Kings and Servant in NZ
Friday, November 12, 2004
On Tour with the Sydney Kings
Over the last weekend I was able to travel with the Kings (as part of the royal court) on their two game tour to New Zealand and Cairns. Great tour and wanted to capture some of the memories in this blog...
Because of a work conference concluding on Friday, I joined the team in Auckland on Saturday after a pick-up and coffee/chat with the AIA director in New Zealand (Timo Tagaloa). Looks like we may be able to supply a chaplain to the New Zealand Breakers in the near future. The coach will present the idea to his team leaders for their approval. One of the guys on that team (Shaun) is a strong Christian…so things are hopeful.
My first time on the bench (near the very end!) was celebrated with a strong win over the Breakers. I came away hoarse but very excited. Met with AIA staff in New Zealand and a local pastor at the hotel after the team post-game dinner for fellowship. And up early the next day for long trip to Cairns via Brisbane.
Had a great conversation with another passenger on the flight back to Oz about “how to know God personally”. He is a young social worker who was accompanying a younger Samoan friend to a family funeral. Our conversation on “life and death” was very timely. Since his brother happened to know CJ, there was a strong bonding that occurred very quickly. He was not ready at this point to make a commitment to Christ…but does pray regularly and will give this further thought. He asked for my phone number so that we could keep in touch.
What should have been about a six-hour process (flying from Auckland to Cairns) took more like 14 hours, but at least we didn’t have to play that night. Although it is very difficult for a team to win two games back to back on the road, we had a strong finish to win the second game against the Cairns Taipans that put us at the top of the competition ladder at just about 1/3 of the way through the season.
The coach was complimenting everyone on the team…and even looked me in the eye at the post game dinner and said, “You’re doing a good job, Rev. You’re good for the team!” I felt like I had just scored a three-point buzzer-beater to win a game!
More importantly I was able to make some “progress” with each of the guys in regard to their spiritual journey. Hopefully we have added one player to our usual prayer meeting and solidified another one who wants to be more consistent in joining us. Shared journey stories with several players and even had a brief prayer meeting for healing at the request of one of the players. Had a great Bible Study together one morning (4 of us) and got a lot of positive feedback from the other players. We had several “mini-conversations” about different Bible verses that came up during our waits in the airport lounges.
On the way back to Sydney, I was seated next to a woman who asked me about my role with the Kings. When I explained that I was the chaplain, she began asking all the “right questions”. When we were finally able to move off the topic of “church” and starting talking about “relationship with God”, I felt like we really made some headway. I left her with an evangelistic booklet and the promise to ring me if she had any further questions. The bonus in the encounter for me was the fact that one of the players was sitting across the aisle from us and able to “listen in” a bit and comment on the exchange afterwards…and here I thought he was asleep most of the time!
All in all it was a great trip. I bonded closer to the players in four days than in the previous four weeks put together. I realized last year that I’m truly blessed if I have more than one year with a player. A trip like this one can certainly enhance those relationships. It was a good investment for me in time and resourses. I should make it clear that the Kings did not pay for my trip. (If they had that kind of money they would probably take along another physiotherapist instead!)
I also want to publicly thank the men’s group at my home church (Gymea Baptist) for volunteering to help pay a portion of the expenses. Thanks guys!
Because of a work conference concluding on Friday, I joined the team in Auckland on Saturday after a pick-up and coffee/chat with the AIA director in New Zealand (Timo Tagaloa). Looks like we may be able to supply a chaplain to the New Zealand Breakers in the near future. The coach will present the idea to his team leaders for their approval. One of the guys on that team (Shaun) is a strong Christian…so things are hopeful.
My first time on the bench (near the very end!) was celebrated with a strong win over the Breakers. I came away hoarse but very excited. Met with AIA staff in New Zealand and a local pastor at the hotel after the team post-game dinner for fellowship. And up early the next day for long trip to Cairns via Brisbane.
Had a great conversation with another passenger on the flight back to Oz about “how to know God personally”. He is a young social worker who was accompanying a younger Samoan friend to a family funeral. Our conversation on “life and death” was very timely. Since his brother happened to know CJ, there was a strong bonding that occurred very quickly. He was not ready at this point to make a commitment to Christ…but does pray regularly and will give this further thought. He asked for my phone number so that we could keep in touch.
What should have been about a six-hour process (flying from Auckland to Cairns) took more like 14 hours, but at least we didn’t have to play that night. Although it is very difficult for a team to win two games back to back on the road, we had a strong finish to win the second game against the Cairns Taipans that put us at the top of the competition ladder at just about 1/3 of the way through the season.
The coach was complimenting everyone on the team…and even looked me in the eye at the post game dinner and said, “You’re doing a good job, Rev. You’re good for the team!” I felt like I had just scored a three-point buzzer-beater to win a game!
More importantly I was able to make some “progress” with each of the guys in regard to their spiritual journey. Hopefully we have added one player to our usual prayer meeting and solidified another one who wants to be more consistent in joining us. Shared journey stories with several players and even had a brief prayer meeting for healing at the request of one of the players. Had a great Bible Study together one morning (4 of us) and got a lot of positive feedback from the other players. We had several “mini-conversations” about different Bible verses that came up during our waits in the airport lounges.
On the way back to Sydney, I was seated next to a woman who asked me about my role with the Kings. When I explained that I was the chaplain, she began asking all the “right questions”. When we were finally able to move off the topic of “church” and starting talking about “relationship with God”, I felt like we really made some headway. I left her with an evangelistic booklet and the promise to ring me if she had any further questions. The bonus in the encounter for me was the fact that one of the players was sitting across the aisle from us and able to “listen in” a bit and comment on the exchange afterwards…and here I thought he was asleep most of the time!
All in all it was a great trip. I bonded closer to the players in four days than in the previous four weeks put together. I realized last year that I’m truly blessed if I have more than one year with a player. A trip like this one can certainly enhance those relationships. It was a good investment for me in time and resourses. I should make it clear that the Kings did not pay for my trip. (If they had that kind of money they would probably take along another physiotherapist instead!)
I also want to publicly thank the men’s group at my home church (Gymea Baptist) for volunteering to help pay a portion of the expenses. Thanks guys!
Saturday, October 30, 2004
Rescue 2004 Revisited
This report from one of the AIA team members at Rescue 2004 in Italy complements the stories posted yesterday. (Thank you God for Les Sillis and his ministry at Rescue 2004 with the Australian AIA team...and thank you, Les, for the stories.)
"It has always been exciting for me to be involved in short-term mission. My role was easy. All I had to do was turn up and do what comes natural - talk with many people from different parts of the world about my favourite person, my favourite ministry - and to do this with some of my favourite people in all the world (wonderful bonus)! Again I thank you for the opportunity.
Once I had decided to go opportunities presented themselves. I was able to share about the trip and the ministry of AIA to my co-workers the weeks leading up. Once I had boarded the plane in Sydney I was ready for what ever God had planned. On the plane I was able to introduce myself to a female competitor on the same flight. It turned out that we had met about 4 years earlier. She had been the captain of a soccer team that played against one of the mission teams I had toured from America. I was beaming by how her first mention of the team was that they were Christians, they sang and they gave her a book (New Testament) without any mention of the game itself.
A wonderful blessing to catch up with Lisa Fenn at Viareggio, she is the dearest of all sister's. Lisa made a huge impact when she spoke at the second Sunday beach service.
