Preparation and planning

This past month I’ve continued to get the lay of the land, had more opportunities to get involved in other aspects of the ministry and take on some responsibilities of my own. Although not my favorite thing, we accomplished a lot through planning meetings, office work and behind the scenes tasks. Not exactly a calm before the storm since there were a lot of aspects that needed planning. With a change in venue for our home PDL team games (Premier development league), sorting out schedules and coordinating programs for the different activities we’ll be doing this summer (the PDL season, the PDL tour to Rosarito Mexico, the women’s Japan tour, the U20 boys Czech tour, six summer camps, and more!) we’ve been busy.


After school programs - Due to lack of personnel and some of the kids being out of control, one of the soccer clinics had to be discontinued at the beginning of the year. One of my goals for the month was to start it up again. And after jumping through some hoops it is back up and running! The first time back, all the kids were very excited to see us and quickly got their friends together to play and take part in the soccer and Bible lesson. The Pastor I am working with mentioned that this is the highlight of the week for these kids who come from broken homes and rough neighborhoods. It is a great opportunity to share Christ with these kids and teach them some good Christian values for their life as many of them as they grow older get recruited to the local gangs.



So. Cal. Seahorse PDL team - I am currently a reserve player and am very excited about being able to practice with the team at a high level of soccer. This is the highest level I’ve played at and it has been a while since I’ve been in good soccer shape, so my body is definitely feeling it… but I love it! Our first game was May 1st and we’ve started out with two hard-fought wins this season. Before each practice we have been doing sports ministry training (SMT) and it has been a great time to further learn how to use sports as a tool to share the gospel as well get to know the players on a deeper level than just playing together.

The World Cup is starting in less than one month!!! I am extremely excited about this! It only comes every four years! Not only is it the greatest sporting event in the world, the best sport in the world (I am a little bias), played at the highest level, it is also a fantastic opportunity for outreaches. Russ Carr (President of Sports Outreach Institute and my dad’s boss) gave me a copy of an outreach manual they used in the 1994 world cup and I am excited to plan some events during this awesome event. Be sure to watch some of the games! A great game will be USA vs. England on June 12 at 11:30 Pacific time.

It’s been interesting adjusting to life in Los Angeles. Life is very fast paced and there are cars everywhere. Everywhere and all the time! It’s been nice to get up to Santa Barbara a couple times to supplement my income with construction work, but it also serves as a good get away from the concrete jungle of LA. Overall things are going really well.

Please pray for the kids from the clinics that they will be open and attentive to the Bible sessions and for them and their families to get plugged into a local church.