It's good to be back home on U.S. soil. Yesterday was a long day of finishing up in the DR and traveling home. On our last night in the DR, we had a great worship service. Andy Pettite shared his testimony of coming to faith in Christ as a teenager and his career in MLB as a Christ-follower. He also shared his regret for the incident where it was discovered that he had taken Human Growth Hormone and the damage it did to his reputation as a player and Christian. Ken Whitten brought us another strong message from Psalm 37. He is a gifted communicator and encourager. After worship, we spent some time with some of the pro players we had become close to and did a video interview with them to show to our church. We also stayed up late talking until past midnight about our experience and the challenges we had received in our walk with Christ.
Thursday morning began our last day of clinics. We had the privilege of going to a complex that was built by the Rawlings Foundation to support the work of SCORE International and their vision of reaching children with baseball. They had three wonderful fields and a housing complex that can house 1000 kids. We split up and did a clinic. Our group had to leave before the clinic was over to get to the airport for our flight home. We left the DR with hearts that were full and broken for the kids of the DR. All our teams had ministered to about 6,000 kids during the week and saw close to 4,000 indicate some decision for Christ. We were able to pass our food to many people. We also developed some great bonds with brothers-in-Christ from around the country.
When we arrived in the country, the first thing we did after passing through customs...Whoppers from Burger King.
Showing posts with label Dominican Republic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dominican Republic. Show all posts
Nov 19, 2010
Nov 17, 2010
Dominican Republic Mission Trip - Day 4 (Mid-day Update)
We are on day 4 and our last full day here in the DR. Last night was an awesome evening. However, the hotel internet was down after our evening session preventing us from posting updates or calling our families. That was a bummer.
Our evening session last night first consisted of a testimony time from Yankee great Mariano Rivera. He shared about growing up in Panama and never imagining being given the chance to play in the major leagues. He also shared about how he was discovered and how his coming to Major League Baseball opened up the chance for him to find Jesus Christ and lead his whole family to Christ. SCORE had another group that was in a different part of the DR that joined us last night. In that group were Kevin Malone, former GM of the LA Dodgers and several former and current Dominican players. One was Melky Mesa, a current Yankee prospect. We were also joined in the evening by Nelson Cruz who drove 7 hours from his hometown to join us. We were challenged from the word by Ken Whitten, pastor at Idlewild Baptist Church in Tampa. He gave an awesome challenge about having hope and resolve in tough times. The evening session was closed out by a lady who is here with her husband who did a wonderful painting of Jesus on the cross in front of us. One of the highlights of the evening was an unexpected update from the dad in NC that we had talked with the day before whose 14-year old son has cancer. They were told by the doctors last night after the latest scan that the tumors had shrunk and there appeared to be no sign of cancer! It was an emotional moment for everyone and an affirmation of the healing power of God.
After the evening session, we were given a chance to talk with and get autographs from Andy Pettite, Mariano Rivera, Nelson Cruz, Melky Mesa, Chris Coughlin, and Mark Melancon. We were also given a chance to shop for some local items being sold by local SCORE missionaries. It was a late bedtime last night.
This morning's devotional was led by Pastor Steve Berger from Grace Chapel in Franklin, TN. Fourteen months ago Steve's son Josiah was killed in a one-car accident. He shared the painful story and how it led he and his wife on a journey to help people better understand what the Bible has to say about heaven. It was a stirring time. Steve and his wife have written a book and have a website to help with their story. The website is HaveHeart.net. After the devotional, our team loaded for about an hour bus ride to Medina for a clinic. We were joined in our clinic today by Andy Pettite who led a pitching clinic and Nelson Cruz who worked with hitters. Because we had some MLB stars, there was a huge crowd and a lot of media. We kept having to back the media away because they interfered with the clinics. Andy Pettite shared his testimony, John Zeller shared the gospel. We had about 115 decisions and got follow-up cards on them afterwards.
We came back to the hotel for lunch. I am staying at the hotel to do some sermon work and update the blog. The other guys from Sixth Street went out today for another clinic and pick-up game. Thanks for praying for us. We are seeing God do some awesome things both in the Dominican people at the clinics and in our evening sessions with us.
Our evening session last night first consisted of a testimony time from Yankee great Mariano Rivera. He shared about growing up in Panama and never imagining being given the chance to play in the major leagues. He also shared about how he was discovered and how his coming to Major League Baseball opened up the chance for him to find Jesus Christ and lead his whole family to Christ. SCORE had another group that was in a different part of the DR that joined us last night. In that group were Kevin Malone, former GM of the LA Dodgers and several former and current Dominican players. One was Melky Mesa, a current Yankee prospect. We were also joined in the evening by Nelson Cruz who drove 7 hours from his hometown to join us. We were challenged from the word by Ken Whitten, pastor at Idlewild Baptist Church in Tampa. He gave an awesome challenge about having hope and resolve in tough times. The evening session was closed out by a lady who is here with her husband who did a wonderful painting of Jesus on the cross in front of us. One of the highlights of the evening was an unexpected update from the dad in NC that we had talked with the day before whose 14-year old son has cancer. They were told by the doctors last night after the latest scan that the tumors had shrunk and there appeared to be no sign of cancer! It was an emotional moment for everyone and an affirmation of the healing power of God.
