Global Baseball

Thursday, July 31st

2008-07-31T19:22:00.000-07:00

Today was another gorgeous day in the Republic. Lets see if I can draw a picture for you what this resort is like. A resort on the beach with the an island look of openness. Palm trees and flowers everywhere. The open air eating areas, pools, flamingos, and a breeze that you can die for.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner right at the beach. Devotion time on the beach.
Every morning at 7:25 hundreds of swallows swoop the property to feed but not low enough to bother anyone. It is amazing to watch.
As far as baseball goes. We played a baseball and softball game at the same time in the morning. I coached the softball game today and lead the message after with about 40 men. It is just so cool to watch the Lord work in the hearts of a new believer.
We had the rest of the day off to rest and relax.
As in any other 3rd world country the internet is very hit or miss. Lately more on the miss.
Tomorrow we have another set of games in the morning and will be visiting and sharing at an orphanage out in the sugar cane fields. This will be a great way to finish up this trip. We leave lat Saturday afternoon.
This will most likely be the last entry until I return home unless I can find access tomorrow night.Thank you for all your prayers. This has been a blessed trip. An amazing showing of God's grace and love for all people who call on HIS name!

Wednesday July 30th

2008-07-30T17:57:00.000-07:00

Today was another beautiful day on the island.
All together we put some money together and went to the supermarket(kinda like a target). 24 of us each got a cart and we all purchased the same things. Can you picture this 24 people in a row, in a line, going all over the store. We used all of their carts so no local was able to shop like they wanted to until we were done. When we gathered about 10 items off we went to the register. 24 people in one line to cash out. The bill ended up to be about 450 american dollars or 13,000 pesos.
Each cart had enough to feed a family for about 4 days. Off we went to a village that is very poor. We pulled up and all of a sudden there was hundreds of people around the bus. Crowd control was not a problem because they were happy to see us. The down side was that we could only give to half of the families there. They were very appreciative and were very receptive to the message we shared. All of the kids played with a soccer ball that was purchased will the adults heard the message and received their gifts of food.
In the afternoon were went to another ball field. This time there was a softball game and baseball game to be played. I coached the softball game to which we lost 6 to zip. We had a great game. It was much closer than the score reflected. After the game I lead the message and that went very well. After the message I was invited to met with th commander(like a senator) of the area. He heads the recreation, education and tourism for 8 big cities and hundreds of people. He was excited to see what we were doing and opened the door to any of his cities and wants us back whenever we can come. He said whatever we want to let him know and he will make it happen. It was great to see God at work with this new relationship.
Well I am off to the team devotion, will share more later.

Tuesday, July 29th

2008-07-29T15:57:00.000-07:00

Today was a more relaxing day. We went into Santo Domingo to experience the local culture by going to what they call a straw market. It was a building with hundreds of small shops selling everything you can think of and more. Santo Domingo has an "old town" area. This is where Christopher Columbus' son lived. His house is still in good shape after all these years. It looks more like a fort. The downtown area is like a cross of 3rd world and modern all in one.
The afternoon was spent doing a clinic for the Rico Carti foundation. Over 100 kids were involved with the clinic and responded well to the salvation message afterwards. This area was the poorest we had been to so far. The weather has been beautiful but hot! Rico and a few players from the pro team we played yesterday will be acompanying us to play with us in tomorrows game. The night game for tonight has been canceled because many of our players need time to rest and recover.
This has been a great trip and I have taken more pictures than I usually do so hopefully there will be enough to reflect some of what I experienced. This area is a great place for a first time mission experience. There are many different groups that we have crossed paths with that are first timers.
So keep that in mind if you are looking to do some international mission work!

Monday

2008-07-28T20:05:00.000-07:00

Another wonderful day in the Dominican.

Even though the physical side of baseball has been fun the spiritual nourishment has been more than I can share on this blog. Being able to be with a few pastors from different denominations and a jewish christian leader, the old and new testament really comes alive.
I just feel so blessed to see the fruits of saying yes to coming here. I would have missed out on all the revelation knowledge that has been shared. Between late night talks and spontaneous conversations with all ages. It is just so cool to be with youth that have the commitments, and boldness to serve our Lord and Savior.

Today we had the opportunity to play at 2 different fields. The morning game was in San Padro. It was in the middle of a poorer part of the city in a park that had a few fields. They seemed to be stuck in the middle of this densely populated city. They were not well groomed and trash was all along the inside of the park (definitely 3rd world). There were weeds and stones all through the playing fields. It was very difficult to play on this field but it was what they had. They too were very good ball players.
In the afternoon were drove to the other side of town that revealed an upper scale ball field. We pulled up to a field that looked like one of the USA's triple A stadiums. What a beautiful place. The Houston Astros farm team is who owns this field. It sat 10K plus. Sounds like it will be about the same size as the new Braves stadium that is coming to Gwinnett. This was a dream to play in and on a field like that. Against players that were expected to be on the pro circuit in the Dominican within the week. These young men were the real deal. We lost to them 10 to 3. The more special part of the day was being able to share the good news of Christ to them after the game. To see that they will be making a big professional decision in less than a week and giving them an opportunity to make a spiritual decision today was even better.

