Serving Stinks.....

Johanna and I have been emptying throw up bowls and bed pans for the last three days. Surprise, surprise, they stink!

Yet, there is one specific reason why we haven't minded dumping those bowl's and pans, know what it is? That's right, love! Johanna loves her Mom and I love my wife soooooo very much that for both of us to perform these nasty task's is actually a privilege. This mother of four and wife of mine is AWESOME. She has served us endlessly, day in and day out for years and years. She has modeled servanthood to us. We know she loves us so much as well because of how she has humbly, and faithfully served our needs for almost 30 years.

This made me think, which is always dangerous. I may not be the sharpest tool in the toolbox but even I could figure this life lesson out. When you love someone a lot, acts of service will surely follow. And no act of service is too much or too STINKY to perform for the ONE you LOVE!

And so that got me thinking some more...double trouble! Jesus came to serve not to be served. He modeled perfectly what humble service should look like out of his immeasurable love for His Father. If we love Jesus then our life should be all about serving our Heavenly Father's purposes and the needs of others! The more we love Him the more we will SERVE! When we humbly serve, even if what we do stinks -literally-, those acts are actually SWEET aroma unto Jesus and others.

Extra word to the wise, if your full of your self you will not be able to love others fully, or much at all for that matter!

"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." Galatians 5:13

This verse expounded on actually means that we have freedom from the Mosaic laws and OPPORTUniTY FOR THE FLESH with our freedom to follow our natural sinful selfish desires. We are then much advised to resist the temptation to serve our selfish ambitions (let's not be slaves to our fleshly desires and the worlds desires), but to use our freedom to serve others with radical love! Therefore, "love your neighbor as yourself."

brian

ps CHRIS IS GOING HOME THIS AFTERNOON!

Tough evening....

but Chris is actually sleeping comfortably right this minute. Very rough patch last night as she actually entered into a delirious state of mind. We held her hands, rubbed her checks, prayed over here, and actually sang a little bit (I can't sing but I figured in her state she wouldn't mine) too. I won't go into details but we think she basically was battling the pain without meds for too long. Then the doctors oked a morphine injection and a little something else to settle her.

By 1 am she was finally out! Nurses came in throughout the night to care for her and she was back to normal by the wee hours of the morning. We hated to see our girl in that condition without the ability to help her out more, but we all got through it TOGETHER.

Thanks for lifting Christine up before the King of Kings brothers and sisters in Christ. The bond we share to together in Christ is unlike any other bond on this earth. Even complete strangers will pray over a friend's friend in Christ. No matter how many miles separate us we unite in a moments notice over a challenging situation for one of HIS! Love our Christian family. Could we survive without it? Sure. But we were created for community and we thrive because of that sense of belonging to the same army . God's army! Soldiers of the cross. Thanks for doing battle on Chris behalf last night with us. Privileged to be on the same team with you. bd

PT is set to start at 8:30am today.

Chris is in GREAT PAIN....

I got home for about an hour before I got the call that Chris pain had returned with a vengeance! Heading back to the hospital now to help out as best I can. Johanna, who relieved me about 7:30 tonight, said "mom asked for prayer because she could hardly stand the pain."

brian

One more.....

PT session tonight by yours truly. It's my first solo PT session. Must admit I'm a little scared.....hmmm....wonder how Chris is feeling? Move one wrong button she could go through the roof....physically and pain wise! Oh boy, the PRESSURE is on! Game time is 7:45 but I'm getting psyched up now. Want to be the best lay person PTer ever! Why is that? I got issues.

After our PT session, assuming Chris survives, then she has another 2 1/2 hour machine workout on the right knee!

Then we are praying that she gets SLEEP TONIGHT before her first PT session with the expert at 8:15am.

almost done DAY One. Yahoo! Well done Christine!!!

EXTREME PAIN.....

has set in now for Christine. Poor girl! No morphine drip and block is wearing off. And Boy oh boy did she experience 30 minutes of grueling PAIN mid afternoon. Reminded me of her giving birth to Joy in Puerto Rico without meds. YIKES!

Short Visits by Johnston's, Breck, Di Steffens and Tim Roberts were a blessing. Although poor Breck had to leave early because she was in so much pain. Prayer times were encouraging for each of us. Best to call before visiting just in case it's not a good time for Chris. Don't want to waste your precious time.