I treasure the moments I get with event officials. Reconnecting with those officials I had already known was awesome. But it was the times I got building a friendship with the starting official that is most memorial. The location of the tent was perfect, central to everyone and everything. Many athletes used this area for shade or just to get away from competition and prepare for their event. I believe they saw the tent as a safe place and were impressed by Terry and Maureen's friendliness and concern for those in spiritual need.
One lady I invited to the beach service I met in a laundrymat, she had come from Australia to support her grandson in competition. Terry and Maureen had met her days before in a local supermarket and had also invited her to the service. Imagine our ecstasy when she came. We were able to involve her in the service by wishing her a happy 77th birthday for the next day.
So many God incidents. We certainly have a wonderful Saviour. There were so many amazing moments."
"It has always been exciting for me to be involved in short-term mission. My role was easy. All I had to do was turn up and do what comes natural - talk with many people from different parts of the world about my favourite person, my favourite ministry - and to do this with some of my favourite people in all the world (wonderful bonus)! Again I thank you for the opportunity.
Once I had decided to go opportunities presented themselves. I was able to share about the trip and the ministry of AIA to my co-workers the weeks leading up. Once I had boarded the plane in Sydney I was ready for what ever God had planned. On the plane I was able to introduce myself to a female competitor on the same flight. It turned out that we had met about 4 years earlier. She had been the captain of a soccer team that played against one of the mission teams I had toured from America. I was beaming by how her first mention of the team was that they were Christians, they sang and they gave her a book (New Testament) without any mention of the game itself.
A wonderful blessing to catch up with Lisa Fenn at Viareggio, she is the dearest of all sister's. Lisa made a huge impact when she spoke at the second Sunday beach service.
I treasure the moments I get with event officials. Reconnecting with those officials I had already known was awesome. But it was the times I got building a friendship with the starting official that is most memorial. The location of the tent was perfect, central to everyone and everything. Many athletes used this area for shade or just to get away from competition and prepare for their event. I believe they saw the tent as a safe place and were impressed by Terry and Maureen's friendliness and concern for those in spiritual need.
One lady I invited to the beach service I met in a laundrymat, she had come from Australia to support her grandson in competition. Terry and Maureen had met her days before in a local supermarket and had also invited her to the service. Imagine our ecstasy when she came. We were able to involve her in the service by wishing her a happy 77th birthday for the next day.
So many God incidents. We certainly have a wonderful Saviour. There were so many amazing moments."
Friday, October 29, 2004
Oz AIA in Italy
Just got a great report in from our small Australian AIA team serving in Italy (for two weeks only!) at the World Surf Life Saving Championships. This is exciting stuff...and the entire document in blessing after blessing...I will opt to edit here for a "briefer" brief. (For the full report click on the Link--in the left-hand column--to my "Semi-Organized Scratchings" blogsite.) Thanks to Terry and Maureen Legg for this report...
"The purpose of the Rescue 2004 event is Life Saving competition and international development planning meetings. Australian Life Saving Chaplaincy--a branch of Athletes in Action Australia was officially approached to provide chaplaincy service during this world championship. The primary focal point of the service was a tent provided by the International Committee right on the beach in the middle of the activity and clearly labeled Chaplain Centre.
The total number of nations at the competition: 35
The number of nations (represented by vistiors) at the Chaplain Centre: 29.
(Including...Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Bulgaria, Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, United States, and Uruguay.)
There are 18 contacts to follow up for various reasons. Great Britain, South Africa, Trinidad Tobago, Taiwan, and India are to be followed up about chaplaincy.
From the Chaplain Centre the small team distributed sports/Jesus Film DVD’s, testimonies, tracts, brochures and "Answers to the Big 4 Questions".
E. G. from Uruguay was competing with the Argentinean Team. He came back (to the tent) a number of times. He speaks little English but enough to communicate. He bowed and said ‘I honour you’ (strange). He is going to take information back to the Uruguay conference in November. He wanted to swap for one of our T/Shirts but he didn’t have anything to swap, we gave him one of our new T/shirts anyway and his face just lit up.
We also met an administrator of the Qatar team and sports psychologist.
A guy from Scarborough WA discussed the need for chaplains. His club has had a suicide and another person from WA did the same recently. He is seeing first hand the value of a chaplain.
Another lady D. whose father is a minister was amazed to find a Chaplain at a Life Saving event. She has been judging competitions for a number of years. She stayed on her knees for 20-30 minutes asking questions and details of what we do. Her business with Life Saving keeps her away from church. She was encouraged to make God her focus and return to fellowship.
A young German student M. doing his PhD in Nuclear Science asked what we were about. He listened and took literature. Two other German guys took B4’s. They were very interested but have strong feelings against the organised church.
2 UK tourists had a long discussion. They believe there is a God but have doubts because of the Irish religious groups and what happens in the middle east.
L. from Sth Africa, took literature. We had a lot of encouragement from South Africans. We also have a guy who is interested in the SA Chaplaincy. He and his wife are training hard at the moment for the next Olympic Games 2008.
M. T, Cork Club Ireland was a former atheist, became a Christian, and was attending a church but has drifted away and to get back to God. She took a copy of all the literature.
N. (nicknamed "Sticks", because of his thin legs) came into the tent to have his lunch without sand. Maureen started to chat with him and got around to the gospel. Eventually he received Christ and was eager to tell his girl friend who is a Christian. He is one great guy and fun to be with, we are waiting to hear some good news from him and his girlfriend. He is a beach sprinter, good too, and so happy to have Jesus in his life. Go Sticks."
That's enough for a taste of the Project at least. The actual report is about four times the size of the above.
I should mention however that in addition to the Chaplain Centre Tent Service. Terry was also asked to provide two public Sunrise Services on the beach during the ten days of the competition. Simon Mills (a very popular former Queensland radio personality--musician and comic) paid for his own trip over to assist Terry with the services. I will finish here by adding excerpts from his "unusual" report on that activity.
"It was an absolute blessing to be asked to speak at the event in Italy...The actual event went very well despite the international challenges. By this I do not mean language but culture, for eg, I started with a song (Finally Come Home) and half way through it a guy on a tractor comes right past the front of the speaking area smoothing out the sand for the next beach event and making a rather big racket. He did make the sign of the cross when he drove past me. Hmmm I thought, that has never happened to me before. (He may have mistook me for the Pope.)
Other cultural differences included, “no it is impossible to get electricity to the stage, you will have to bring the piano up here to plug it in". Despite these small challenges it was a wonderful morning and the Italians were very welcoming and most helpful. It is not often you get to stand on a beachfront on a Sunday morning in Italy as the sun comes up (behind you) and speak to people across the beach about how God has blessed your life. Viareggio is a resort town surrounded by mountains. On this Sunday morning I sung songs that echoed along the beach and into those mountains and not many people in the world have had opportunities like that. I am sure there is still plenty of Italians wondering what on earth the loud fat Australian songs were, emanating from the beach into their apartments, but they didn’t seem to mind and the people on the beach responded very well. There was even an interpreter there to try and explain what on earth I was talking about to the non-English speaking people. There were people there from 35 countries so I am sure the Swiss and Polish teams had plenty of trouble with me too but one thing the interpreter, ( A lovely lady called Fedrica) was able to communicate was the closing statement which summed it all up in a Christian/life saving kind of way. Christianity is like swimming, you can explain it to people until you are blue in the face (a little life saving joke there) but until they dive in they have no idea."
Thanks again, Terry and Maureen...and team--Les, Simon, and Lisa. Not just for the report... but for your vision and hard work in touching this event with the Good News. You are special people...and may God continue to grow His kingdom in the Life Saving community worldwide through your pioneering efforts.