By the way.... thank you for your prayers. My body is holding up real well. God is a great physician. I can't believe that my arm and legs are not even sore.

Tomorrow morning we will be doing some sight seeing and shopping for junk (gifts)to bring home. In the afternoon we are going to be doing another clinic. It is possible that we may play a night game a the Astros field under the lights(that would be real cool).

The time is going by so fast on this trip. This is only the second time that I have been able to enter anything on the blog. Realizing that I have been here for 5 days already. Half way through the trip.
Oh, a little on the Dominican families. The average yearly income is 10 - 12k a year. This may give you an idea of the life styles they lead.

Keep praying for me and for the preparation of the hearts of those we will come in contact with over the next few days.

Dominican Republic Sunday July 27th

2008-07-27T13:24:00.000-07:00

Hello from the Dominican.
On this trip there is 25 people from 4 different churches. 2 from GA, 1 from FL, 1 from TN.

Flying into the Dominican we flew over the tip of Haiti. You could see the difference in the 2 countries. Haiti was brown & barren and the Dominican was green & active.

We are east of Santo Domingo right on the beach in a huge 5 star hotel(?). It is beautiful on the grounds. We eat all of our meals in an open cabana right off the beach. We are really suffering on this trip!!

On Friday, we had 2 games in a stadium that houses the local pro team. One sat about 4,000 people. The other was at the ministry location here called Score. This field was the best field groomed filed I have ever sen. After each of the games we shard the salvation message to over 50 people each time.

On Saturday, we did 2 clinics. In the morning it was at a park that had 4 fields and over 400 kids. Translators were at a minimum during the clinics. These kids were out of control but it was amazing to see how God focused them in during the message afterward.
The afternoon clinic was at a pasture on the outskirts of a village much like we seen in Haiti. The kids were well behaved and we well schooled in the game of baseball. That was an amazing experience. Rico Carti, Sammy Sosa, and the recent ex Braves player Julio Franco are a few that we will be working with this week. They have allot of respect here an have foundations that are doing wonders for these kids.

On Sunday morning we drove 1 hour to church. 100 people were representing the Score ministry and 100 were members. It was packed and you could see the Lord moving through that congregation. We have the rest of the day of today to rest up and stay hydrated. It is real easy to get dehydrated because of the great weather. Please continue to pray that this aging body can hold up to playing all the upcoming games and working through the clinics without any injuries. It has been great so far.

Thursday 8/2

2007-08-02T04:18:00.001-07:00

Its early morning and we are packing once again to leave for the 6 hour bus trip to Campo Grande. It is very hard to leave this city. The kids are so appreciative of our presence here. The game yesterday drew so much attention that we are all over the paper and national news. This is another big step in getting the interest level with the business community to support the local game with funding to keep it going without outside support.
We should be in Campo Grande in time for the Thursday evening praise service at our host church.
We will be up at 4ooam Friday morning to start our trek home. We fly from Campo Grande to Sao Paulo at 700am. We have a 11 hur lay over in Sao Paulo, This is actually a god thing because many people are missing the flights because of the slow down at the airports with the air traffic controllers and group crews because of the issues over the plane crash last week. If we make all the plane connections ok we should be in Miaimi at 7ooam Saturday morning. Them arriving home in Atlanta around noon.
I will be like leaving family this time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please continue to pray for safe and protected travel. For us to have no issues at the airports. For God´s blessings and mercy to continue to be showered on the local pastors and thier families.
Ckow!

Thursday 8/2

2007-08-02T04:17:00.001-07:00

Wednesday 8/1

2007-08-01T15:27:00.000-07:00

Today we had a clinic with about 15 kids in the morning. They have so much energy so we played a few running the bases games which tired them out in about 15 minutes. These kids are about 10 years old, both boys and girls. They have greatly improved from last year.
This after noon was great. The news and local government was at the main baseball field. The place was packed. Teh traveling team from Corumba against Atlanta. The Corumba teams average age was 17. The Atlanta teams was about 35. We were tied up going into the last inning and we pulled out a win.
These kids played great fundementally. Plus they were alittle younger. It is great to see how global baseball has impacted this area and has taken kids out of troubled homes and given them a purpose. We are watching the last karate demo and going out for all you can eat itialian food at 10pm.
Got to go.
Chow

Wednesday 7/31

2007-07-31T15:19:00.000-07:00

Today we had 2 clinics with the local kids in Corunmba. They have improved so uch from last year. Tomorrow the national news and the local government is going to be at the field. They are going to promote baseball at a national level from what is happening in Corumba. It is really exciting to see how the program has grown ib just one year.
The karate team is preforming tonight and tomorrow night in 2 different churches. We are going to eat more BBQ again tonight and tomorrow night.
I feel so blessed to be part of this trip. There is so much going on with this ministry. Opportunities continue to present themselves with supporters and invitations to go to areas that the gospel is not in today. Please continue to pray for energy level to stay high and for good health. Also for the Lord to continue to use me to reveal Himself to others as the trip starts to come to a close.
Chow for now.