So if you got two good knees today and you know it, JUMP FOR JOY!

bd

PS Grateful for a terrific bunch of nurses and a GREAT PT gal! We are so blessed!

First rehab session completed...YEAH!

Without much sleep last night and low oxygen levels at times she battled through her first one hour rehab session with her physical therapist. Wow, this is going to be one HUGE challenge.

After the rehab session she is put into a machine that moves her leg for two hours and then it's time for rehab session number two, followed by 2 hours on the CPM for the OTHER leg.

We repeat the process one more time in the evening which gives us a total of 10 1/2 to 12 1/2 hrs (depending on pain level) for our starting PT day.

They say her pain will be greater than child bearing the next couple of days after block wears off. Ice packs and morphine to the rescue. Already starting to have increase pain levels since first session. Morphine pump every 6 minutes and a stronger med. every 4hrs. Poor girl!

Thx for your prayers for Chris everyone. Overall we are off to a really good start (no problems encountered in surgery and first rehab session with PTA was excellent)!

Abiding in Him,

brian for Chris too.

Surgery is finished and successful.....

Chris went in around 1ish and was done by 4:30. We got to see her about 7ish and she greeted us with a big thumbs up! She is one tough cookie, of course that morphine helped!

She received a spinal block and was somewhat conscious during the surgery when they chiseled away! Rehab starts in the morning, 12-16 hours a day for the first 30 days! Doctors have prepared Chris well for the fact she may experience lots of pain in the coming days. She is as ready as she can be.

Thanks for praying everyone. Couple pictures posted on facebook.

bd ps Johanna was a real big blessing today to Chris and I.

Time to SERVE.....

the one who has SERVED us so faithfully for the last 30 years. She is not a saint, although 30 years with me at least makes her a good nominee, but Chris is an amazing servant of God as demonstrated by her humble consistent service to others. We look forward to serving her 24/7 in the days to come.

Surgery is planned for Tuesday, December 14th at 1:30pm Presbyterian Matthews.

Joshua goes HOME!

"Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where O death is your victory? Where O death is your sting?" the sting of death is sin and the power of sin is the law. but thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." I Cor. 15:54b -56.

A faithful man of God who made NO EXCUSES despite a completely broken down body (no legs or arms), who had to be carted around in a wagon any time he wanted to go somewhere. He always attended the Joshua Soccer Academy training sessions to read (someone had to hold the bible for him....one of the boys on the team would) God's Word and to teach his boys about the Christian life. he was radiant with Christ love and full of the Holy Spirit the two times I met with him. This was a life well lived. A significant life. The single missionary nurse to Nigeria who was in the hospital the day he was born was a friend of our family's and supported by Parkminister Church in Rochester, NY. Miss Pinneo had quite the impact on my life for missions. She was one of the only survivors of scarlet fever back in the day. To think God orchestrated my connection to her and then to Joshua is simply powerful in my eyes. What an AMAZING GOD we serve. Thank You God for the opportunity to serve the people of Nigeria in your name like Miss Pinneo and Joshua. Two faithful and obedinet SERVANTS of God who made no excuses and served all out for your Kingdom and your GLORY not their own. Enjoy heaven Joshua and THANK YOU for your courage and obedience to YOUR Lord and Savior, you inspired so many to do the same. We will pray those 35 boys you served will impact your town, the city of Jos, the nation of Nigeria and to the ends of the earth for the cause of Christ. To God and God alone be the Glory. PS rejoicing with you for your new body my friend!

Jesus loves the little children of the world.....

"He will wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain. All that has gone forever."

Rev. 21:4
Stats from ISC on children:

2 billion of the world's population is under 15 years of age. That means about 30% of the world is children

In many parts of the world, especially Africa, the percentage of children is closer to 50% of the population.

In 2002 about 20% of people had a mobile phone.

In 2010 about 60% of people have a mobile phone.

About 70% of the worlds population is illiterate.

About 70% of children in the world live in risky situations. They suffer poverty, slavery, violence, abuse, abandonment.

About 80% of people who follow Christ, decide to become a Christian before the age of 15.