"The purpose of the Rescue 2004 event is Life Saving competition and international development planning meetings. Australian Life Saving Chaplaincy--a branch of Athletes in Action Australia was officially approached to provide chaplaincy service during this world championship. The primary focal point of the service was a tent provided by the International Committee right on the beach in the middle of the activity and clearly labeled Chaplain Centre.
The total number of nations at the competition: 35
The number of nations (represented by vistiors) at the Chaplain Centre: 29.
(Including...Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Bulgaria, Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, United States, and Uruguay.)
There are 18 contacts to follow up for various reasons. Great Britain, South Africa, Trinidad Tobago, Taiwan, and India are to be followed up about chaplaincy.
From the Chaplain Centre the small team distributed sports/Jesus Film DVD’s, testimonies, tracts, brochures and "Answers to the Big 4 Questions".
E. G. from Uruguay was competing with the Argentinean Team. He came back (to the tent) a number of times. He speaks little English but enough to communicate. He bowed and said ‘I honour you’ (strange). He is going to take information back to the Uruguay conference in November. He wanted to swap for one of our T/Shirts but he didn’t have anything to swap, we gave him one of our new T/shirts anyway and his face just lit up.
We also met an administrator of the Qatar team and sports psychologist.
A guy from Scarborough WA discussed the need for chaplains. His club has had a suicide and another person from WA did the same recently. He is seeing first hand the value of a chaplain.
Another lady D. whose father is a minister was amazed to find a Chaplain at a Life Saving event. She has been judging competitions for a number of years. She stayed on her knees for 20-30 minutes asking questions and details of what we do. Her business with Life Saving keeps her away from church. She was encouraged to make God her focus and return to fellowship.
A young German student M. doing his PhD in Nuclear Science asked what we were about. He listened and took literature. Two other German guys took B4’s. They were very interested but have strong feelings against the organised church.
2 UK tourists had a long discussion. They believe there is a God but have doubts because of the Irish religious groups and what happens in the middle east.
L. from Sth Africa, took literature. We had a lot of encouragement from South Africans. We also have a guy who is interested in the SA Chaplaincy. He and his wife are training hard at the moment for the next Olympic Games 2008.
M. T, Cork Club Ireland was a former atheist, became a Christian, and was attending a church but has drifted away and to get back to God. She took a copy of all the literature.
N. (nicknamed "Sticks", because of his thin legs) came into the tent to have his lunch without sand. Maureen started to chat with him and got around to the gospel. Eventually he received Christ and was eager to tell his girl friend who is a Christian. He is one great guy and fun to be with, we are waiting to hear some good news from him and his girlfriend. He is a beach sprinter, good too, and so happy to have Jesus in his life. Go Sticks."
That's enough for a taste of the Project at least. The actual report is about four times the size of the above.
I should mention however that in addition to the Chaplain Centre Tent Service. Terry was also asked to provide two public Sunrise Services on the beach during the ten days of the competition. Simon Mills (a very popular former Queensland radio personality--musician and comic) paid for his own trip over to assist Terry with the services. I will finish here by adding excerpts from his "unusual" report on that activity.
"It was an absolute blessing to be asked to speak at the event in Italy...The actual event went very well despite the international challenges. By this I do not mean language but culture, for eg, I started with a song (Finally Come Home) and half way through it a guy on a tractor comes right past the front of the speaking area smoothing out the sand for the next beach event and making a rather big racket. He did make the sign of the cross when he drove past me. Hmmm I thought, that has never happened to me before. (He may have mistook me for the Pope.)
Other cultural differences included, “no it is impossible to get electricity to the stage, you will have to bring the piano up here to plug it in". Despite these small challenges it was a wonderful morning and the Italians were very welcoming and most helpful. It is not often you get to stand on a beachfront on a Sunday morning in Italy as the sun comes up (behind you) and speak to people across the beach about how God has blessed your life. Viareggio is a resort town surrounded by mountains. On this Sunday morning I sung songs that echoed along the beach and into those mountains and not many people in the world have had opportunities like that. I am sure there is still plenty of Italians wondering what on earth the loud fat Australian songs were, emanating from the beach into their apartments, but they didn’t seem to mind and the people on the beach responded very well. There was even an interpreter there to try and explain what on earth I was talking about to the non-English speaking people. There were people there from 35 countries so I am sure the Swiss and Polish teams had plenty of trouble with me too but one thing the interpreter, ( A lovely lady called Fedrica) was able to communicate was the closing statement which summed it all up in a Christian/life saving kind of way. Christianity is like swimming, you can explain it to people until you are blue in the face (a little life saving joke there) but until they dive in they have no idea."
Thanks again, Terry and Maureen...and team--Les, Simon, and Lisa. Not just for the report... but for your vision and hard work in touching this event with the Good News. You are special people...and may God continue to grow His kingdom in the Life Saving community worldwide through your pioneering efforts.
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Smith Shines Again
"For the second time in four days Sydney Kings guard Jason Smith proved to be NBL rival Melbourne's nemesis with a last-minute match-winning basket.Smith scored a basket with one second remaining to break a 109-109 deadlock, then followed up with a free throw to give the Kings a 112-109 win over the Tigers at the State Netball Centre tonight.Smith scored the winner on Wednesday night in Sydney to help the Kings beat the Tigers by one point."
-Summary credited to Guy Hand
-Summary credited to Guy Hand
Sunday, October 17, 2004
Sydney Kings start trail to the ThreePeat
Great opening home game cliff-hanger for the Kings on Wednesday night.
The only time they lead in the game was the last 8 seconds. At one point the were 27 points down and went into the fourth quarter behind by 20. Jason Smith (captain) was the stalwart but it was a team effort to gradually close the score down to trailing by 2 when Jason got a pass and shot through two defenders to hit a three-pointer at 7. something seconds and then Andrew Gaze got the ball from the baseline and had one chance at a return three-pointer from just beyond the centercourt...and missed!
Celebration was unbelievable--a bit more exciting than the Grand Final???
The only time they lead in the game was the last 8 seconds. At one point the were 27 points down and went into the fourth quarter behind by 20. Jason Smith (captain) was the stalwart but it was a team effort to gradually close the score down to trailing by 2 when Jason got a pass and shot through two defenders to hit a three-pointer at 7. something seconds and then Andrew Gaze got the ball from the baseline and had one chance at a return three-pointer from just beyond the centercourt...and missed!
Celebration was unbelievable--a bit more exciting than the Grand Final???
Opps!!! Ten Days to recover...and catch up?
Been away from the blog keyboard too long...
Moree did sap some energy from this aging body, but as an old mentor of mine used to say...
"Everybody gets tired. But if I'm going to get tired I want it to be from doing God's work."
I included a couple of pictures from the outreach in the posting yesterday.
Saturday, October 16, 2004
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
Final Day in Moreeeeeee (Day Seven)
Actually the final day was Monday...and it's already (almost) Thursday now so I wanted to get this posted even though it will be short...just to get some closure before the next "adventure" which starts in about 10 hours...
Monday in Moree saw perfect weather and a final "touch footie" clinic with about 30 of the kids...most of them now "regulars". I was in charge of "browning the meat" for a sausage sizzle for lunch as a celebration of our time together...topped off with some chocolate cake. There were a number of photos... and expressions of sadness at having to leave our new friends (and new brothers and sisters in Christ). The advantage here was that we left a very loving and capable Salvation Army Corps leader in charge to follow through with the kids.
Our final simple appeal to the kids was to encourage them to ask Jesus to be their special friend and to come into their lives. A number of them indicated that they had done this by raising their hands. I trust we will see them in glory and have some good times together at the sports clinics in the sky.
