Well-known radio presenter and news reader Barry Fraser is leaving the island at the end of this month on a mission to Belize.

The 61-year-old has been working with the Bermuda Broadcasting Network in sales and reading the morning news for the company's three radio stations for the last several years, but will be saying farewell to listeners on Friday, March 28 as he readies himself to travel to Belize the following day, where he will be joining the staff of My Refuge Christian Ministries in Belmopan, Belize, Central America.

An active part of Bermuda Spirit radio for several years, Mr. Fraser began to see his role in the Christian radio station gradually change and then decline.

Eventually, his weekday drive-home broadcast, which featured inspirational music, came to an end last November.

"I keep the Prayer of Jabez in my wallet," Mr. Fraser shared, and for quite some time, he had praying for the Lord to enlarge his territory, as the Prayer, found in 1 Chronicles 4:10, reads.

With the transition of Bermuda Spirit to FM, Mr. Fraser believed that that was how the Lord was expanding his territory, "But in fact, it was Belize!"

Mr. Fraser first became familiar with My Refuge Christian Ministries while he was tracking a hurricane that was about to hit that area for an up-to-date report for his own radio broadcast.

After Googling radio stations in Belize, he discovered the Christian station and was able to make contact for storm information.

As he realised that his role was changing at Bermuda Spirit, and seeking new Christian broadcast ministry opportunities, Barry began e-mailing stations around the world.

"They e-mailed me back immediately," Mr. Fraser said. "They said, 'Barry, we've been praying for someone to come'."

Initially, Mr. Fraser has agreed to a three-month long stint with My Refuge, which also has a marriage and relationships ministry, a ministry to AIDS/HIV patients, and serves as a host for visiting missions teams.

However, he admits the trip could be for a lot longer.

"I'll be going for as long as they'll have me," he exclaimed. "It's going to be a real adventure."

"I'm hoping I can find a slot on air during one of the time periods, but I think I can be very helpful, otherwise. I'll do whatever they want me to."

Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America, and is a former British Colony with ties to Caricom.

My Refuge broadcasts 24/7 from Roaring Creek Village, which is only a few miles outside the capital Belmopan, and Belize City.

On the Internet:

www.myrefugebelize.org.