Page 120 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2025

WHERE WE’RE GOING
SHAR NG HOPE
Acrossss Borders story by Ronnie Arant
and Ross Richard
Earlier this year, The Home of Grace joined First Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs on a mission trip to Patchacan Village in Belize, a small Mayan community near the Mexican border. The focus of the trip was Jacob’s Rehabilitation Center, known locally as Jacob’s Farm—a 22-bed men’s addiction recovery facility founded by Trinity Presbyterian Church.
The most prevalent addictions in Belize are alcohol and crack cocaine. Many of the men at Jacob’s Farm are Belizean citizens who spent much of their lives in the United States before being deported due to substance abuse. Returning home with no family connections or support, they find themselves starting over with nothing.
The Home of Grace first connected with Jacob’s Farm several years ago and has been building a partnership ever since. When the opportunity arose to join this trip, Program Director Ronnie Arant and Admissions Director Ross Richard were chosen to represent Home of Grace and support the ministry’s growing efforts.
Upon arrival, Ronnie and Ross toured the facility and surrounding properties, which include a garden and fish farm that serve as both occupational therapy and income sources. The entire facility is powered by solar energy—a remarkable accomplishment.
Throughout their visit, Ronnie and Ross met with staff to refine daily operations, create an organizational chart, and clarify staff roles. They also led a training session and concluded the trip by facilitating a therapy group—sharing their personal testimonies and engaging in heartfelt conversation with the men.
“The most significant takeaway was the reminder that addiction is addiction, regardless of geography,” they shared. “The core struggles are the same, but the resources available in the U.S. are virtually nonexistent in Belize.”
The Home of Grace has now committed to an ongoing partnership with Jacob’s Farm and plans to return in January for a revival-style event. What began as a trip to help has become a lasting collaboration—multiplying the mission of recovery and hope far beyond Mississippi.
120 | December 2025
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living