I thank God for the prayers offered up on our behalf as we sought to serve Him and these little people.
We took time to clean up after ourselves at our hostess' home...including a little yard and garden work...and then drove into the light as far as Armidale to shorten the trip back to Sydney yesterday (Tuesday)...but it was still close to 9 hours on the road by the time I finally arrived home. Beautiful country between Moree and Glouchester...some substantial green and a number of purple and blue wild flowers along the side of the road with some yellow crops that I couldn't identify and innumerable cattle and sheep...even saw a couple of donkeys and goats...and one wallaby standing by the side of the road waiting for us to pass by.
For the next couple of days I will be shifting gears to engage in "intensive" training with the life coaching course that Jan and I are doing by extension with the Australian College of Ministry (ACOM). Have to get an early start into the city for our meeting so will make the post and then sign off.
Monday in Moree saw perfect weather and a final "touch footie" clinic with about 30 of the kids...most of them now "regulars". I was in charge of "browning the meat" for a sausage sizzle for lunch as a celebration of our time together...topped off with some chocolate cake. There were a number of photos... and expressions of sadness at having to leave our new friends (and new brothers and sisters in Christ). The advantage here was that we left a very loving and capable Salvation Army Corps leader in charge to follow through with the kids.
Our final simple appeal to the kids was to encourage them to ask Jesus to be their special friend and to come into their lives. A number of them indicated that they had done this by raising their hands. I trust we will see them in glory and have some good times together at the sports clinics in the sky.
I thank God for the prayers offered up on our behalf as we sought to serve Him and these little people.
We took time to clean up after ourselves at our hostess' home...including a little yard and garden work...and then drove into the light as far as Armidale to shorten the trip back to Sydney yesterday (Tuesday)...but it was still close to 9 hours on the road by the time I finally arrived home. Beautiful country between Moree and Glouchester...some substantial green and a number of purple and blue wild flowers along the side of the road with some yellow crops that I couldn't identify and innumerable cattle and sheep...even saw a couple of donkeys and goats...and one wallaby standing by the side of the road waiting for us to pass by.
For the next couple of days I will be shifting gears to engage in "intensive" training with the life coaching course that Jan and I are doing by extension with the Australian College of Ministry (ACOM). Have to get an early start into the city for our meeting so will make the post and then sign off.
Sunday, October 03, 2004
More on Moreeeeee (Day Six)
I'm beginning to feel the wear and tear on six straight days of morning and evening "mission" with 35-50 kids...lost my "cool" with one of them today that I thought was bullying a couple of others (in retrospect I suspect he was just being selfish rather than malicious). Regardless, I was in the wrong and regretted the action taken with him. To make matters worse, he refused to even talk to me when I attempted to make things right and "reconcile". May have hit me a little harder than him as tonight he was at least a bit civil as we were watching the Rugby League Grand Final on a big screen with the kids. Anyhow...part of the experience I guess. Balanced by a very warm cuddle from one of the seven year old tykes (Emmanuel).
This AM following breakfast at the school on the lawn we walked a couple of hundred metres to the PCYC for our Sunday AM programme which focused on basketball. I have been coaching Junior Basketball with intellectually handicapped kids for almost eight years and I can't remember ever having such a "zoo experience" as this morning. The Salvation Army leader here talked the corps into meeting at the gym for their "service" rather than the "citadel" and just seeing what was going on. About eight of them came in together and hung in there with us for an hour and a bit. One of the older aboriginal men in the corps--who knew most of the kids in the programme--kept saying he couldn't believe how much the kids were listening and responding...and even sitting quietly from time to time in the centre circle of the basketball court. He said he had never seen that with this group and wouldn't have believed it if he hadn't seen it. (After he left was my run-in with one of the older boys.)
Debrief was good over left-overs for lunch. Found out that others were a bit frazzled as well though none yet to my extreme (yet!). We decided that more than five days in a row wasn't necessarily a "no go" zone...but it might be a good idea to roster in a rest day for each member of the team.
Last night was particularly "short" as we ended up eating tea after 9:00 pm (resulting in some indigestion that had me up in the middle of the night) and then someone queried whether or not it was time to lose an hour for daylight savings swap over. We pretty much decided that the kids wouldn't be clued into the time change anyway but just to be sure we should pick them up a half hour earlier than we had said. With our depleted energy resources and at that late hour it took us a good half hour to decide what to do. The next moring when we woke up at 5:30 instead of 6:30 someone had finally nailed down a definitive judgement on the daylight savings issue and as it turned out we were a month (and an hour) ahead of schedule of the changeover. The kids were fine and not influenced in the least by our drama. Several of us were commenting on the fact that we were assuming the kids couldn't be expected to "figure out" daylight savings when in fact there were seven of us well-educated professionals who couldn't seem to get it right! A good example of the blind leading the blind?
After a near panic as we tried to set up the data projector to show the Rugby Grand Final without an aerial to the television set, we did get things underway on time (Thank you Lord!) and everyone seemed to enjoy the night. I was excused by the team to go home early and get a shower (and make this entry in my blog) before the team returned...but they have just arrived so I will close off for an informal debrief on the evening. Only one more AM session to go!
This AM following breakfast at the school on the lawn we walked a couple of hundred metres to the PCYC for our Sunday AM programme which focused on basketball. I have been coaching Junior Basketball with intellectually handicapped kids for almost eight years and I can't remember ever having such a "zoo experience" as this morning. The Salvation Army leader here talked the corps into meeting at the gym for their "service" rather than the "citadel" and just seeing what was going on. About eight of them came in together and hung in there with us for an hour and a bit. One of the older aboriginal men in the corps--who knew most of the kids in the programme--kept saying he couldn't believe how much the kids were listening and responding...and even sitting quietly from time to time in the centre circle of the basketball court. He said he had never seen that with this group and wouldn't have believed it if he hadn't seen it. (After he left was my run-in with one of the older boys.)
Debrief was good over left-overs for lunch. Found out that others were a bit frazzled as well though none yet to my extreme (yet!). We decided that more than five days in a row wasn't necessarily a "no go" zone...but it might be a good idea to roster in a rest day for each member of the team.
Last night was particularly "short" as we ended up eating tea after 9:00 pm (resulting in some indigestion that had me up in the middle of the night) and then someone queried whether or not it was time to lose an hour for daylight savings swap over. We pretty much decided that the kids wouldn't be clued into the time change anyway but just to be sure we should pick them up a half hour earlier than we had said. With our depleted energy resources and at that late hour it took us a good half hour to decide what to do. The next moring when we woke up at 5:30 instead of 6:30 someone had finally nailed down a definitive judgement on the daylight savings issue and as it turned out we were a month (and an hour) ahead of schedule of the changeover. The kids were fine and not influenced in the least by our drama. Several of us were commenting on the fact that we were assuming the kids couldn't be expected to "figure out" daylight savings when in fact there were seven of us well-educated professionals who couldn't seem to get it right! A good example of the blind leading the blind?
After a near panic as we tried to set up the data projector to show the Rugby Grand Final without an aerial to the television set, we did get things underway on time (Thank you Lord!) and everyone seemed to enjoy the night. I was excused by the team to go home early and get a shower (and make this entry in my blog) before the team returned...but they have just arrived so I will close off for an informal debrief on the evening. Only one more AM session to go!
Saturday, October 02, 2004
More on Moreeeee (Day Five)
Friday evening was PCYC free for all. The word must be getting out...we had the largest attendence yet (at over 50)...problem was that the age range expanded too--from 5-12 to 3-18. Just too much of an age difference to keep everyone entertained and busy with games. I didn't have much energy and played a minor role last night but the team did well and several really stepped "up" to make the evening a success.
