Today is a day I will not forget. I can officially say that this day will be the best no matter what happens. We again had an early morning.
We started with a clinic at Henderson Secondary School. This school has been known to have students that come from mainly dysfunctional families. The number was around 70% they said which is really sad so I was glad to be there.
Before the clinic we had the privilege of meeting the principal of the school. From first impression he was a really funny guy and seemed to really be liked by staff and students. Remember the words first impression for later. After this we moved on to the clinic. We had 3 classes to run clinics with this day. We split everyone up into 4 groups. They were passing, shooting, dribbling and rebounding. We also taught values that were self discipline, integrity, teamwork, and respect. The kids were super cute and well behaved. The ages ranged from 13-17 roughly and those ages don't look like the students do in the states.
After the clinic we were gonna have lunch but the principal wanted to meet with us again and thank us. To speed up this part of the story, this gentlemen came across really prideful and pretty munched challenged people to call him out. At times he was funny but he was also rude at times. He is Malaysian and the local Singapore people sitting in with us were really uncomfortable in the room. Simon was his name and he reminded me of my high school principal who is a nice guy but has the same issues. Sadly we all got a little discouraged and after having lunch moving to the prison became more of something to worry about. I am happy to say that wasn't the case.
We headed to the prison. Once we got there we had to go through a bunch of checkpoints to get to where we needed to be. A guard named Daniel who was a Christian pretty much was our tour guide around the prison. Daniel six years ago when Dave brought a team there to play said he would only be there a couple years. It has now been nine years and he said that God wouldn't let him leave and that the prison was his ministry. So cool to see him obey Gods calling for his life
Our first game was against the young inmates. They aged from 16-18 years of age. Most of them are in there for manly gang related activity but also some other stuff. Never did I think we would get respected coming into the prison. I was shocked to be honest and had this picture in my head. We had good interactions with the inmates during the game and of choose ended up winning. Afterwards we got a picture with them and I could tell they were really blessed.
One sad thing about the prison that made it a little harder for us is to be able to share our faith. Six years ago when Dave came to play at the prison, he did a little chapel after the game with the inmates that are believers. This time around, the government wouldn't let us do this. Since Singapore is a multi cultural faith country we didn't really have the freedom but I know God had us there for a reason and that is all that mattered.
The second game we played was in the maximum security side of the prison. Most of this guys have been in for over 10 years. Some of the offensives are drug related which is a huge crime in Singapore, gang related, or they had committed murder and are in there for life. To say the least I was a little scared. To top it off, we had 15 minutes time in there cafeteria to talk with them. I was worried but knew God would protect us.
Before we played the guards presented Dave with a gift, a painting from one of the inmates that was one of the best I've ever seen. From the sounds of it the inmates don't receive many visitors so this day was going to be a special day according to Daniel. After this happened we headed up to the cafeteria to talk a little with the inmates.
When we walked in, they all stood, addressed us, clapped, then sat back down. We all spread out among them and started to just talk with them. Nate and I had three guys at our table and they were super nice. One thing I had to do inside the prison is forget whatever they may had done in the past and remember that they are people too not animals. Needless to saw we had a good conversation so that was encouraging. After the 15 minutes were up the inmates headed into the gym while we got a little tour of what life as an inmate is like from Daniel.
After the tour we walked into the gym for the game. I will never forget this moment. Over 90 inmates cheering for us as we walked in and shaking our hands. It was deeply moving for me and it also was heartbreaking. This is the moment I started having emotions for the inmates, no matter what there past was. After warming up for a little bit we started the game.
Right after the tip we went right ahead and scored, cheer erupted in the place! It was unbelievable! During the game Sports Ambassadors and the inmates really interacted well not only on the court with the players but with the other inmates as well watching. It was a really touching moment that I will never ever forget for the rest of my life.
After the game we got a picture with the players, then we had the chance to introduce ourselves. Never have I seen such humility on display in one place. Everyone that introduced themselves got a big round of applause and cheer from the crowd. It was an emotional time for me and I had to hold back tears to be honest.