Tuesday 7/31

2007-07-31T04:53:00.000-07:00

Sorry that I haven´t updated this lately. Access this time has been limited. The last few days has been traveling witht he karate team as they do their demos. Karate is well received here and many people are moved by their message.
We are now in the city of Corumba. John Grissoms book the New Testament is a great reading of this area. Today we will be working between 2 fields and a few are doing a day on the river. Traveling up river to some city that can only be reached by boat.
This trip is so different from last year because of many more churches and denominations are represented. I am also more in an administrative role which is a new blessing for me.
I will try to update tonight more details. It has been exciting and alot of great things have been happening.
Chow

Saturday 7/28

2007-07-28T11:34:00.000-07:00

Its time to play the Japanese again. This morning we played a 9 ining game and was tied into the 9th. 3 to 3, we were home team. We fell apart and they won 6 to 3. Close game but more importantly many of the same young people that we developed friendships with last week brought friends with them today. The english language brings so much power with it. They just want to talk about anything To practise want they have learned in class rooms or from the TV.
We ate Brazilian BBQ and are now going to rest for a few minutes. Then we will load the bus with all the karate equipment to go across town to do the exibition tonight. 700 boards, 250 bricks, 40 cinder blocks, 20 slabs of concrete and the bed of nails.This should be exciting to get all the little details worked out. Please continue to pray for good health, understanding of each others language bariers, for us to respond to the spirit and not our agenda, and for hearts to continue to be softened.
By the way this winter is pretty nice. Teh weather is mid 70´s every day so far.
Chow!

Friday 7/27

2007-07-27T19:58:00.000-07:00

Hey!
In a different hotel for tonight and tomorrow which has internet. So I will try to update each day.
Last I said was that I was going to play golf with a Japanese golf pro. Well I did. But first I have to share what happened Wednesday evening. We went back to the english school and played the movie Facing the Giants. This was a wonderful platform to help with the languauge and share about Christ. Many were seeking to find out really who this Jesus is. There was teachers and young adults that gave their life that evening. It is just such a blessing to see how the spirit works no matter what the circumstances that we try to put Him in. All were invited to attend the Thursday evening youth praise service. Well Thusday evening some of the Japanese from the ball field and students and teachers from the school did come to the church. Most that were seeking on Wednesday committed their life to Jesus at this service. To see 500+ young adults on their knees and 200+ laying on of hands for them I just cannot put into words.
Oh yea golf, I shot a 56 (9 holes)for those that want to know. It was a great time. The other coll thing was that there is a race track right near the golf. It is a road coarse that the pro has some connects with. He has a few friends that own cars and he is trying to hook me up with a ride. That is driving on of the GTX cars. We are trying to see if they have a ministry at the track like they do at Lanier. This would be a great opportunty.
Late Thursday night the next group came in(midnight) and the other group left at 430am Friday morning. Needless to say I didn´t get much sleep last night. Today we practised baseball getting ready for 2 games on Saturday. In the evening I am taking the karate team to another church to do an exibition. Them have a great show this year and a strong message so it will be exciting to see how the spirit moves that congregation. I may be sharing my testimony at this service.
I want to thank everyone for the prayers that are answered. I have felt rested even though I am not getting allot of sleep. I am physically doing well even with the high level of activity and exercise.
The las thing that I did late Friday was attend a graduation of one of the translators that I have been an great frienship with. She graduated from law school. There was 30+ people that graduated. It was a very nice event. She is a special young woman with many talents.
Well I got to go. I will try to update late Saturday evening.
Chow chow!

Wednsday 7/25

2007-07-25T15:12:00.000-07:00

I found access so I again only have a few minuts so I will try to update you as much as I can. Over the last few days I have attended a few classes that were about learning about praying and the reasons why. Also, managing your life, finances, stewardship(what we own and what we are stewards of). Excellent classes! These classes were presented by Pastor Todd Wright from Midway Macedonia church in GA. I now have everything ready for the karate team that is coming on Friday. over 2 days to get all the wood, bricks, concrete and bed of nails ready.
It is so nice to spend some time with the friends that I have made over the last year. Sometimes the language barrier makes for a fun time in itself let alone the love that they share while I am here. I played soccer for about three hours yesterday and believe it or not I am still feeling good. The Lord is answering prayers of good health.
The funny thing this time is how planned activities change everyday. Since I can get around I don´t have the extra phones. thers have them just in case. By not having the phone I have been locked out of my hotel room for hours(only one key and I didn´t have it.) I was supposed to meet the group for dinner and no one showed up. They changed plans and couldn´t reach me. Flexibility and patience is of most importance.
Believe it or not I am going to play golf with a Japanese glof pro tomorrow. This should be interesting. Well got to go. Chow!!