Saturday was the long-awaited swimming day at the Moree Public Hot Mineral Baths. About 32 kids showed up though the day threatened rain. At least there weren't too many others in the pool when we invaded. Again the team stepped up and did a good job assessing which kids needed to be doing what...and with which coach. I got the "littlies" who loved the "hot pool" and could only just hang on (for dear life) to the cement "railing" around the pool. By the end of the morning most of them were able to let go of the railing and push themselves off the wall into my waiting arms. Somehow the timing got a little off and instead of "swimming" to me, catching their breath, and then returning to the wall...they started leaving off the last step and I was standing there with kids hanging off me like so many barnacles on an old boat. (Loved it!) I particularly enjoyed encouraging the little boys to "take risks" (albeit only a risk in their minds!) and then affirming them when they overcame their fears.
Because the air was a little cold outside of the hot pools, we had our morning Bible session in the corner of the public pool with about 50 other patrons (mostly European travelers there for the spas) hearing the gospel out of the mouths of babes as they shouted out their answers to simple questions. They had no trouble in letting their immediate "world" know that...
God is love...
God loves everyone...
God gives good gifts...
I am taking lessons from these little people. And praying that some of them will come to Jesus both as an immediate result of the outreach...and through the continuing work of the Salvation Army follow-up team.
It was really enjoyable for me to see smiles all around. I fixed nachos for the team as a late afternoon tea and passed over the hot pools Saturday afternoon as we had been in them all morning.
Saturday night back to the PCYC with a few less...back to strict 5-12 age group. I was the ever popular lollybag awards presenter...nice to be so well-liked...though I question the motivations.
Everyone safely home and meeting now with team for debrief and stir-fry. Seems appropriate for how we are starting to feel--stirred and fried. Gotta go!
Saturday was the long-awaited swimming day at the Moree Public Hot Mineral Baths. About 32 kids showed up though the day threatened rain. At least there weren't too many others in the pool when we invaded. Again the team stepped up and did a good job assessing which kids needed to be doing what...and with which coach. I got the "littlies" who loved the "hot pool" and could only just hang on (for dear life) to the cement "railing" around the pool. By the end of the morning most of them were able to let go of the railing and push themselves off the wall into my waiting arms. Somehow the timing got a little off and instead of "swimming" to me, catching their breath, and then returning to the wall...they started leaving off the last step and I was standing there with kids hanging off me like so many barnacles on an old boat. (Loved it!) I particularly enjoyed encouraging the little boys to "take risks" (albeit only a risk in their minds!) and then affirming them when they overcame their fears.
Because the air was a little cold outside of the hot pools, we had our morning Bible session in the corner of the public pool with about 50 other patrons (mostly European travelers there for the spas) hearing the gospel out of the mouths of babes as they shouted out their answers to simple questions. They had no trouble in letting their immediate "world" know that...
God is love...
God loves everyone...
God gives good gifts...
I am taking lessons from these little people. And praying that some of them will come to Jesus both as an immediate result of the outreach...and through the continuing work of the Salvation Army follow-up team.
It was really enjoyable for me to see smiles all around. I fixed nachos for the team as a late afternoon tea and passed over the hot pools Saturday afternoon as we had been in them all morning.
Saturday night back to the PCYC with a few less...back to strict 5-12 age group. I was the ever popular lollybag awards presenter...nice to be so well-liked...though I question the motivations.
Everyone safely home and meeting now with team for debrief and stir-fry. Seems appropriate for how we are starting to feel--stirred and fried. Gotta go!
Friday, October 01, 2004
More on Moreeee (Day Four)
Thursday night at the PCYC gym...had roughly the same group of kids (down to about 30 in number) but a lot more friendly now that they knew us a little better. Played a couple of relay races, bull-rushes (a favorite), Here Comes the Captain...and an unofficial game called "Trying- to- keep- some- of- the- more- cheeky- boys- from- breaking- into- the- kitchen- and- devouring- some- chocolate- cake-that-had-been-left-over-from-the- celebration- of- the millenium-new-year." (Fortunately I did get a piece before we were finally nabbed. Must be something really special to be taken right out of the kitchen of the Police Citizens Youth Club!)
Closed shop at 9 and back to the Headquarters for coffee in about 10 minutes--no traffic in Moree at 9:00 pm.
Into Friday morning with the usual 8:00 am bus pickup of the kids for breakfast. A few new faces but about the same number. This could have been influenced by a torrential downpour at the same time we were picking up the kids. The breakfast crew meanwhile was literally "bailing out" the back up venue of a large covered area in the centre of the school ground. The drains had been located close to a large sandpit and had filled with sand, mud, and leaves. Didn't exactly allow for smooth run-off and the water started creeping up under the shelter consuming more and more of the dry space. It was all hands on deck with brooms and buckets...but was more or less dry (or at least only damp) by the time the kids showed up.
It was really worthwhile when one of the kids from Wednesday walked over to see me (soaking wet down on my knees) digging mud out of the drain. Brodie appeared a little suspicious at first and then looked (way) up at me with a big white grin and pronounced, "Tha's a lil betta!"
After breakfast, we had a great time with games in the shed (instead of softball). Titanic was a big hit and helped tremendously by a number of different size and shape paintings on the (damp) concrete that provided some ready made rescue islands...the coaches served as ferocious "crocs" to make things a little more exciting. Couple of more relays and a "Rob the nest" folllowed by a vigourous game of dodge ball until Tyrique (one of the five year olds) got "beaned"...he was ready for more but fortunately it was time for lunch. Not sure what we will do tonight--running rapidly through our list of games. Possibly indoor cricket...which seems to be in big demand.
Just before lunch we had another "Bible study". Actually, the kids had remembered every word of yesterday's lesson--"God is love." Today's was a little longer--"God loves everyone--and that means you". Great to hear the kids repeating these timeless truths at the top of their lungs.
Spent the last couple of afternoons on the blog after recuperating from the AM in one of the natural hot mineral spring pools around the city. Like a giant hot turbo bath in very comfortable swimming pool type surroundings. A great asset to this outreach!
Closed shop at 9 and back to the Headquarters for coffee in about 10 minutes--no traffic in Moree at 9:00 pm.
Into Friday morning with the usual 8:00 am bus pickup of the kids for breakfast. A few new faces but about the same number. This could have been influenced by a torrential downpour at the same time we were picking up the kids. The breakfast crew meanwhile was literally "bailing out" the back up venue of a large covered area in the centre of the school ground. The drains had been located close to a large sandpit and had filled with sand, mud, and leaves. Didn't exactly allow for smooth run-off and the water started creeping up under the shelter consuming more and more of the dry space. It was all hands on deck with brooms and buckets...but was more or less dry (or at least only damp) by the time the kids showed up.
It was really worthwhile when one of the kids from Wednesday walked over to see me (soaking wet down on my knees) digging mud out of the drain. Brodie appeared a little suspicious at first and then looked (way) up at me with a big white grin and pronounced, "Tha's a lil betta!"
After breakfast, we had a great time with games in the shed (instead of softball). Titanic was a big hit and helped tremendously by a number of different size and shape paintings on the (damp) concrete that provided some ready made rescue islands...the coaches served as ferocious "crocs" to make things a little more exciting. Couple of more relays and a "Rob the nest" folllowed by a vigourous game of dodge ball until Tyrique (one of the five year olds) got "beaned"...he was ready for more but fortunately it was time for lunch. Not sure what we will do tonight--running rapidly through our list of games. Possibly indoor cricket...which seems to be in big demand.
