visit communities in need, and that spirit of compassion became woven into who I am.
Over time, I found myself fascinated by the culture and lifestyle of third-world countries. The resourcefulness, resilience, and community-centered way of living always felt like home to me.
My Calling to Belize
Among all the places I have been, Belize has always held a special place in my heart. I began visiting years ago, and over time, my connection only grew stronger. I’ve returned again and again, unable to shake the passion I feel for this country and its people. Belize has become more than a destination for me — it is a calling and a second home.
A Shift in My Heart
At one point, Belize was simply a getaway for me. I treated it like a vacation spot, a place to enjoy life and escape. But as I surrendered my life to Christ and renewed my faith, my perspective changed completely. Belize was no longer just a place for me to receive — it became a place for me to give, to serve, and to live out God’s bigger purpose for my life. You can read more about this journey here: "Where it all began"
A Builder by Trade, A Servant by Calling
I come from a long line of builders, and construction has always been a part of who I am. Those skills have become a tool for ministry — helping create safe homes, sustainable infrastructure, and opportunities for others to thrive. I believe God has taken my background in building and shaped it into something more eternal: building people up, building communities, and building disciples through His love.
Our Mission
Our mission goes beyond construction. Our goal is to share knowledge, skills, and the love of Christ through every project. By involving native workers and locally sourced materials, we pass on valuable building skills and economic opportunity to Belizean communities. These are not just short-term projects for temporary relief — they’re foundations for a more hopeful future.
"...from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love."
-Ephesians 4:16
Future Vision
Our vision is to complete multiple construction projects each year—bringing teams, families, and mission-minded individuals to Belize for hands-on service and spiritual impact. We aim to create life-changing experiences for volunteers while continuing to uplift and equip Belizean communities with lasting support.
As our ministry grows, so does our vision to serve more effectively and sustainably in Belize. In the coming year, we hope to take three important steps that will deepen our impact:
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Secure a Home Base for Ministry
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Obtain a Ministry Work Vehicle
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Raise Money for Projects in 2026
We believe these next steps will equip us to serve with greater excellence, expand our reach and share the love of Christ more boldly. If you feel called to be a part of this vision, we invite you to partner with us in prayer, giving or coming alongside in service.