July 23rd

2007-07-23T18:57:00.000-07:00

Saturday
I have only a few minutes access so here it goes. Saturday I played 3 games with the Japanese. The first game went 13 innings. The second and third went the normal lengths. There was allot of fellowshiping. Thw weather was 75 degrees. Nice winter time. The food is wonderful! We did kereoke with the Japanese what an experience.
Sunday
Played 2 games again with the Japanese. During lunch we tried something different. We had a devoion with many members of the Japanese and their families. Sharing about our families and getting to know each other better. This is such a major change with expectations of Global Baseball at this complex. One year ago we could not share anything about our faith and Jesus. Today we had a devotion and sang priase songs in both languages. It is amazing to watch how the spirit is moving.
Sunday evening we went to the churches praise service. Over 1100 people attended. 20 may have given their life to Christ. I just cannot explain how the sprit moves through me during the services at this church. Tears are in my eyes during the whole service. The love of the people just cannot be explained.
Monday we played soccer with the church people and pastor for 3 hours. Thene went to the english speaking school and had dinner. We shared our experiences and their 2 out of 10 people that were believers. Since they wanted to practice english the would ask questions and we would respond by telling them why we were there and shared the gospel with them. 4 gave their lives to Christ.
Tomorrow I shop for all the wood, bicka and stuff for the karate team that is coming . I also hope to play some basket ball with the local pastors in the downtown park. We are also doin the movie facing the giants in a small court yard outside the church tomorrow nigt inviting youth to come.
chow

JULY 23RD

2007-07-23T15:26:00.000-07:00

I only have one minute on this computer. I hope to get more time this evening. Right now we are at a school that teaches eglish. They are asking us all kinds of questions. It is so easy to talk about baseball and then to share the gospel to them. The Holy Spirit is really working through us. This is Great! I will let you know how it turns out and update you on the last few days to which have been wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday- 7/20

2007-07-20T17:35:00.000-07:00

What a day!
19 people from 4 different churches gathered at the airport to start this trip. 4 of us went by way of Dallas and 15 went through Miami. The flights were on time and uneventful. The trip to Sao Paulo was about 10 hours from Dallas. we arrived at 745 am on Thursday morning. We met up with the group from Miami and went through imigration. I was the only on that was directed to another line to get searched. We prayed together before I went throught the line and it was no big deal for me. There was others that were getting the 3rd degree. Thank God that went OK.
We got on the tour bus and started our 15 hour bus ride.
My prayer was to get rest during this trek. Well I had 5 hours sleep on the plane and at least 5 hours on the bus. The roads were pretty good most of the way so rest was easy to get. With 19 people most of which didn´t know each other we had some real good bonding time. For over 2 hours we had a praise service. There was 2 guitars and we sang many praise songs and worshiped together. This was a special time together for this group. 14 of the 19 people are high school age youth.
Once arriving at our hotel around 12:30 Friday morning we slept until almost lunch time. This hotel has no internet access so entries may be limited.
Friday we went to the Japanese complex and practiced for 2 games that will be played on Saturday. I can´t believe how good I feel so far. Nothing is sore yet!
It is so nice to see many of the people in Campo Grande that I had made friends with last year plus Pastor Gilson and Djalma and their family. They are already planning soccer, basketball, Brazilian Barbque and cell group interactions for me.
Over the next week I have to prepare for the karate team that is coming on Thursday. Shopping for the bricks, wood, cement blocks and building the bed of nails for each of the exibitions.
The few language classes have helped some. Not much though.
The weather has been and is expected to be in the mid 70´s over the next few weeks with no rain . For those that remember last year. The food is just unbelieveable and I can already feel my ankles tighening up. Its 9pm and Djalma has just ask me to go out to play some soccer and then go out to eat afterward.
So I have to go.
Pray that all of the activities are protected and that my health is maintained. That God is glorified in all that I do. My time here is now stating to get under way. We have 2 games tomorrow against the Japanese and will be fellowshipping afterwards. Many are seeking to find out just who this Jesus is. Pray that the Lord prepares me with the words and action to satisfy the hearts of those that ask.

Traveling to Brazil again in 2007, 7/18 - 8/4

2007-07-13T08:27:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for the prayers and financial support that has enabled me to make this trip. Continue to pray that the Lord prepares the way for safe travel, keeps us all in excellent health, and that He is glorified in all we do. That the Lord will provide the opportunities to be well rested during the extended travel time to get to our first location (Once I get up on Wednesday the 18th it could be at least 48 hours until we reach our first location at a hotel in Campo Grande).
I will update the blog once a day if there is access.