Once this was over we went around and shook everyone's hand and also talked with them a little more as well. I had the privilege of meeting Denny, the old gentlemen that painted the painting. It was something I will never forget. I also talked with a gentlemen named Christopher. He was sharing with me how he desired to come to America. He had already served 13 years and had 3 more to go. All I could do is encourage him and I could tell he really appreciated it. After this the inmates sent us off and we were off.
This day was a good day. Though we started on a low with Simon, we ended on a high with the prisoners at the prison. Completely opposite of what I though would happen. As James 4:6 states:
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6 ESV)
I am overwhelmed with the response we received today from everyone we came in contact with. This day will be hard to top but I know God will continue to bless this trip and bring the team closer and closer together.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Palm Sunday, plus some basketball Part 2
The second part of the day we were going to play a game against Dave's old players at NUS. After getting off the MRT old alumni picked us up at a bus stop to take us to the university. I had the privilege of riding with a couple named Alan and Rachel in a nice Benz. They were super nice and we had a great conversation on the way there.
The court that we played at the university was only 3 months old! Brand new pretty much. As we were warming up it was cool to see Dave interact with his old players. I could see that they all really respected him. After warming up for over an hour, since we were waiting on the refs, we started playing.
To the day NUS alumni is the hardest competition we have had. We got better as the game went along but they beat us pretty good. We were to the understanding that it was 20 minute halfs running clock. Turned out to be 15 minute quarters running clock which was so tiring. But we made it through.
At the end of the game, Bobbie on our team got to share his testimony. The alumni were engaged and it was encouraging to hear his story. After the testimony we all showered and 6 ex players took us out to dinner. This by far has been the highlight, probably until tomorrow.
I rode with two gentlemen named Wongsong and Alan. Great guys! The other players were Ray, Francis, Eldrich, and Chen. They treated us to a Chinese feast or buffet. It was some of the best Chinese food I have ever had! There are some weird things in the Chinese culture. Like any culture I guess. One of the dishes had a century egg in it. I recommend you google it and get back to me, sadly it wasn't bad. They treated us to an avocado shake which was great minus the fact i get acid reflex. We will be seeing them again Thursday for another dinner outing.
Today was defiantly a highlight, tomorrow we go to a secondary school then to the prison. The prison experience is something that I know God will bless, but the human in me can't help but be worried. It will be hard to top today but I know tomorrow will possibly do it. Until next time, God bless.
The court that we played at the university was only 3 months old! Brand new pretty much. As we were warming up it was cool to see Dave interact with his old players. I could see that they all really respected him. After warming up for over an hour, since we were waiting on the refs, we started playing.
To the day NUS alumni is the hardest competition we have had. We got better as the game went along but they beat us pretty good. We were to the understanding that it was 20 minute halfs running clock. Turned out to be 15 minute quarters running clock which was so tiring. But we made it through.
At the end of the game, Bobbie on our team got to share his testimony. The alumni were engaged and it was encouraging to hear his story. After the testimony we all showered and 6 ex players took us out to dinner. This by far has been the highlight, probably until tomorrow.
I rode with two gentlemen named Wongsong and Alan. Great guys! The other players were Ray, Francis, Eldrich, and Chen. They treated us to a Chinese feast or buffet. It was some of the best Chinese food I have ever had! There are some weird things in the Chinese culture. Like any culture I guess. One of the dishes had a century egg in it. I recommend you google it and get back to me, sadly it wasn't bad. They treated us to an avocado shake which was great minus the fact i get acid reflex. We will be seeing them again Thursday for another dinner outing.
Today was defiantly a highlight, tomorrow we go to a secondary school then to the prison. The prison experience is something that I know God will bless, but the human in me can't help but be worried. It will be hard to top today but I know tomorrow will possibly do it. Until next time, God bless.
Palm Sunday, plus some basketball Part 1
Today was a busy day. Once again it was a early morning. Late last night we tried doing some laundry in the shower. When we woke up this morning we failed drastically. Damp clothes aren't that fun. The positive in Singapore is that with the humanity and heat it drys up pretty fast.