Just before lunch we had another "Bible study". Actually, the kids had remembered every word of yesterday's lesson--"God is love." Today's was a little longer--"God loves everyone--and that means you". Great to hear the kids repeating these timeless truths at the top of their lungs.
Spent the last couple of afternoons on the blog after recuperating from the AM in one of the natural hot mineral spring pools around the city. Like a giant hot turbo bath in very comfortable swimming pool type surroundings. A great asset to this outreach!
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Moree--Day Three...or Moreee?
Since my last post I have enjoyed a BBQ with some of the church and aboriginal leaders here in Moree to do some last minute planning and prayer for the outreach (which began with the kids early Thursday AM).
We had about 15 of us gather under shelter on a back patio under a tin roof as the rain beat down around us. Like most of NSW (and Australia for that matter) they could really use some rain here so it was a blessing but got us wondering about back up plans for the next day if the rain continued. Great food and fellowship together in anticipation for tomorrow. I ended up having a long chat with Alan about his favorite pasttimes of fishing (for yellowbelly) and hunting wild pigs (some up to 200 lbs) with his dogs and a knife. He had a couple of scars to show me!
The sun seems to rise earlier out here and we were all up and about by 6:15...and yes, in spite of our fears the sun did rise with only enough cloud to cool things off (just a bit). Our plan includes picking up the kids in a Salvation Army bus and feeding them a nutricious breakfast before running some drills and then some games...frequent water and "sugar-water" breaks and finish with a short and simple evangelistic talk just before lunch and a return bus ride home. Start time to be approximately 8:30. At that time this morning there were only 3 kids there...but within a half-hour and with the help of the bus we had swelled to more like 35 kids ranging from 3 to 14. It was hot work on the soccer field but the kids seemed to enjoy it.
After lunch on a supervised trip to the school restrooms nearby several of the boys were asking me about God (the main topic of our short "devotional"). Amazing how a six year old can stop you dead in an argument..."if God made everything...who made him?"...followed immediately (and long before I could frame an answer to the first question) by "Where did Jesus come from?" At least I had some help from one of the other kids at that point who argued, "From his mother's belly." I might let him answer any future questions.
Returned the kids to their homes on the bus and looking forward to meeting up with them again for games tonight at the local PCYC (Police Citizens Youth Club) where we have been given exclusive use of the facility for the next couple of nights. Gotta go help prepare tea first so I will sign off now.
We had about 15 of us gather under shelter on a back patio under a tin roof as the rain beat down around us. Like most of NSW (and Australia for that matter) they could really use some rain here so it was a blessing but got us wondering about back up plans for the next day if the rain continued. Great food and fellowship together in anticipation for tomorrow. I ended up having a long chat with Alan about his favorite pasttimes of fishing (for yellowbelly) and hunting wild pigs (some up to 200 lbs) with his dogs and a knife. He had a couple of scars to show me!
The sun seems to rise earlier out here and we were all up and about by 6:15...and yes, in spite of our fears the sun did rise with only enough cloud to cool things off (just a bit). Our plan includes picking up the kids in a Salvation Army bus and feeding them a nutricious breakfast before running some drills and then some games...frequent water and "sugar-water" breaks and finish with a short and simple evangelistic talk just before lunch and a return bus ride home. Start time to be approximately 8:30. At that time this morning there were only 3 kids there...but within a half-hour and with the help of the bus we had swelled to more like 35 kids ranging from 3 to 14. It was hot work on the soccer field but the kids seemed to enjoy it.
After lunch on a supervised trip to the school restrooms nearby several of the boys were asking me about God (the main topic of our short "devotional"). Amazing how a six year old can stop you dead in an argument..."if God made everything...who made him?"...followed immediately (and long before I could frame an answer to the first question) by "Where did Jesus come from?" At least I had some help from one of the other kids at that point who argued, "From his mother's belly." I might let him answer any future questions.
Returned the kids to their homes on the bus and looking forward to meeting up with them again for games tonight at the local PCYC (Police Citizens Youth Club) where we have been given exclusive use of the facility for the next couple of nights. Gotta go help prepare tea first so I will sign off now.
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Moree Meanderings
I am in "country NSW" up near the Queensland border on the Moree Plains (and I mean "flat") for a week. I have joined with a small team of people from the Salvation Army who are keen to assist their local corps in doing outreach among indigenous people over the school holidays... through evangelistic sports clinics.
It took the entire day on Tuesday just to drive the 500 km through the country to get here. At least I got quite a bit of reading done for my "Life Coaching" extension course. The entire team settled in with the local Salvation Army Leuitenant in a large 4-bedroom house on the south edge of town and began to plan for the four day programme.
Wednesday (so far) has been spent in checking out the venues and purchasing food as we will be providing breakfast and lunch for any of the kids that come along. Tomorrow at least we will start at the playground of the local primary school. We met the Principal this AM and he is very warm to the project and willing to assist in any way possible. Later today we are planning a BBQ with some of the aboriginal and church leaders to pray and plan. We will start work bright and early tommorrow AM.
It took the entire day on Tuesday just to drive the 500 km through the country to get here. At least I got quite a bit of reading done for my "Life Coaching" extension course. The entire team settled in with the local Salvation Army Leuitenant in a large 4-bedroom house on the south edge of town and began to plan for the four day programme.
Wednesday (so far) has been spent in checking out the venues and purchasing food as we will be providing breakfast and lunch for any of the kids that come along. Tomorrow at least we will start at the playground of the local primary school. We met the Principal this AM and he is very warm to the project and willing to assist in any way possible. Later today we are planning a BBQ with some of the aboriginal and church leaders to pray and plan. We will start work bright and early tommorrow AM.
Saturday, September 25, 2004
Gabbing in the 'Gong
Had a great time yesterday with one of the guys I'm mentoring--my mate!
We drove down to the 'Gong (Wollongong) several hours before the Sydney Kings’ last pre-season game with the Hawks...stopped to pray first...and then dropped by the home of an injured rugby player that I met a couple of weeks ago...picked him up...and settled in at a local coffee shop nearby for a huge mug of hot chocolate.
My mate did a great job sharing the story of his spiritual journey with the injured player...and then walked him through little booklet entitled "Knowing God Personally". The lights seemed to go on once or twice in the player's eyes, but at the end of the presentation, he didn't feel that he could really "mean it" (if he were to say a prayer of invitation at that time). We answered a couple of the questions that had arisen in the discussion and assured him that he could say that prayer whenever he could really mean it...and he would enter into God's family.
Just to see whether or not he really understood the "mechanics" we were suggesting, I asked him what he would actually do if (or when) he came to a point in his life where he was ready to enter into a relationship with God. His response was simply "get off the throne and ask Jesus to come into my life by saying a prayer like the one in the booklet". My mate and I gave each other a knowing look and realized that we had done all we could do at that point in time.
We chatted a bit more, expressed our availability to the player, dropped him back by his home, and headed off to the game…where the Kings were severely trounced!
Couple of lessons here...
1. Always remember...
"Success in evangelism is simply sharing Christ...in the power of the Spirit...and leaving the results to God." Even though the player wasn't ready to respond to Christ (yet!), we were "successful" because we met the criteria above. (Sometimes the hardest bit of this equation is "to leave the results to God".)
2. A new experience of an old lesson...
Just because you are obedient (and faithful) in sharing the gospel with others…it doesn't mean your team will win their next basketball game!