Jesus loves and cares for 100% of children!

The lost girls of Thailand....

Sports Friends has an Asian base which is located in northern Thailand. Please pray for our staff there as they seek to train and work alongside Thai believers who desire to share the love of Christ through the platform of sports, a terrific relational ministry strategy, during this CHRISTmas season.

Today as I read my advent devotion for the day I was moved by the story of Issan and the Night ministries that takes place in Thailand. Would you consider reading this devotional and having a time of focused prayer for these girls and this cutting edge ministry?

Taken from An SIM advent devotional for Monday, Dec. 6th.

Reading: Isaiah 8:23-9:6

The People have Seen a Great Light

In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan. The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.

Isaiah 9:1-2

The first weekend in October I traveled with our production crew to Isaan along with colleagues from Step Ahead Micro Enterprise Development and Night Light Ministries. As among the people of Israel in Isaiah’s time, there are many people in Isaan today who walk in deep darkness: the darkness of poverty, the darkness of spirit worship, the darkness of prostitution (with all its heartbreaking ramifications for the family). Isaan is the main provider of prostitutes to the bars of Bangkok. More than 80% of the girls travel from the northeastern provinces looking for work to help them support their families back home.

Two of the young women on our team had themselves formerly been prostitutes. They know well the darkness and abuse of that lifestyle and the hopelessness of being trapped with no way out. Thanks to the caring and courageous work of Night Light, these two women (and many others) havefound a way out. They have truly seen a great light: the Light of Jesus Christ, who has come into our world, as prophesied by Isaiah in today’s reading. Watching these women give honor to the Lord through a worship dance was nothing less than watching a true miracle of God’s grace. These former prostitutes, both of whom were also “pole dancers” in Bangkok bars, now radiate the Great Light that has changed their lives. On that October weekend, they were going home to tell families, friends and a large group of church leaders about how God has set them free into His Light and Life and Love.

It’s difficult, isn’t it, to imagine what these young women have experienced. We don’t like to think about it. But we all have our own darkness and we are all equally in need of the Light. Whatever hurts have darkened our past, whatever struggles and tears we may face today, whatever fears we may have about the future – God is always near, waiting to shine His Light into our pain, waiting to restore us and to heal our brokenness.

As we look forward during this Advent season to celebrating Christ’s birth once again, let’s grab hold of the joy and peace that God offers each of us. And let’s walk in the light of His love.

Karen Thomson came to Thailand in 1999 and serves as Regional Director for the Christian Broadcasting Network office, CBN Siam. Karen is an American from Pennsylvania.

The Light

The ancients gazed on the light, from afar

Shielding their eyes from the rising dawn, on a future horizon

Looking towards the mounting brightness

That would dispel the great darkness.

With great celebration, the angels heralded the entrance of the Light

Into this earthly arena,

As the Author of light himself, became the tiny fragile vessel,

Bearing the light that could illuminate the deepest recesses of a man’s soul,

Dispelling the darkest shadows.

The light was multiplied and entrusted to those who would pass it on.

Our ancestors took up the torch,

Carrying it high across the globe, down through the centuries.

Sometimes the flame sputtered as the darkness threatened to snuff it out,

But the light could not be extinguished because it springs from the source of all light.

The Light who is Immanuel,

The Light who came so that we who walk in darkness, could experience a glorious new dawn.

The Light who will one day return in triumph, conquering the darkness for ever.

He has come.

He is with us.

He is coming again.

Hallelujah!

Melanie Carey

Take my Son....

My brother sent this to me and I really enjoyed the message. It's entitled "My Son" and has a surprise ending I think you will appreciate.

Take my Son.....

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their
collection, fromPicasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of
art..

When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in
battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only
son.
About a month later, just before Christmas,There was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands..

He said, 'Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved
many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he
died instantly... He often talked about you, and your love for art.' The young man held out this
package. 'I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have
wanted you to have this.'
The father

Opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at
the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so
drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to
pay him for the picture.. 'Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift.'

The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to
see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.

The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many
influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to
purchase one for their collection.

On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. 'We will start the
bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?'

There was silence...

Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, 'We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this
one.' But the auctioneer persisted. 'Will somebody bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding?
$100, $200?' Another voice angrily. 'We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Gogh's, the Rembrandts. Get on with the Real bids!'

But still the auctioneer continued. 'The son! The son! Who'll take the son?'

Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and
his son. 'I'll give $10 for the painting...' Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.

'We have $10, who will bid $20? 'Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters.'
The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son.
They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.
The auctioneer pounded the gavel.. 'Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!'
A man sitting on the second row shouted, 'Now let's get on with the collection!'
The auctioneer laid down his gavel. 'I'm sorry, the auction is over.'
'What about the paintings?'
I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the
will... I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son
would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the
paintings.The man who took the son gets everything!'
God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today
is: 'The son, the son, who'll take the son?'
Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.
FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, WHO SO EVER BELIEVETH, SHALL HAVE
ETERNAL LIFE...THAT'S LOVE

Russia in 2018!

The World Cup bids for 2018 and 2022 were just announced. Russia and Qatar were the winners.

I remember the days back in the late 80's and in 1990 of taking soccer teams to communist countries for the expressed purpose of encouraging underground churches and Christians as well as smuggling in bibles. Then in 1991 the former Soviet Union was opened up and the first ever ministry initiative for the Charlotte Eagles Soccer Club was a trip that I had the privilege of leading to this country. One year before we ran out of the 500 Bibles we brought to distribute in Czech and Poland. It was a terrible feeling. People begging for a Bible. I asked the Lord to help me raise enough money to bring 100,000 Bibles, N.T's and Gospel of Johns to the USSR in 1991. I made the order but had a drop out date just in case we couldn't raise the $. We needed just over 20,000 dollars which might as well have been a million to us at that time in our little Seahorse office in southern california. This wasn't about my great faith it was about a vision from God. The day i needed to make the finally commitment we weren't even close. I walked into the office and a fellow staff member sitting at his desk asked me, "so what are you going to do Brian, cancel the order?" I responded that the day had just started and we needed to give God the whole day to meet our need for $20+k. It wasn't like I was confident or anything just set on waiting till the end of the day. I will never ever forget that phone call that came from Mike P. after lunch that day. "Brian, my boss Bill S has committed to give you guys 20k for the Bibles and he wants to go on the trip as well." WOW! This money came from revenue he was receiving by the county using some of the land he owned for garbage. In May 1991 22 team members & Eagles staff along with 8 businessmen went to Moscow, Tbilisi and Kiev and distributed 100,000 Christian Bibles, NT's and Gospel of John. It was one of the most amazing trips I have ever been on. Going to the place that stored our Scriptures and loading up the bus with each box was terrific. Then giving them out to people after I preached on the resurrection of Jesus Christ in front of Lenin's tomb, on street corners and as our players shared one on one with complete strangers after public presentations of the Gospel was an ABSOLUTELY AWESOME experience. I have some powerful stories that I will share another time from this experience. Giving people Bibles in the old USSR in 91 was like feeding gold fish food. It was quite the experience to see people so hungry for the Word of God after 70 years of being told there was no God. What a privilege! Can we use the World Cup in 2018 for the Kingdom of God? It's the Glory of the Impossible!

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.

December 14th

That's the date for Chris DOUBLE KNEE SURGERY. We have been informed that she will be in the hospital 4-5 days and that the first two weeks of rehab is BRUTAL. She is tough though and we will be there for her EVERY STEP of the way. It will be a privilege or as they say at Chick Fila, "My Pleasure" to serve this AWESOME Wife, Mom and teacher!

Prayer Warriors Needed....

Speaking at Briarwood Presbyterian Church on Nov. 23rd 6pm for the Coaches Sports Ministry Banquet. Invite from former Eagle Ryan Leib. Always want to have opportunities like this surrounded and bathed in prayer. Would you consider praying for me? If yes, here are some specific prayer requests with regards to this engagement:

1. Monday and Tuesday I will have blocks of time set aside for praying and preparing for this speaking time. My prayer is that I will listen to the Spirit's leading for what I should speak about, have the courage to stay the course (not speak abt what I want to talk about) and the focus to prepare well. *must resist the temptation to speak to please people rather than communicate the words/message God gives me to say to challenge their hearts and service to the King of Kings.
2. Next weekend - Pray for those coming to hear the message that God would prepare their hearts and minds for what is shared. Pray that they would not be prevented from coming because of busyness and the enemies distractions.
3. Tuesday the 23rd of Nov. -am final review of message 6pm ish is the delivery of the words.
4. Pray that the message would be powerful towards impacting the coaches heart, mind and perspective for utilizing their coaching position for being spiritual life influencers! I want to be an ADVOCATE for helping imperfect Christians (athletes, coaches and parents) to "live out" the righteousness of God in the environment of competitive sports. The message I think I'm going to give is entitled "Sports Does Not Develop Character but the Holy Spirit Can!" Text is 2 Peter 1:3-9 It's part of a series of messages I'm developing for various audiences which is called "the Righteousness Challenge"
5. pray for one special coffee mtg. with a long lost friend.

Sports Friends Gatherings - To Ethiopia and Beyond!

TWO GREAT CHANCES TO CONNECT WITH SPORTS FRIENDS in the COMING DAYS:

1. Thursday, November 18th 7pm at SIM USA for those of you who have been to Ethiopia before on a Sports Friends trip. It's a time to thank you, provide an update on new God stories from Ethiopia and to give you an idea of what else is developing in the ministries of SF in West Africa & Asia. A special guest will be on hand from a closed country that we are serving in East Asia. Just RSVP by Tuesday evening please! Thx.

2. Monday, November 22nd 7pm at Maggiano's for those who want to know more about Sports Friends and might be interested in participating on Vision trip to Asia or Africa, a Father Son camping adventure to Africa, or in sending your teen age daughter on a fantastic missions trip. Perhaps just you and your wife want to go on a 10 day missions experience. All of these trip possibilities will be available in 2011. Maybe you just want to learn how to pray more specifically for our ministry or would consider an end of the year gift to SF (not a fund raising evening per se but we always accept gifts for the ministry), either way PLEASE be our guest's on this evening. This will be a short and "sweet" evening. Dessert served at 7pm, short presentations start at 7:30 and end around 8:15. ***By the way, if you have been to Ethiopia before but know of 1, 2 or more people that haven't and might be interested (or in going to Nigeria or Asia), no problem, PLEASE BRING THEM THIS NIGHT -You can attend both events if you like .....JUST RSVP!

My new Sports HERO.....

Josiah is no doubt one of my new sports hero's. I think you will love and be inspired by this video. Thanks Kyle for sharing this story with me. http://search.espn.go.com/josiah/

Butler Visit

Great trip to Indy this past week. Opportunity to share personal spiritual journey with Butler Coaches at their 10am Bible Study. Was an advocate for "the righteousness challenge," imperfect Christians committed to live out the righteousness of God in the environment of competitive sports. Shared my personal journey in this area as an athlete, coach, parent and sports minister. Lots of challenges faced, lessons learned, and character revealed. Learning to ABIDE IN HIM daily is how athletes can genuinely glorify God, grow in the sanctification process and give of themselves totally to the cause of Christ with their God given gifts. Coaches will only become maximum life influencers and parents will only develop a kingdom perspective in sports, thus becoming faithful to training up their kids in the way to go rather than living vicariously through their sports involvement, when they commit to ABIDING in HIM daily. Heart and Mind must be focused on what matters most to God when one enters the environment of competitive sports.

Thursday night a good group of students gathered and I was able to share the difference between being highly successful in life from the world's viewpoint and significant in the sight of God from an eternal perspective. Shared the story of Andrea Buehital and her family who were pioneers in opening up the Camp Langano mission station. Andrea lost her life at a young age for the cause of Christ in that region. The blood of her flesh has become the seed for 5 churches being planted in the region along with hundreds of people's lives being transformed forever in the name of Jesus. A wasted life? I think not! Many americans search for success while all Christians should seek to be obedient and faithful to the call of God, using one's God given gifts for what matters most to God, wherever, despite the cost, locally and to the ends of the earth, for this is a significant life well lived.

In between these times I spent time with Kelly Findley, a former Charlotte Eagle player, and his family. Kelly now coaches the Butler bulldogs soccer team and is currently 15-0-1. More importantly, Kelly loves the Lord and seeks to make a name for God through his coaching efforts rather than himself. Pray for him towards this end along with finding the right balance between family, fellowship/ministry, coaching a D1 program, and life in general.