We had some miscommunication this morning which I am starting to realize will be more common on the trip. We made the changes and actually made a Palm Sunday church service at Queenstown Lutheran Church. People were so inviting it was such a blessing. Even though we were there for half the service, it was by far one of the best experiences that I have ever had. The best thing about this is that there is more to come :)
After leaving the service we headed over the ACJC where we played yesterday to help in e children's ministry. This is what was actually on the schedule. We had such a good time with the kids. They were between the ages of 9-12 so I was a super blessed time. We pretty much played games with only 3 basketballs. We split them up into 3 groups so it gave the team a chance to share with them what Jesus has done in our life's. For the most part this is the first time I have openly shared my faith with little ones so I was really a cool experience for me. I understand why God calls us to be like children in the Bible. We had a kid named Ryan actually take pictures with all of us on his iPhone so that he could remember us. It about broke my heart it was so sweet!
After the clinic with the kids we headed back to the mall we where at yesterday to kill a couple hours and have lunch. I can't remember if I mentioned it beforehand but half of this mall is a mega church so I made that a priority to go and see. I come to find out it is the biggest church in SouthEast Asia which is pretty crazy! The auditorium sits 5,000 and they have more than one service. A big name pastor is in charge of this church and it also is called Solid Rock. Kinda ironic if you ask me. I at the moment can't remember his name but will be sure to mention it next time.
The last part of our day was probably the best. I probably will be saying this everyday from here on out but that is truly the case. To keep you entertained with the blog experience I am splitting this post up into two because there is so much to share. Let's just say if God where to call me to Singapore I wouldn't complain :) Till next time
We had some miscommunication this morning which I am starting to realize will be more common on the trip. We made the changes and actually made a Palm Sunday church service at Queenstown Lutheran Church. People were so inviting it was such a blessing. Even though we were there for half the service, it was by far one of the best experiences that I have ever had. The best thing about this is that there is more to come :)
After leaving the service we headed over the ACJC where we played yesterday to help in e children's ministry. This is what was actually on the schedule. We had such a good time with the kids. They were between the ages of 9-12 so I was a super blessed time. We pretty much played games with only 3 basketballs. We split them up into 3 groups so it gave the team a chance to share with them what Jesus has done in our life's. For the most part this is the first time I have openly shared my faith with little ones so I was really a cool experience for me. I understand why God calls us to be like children in the Bible. We had a kid named Ryan actually take pictures with all of us on his iPhone so that he could remember us. It about broke my heart it was so sweet!
After the clinic with the kids we headed back to the mall we where at yesterday to kill a couple hours and have lunch. I can't remember if I mentioned it beforehand but half of this mall is a mega church so I made that a priority to go and see. I come to find out it is the biggest church in SouthEast Asia which is pretty crazy! The auditorium sits 5,000 and they have more than one service. A big name pastor is in charge of this church and it also is called Solid Rock. Kinda ironic if you ask me. I at the moment can't remember his name but will be sure to mention it next time.
The last part of our day was probably the best. I probably will be saying this everyday from here on out but that is truly the case. To keep you entertained with the blog experience I am splitting this post up into two because there is so much to share. Let's just say if God where to call me to Singapore I wouldn't complain :) Till next time
Let the games begin! (Plus some site seeing)
Today was an early day. We started at 6 in the morning and had to be on the bus at 7 to head toward the west side of the island to play a game against the Anglo Chinese Junior College at 9. Needless to say it was an awesome experience. Since this was arranged outside of the school we could openly share our faith with the students and explain to them why we where there. I know for me I was deeply touched and had such a blast with the students.
Along with the awesome experience, it was pretty tough to play the whole time. I was winded 5 minutes in. So I got some work to do. One of Dave's ex students from when he coached over here years ago joined us and played. It was good to have him. After the game we ran a clinic for the students and that was a joy as well. Some of these kids could ball.
After the clinic we grabbed lunch. Rice is becoming more and more common with every meal. I actually like it. Gonna try and adopt more of that in the states when I get back, sorry Austin :) After lunch we site saw. I could write more on this but I think the pictures will speak for themselves and if you would ever like me to go into detail I am sure I could. I will try and post some on here as we'll as my Tumblr. Singapore architecture is amazing to say the least.