Wednesday

2006-08-02T15:22:00.000-07:00

Today we went to 3 different locations again. Our group was at the main field that was built by John Grissom. What a beautiful field; Once your inside you have no idea of the poverty outside.
Most of the kids at this field are high school varsity or college level players. All compliments of global baseball over the past couple of years.
Two or three of them are having scouts come see them for potential scholarships in the USA.
There is one boy that was at the field that is about 10 tears old that is somewhat disabled. He has crossed eyes and a foot that rollsout. He basically walks on his outside ankle. He is the most determined person that I have seen yet. He comes to the field everyday that someone is there. My heart goes out to this kid. His name is Alex Bruno. The family cannot afford to do anything for him medically. It is so hard to just walk away from him. Anyway, we are getting ready to go out to all the local churches for the evening.

Chow!

Tuesday

2006-08-02T04:57:00.000-07:00

Today we split into 3 groups to do clinics. Our group consisted of 6 people. We pulled up to a soccer field in the middle of an area that is considered the poorest in the city. Very close to a Haiti neighborhood. All of a sudden their was 30 kids. Most of them were under the age of 8 years old. Everyone has old flip flops that were broke by mid morning. They were bare foot the reat of the day.
We had a morning session and an afternoon session. 3 hours of doing station clinics and those kids were reading for something else. We actually had about 9 kids that picked it up very well. They all hit the ball well and knew how to run the bases. There was even a few double plays by the end of the sessions.
The bus was late coming to get us so we resorted to games like duck, duck, goose and tag and then the started taking our hats and making us chase them around. They were really having a great time. The pastors wife said that they had the most amount of kids that day and they all were talking about the fun they were having.
At the end of each session were talked about Their church and Jesus. 22 offerred or reconnected with Jesus in our group. The other two groups had 25 kids that offered their lives to Christ.
We went to dinner at 8:30 at a place that was set up like Fogo de Chow again. We ate and ate and ate so more. Boy can they cook meat here.
Well there are 2 more days of clinins in the Corumba area. After seeing this town I am going to have to read the book , The Testament by John Grissom.
The missionary that he talks about is Carl King. He is a wonderful man. Global Basebal is a piece of the mission work in this area. They have a medical boat that goes up and down the river doing medical clinics along with construction opportunities for churcj planting haapening all over.
Well thats all for now.
Chow!

Monday

2006-07-31T16:51:00.000-07:00

Sunday
Sunday was a busy day. We had 2 games and I am really, really fealing my age today. Inbetween games the karate team did their exibition in the courtyard of the baseball complex. The majority of the audience was japanese. At the end of their routine 25 people gave their life to Jesus. Even though many of the japanese have been in Brazil for years and speak on the local langugage they worhship buda.
Just before we were starting the next game the president of the baseball federation was talking with a few of us and the subject of Jesus came up. After about a half hour he ask us to help him come to know this Jesus. This was a big step because he has been a road block for further ministry in the area. He was so excited afterward that many of the others were seeking to understand. A group of about 12 were invited to church at 7pm that night.
Oh, about the baseball. We went 0 for 3 over the weekend. But I did contribute both offensively and defensively. As I said I am feeling my age. I know where each muscle is connected to my body every time I move. Steps at the hotel are out of the question!
Billy Britt preached at each of the 4 services. Over 100 people gave themselves over to Jesus.
So for the day over 132 souls were saved. A few of the kids and adults that were invited to the church by the baseball team came to know Jesus as weel on Sunday night.
For the day over 130 people gave came to know Jesus because of our visit.
After the servie , 10pm, we went to an all you can eat pizza place and then headed to Corumba at 12 midnight for the 7 hour ride during the night.
Monday was a relaxing day getting ready for the next 3 days of clinics in the Corumba area.
Chow!

Saturday

2006-07-29T20:58:00.000-07:00

Well a front came thru and changed the hot winter to a cold, 60 degree, rainy morning. Our softball team played in the rain while we sat in the stands cheering them on. By the way most of the equipment that the other teams were using we brought down over the last few weeks. They really have used most of what was brought already.
By the time we were ready to play most of the older guys were cold, stiff and a little hesitatnt to play. We let the young ones play the whole game instead. We figured we still have 2 more to play so lets not push it. We we lost to the Japanese team 11 to 3. We had a great fellowship time with the people in the stands and families of those playing. After the game we had bar be que and kareoke.
The karate team was doing their exibition at 7:30 so we went to that service in the evening. They had a wonderful spirit lead program. Between the praise music and their program 42 people gave their life over to the Lord. It is just so cool to experience the energy that has been present over the last few weeks. Even though I have been focusing on the baseball most of this trip.... BOY DO I HAVE A PICTURE FOR YOU TO SEE RELATED TO KARATE!
Tomorrow I may not get to update the blog because it will be a long day. We are at the fields until 5pm. We pack and load the bus, go to church at 7pm, eat after the 2.5 hour service and leave for the 7 hour ride by bus, overnight to Corumba. Please pray for , proper rest and a safe over night ride to Corumba. Oh, also pray for one of the guys on the karate team... he broke his hand during the exibition.
Chow!