Next speaking engagement is Briarwood Church in Alabama Nov. 23rd.

Eli is in the house.....

We loved having Eli visit us this weekend. I think Nell and John were hear too!

Asia and New Staff

In southeast Asia, Sports Friends is exploring a partnership with Compassion International where SF would

train Compassion’s youth workers in sports ministry. This will add to the toolbox of those already

respected in communities all over the country, and because Compassion already has an extensive network

in place, it will be a way to rapidly reach thousands of young people.

Three new people are in the process of joining our SF team in the U.S. Jason and Heather hope to write

curriculum that SF can use around the world for training. Erin plans to use her skills in photojournalism

to capture stories about what God is doing in the lives of young people through SF. We’re excited to

welcome all 3 to our team, and praying for God to raise up others who can serve with us worldwide.

Our New Sports Friends Ethiopia Vehicle

What do you think? Nice, huh? Please keep these two fantastic leaders in your prayers, who have served Sports Friends faithfully for 8 years. Berhanu, our national director, has just been named Ethiopian Football Federation VP. It's a volunteer position, so he will continue to serve our ministry faithfully as he attempts to lead the EFF forward. He will have a tremendous opportunity to significantly impact many people in high positions (in the federation, gov't, and in business) in the name of Jesus who currently make football their religion (FIFA SOCCER 11: "We Are 11" Series, Episode 5 - "D10S") Check out this sad sad example of what it means for some people to make football their religion and their hero their god...sad!). Who knows how he could be used mightily by God in this position for the Kingdom. He will be attacked as well so PLEASE pray for him -wisdom/patience/against those who will want to undermine him and more. This summer our Ethiopian camps will double in number. Pray for Ephraim who is an OUTSTANDING camp leader....Specifically pray that he can see the camp grow in number and continue to make deep spiritual impact in the lives of each youth participant. Also, pray for those who were deeply impacted in the name of Jesus at the camp in 2010. Thx everyone for praying for these two FANTASTIC SFE leaders. ps the car was at Disney when they visited Florida last year.

Pray for Tripp and Alison as they travel to Africa

Tripp and Alison Johnston are back from Asia and located once again out of the US office (Charlotte) for Sports Friends. Currently they are on a trip to visit 3 of our African works : Nigeria till this Monday, then in Ethiopia to the 28th and then Kenya to the beginning of the month. Pray for wisdom as they lead discussions with our SFN staff on many different topics pertaining to the development of each of the ministries. We would really like to find a Nigerian man of God to lead our work from Jos. With the ministry really escalating in regards to teams (10,000 plus youth) and camps our level 4 leaders who oversee the entire work really have their hands full. Pray for them and their coaches. The Ethiopia agenda is a particularly full one which includes the hosting of some key leaders from a closed country. Pray for their visa's to be finalized and for their visit to be "SPECIAL." Also thank God for what he has done in Ethiopia over the last 8 years and pray for our SFE staff as we move forward with recruiting new leadership for 2011 camp ministry (we will go from 40 per week to 100 next year). Kenya leadership will be in Ethiopia. Pray for that time to be productive and helpful for the future development of the work in this country targeting a certain region. We need a trainer for coaches to join this staff soon.

If you like numbers.....

Here is the latest report that I got from SF staff member Danny Imes recent update:

In Nigeria there are now 10,000 youth involved with Sports Friends teams. Nigerian youth are growing

up surrounded by violence and conflict between ethnic groups, but God is using SF coaches to reconcile

communities and develop godly leaders. About 500 youth were able to attend camp this summer (see

some of the happy campers below). Seeds were planted, and lives were transformed.

And a note from SFN staff member Kyle Abts:

The breakdown from the camps. Obviously these campers were from various denominations under specific coaches and L4 leaders.