I feel so back because there are so many side stories to talk about but I know over time they will be told. I am looking forward to the church service tomorrow, it should be fun. Until next time, God bless
Along with the awesome experience, it was pretty tough to play the whole time. I was winded 5 minutes in. So I got some work to do. One of Dave's ex students from when he coached over here years ago joined us and played. It was good to have him. After the game we ran a clinic for the students and that was a joy as well. Some of these kids could ball.
After the clinic we grabbed lunch. Rice is becoming more and more common with every meal. I actually like it. Gonna try and adopt more of that in the states when I get back, sorry Austin :) After lunch we site saw. I could write more on this but I think the pictures will speak for themselves and if you would ever like me to go into detail I am sure I could. I will try and post some on here as we'll as my Tumblr. Singapore architecture is amazing to say the least.
I feel so back because there are so many side stories to talk about but I know over time they will be told. I am looking forward to the church service tomorrow, it should be fun. Until next time, God bless
Day Two
Today has been almost relaxing. Got up at 6 am this morning, had the usual cereal for breakfast and did some morning devotionals. We pretty much stayed at the holiday flat today to get briefed on our whole schedule during the time here. A new member of the team showed up last night and we where introduced to him this morning. His name is Bobbie, he is 6' 8", 38 years old and has 3 kids. He played professionally in Mongolia. Great guy. We had a 9:30 meeting to talk about the day planned and spent some time in prayer. At noon, YouthWorks showed up with lunch and bubble tea and ran through everything we will encounter over the trip. It was really beneficial. We will be deal with kids of all ages 10-22 years of age.
Our schedule couldn't be more exciting with all the games we will get to play. We shot around on the hoop outside the flat and we will defiantly be subbing in a lot with the weather and humidity. Most of our games will be outside so I am hydrating like crazy!
That evening we went to pick up the last member of our team Tim from the airport. Sadly he gave us the wrong flight information so I won't be able to meet him until tomorrow. Kinda a waste of time but I got to use the public transportation again so that was cool. Tomorrow will be a great experience, the journey will officially begin and I can only imagine what God will do, He is SO good. God bless and next time
Our schedule couldn't be more exciting with all the games we will get to play. We shot around on the hoop outside the flat and we will defiantly be subbing in a lot with the weather and humidity. Most of our games will be outside so I am hydrating like crazy!
That evening we went to pick up the last member of our team Tim from the airport. Sadly he gave us the wrong flight information so I won't be able to meet him until tomorrow. Kinda a waste of time but I got to use the public transportation again so that was cool. Tomorrow will be a great experience, the journey will officially begin and I can only imagine what God will do, He is SO good. God bless and next time
Evening One
Today was a packed filled day. After leaving our Holiday Flat we took the public transportation route into near downtown Singapore to the headquarters of YouthWorks who is our sponsor for this trip. As an engineer it was crazy to see all the apartment buildings being built. I must have saw over 20 cranes today so it was pretty cool
At the YouthWorks headquarters we met a lot of cool people and got to hear their vision for the ministry so that was early encouraging. I can't wait to see the avenues and doors God is going to open for us when we have the chance to go into the schools and run clinics for the children. From what I've already heard Monday couldn't come any faster!
We then headed to the airport to pick up two other members of our team. In the airport terminal we got lunch for the first time. We had over 20 selected places to choose from all consisting of rice and some sort of meat. Needless to say it wasn't a bad meal and it is something I'll have to get used to the next couple weeks.
Ryan and Nathan showed up and from there we came back to the Holiday Flat to relax for a bit before heading back into town to get dinner and breakfast food for the morning. Over dinner Dave shared with us the heart for the trip and how he has approached it so hearing his heart got me even more excited for what God has planned. One thing I know it is a lot of basketball! Need to hydrate that is for sure.
We ended the night playing a little Lightning basketball on the hoop outside the flat. It was a good end to the night. The rest of the team shows up late tonight. It is about 9 pm at the moment. Closing in on the evening this trip has only begun. God has great things planned and I am ready for whatever He has in store. Until next time
At the YouthWorks headquarters we met a lot of cool people and got to hear their vision for the ministry so that was early encouraging. I can't wait to see the avenues and doors God is going to open for us when we have the chance to go into the schools and run clinics for the children. From what I've already heard Monday couldn't come any faster!
