The Cottage Ranch

From Dream to Reality: The Cottage Ranch

By Jason Pfingsten

Four years ago Nomar and Dinah Tongco’s lives changed forever as they went on a mission trip to San Roman, Belize, with their church, Grace Baptist in Bakersfield.

Nomar, a doctor, treated many patients during the week and shared the gospel with them. As Nomar and Dinah led VBS, did home ministry, and helped with construction on the church in San Roman, they started to fall in love with Belize.

They have returned each year since and have continued to see the great physical and spiritual needs of the people, and over that time a vision developed.

A Vision Realized

This couple from Bakersfield decided to do something a little different in their retirement—to buy some land and open a clinic serving the people in the Orange Walk district. The clinic would be a full-service clinic and eventually would have the ability to provide dialysis for those in need.

Along with the clinic they would build guest cabins, specially made for the jungle climate, where guests could stay while ministering and traveling in Belize.

After much prayer and hard work that vision has become reality! Nomar and Dinah have purchased 29 acres of land and already have electricity, water, and three buildings on the property. The Cottage Ranch is fully operational and already hosting guests.

Stay at The Cottage Ranch

Where does Thirst come in? The vision for The Cottage Ranch is to host Thirst Missions teams year-round. Our first team has already stayed there and had a marvelous experience.

Guests can expect twelve people per cabin in two rooms of six. Twin beds for everyone, along with two toilets, two sinks, and two showers are connected to each cabin. There is air conditioning throughout, though the cool breeze and ventilation in the cabins helps to cool them naturally. Front porches provide for gathering areas and relaxing, and kitchen facilities make for practical living and are used to serve breakfast to our teams.

By this summer they will have five cabins and be able to host sixty Thirst Missions participants at a time. A large palapa hut will be finished to hold meals, evening meetings, and group gatherings. A sports field will provide opportunities for our group members to play soccer, volleyball, Frisbee and other games, while a fire pit will be available for evening bar-b-ques.

For each of our teams in the Orange Walk district that stays at The Cottage Ranch a portion of the proceeds goes toward building the medical clinic on the main highway. In addition many of our teams will have the opportunity to contribute to the Cottage Ranch with labor and light construction projects.

To God be the glory for Nomar and Dinah and their heart for the people of Belize! May God continue to bless the vision for the Cottage Ranch and the people who are served through the clinic.