Anyhow...I was really encouraged by my mate's heart for God and others...and with his rapidly developing skills in communicating spiritual truth.
God is great...God is good!
We drove down to the 'Gong (Wollongong) several hours before the Sydney Kings’ last pre-season game with the Hawks...stopped to pray first...and then dropped by the home of an injured rugby player that I met a couple of weeks ago...picked him up...and settled in at a local coffee shop nearby for a huge mug of hot chocolate.
My mate did a great job sharing the story of his spiritual journey with the injured player...and then walked him through little booklet entitled "Knowing God Personally". The lights seemed to go on once or twice in the player's eyes, but at the end of the presentation, he didn't feel that he could really "mean it" (if he were to say a prayer of invitation at that time). We answered a couple of the questions that had arisen in the discussion and assured him that he could say that prayer whenever he could really mean it...and he would enter into God's family.
Just to see whether or not he really understood the "mechanics" we were suggesting, I asked him what he would actually do if (or when) he came to a point in his life where he was ready to enter into a relationship with God. His response was simply "get off the throne and ask Jesus to come into my life by saying a prayer like the one in the booklet". My mate and I gave each other a knowing look and realized that we had done all we could do at that point in time.
We chatted a bit more, expressed our availability to the player, dropped him back by his home, and headed off to the game…where the Kings were severely trounced!
Couple of lessons here...
1. Always remember...
"Success in evangelism is simply sharing Christ...in the power of the Spirit...and leaving the results to God." Even though the player wasn't ready to respond to Christ (yet!), we were "successful" because we met the criteria above. (Sometimes the hardest bit of this equation is "to leave the results to God".)
2. A new experience of an old lesson...
Just because you are obedient (and faithful) in sharing the gospel with others…it doesn't mean your team will win their next basketball game!
Anyhow...I was really encouraged by my mate's heart for God and others...and with his rapidly developing skills in communicating spiritual truth.
God is great...God is good!
Friday, September 24, 2004
Thoughts on behaviour and values
A friend of mine has asked me to pray that "my faith will dramatically affect my behavior in these next days". In reply to her...and probably gearing in more on the word "behavior"...I had a few thought that I decided to blog as well...
I have been reminded at least five times in the last couple of days that "our behavior is merely a reflection of our values". Rather that trying to motivate others (or even myself) by demanding (or even suggesting!) behavioural change...it would be far more effective and long-lasting to help them make a shift in their values that would drive a change in the way they do things. Values in turn are reinforced by investing time and energy (and other resources) into the things and people we "value" (or want to).
Then again...that ususally involves some kind of behaviour! Getting confusing here (to me at least). Possibly because the two are more closely integrated than we realize. To salvage anything from this mental rambling, I will close off by suggesting that any movement toward behavioural change should factor in some thought on underlying values.
I have been reminded at least five times in the last couple of days that "our behavior is merely a reflection of our values". Rather that trying to motivate others (or even myself) by demanding (or even suggesting!) behavioural change...it would be far more effective and long-lasting to help them make a shift in their values that would drive a change in the way they do things. Values in turn are reinforced by investing time and energy (and other resources) into the things and people we "value" (or want to).
Then again...that ususally involves some kind of behaviour! Getting confusing here (to me at least). Possibly because the two are more closely integrated than we realize. To salvage anything from this mental rambling, I will close off by suggesting that any movement toward behavioural change should factor in some thought on underlying values.
Thursday, September 23, 2004
Athens Revisited (Again): Sequel 2
Yeah...I know...long gone and ancient history...but I have just received another report from an eye-witness to God's mighty hand at work during the last Olympics. It was too good not to archive the report "somewhere". Thanks Dave for your ministry there...and for sharing these stories with me...sorry about the edits!
"I have been able to minister to so many athletes and officials in Athens... what a harvest field. I found a lot of athletes with problems, to use as a point of contact...
I enjoyed ministering to South African athletes, Namibians, a Turkish athlete, Estonians,Greek reporters, a Ugandan boxer, Latvian athletes, Nigerian athletes, USA athletes, Russians, a South African swimmer , and also a German discus thrower.
I met up with Glory Alozie (ex Nigeria). She runs for Spain now. She's 5'1" of dynamite. I prayed with her for her races (100 metres hurdles). This young lady flew into Sydney to compete at the 2000 Olympics to find that her childhood sweetheart and fellow athlete had been killed by a car in Sydney a few days before. No one had informed her of the tragedy. She was devastated and for two weeks didn't feel like running, eating or sleeping. With the help of a fellow chaplain, who counselled her, Glory bounced back to win silver medal in the 100 metres hurdles. Since then changed nations when Nigeria refused to fly her fiancé's body back for burial - she had to do that at her own expense. She's gone on to win in many competitions around the world. A truly amazing story of tragedy and victory.
I changed accommodation on one of my free days, and decided to sit and read in the Plaka – a famous shopping area in central Athens. I was minding my own business on a park bench, when three young athletes came and sat next to me. We got talking and I found they were from the water polo team. After telling them that I played water polo in South Africa many years ago, they asked what I was doing in the Olympic Village. Well, that opened a huge door to share Jesus with them.
A few minutes later two Greek men came along handing out Gospel tracts, to me and a young lady who’d sat down at the other end of my bench. I noticed that she was struggling to read it and asked where she was from. She replied in broken English, “Stan-country”. Her husband was the national champion in his sport. I greeted her in Russian and began sharing the Gospel with her. It was so easy as the Holy Spirit opened her heart to Jesus. Then her family arrived and she told them what I’d told her. It was amazing that her first witness was to her family right on the spot. There I was having a rest on a day off, and the Holy Spirit had everything arranged. This never ceases to excite me.
One day there was a deluge of athletes to share with – they just came out of the woodwork – two German wrestlers, two Russian boxers, three South American volley ball players, and several of my old friends from the Sydney 2004 Games who were competing in the 20km walk.
Something beautiful happened as I was walking from the hotel to breakfast at a restaurant across the square. I passed an old man pushing a walking apparatus. He asked me if I'd seen somebody along the way. I answered "No" and walked on, but the Lord quickly impressed me to go back and talk to him. The thought crossed my mind as I walked back to him, "I'm going to be old too, in the not to distant future; don't I want some one to give me special attention?" I asked him what he was doing, and he said he was Greek but visiting from Chicago. He told me his name and his age (87). He looked like he'd been sleeping on a park bench. We spoke about a lot of things, like the Olympics and nutrition, and the inventions he'd made, including one he'd come to introduce to sport in Greece. He said he needed to get to old Olympus about 200 kms away and didn't have enough money. Prior to this the Lord was "telling" me to give him 50 Euro, which I did. He gasped and simply said, "Hi yi yi yi yi". It's been a long time since I heard that expression. He then simply said to me that some people in the last few days, had asked him if "he'd found Christ?" He said to me that he didn't know what that meant, and would I help him to understand that statement. This came right out of the blue as I hadn't shared anything of the Gospel with him. I said to him that it was more that Jesus was seeking him that he was seeking Jesus. I told him that Jesus came to seek and save those who were lost - like the shepherd who left the 99 sheep in the fold and went out to find the one who was lost. He asked me what he had to do to be found. I said, "Just let yourself be found. Tell Jesus that you are lost and ask him to bring you home." I told him how to pray and invite Jesus into his heart. He then that this was the simplest sermon he'd ever heard, and walked off to find a quiet place to "found."
