James 4:6 displayed

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.