Friday

2006-07-28T21:08:00.000-07:00

Well the bed of nails is done and has passed inspection. I hope it works for the show on Saturday evening. We spent today at the Japanese baseball complex practicing for two games tomorrow. I am hoping that I can comtribute this week at the plate alittle more than last week. The neat thing this week is we will be coaching four other games with the local kids in a state gathering at this complex.
Today was also time to get to know the group of 23 people from Hebron Baptist and we had some special time doing dewvotions together. The karate group is going to bring a extra special touch to this week with their ministry. I really can´t wait to see their exibition tomorrow afternoon at the complex and then again at church tomorrow evening.
CHOW!

Thursday the 27th

2006-07-27T20:38:00.000-07:00

Back to Monday.
Monday morning I was invited to play soccer with all the pastors in the area. They get together at least 4 times a week to play. This started a few years back to help with stress and also to get to know each other. They say that this has worked well because the churches have been working together more thatn ever instead of working against each other, spliting and creating new ones over and over again.
Apparently it is a big priviledge to be asked to play, so I was excited. I got lucky and scored a goal so I actually was part of the team instead of running around like the invisible player that nobody pays attention to. (Since Monday they have wanted me to play Tuesday and Thursday). Since Monday I have found out it is a big thing to be invited into their casa (their court).
Monday afternoon and early evening we spent driving all over Campo Grande trying to find all of the supplies for the karate team that is coming from Hebron Baptist. I we were in the states it would have been an hour job. The language barrier and different materials like wood, nails, concrete and bricks are all different sizes and and shapes that we are accustomed to. We had a great day just building relationships with the people.
In the evening we were at the church and people just would be coming to or calling the church wanting to take the americans out on the town or into their homes (for fellowship and to practice their english). What a great time and an easy way to evangelize. At 9:00 we went out to eat until 11:00. They just eat and eat ( and very few over weight people, I just don´t understand why).
At 11:30 another pastor called and we went over their home to play the board game called war. That was allot of fun since everything is in another languauge.
Tuesday
We spent all of Tuesday getting the rest of the materials for the karate team. Finally after about 12 hours and 30 stores we have found what is needed for the 3 exibitions. The evening was visiting with more cell groups and talking with the pastors about the 40 days of purpose. This church is going to go through this starting in mid August. The interesting thing is I see that they are far beyond the recommendations of the 40 days aready. I can only imagine what this church could be experiencing after 40 days are over. The prayer groups, services and small groups are so committed and engaged already this place will be on fire during and after that timeframe.
Wednesday
Well I was going to work with a church worker today to measure and cut all the work for the guys and gals to break in the exibitions. I figured it shouldn´t take more than 3 hours to do. Well, what was I thinking. I forgot where I was. Their work day is 8:00 to 4:30 with 2 breaks and a 3 hour lunch. Another benefit of working in Brazil is everyone gets 30 days vacation. Whether you have 1 year of service or 30 years, it doesn´t matter.
Back to the boards, while we were working , Emerson would say the number in English and I would say it in Portuguese. We worked well together and had fun doing it. It just wasn´t long.
In the afternoon I agreed to go with a family from the church to get a history tour of CAmpo Grande. They were trying English and I was doing my best to learn some of their words. They took me to places that most don´t see and had to meet many of their family members. Some families are HUGE here. I was getting tired and had the pastor call them so they would take me back to the church. We seemed to be getting further and further away and they were really into the hosting mode. But this was my last evening with my host family so I needed to get back. Time is not a main topic here. Well I did get back and we had a wonderful evening with my host family. Prayer, readings from the bible, singing ( Iam glad no one else heard me). We didn´t sing long onve their heard my voice. Sandra is a music teacher and was trying to help me. This turned more into a comedy routine as the night went on. So after about 10:00 we went out for a second diner. This was a very special time for me.
Thursday
Jeff wanted me at the airport to meet the group as they arrived. 23 of them came from Hebron Baptist. A group of them will be playing basebal, some will be playing softball, some will be doing karate, and some will be doing leadership traing and preaching at the services. Once at the hotel we checked in to the Jandaia. This time Jeff and I have the suite that the president of Brazil stays in when he is in town. Pretty nice! AS the group rested a few hours I was given the instructions on how to build the bed of nails that the karate guys will use on Saturday night. I can´t believe he trust me with doing this. 400 4 inch nails are strategically placed ( I hope) and he is laying on them and having concrete broke on his stomach. Its almost ready to install the nails at this point.
We went to a youth service at the church. It started at 6pm amd went to almost 9pm. The was a praise band with a message in the middle and a salvation message at the end. The 1000 seats we almost all taken for this service at one point. At the end 18 youth gave their life over to Christ. It is without words when you hug someone that has just made that commitment and you can´t speak their language They are sobbing with joy and want you to be part of their experience.
After this service we were invited to someones home. Their cell group cooked up their barbeque and we ate and ate until 11:00. At 11:00 the pastors wanted us to go play soccer. I just couldn´t go. I just can´t keep up with these older guys.
Its late I got to stop and go to bed IN MY SUITE!
Tomorrow we will be practicing for the tournament on Saturday and Sunday. I also have to finish the bed of nails for my buddy. I hope that it works Ok for him on Saturday. He seems like a nice guy and would like to keep it that way.
Sunday after the 7pm service we will eat at the pizza place again, leave for Corumba around 11pm and ride the 7 hour trip during the night. I can´t wait to get back there to do the clinics with the kids.
CHOW!