On the way to watch the final of the baseball between Australia and Cuba, I met three Australian girls from Bendigo together with a young Canadian Athletes In Action team member. When he mentioned who he was, I asked the girls how they’d got involved with a Christian athlete, they replied that they’d only just met him and didn’t know who he was. That opened the door for me to ask them where they stood with Jesus. Their hearts were really open to the Lord.
One day I was helping security at the Transport Mall, the entrance to the Olympic Village where the athletes arrive back from events or practice, when a water polo team arrived back from a game. Discussion arose about tactics of their game and they wondered that I knew about the game. Somebody asked, “What else do you do?” I was amazed how this opened opportunities to share spiritual things with them for a few precious minutes. Over the next hour I met up with a water polo champion, the Spanish Physiotherapist, and a basketball player – an powerful young Christian man with Proverbs 3:5-7 tattooed on his arm.
One day while walking near the entrance where the athletes return from their events, a tall young rower arrived back with a wreath on his head, his bunch of flowers and a medal around his neck. I greeted him in Russian and blessed him in the name of the Lord. He whipped around and said back, “That is why I won medal, because He blessed me.” What a great time we had sharing the Lord. Shortly after that a wrestler from a "Stan-country" walked by. I greeted him too in Russian. He came over as we started chatting. He was thrilled the way he was progressing at the Games. He hugged me and asked me to pray for him. He willingly prayed and received Jesus.
In the shopping precinct I met up with a huge man – an Eastern European wrestling coach. I asked him, “Do you remember me from Sydney?” He blinked and a smile broke out across his face. He burst out, “You are the man who prayed in Sydney. You are the man who prayed in Sydney.” That was precious.
While helping with security checks at the International Zone, I was introduced to a young Chinese man whom I found was to be assisting with the administration of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. He personally asked if I’d apply for the 2008 Games and gave me his official email address. What an amazing God-incidence."
David tells more of his life story and ministry on his website at www.smethurstministries.org
It is well worth linking and praying for this choice servant of the King of kings!
"I have been able to minister to so many athletes and officials in Athens... what a harvest field. I found a lot of athletes with problems, to use as a point of contact...
I enjoyed ministering to South African athletes, Namibians, a Turkish athlete, Estonians,Greek reporters, a Ugandan boxer, Latvian athletes, Nigerian athletes, USA athletes, Russians, a South African swimmer , and also a German discus thrower.
I met up with Glory Alozie (ex Nigeria). She runs for Spain now. She's 5'1" of dynamite. I prayed with her for her races (100 metres hurdles). This young lady flew into Sydney to compete at the 2000 Olympics to find that her childhood sweetheart and fellow athlete had been killed by a car in Sydney a few days before. No one had informed her of the tragedy. She was devastated and for two weeks didn't feel like running, eating or sleeping. With the help of a fellow chaplain, who counselled her, Glory bounced back to win silver medal in the 100 metres hurdles. Since then changed nations when Nigeria refused to fly her fiancé's body back for burial - she had to do that at her own expense. She's gone on to win in many competitions around the world. A truly amazing story of tragedy and victory.
I changed accommodation on one of my free days, and decided to sit and read in the Plaka – a famous shopping area in central Athens. I was minding my own business on a park bench, when three young athletes came and sat next to me. We got talking and I found they were from the water polo team. After telling them that I played water polo in South Africa many years ago, they asked what I was doing in the Olympic Village. Well, that opened a huge door to share Jesus with them.
A few minutes later two Greek men came along handing out Gospel tracts, to me and a young lady who’d sat down at the other end of my bench. I noticed that she was struggling to read it and asked where she was from. She replied in broken English, “Stan-country”. Her husband was the national champion in his sport. I greeted her in Russian and began sharing the Gospel with her. It was so easy as the Holy Spirit opened her heart to Jesus. Then her family arrived and she told them what I’d told her. It was amazing that her first witness was to her family right on the spot. There I was having a rest on a day off, and the Holy Spirit had everything arranged. This never ceases to excite me.
One day there was a deluge of athletes to share with – they just came out of the woodwork – two German wrestlers, two Russian boxers, three South American volley ball players, and several of my old friends from the Sydney 2004 Games who were competing in the 20km walk.
Something beautiful happened as I was walking from the hotel to breakfast at a restaurant across the square. I passed an old man pushing a walking apparatus. He asked me if I'd seen somebody along the way. I answered "No" and walked on, but the Lord quickly impressed me to go back and talk to him. The thought crossed my mind as I walked back to him, "I'm going to be old too, in the not to distant future; don't I want some one to give me special attention?" I asked him what he was doing, and he said he was Greek but visiting from Chicago. He told me his name and his age (87). He looked like he'd been sleeping on a park bench. We spoke about a lot of things, like the Olympics and nutrition, and the inventions he'd made, including one he'd come to introduce to sport in Greece. He said he needed to get to old Olympus about 200 kms away and didn't have enough money. Prior to this the Lord was "telling" me to give him 50 Euro, which I did. He gasped and simply said, "Hi yi yi yi yi". It's been a long time since I heard that expression. He then simply said to me that some people in the last few days, had asked him if "he'd found Christ?" He said to me that he didn't know what that meant, and would I help him to understand that statement. This came right out of the blue as I hadn't shared anything of the Gospel with him. I said to him that it was more that Jesus was seeking him that he was seeking Jesus. I told him that Jesus came to seek and save those who were lost - like the shepherd who left the 99 sheep in the fold and went out to find the one who was lost. He asked me what he had to do to be found. I said, "Just let yourself be found. Tell Jesus that you are lost and ask him to bring you home." I told him how to pray and invite Jesus into his heart. He then that this was the simplest sermon he'd ever heard, and walked off to find a quiet place to "found."
On the way to watch the final of the baseball between Australia and Cuba, I met three Australian girls from Bendigo together with a young Canadian Athletes In Action team member. When he mentioned who he was, I asked the girls how they’d got involved with a Christian athlete, they replied that they’d only just met him and didn’t know who he was. That opened the door for me to ask them where they stood with Jesus. Their hearts were really open to the Lord.
One day I was helping security at the Transport Mall, the entrance to the Olympic Village where the athletes arrive back from events or practice, when a water polo team arrived back from a game. Discussion arose about tactics of their game and they wondered that I knew about the game. Somebody asked, “What else do you do?” I was amazed how this opened opportunities to share spiritual things with them for a few precious minutes. Over the next hour I met up with a water polo champion, the Spanish Physiotherapist, and a basketball player – an powerful young Christian man with Proverbs 3:5-7 tattooed on his arm.
One day while walking near the entrance where the athletes return from their events, a tall young rower arrived back with a wreath on his head, his bunch of flowers and a medal around his neck. I greeted him in Russian and blessed him in the name of the Lord. He whipped around and said back, “That is why I won medal, because He blessed me.” What a great time we had sharing the Lord. Shortly after that a wrestler from a "Stan-country" walked by. I greeted him too in Russian. He came over as we started chatting. He was thrilled the way he was progressing at the Games. He hugged me and asked me to pray for him. He willingly prayed and received Jesus.
In the shopping precinct I met up with a huge man – an Eastern European wrestling coach. I asked him, “Do you remember me from Sydney?” He blinked and a smile broke out across his face. He burst out, “You are the man who prayed in Sydney. You are the man who prayed in Sydney.” That was precious.
While helping with security checks at the International Zone, I was introduced to a young Chinese man whom I found was to be assisting with the administration of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. He personally asked if I’d apply for the 2008 Games and gave me his official email address. What an amazing God-incidence."
David tells more of his life story and ministry on his website at www.smethurstministries.org
It is well worth linking and praying for this choice servant of the King of kings!
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