Kaduna: 88 Boys 15 yrs and under, Aug 13-16
Gombe: 113 Boys 17 yrs and under, Aug 18-21
ECWA Camp Youth Alive (ECYA) #1: 113 Boys 15 yrs and under, Aug 23-26
ECYA #2: 131 Girls 15 yrs and under, Aug 30-Sep 2
ECYA #3: 117 Boys 17 yrs and under (10 were m$lm) Sep 6-8

Week of Champions
Jos: 135 boys and 20 girls 18 yrs and under, Aug 2-6

Biliri (Gombe State): 115 boys and 26 girls 17 yrs and under, Aug 30 - Sep 3

Trophies of Grace:
There are so many great things coming out from these camps! They had breakout time with their coaches each day to review the teaching (practical and lessons). They showed videos each night like "Facing the Giants" and "The Spirit of the Python" (by Jentezen Franklin Media Ministries). These opened up some serious dialogue!

One girl at the Girls ECYA #2 camp there were 34 girls who gave their lives or rededicated them to Christ. One young girl came up to one of our helper coaches Coach Monday on the second night (he is a SF Champion leading 2 teams at ECWA Bishara 2 in Jos). The photo has her in the extreme right (just to the right of Coach John with her eyes squinted). She shared how she was a "party girl" but wanting to change. She had done so many bad things with men that she couldn't remember her salvation. She came up to be prayed over and rededicated her life to Christ! The coaches linked her up with a local church - operaiting a SF model for discipleship and follow-up!!!

Blessings!
Kyle

In Ethiopia there are now over 50,000 youth involved with Sports Friends teams. This summer’s camp

experience was the best yet, with 380 youth involved. Camp Langano itself has been transformed over

the course of several years. Thanks to generous donors, it now boasts new camper cabins, a games

pavilion, staff housing, a soccer field, and a bath house. Next summer, camp staff expect to be able to

accommodate double the number of campers.

In southeast Asia, Sports Friends is exploring a partnership with Compassion International where SF would

train Compassion’s youth workers in sports ministry. This will add to the toolbox of those already

respected in communities all over the country, and because Compassion already has an extensive network

in place, it will be a way to rapidly reach thousands of young people.

Three new people are in the process of joining our SF team in the U.S. Jason and Heather hope to write

curriculum that SF can use around the world for training. Erin plans to use her skills in photojournalism

to capture stories about what God is doing in the lives of young people through SF. We’re excited to

welcome all 3 to our team, and praying for God to raise up others who can serve with us worldwide.

Thank You friends for partnering with us in the ministry of Sports Friends.

bd

Chris Dad

Chris Dad got out of surgery around 2:15 pm today. He is resting comfortably now. thx for your prayers we appreciate them. brian

2011 African and Asian Sports Friends Vision Trips

On November 22nd we will be having a gathering in Charlotte to share with you four special opportunities in 2011 to travel with our Sports Friends leadership to either Nigeria, Ethiopia or Thailand/Vietnam. Would you be interested in attending a dessert and a dynamic presentation on all these trips? Opportunities to consider supporting projects in Africa and Asia will also be shared. It will be a fun and informative time for all who attend. Monday, November 22nd at 7 pm in the South Park region. If your interested in attending PLEASE email me at brian.davidson@sim.org for further details. See you there!

Prayer Request

Chris Dad is having a planned surgery RIGHT NOW (3-5hrs in length..start time was 9am EST) for a procedure with his heart. He is 83yrs old and has had previous heart related issues. Would you join us in praying him through this procedure's last hour. He is still in the operation room as I write. Irvin Schmidt and his mom's name is Doris.

IMG00071-20101001-1217.jpg
It is definitely not about how long you live but who you love! Al, Cindi, and Joy loved Jesus wholeheartedly!

Sports Friends Kenya Camp

In Partnership with the Charlotte Eagles and New Life Trust, Sports Friends is kicking of a new ministry in Kenya with a summer camp in rural NE Kenya. If you remember Melickson (former Iman who came to Christ) who is the vibrant & radiant ministry leader from Kenya who came to our African ministry vision conference last July in Ethiopia, he will be hosting the camp team. Mitch Sanford from the Eagles will be leading this camping effort for the 70 boys who are coming from the teams that have been set up in multiple villages in the area. Berhanu and Habtamu will be joining the camp staff, our first ever mobilization and expansion effort for the SFE team. Please pray for this initiative where they will be doing multiple training initiatives and 3 day camp.