Tuesday the 25th

2006-07-25T17:02:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I have had access since last Saturday evening. I don´t have much time so excuse my typing. I will have access again Starting Thursday evening pretty regularly.
My host family, as I said is the Mission pastor. He is married, 40 years old to a beautiful lady named Sandra. They have a 15 year old boy named Benjamin. All of the host families along with the host church, including the congregation, has basically rolled out the red carpet for us.
I have a bedroom and personal bathroom for myself during my stay with the host family. Once I unloaded everything they said what would I like to do. I said that whatever you would normally do I will follow. I was going anywhere until next Thursday. Next thing I knew we we out and about. Djama is the mission pastor over all the missions and cell groups. We spend Saturday evening going to 4 different cell groups eating and talking until after midnight. Cell or small groups here are very engaging and beneficial to the people.
Sunday was an emotionally charged day. They have 4 services at the church. 2 in the A.M. and 2 in the P.M.. The 1st service was more traditional but not high church. The second service was more towards contemporary. The 3rd service was more towards what I would call a more modern praise and the 4th service was all out praise(they called it getting funky). The 1st service was a little over and hour long and each service got longer. The 4th service was over 2 hours long. I had no idea it went that long until I looked at my watch. During the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th services they had a rededication time of prayer that people could go to their knees at their seats or go to the front and be prayed over. Each service also gave the salvation message. The 3rd service 12 people gave their lives to Christ. In the 4th service their was 42 people that ask Jesus into their lives. The energy level of that service I have never experienced before. There was people up around the front of the church a half hour later talking with designated people to council the new believers through their decision.
After church, about 10 o clock we went out to eat to an all you can pizza place. You walk into this place, sit down, and they bring every kind of pizza by you that you can think of. Name it and it was on the pizza. From file Minyon to ice cream. From fruit to vegetables. Their was not a piece I didn´t like. My best was the minyon and the other was chocolate ice cream with strawberries.
We left the resturant about 12:30.
More to come got to go!

Saturday

2006-07-22T14:12:00.000-07:00

Today we played two games of ball. The first game was at 8:30am. We playe the Japanese in a game of hard ball. During this game I coached, player first base and right field. Also went 0 for 1 at bat. Hard ball coming at 85 miles a hour was alittle different than slow pitch softball. We we even going into the 5th inning and they pulled away and won the game 9 to 5.
the softball game was co ed and we really didn´t keep score. We finished up around noon time and hard a tremendous lunch. The way I am eating I will probably gain 20 pounds while I am here. Oh, the dirt in on the field is like GA clay. It took 15 minutes in the shower to get clean. It went right through the uniform.
It is around 5 o clock and I have just met up with my host family that I will be staying with until Thursday morning. He is the missions pastor at the church in Capo Grande. His name is Djalma.
We have been at the church for 15 minutes and all of these people are coming in from who knows where. I am being introduced and they are very welcoming . They are saying that they hear that there is a missionary at the church that looks like Tom Seleck(and thats why everyone is coming to see). Sorry that they are dissappointed!
Apparently I will be of the service tomorrow morning as the mission pastor Djalma uses me in his sermon. I am not sure how often I will ave access for the next few days because he doesn´t have access at home to the internet. The locals are so nice, they are treating us like royalty.
The next group that is coming will be here on Thursday. We will then do the 7 hour bus ride again to Corumba. Just a note about Corumba.... John Grissom, the wroter is a major contribute to Global Baseball in that area. He apparently wrote on of his books about Corumba.
More to come when I can write