We then headed to the airport to pick up two other members of our team. In the airport terminal we got lunch for the first time. We had over 20 selected places to choose from all consisting of rice and some sort of meat. Needless to say it wasn't a bad meal and it is something I'll have to get used to the next couple weeks.
Ryan and Nathan showed up and from there we came back to the Holiday Flat to relax for a bit before heading back into town to get dinner and breakfast food for the morning. Over dinner Dave shared with us the heart for the trip and how he has approached it so hearing his heart got me even more excited for what God has planned. One thing I know it is a lot of basketball! Need to hydrate that is for sure.
We ended the night playing a little Lightning basketball on the hoop outside the flat. It was a good end to the night. The rest of the team shows up late tonight. It is about 9 pm at the moment. Closing in on the evening this trip has only begun. God has great things planned and I am ready for whatever He has in store. Until next time
Morning One
It is a beautiful morning. I am pretty sure I beat jet lag but we will find out later today. Bryce saw a monkey today. Their are signs that say watch out for falling coconuts where we are staying. Needless to say we are pretty blessed. Talking with Dave and his son Caleb this morning has been such an encouragement to start out the trip. Today we have a lot of freedom since most of the rest of the team shows up this evening. We will be heading out to the Youth for Christ center downtown in just a bit. We will be taking the train as the mode of transportation so I am looking forward to that. More to come with this trip, I'll be sure to keep blogging. Blessings
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Roads untraveled
Well the journey has begun. Currently this post comes from the plane ride to Hong Kong. We are four hours in and still have 9 hours to go. It is crazy but somehow I can already see God pulling us through no matter what. We will be in Singapore before we know it. By the time I post this it will be 3am in the states on a Wednesday when it will be 8pm for me or should I say us! As far as I know me Bryce and Chad are having a hard time sleeping.
It is cool to see the work The Lord is already showing us. For one we are the minority. Once we are in Hong Kong it will become more of a reality. Can't wait until we are in Singapore! The suspense is already killing me and once we get there it will be hard to control myself.
For all the mothers out there yes I have been getting up and moving around so I don't get blood clots. The last thing I need is that ;) The layover in San Fran wasn't too bad. I wish we could have had more time to explore but their is always another time for that. For the time begin we are a 3 man team on a mission, and that is to expand His kingdom.
I sure hope the picture of the mountains show up when I post this. I think it is Alaska and it is beautiful. Look forward to coming across sites like this more often on the trip as we can just marvel and soak up God's marvelous creation. Until then, I am going to read some books I've been wanting to read for the past year. I got 14 days until I am back at OSU to finish my degree so I better get to it. I have 9 hours so I should be able to do it :)
Thank you everyone for the continued prayers for us! I am overwhelmed by the amount of support we have back home and this trip wouldn't be possible without all of you. YOU made it possible so thank you. For now, I'll continue down roads untraveled and write this next story of my life. God bless
It is cool to see the work The Lord is already showing us. For one we are the minority. Once we are in Hong Kong it will become more of a reality. Can't wait until we are in Singapore! The suspense is already killing me and once we get there it will be hard to control myself.
For all the mothers out there yes I have been getting up and moving around so I don't get blood clots. The last thing I need is that ;) The layover in San Fran wasn't too bad. I wish we could have had more time to explore but their is always another time for that. For the time begin we are a 3 man team on a mission, and that is to expand His kingdom.
I sure hope the picture of the mountains show up when I post this. I think it is Alaska and it is beautiful. Look forward to coming across sites like this more often on the trip as we can just marvel and soak up God's marvelous creation. Until then, I am going to read some books I've been wanting to read for the past year. I got 14 days until I am back at OSU to finish my degree so I better get to it. I have 9 hours so I should be able to do it :)
Thank you everyone for the continued prayers for us! I am overwhelmed by the amount of support we have back home and this trip wouldn't be possible without all of you. YOU made it possible so thank you. For now, I'll continue down roads untraveled and write this next story of my life. God bless
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