After the evening session, we were given a chance to talk with and get autographs from Andy Pettite, Mariano Rivera, Nelson Cruz, Melky Mesa, Chris Coughlin, and Mark Melancon. We were also given a chance to shop for some local items being sold by local SCORE missionaries. It was a late bedtime last night.
This morning's devotional was led by Pastor Steve Berger from Grace Chapel in Franklin, TN. Fourteen months ago Steve's son Josiah was killed in a one-car accident. He shared the painful story and how it led he and his wife on a journey to help people better understand what the Bible has to say about heaven. It was a stirring time. Steve and his wife have written a book and have a website to help with their story. The website is HaveHeart.net. After the devotional, our team loaded for about an hour bus ride to Medina for a clinic. We were joined in our clinic today by Andy Pettite who led a pitching clinic and Nelson Cruz who worked with hitters. Because we had some MLB stars, there was a huge crowd and a lot of media. We kept having to back the media away because they interfered with the clinics. Andy Pettite shared his testimony, John Zeller shared the gospel. We had about 115 decisions and got follow-up cards on them afterwards.
We came back to the hotel for lunch. I am staying at the hotel to do some sermon work and update the blog. The other guys from Sixth Street went out today for another clinic and pick-up game. Thanks for praying for us. We are seeing God do some awesome things both in the Dominican people at the clinics and in our evening sessions with us.
Nov 16, 2010
Dominican Republic Mission Trip - Day 3
Greetings (or Hola!) from the DR. We are wrapping up an extremely busy day three here. It's been jam-packed today. Our morning devotional consisted of a very touching testimony by Sam Marcinick. He played several years in the Rangers and Yankees organizations. He shared how five years ago he came on this trip to teach baseball and found Christ. We also had a devotional by Ron Bishop.
Our group headed out for our first clinic of the day. We were greeted in a village by about 250 kids. We shared clinics on hitting, outfield, infield, and pitching. We wrapped the clinic up with a couple of testimonies and a gospel presentation. Hundreds responded to the gospel invitation and filled out response cards. After lunch, we headed out to the city of Boca Chica for another clinic. The locals had heard that Andy Pettite was coming so a large crowd from the city gathered. We had over 300 kids for the clinics. After the clinic, Andy Pettite came onto the field and shared his testimony. Sam Marcinick shared the gospel and another large crowd responded. After the clinic, we were swarmed by Dominican kids who were trying to get gloves, bats, balls, or anything else they could from us. We had a hard time getting off the field and onto the bus. Now, we just got cleaned up and are eating dinner. We have a long worship session tonight and autograph session with Andy Pettite and Mariano Rivera. Although I am a Red Sox fan, I am looking forward to meeting these two baseball greats.
More to come tomorrow...
Our group headed out for our first clinic of the day. We were greeted in a village by about 250 kids. We shared clinics on hitting, outfield, infield, and pitching. We wrapped the clinic up with a couple of testimonies and a gospel presentation. Hundreds responded to the gospel invitation and filled out response cards. After lunch, we headed out to the city of Boca Chica for another clinic. The locals had heard that Andy Pettite was coming so a large crowd from the city gathered. We had over 300 kids for the clinics. After the clinic, Andy Pettite came onto the field and shared his testimony. Sam Marcinick shared the gospel and another large crowd responded. After the clinic, we were swarmed by Dominican kids who were trying to get gloves, bats, balls, or anything else they could from us. We had a hard time getting off the field and onto the bus. Now, we just got cleaned up and are eating dinner. We have a long worship session tonight and autograph session with Andy Pettite and Mariano Rivera. Although I am a Red Sox fan, I am looking forward to meeting these two baseball greats.
More to come tomorrow...
Nov 15, 2010
Dominican Republic Mission Trip - Day 2
Hey everyone! Quick update...today we had our first day of baseball clinics here in the DR. After a long day traveling and long night meeting, we got to bed about 11:00 last night and woke at 6:00 this morning. (Actually, my phone went off about 5:00 in my room b/c I forgot to disarm it. So Bryan Riddle and I had a hard wake-up followed by another hard wake-up call an hour later).
We had a great breakfast followed by a morning devotional time. During our devotion, we called a guy in High Point, NC who has been on these trips before. However, his family recently found out that their 14-year old son has an aggressive form of cancer. He was diagnosed last year, underwent treatment, was declared clean this Spring, but the cancer has come back and is stronger. Doctors have given him 6-12 months. For that reason, he couldn't come this year. We prayed with him and each of us felt the overwhelming weight imagining having to go through that with our sons.
