Thanks for Praying.....

My speaking engagement at Briarwood Presbyterian church was an absolute joy & privilege to be a part of. I had confidence that the message given was the one God had given me to share. The Spirit filled me as I spoke. It's always hard to answer people when they ask me how did my speaking engagement go. Does the question mean, "did they like what I had to say?" or "did I feel it went well?" The answer to that question is always the same for me, only God knows the fullest extent of the impact of the message with regards to it's eternal value. Nothing else really matters!

The message was entitled, "The Ref that stunk!" I discussed the serious implications and ramifications of a Christian "losing it" on a referee. Shared the need for each believer who finds him or herself in the environment of competitive sports to prepare themselves well for the challenges they will face. The text I used was 2 Peter 1:3-9.

This was an encouraging message received by Ryan Leib, the Sports Ministry director at Briarwood, the next day.

Hey Ryan,

I just wanted to echo what David had to say about last night. The fellowship and food was great, but what Brian had to say was the highlight of the night and was a great reminder to me personally about what we are really trying to accomplish as a soccer club. The story about the soccer ref who died really spoke to me about how each encounter we have with someone might be our last opportunity to pass along God's love to them in some way. I didn't get a chance to speak with Brian afterwards, but please let him know that what he had to say was really impacting to Brandy and I. It would be great if somehow we could have him speak to the soccer club as a whole. I think it would really help some of the parents have a better understanding for the vision of the club and would be a great blessing to them also.

It was fun talking with people before and after the program. I had a chance to talk about Sports Friends and invite people to join us on a July vision trip to Ethiopia. A message the next day by a man was like wise encouraging when he shared that he never thought he would hear the day that his wife would want to go on a missions trip to Ethiopia. Well done Spirit of God.

Keep Ryan Leib and the Briarwood Sports Ministry coaching staff in your prayers as they minister to youth soccer players and their families in the Birmingham community.

brian

ps Had a wonderful evening talking with Abby and Ryan into the late late evening....maybe even the wee hours of the morning. It was great to see Ike Reeder and to catch up with him over a cup of Starbucks coffee as well.