Day 8
“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take
up his cross daily and follow me.”
Luke 9:23
This verse has been a central part of our book study of Not
a Fan and has been a recurring theme of our activities here in Puerto Rico
serving the kids of Moca, Aquadilla and Mayaquez. Friday was another fulfilling
day as we finished up our week long volleyball clinic in Moca with a round
robin tournament. This time 62 kids showed up as well as 30 parents watching!
This was a challenge to run warm up drills and play a tournament with that many
players on two courts. However, all of it was worth it as we saw the faces of
the kids as they sat in the stands and listened to Courtney share her
testimony. We have had a chance to present the Gospel all five days we have
worked in Moca. We hope that the seeds have been planted in their lives. We
finished the session by presenting the girls with AU tshirts, wristbands and an
AU Vball postcard that our girls signed and added their favorite verse. The
first thing out of the little girls’ mouths as we were leaving was ‘are you
coming back next year?’ The beauty of facebook is that we can stay in the lives
of these kids……thank you Mark Zuckerberg!
Amazingly, the mayor of Moca even came over to the gym to
thank the girls for coming and giving to their community. We thank God that
doors have been opened for Chad and his gang here on this side of the island to
build relationships.
We couldn’t linger long in the gym after the clinic because
we were immediately off to the Cradle of Peace Orphanage nearby. This Christian
orphanage is run by a Spanish missionary, Magdelena, who works with local
agencies to provide a safe haven for kids from the streets who have been
abandoned. There are babies up to 8 year olds who are either in the process of
adoption or being provided for until their family situation becomes healthier.
It was an inspiring place to be and the girls loved playing with and loving on
the kids. The girls were also able to lay hands on Magdelena and pray for her
ministry and the futures of the children.
Our final stop of the day was to attend the youth meeting at
the church we attended last Sunday in Mayaquez. Amazingly, most of the message
dovetailed nicely with the themes laid out Not a Fan. Continue to pray
for us as we share each evening our stories around the circle. The bond in
Christ continues to grow…………an exciting season is ahead!
Coach Rader
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