After devotion, we loaded up in the buses. All of the guys from Sixth Street are on the same squad. We went to a field in San Pedro de Marcoris that was at one time the Dominican home of the Houston Astros. This village once heavily relied on a sugar cane plantation that has been closed for 25 years. Most of the people are out of work and look around town for work. San Pedro is the home for many Major League players, most famously Sammy Sosa. The field was invaded by probably 200 kids. Baseball is their only way out of poverty and their great passion. One kid who was out there had only one arm. He was deformed from birth. He would field the ball, pop it up in the air, take off his glove, catch the ball and throw. Most of the kids didn't have gloves and many didn't have shoes. However, they all were thrilled to be playing baseball and showing off for us "gringos". After the clinic, one of the guys shared his testimony and John Zeller shared the gospel. Several students indicated a desire to ask Christ to be their Savior. That's what it's all about!
After coming back to the hotel for lunch, the other guys headed out to another clinic. I stayed in the hotel trying to shake off a sinus infection. Thanks for all your prayers. Each of us have been greatly impacted today and it's only the first day. More updates to come...
We had a great breakfast followed by a morning devotional time. During our devotion, we called a guy in High Point, NC who has been on these trips before. However, his family recently found out that their 14-year old son has an aggressive form of cancer. He was diagnosed last year, underwent treatment, was declared clean this Spring, but the cancer has come back and is stronger. Doctors have given him 6-12 months. For that reason, he couldn't come this year. We prayed with him and each of us felt the overwhelming weight imagining having to go through that with our sons.
After devotion, we loaded up in the buses. All of the guys from Sixth Street are on the same squad. We went to a field in San Pedro de Marcoris that was at one time the Dominican home of the Houston Astros. This village once heavily relied on a sugar cane plantation that has been closed for 25 years. Most of the people are out of work and look around town for work. San Pedro is the home for many Major League players, most famously Sammy Sosa. The field was invaded by probably 200 kids. Baseball is their only way out of poverty and their great passion. One kid who was out there had only one arm. He was deformed from birth. He would field the ball, pop it up in the air, take off his glove, catch the ball and throw. Most of the kids didn't have gloves and many didn't have shoes. However, they all were thrilled to be playing baseball and showing off for us "gringos". After the clinic, one of the guys shared his testimony and John Zeller shared the gospel. Several students indicated a desire to ask Christ to be their Savior. That's what it's all about!
After coming back to the hotel for lunch, the other guys headed out to another clinic. I stayed in the hotel trying to shake off a sinus infection. Thanks for all your prayers. Each of us have been greatly impacted today and it's only the first day. More updates to come...
Nov 14, 2010
Hello from the Dominican Republic
It's 10:30 on the close of our first day here in the DR. Today was mostly a traveling day. We met at the church this morning at 3:15 AM to head to Atlanta for our flight to Miami and then to Santo Domingo. The flights went well and we had a great time of laughs and cutting up together. We are pretty tired and tomorrow starts early at 6:00 AM.
We have a team of 4 guys from Sixth Street here in the DR to do baseball clinics with SCORE International. We are excited but unsure about what is in store for us during the week. Most of the kids here in the DR believe that baseball is their ticket to a better life. We are here to work with them on their passion and also to share with them the love and story of Jesus. Tonight we had an opening worship service and heard a testimony of a young man playing AA ball and an inspirational message from SCORE's founder, Ron Bishop. We also broke into our groups to talk about our work tomorrow. There are several minor and a couple of major league players here in addition to some high school and college coaches. I am excited to see three of my guys who get to mesh their passion and talent for baseball with the mission of Jesus.
Another highlight tonight was getting to see and talk with one of my baseball heroes, Ron Polk. As a lifelong MS State fan, I grew up watching Coach Polk in the third base coaches box. He is a true ambassador of the game. It was great to see him singing worship songs tonight and sharing with his unique brand of humor.
That's about all for now. Time to go to bed. Hope to update tomorrow afternoon or evening.
We have a team of 4 guys from Sixth Street here in the DR to do baseball clinics with SCORE International. We are excited but unsure about what is in store for us during the week. Most of the kids here in the DR believe that baseball is their ticket to a better life. We are here to work with them on their passion and also to share with them the love and story of Jesus. Tonight we had an opening worship service and heard a testimony of a young man playing AA ball and an inspirational message from SCORE's founder, Ron Bishop. We also broke into our groups to talk about our work tomorrow. There are several minor and a couple of major league players here in addition to some high school and college coaches. I am excited to see three of my guys who get to mesh their passion and talent for baseball with the mission of Jesus.
Another highlight tonight was getting to see and talk with one of my baseball heroes, Ron Polk. As a lifelong MS State fan, I grew up watching Coach Polk in the third base coaches box. He is a true ambassador of the game. It was great to see him singing worship songs tonight and sharing with his unique brand of humor.
That's about all for now. Time to go to bed. Hope to update tomorrow afternoon or evening.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