Friday

2006-07-21T20:36:00.000-07:00

We left Corumba and traveled the 7 hour bus ride to Capo Brande. Road at times was rough but it is no Haitian srcream machine. The bus is very comfortable. We got to the host church at dinner time. We had a few minutes to walk around the city. Capo is about 200 thousand people in size. They drive like the average big city. People riding bike, walking, motorcycles all weaving between cars.
The hotel named Jahdia is very, very, very, plush. Alot different than Corumba. Interesting though is the safety factors. As i walked into the room I felt a stiff breeze. Here the windows were wide open. I just walked over and leaned out to see the pool 16 floors below. Not something that would happen in the states. i made sure that the windows were closed and locked just in case of any sleep walkers!
We ate dinner at the host church. Their membership is growing by leaps and bounds. Their focus is on spearding the word through missions. Our 15 member team was broken up by age and placed in cell groups. Cell groups are like our same groups at GS. We started ours at 8:00 and ended at 11:00pm. What a wonderful time as we practiced speaking multiple languages to get Gods word accross to each other. They have a leader, a praise leader, and each week switch to another members home. It is just like home. Kids playing, phones ringing, and we still get through what we were there for. We were able to meet without fear for fellowship and direction of His word in a home that is over 4,000 miles from my house. The power of the spirit has no boundaries. Only the ones we put up on our own. Its after midnight and I am not even a bit tired. I am really pumped up after the cell group meeting tonight.
Tomorrow will send me in a toal different direction. We will play a hardball game at 8:00 am. A softball game at 10:30am. At luch all but 5 of us will head to the airport to start the treak home. The remaining 5 will hang around the statium with the Japanese contingent here and do something till mid afternoon. At that point I will go to my host family and be with them until next Thursday.I have yet to meet this host family in Capo Grande.

More to come.

2006-07-20T16:50:00.000-07:00

Thursday
Today was another exiting day. We went to another area of Corumba that is closer to third world conditions that I have seen in other countries. The area really reminded me of Haiti neighborhoods. This area is a new planted church with a sports ministry. Global Baseball has recently provided funding and equipment to get a field in place behind the church that will be the center of the community in that area.
The kids that came to the clinincs really had no idea what baseball is about. After both sesions they were having alot of fun. The average age was around 10 years old. Having over 40 10 year olds together, holding their attention was a real challenge in the beginning but after awhile we couldn~t get them off of the field.
The two devotional times today were more of a message that was at their level and their were real attentive to what was being said.
The other day I talked about the statue of Jesus on the hill. Well, the hill is about a 3/4 of a mile steep road that we all walked up just before sun down. There were 13 stations along the way with statues portraying different times in Jesus life. At the top is the 40 foot statue of Jesus with His arms extended. What a beautiful sight from the top ... overseeing the city, the Paraguay river and Bolivia. As the sun went down the reflections and colors of the sky is just indescribable. There is no air polution and the sky is so clear.
The people have bee so friendly here and it is easy to communicate even without speaking their language.
After dinner we have a free evening to just hang around and relax. The stores all close at 7pm so there is little to do but relax and reflect on the day.
Tomoorow we will be leaving for Capo Grande in the a.m. Its that 7 hour bus ride again. The Capo Grande area is supposed to be a much more affluent area han what we have been experiencing so far. Baseball truely does have a chance in the soccer dominated country. It is fun talking about the world cup because everyone is a soccer fan and I mean everyone. They live for soccer around here.
Hopefully I will have internet access in Capo Grande. I have pictures that I would like to attach but this computer blocks the use of discs. More to come.....

2006-07-19T15:10:00.000-07:00

What a great day!
The day started with us spliting into two groups to do clinics at different fields in Corumba. Our group held two clinics, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
The morning session we had 25 kids up to the age of 18. We did the normal clinic stuff like base running, outfield and infield drills and had a scrimmage to see how each person played the game.
At the end of the morning session we gathered in the stands with the kids and their families. One of the coaches gave his testimony and offered the salvation message. Watching kids come to know Jesus in their hearts, especially in this environment is real special.
The afternoon session was much the same with hitting and pitching drills. The afternoon testimony was my opportunity to share. I offered the salvation message and talked about recommitting to our Lord. This was very powerful for me that God used me to bring others into a relationship with the Lord.
We went to dinner and had more of the meal style like Fogo de Chow (Fresh meat of all kinds sliceds to your liking.
After dinner we split up again and went to a few churches. One of the coaches gave the message and another gave his personal testimony. There was kids at this church (hat was over a half hour from the field we were at earlier today.)They were playing the instruments in the band. It was great to see them.
Tomorrow we will be dong more clinics and sharing at another field in Corumba.
The Coromba area is beautiful. 80 degress and no humidity. We also went to the river as saw peranans. More to come got to get off the net.

2006-07-18T18:42:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a begining. We are finally here. It started at 8:00 am on Monday and we reached our hotel in Corumba at 8:15pm on Tuesday evening. No real issues getting here other than the normal air travel connecting flight sagas. After going non stop, 3 plane rides and a 7 hour bus trip later, everyone is in excited about getting started tomorrow morning.
There is already so much to talk about and share how God is paving the way for His will to be done. There are 15 people here from four states with all different talents.
Corumba is near the Paraguay river across from Bolivia. There is a high hill in the city that has a statue of Jesus with open arms at the top. At night the sky is black with the brightest stars I have ever seen. What a beautiful sight to see as we pulled up to the area and Jesus is overlooking (us) the city with a sky that is almost indescribable.

2006-07-07T12:23:00.000-07:00

This is a test to insert picture in blog.

By the way this picture is of the setting sun the day of Hurricane Alberto in Tampa, FL.