Posts

Classrooms, Charades, and Christ

Image
An Eagles group sharing with a classroom of Brazilian high schoolers. We made our first visit to a local high school on Monday morning. Our crew split into about five groups; each one had a translator, a presenter, a juggler, someone who could do 50 pushups, and supporters who smiled and prayed. We filed into classrooms and began to tell our story. After briefly introducing ourselves, a volunteer student was selected. The chosen student was given three tries to juggle a soccer ball as many times as possible. The student competed against (and lost to) the juggler of our group. As a punishment for losing the competition, the student had to complete 50 pushups. He or she was never able to complete the 50 pushups, and an Eagle came in and fulfilled the complete punishment for the student. [[This represents what Jesus did for us on the cross. Because of our sin we are far from God and we deserve a punishment that we cannot fulfill. Because of God's love for us, he sent his son, J...
Post a Comment
Read more

Doubts.. and the Start of Their Dissolve

Image
I admit it; doubts loomed as I packed for the trip and even into the first few days in Brazil. Many people asked me, "What will you be doing in Brazil?" A few times, I tried to explain we'll be playing soccer and ministering to teams and kids around our partner church. However, my confident front weakened with each explanation and I finally began to ashamedly admit; "I don't know what we're doing in Brazil." My "first-mission-trip" ignorance churned into a frustration of doubt and disbelief, despite the miracles performed to get this group to Brazil. Visas and passports were lost, then prepared within days of departure. Still, I questioned the usefulness, effectiveness, and purpose of our group on the people of NRDJ (pen name for the area we stayed in). What could happen in our two week stay that would make this trip worth it? I can see it for those that speak Portuguese and can directly speak the gospel. Or for returners that know roles they...
Read more

New Blog, Same God, More Soccer Fields

Image
It's been five years since I last blogged, and interestingly, my blog title is as appropriate as ever. I didn't anticipate writing again, but I've encountered an itch to document - so at the very least I don't forget - what the Lord opened my eyes and heart to during my tour with the Chicago Eagles in Brazil. I can't get it out all at once, but as layers peel and pieces are processed I hope to pour out how the Lord used - rather continues to use - a soccer field to show me His world and His people.
Post a Comment
Read more