I have some major recapping to do! We were reminded this month about the values our organization tries to live out: Love, Relationships, Faith, Submission and Transformation. These words sound really good, especially as Christians, but how do they transfer practically into what we do?
After school programs/Love: I’ve enjoyed heading up the after school clinics and getting to know some of the kids in La Mirada. Each week we share a theme, and give them an example of someone who demonstrates that theme best. Although we are not allowed to openly share our Christian faith since we are partnering with the city, typically the examples we use are Christian men and women. In the picture we were learning about “determination” and used Bethany Hamilton who is an outspoken Christian (she is a pro surfer who lost her arm to a shark attack and continues surfing! A movie just came out about her – Soul Surfer.) We pray that by showing up each week and spending time with these kids, that they will feel loved and realize they are special.
Amateur team/Relationships: One thing I have really enjoyed is playing with our men’s league team. It has been awesome getting to know a lot of the guys on the team and having a Bible study with them. We have gone through a lot of different topics and had great discussions on how we can put our “faith on the field”. One topic that I remember well was gamesmanship or not quite breaking rules, but doing things that are “gray”. In soccer terms, it would be making a tactical foul, or wasting time if you’re ahead in the score. We not only discuss how these are situations that may present themselves on the field, but also how we can apply these things to our daily lives, family and jobs. This was one particularly great discussion among many that we’ve had throughout the year. We’ve had a good season and this past weekend, confirmed that we won the whole league!! Although that was one of our goals for the season and we are hoping to get the sportsmanship award also.
PDL/Faith: As the men’s amateur team is winding down, the PDL season is starting up! These past few months have been a lot of getting ready for the PDL season that starts the middle of May (this team is a lot more competitive). I’ve not only been getting things ready behind the scenes, but I have been getting in shape lifting weights in my garage and running (as my knee permits). It is a good change of pace from the office and it’s been fun to see and feel results. By faith we have decided to continue the PDL ministry (it operates as a deficit) and this year there has been a change in roles in administration of this semi-pro team. We feel the PDL aspect of our ministry provides a higher profile platform to reach players and fans with our testimony. We had a special PDL opener this year, where our sister team , the Charlotte Eagles, came out to compete at the same venue as us in a double-header home game. It was great spending time with them. During our clinic and fellowship dinner that we shared, it was evident that our faith is the main reason why we continue with these teams. After a session of worship, some of the Charlotte players shared their personal stories of how playing previously with the Seahorses in their made an impact on their spiritual lives.
Tour/Submission: This year has been difficult recruiiting for our tours. The girls tour that is going to Japan has encountered hardships as some girls are worried about the situation in Japan while others say this is the reason they have to go this year. The tour is still a “go” as they will return to southern Japan and continue the work there. Please keep them in your prayers. The Ukraine trip that I’ve been working hard at recruiting for had to be cancelled. Due to cost and schedules it was hard recruiting players for it. We then had an opportunity to go to Costa Rica (I was very excited about this, a place where I could use my Español!) but in the end had to make a decision to hold off on any boys’ youth tours this summer. It was a tough decision but I believe we did everything we could and submitted the tour to God’s hands. I will however participate in thetour that I will be returning to Baja with the PDL players over the summer.
Web development/Transformation: I’ve continued to head up maintaining the website and establising an online presence with the organization. Although it’s a lot of hours staring at a computer, I do enjoy the challenge and learning new things. It is always a lot more work than one thinks, but it can be fun. I’ve taken over the newsletter, social media, and maintaining the website. (You can join our mailing list, like on facebook, or follow us on twitter) Ok. Maybe website transformation isn’t exactly what they had in mind as a value, but in the literal sense our online presence has been transformed! =)
Throughout everything, God is working! Of course these five values cross over into other areas. It is awesome to see that our efforts are being blessed and that God is transforming lives. I am very excited about this summer and am looking forward to our camps, PDL team, after school programs, PDL tour and more! After the summer I’ve decided that I’ll be working with the Seahorses as part time/volunteer basis and hopefully being a part of their tours in the future. As you can imagine, trying to work on full time support in this financial climate has been pretty difficult. I’ve had the opportunity to do some side work coaching and doing some electrical work which has been great, but those are not available all the time. Over the summer I will be very involved with the seahorses, so if you would like to still make a donation I would be very grateful. Thank you for making a difference in my life and allowing me to invest my life in this great ministry. Your prayers, support and encouragement are what fuel me in times when I get down and am low energy. God Bless!
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