August 10 – Fly from Nairobi to Lamu SFE leaders meet with John Smith in Narobi

August 11 – Drive from Lamu to Mpeketoni; teams arrive in afternoon/evening/ Camp begins.

August 12-14 – SF and Eagles Camp

August 15 – Camp ends in morning; Drive from Mpeketoni to Lamu

August 16 – Visit New Life Home Lamu, Future Stars soccer team training

August 17 – Fly from Lamu to Nairobi; Visit Clive and Mary from New Life trust in evening

Brian

Mission Accomplished!

What a fantastic response we received, in a very short period of time, to our campaign for Nigerian Youth Summer Camp Scholarships. 100 scholarships were donated in record time. The whole campaign picked up a momentum that was very unexpected, but very exciting. So many of you wrote to say how much you enjoyed and appreciated the updates. Thx.

Daniel, one of our key SF Nigeria leaders, recently wrote to me with words of deep gratitude for the designation of these funds for boys and girls in the Jos area.

"This is wonderful! Thank you for given the Nigerian kids the opportunity to experiance what we I saw happening to the Ethiopian kids in Langano."

A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to ALL OF YOU WHO CONTRIBUTED. Pictures from the camp will be posted in early September.

Brian

Grandchild #1!

Our First Grandchild - Elijah Philip 8 lbs 9 ounces 21 3/4 inches. Born August 5th at 4:10am to Danielle & John Puig

African Summer Camps

African youth love attending our Sports Friends summer camps. It's an absolutely incredible lifetime experience for each participant. I would like to get sponsors for 100 Nigerian campers. For $39 you can send one child to camp for a week.

If you're interested then send a check to:

SIM USA PO BOX 7900 Charlotte, NC 28241-7900 SFN Project #96549 Thank You for considering this request! Over 100 youth in our July 2010 camps have already indicated their lives have been deeply impacted by the week long camp experience.

An Ethiopian Football Joke

Sent from our Ethiopian National Director:

I send for you this thing to read, it....

A Korean asked God when Korea would win the world cup and God said in about 50 years time. The Korean cried because it wouldn't be in his lifetime. A Japanese asked God the same question and God replied in 100 years and all of Japan cried because it wouldn't be in their life time. Then Ethiopians asked God the same question and God began to cry, because God replied it wouldn't be in my lifetime.

What do you think? Is not true????

Blessings,

Berhanu

"We are his Witnesses" by nike

The 10 story Nike mural that hung in downtown Cleveland of Lebron James with outstretched arms, along with his face looking heavenward and the words "WE ARE HIS WITNESSES" is finally gone, THANKFULLY! Talk about IDOLATRY. That mural made my stomach turn.

In the O.T., idolatry was evidenced by graven images like that of Baal. In modern times, interestingly enough, it's images & names of sports icons which can be found on murals, posters, t-shirts, uniform tops, cards, pictures and more. Both time periods are offering the same thing, images that are to be worshipped by the people! None more obvious than the one that hung in Cleveland, until this weekend.

Sports teams are used often times by people to fill their need for community as well. They want to be connected to all those like minded people who have a similar passion. They become absolutely fanatical, from an early age (thanks to their fathers) about their teams. It's a deep connection that binds people together. If one of these fanatics sees another at a restaurant, store or even a rest stop, wearing the team's logo, even if they are complete strangers, they will exchange pleasantries or maybe even get into a deep discussion about the team! If strangers happen to be sitting next to each other at a game and their team does something fantastic they will often times high five and even hug each other.

Likewise there is a need for many people to have a sports hero or two. Someone who is GREAT and better than all the rest. This gives an individual someone to hold up, follow and revere. Both become part of an individual's worship experience. That which was meant for Christ through the body of believers to be found through the local church is discovered in the sports sanctuaries called stadiums all across our country. The headlines in one Miami newspaper last week pictured Wade, Bosc and James under the headline, "THE NEW KINGDOM." Man oh man, that just feels eerily wrong to me.

Has our love for sports gone too far? Yes, along time ago. I should know. I'm a recovering addict. Due to emotional needs I became addicted to the praises of men and many other sicknesses early on. I overdosed on sports time and time again. I was the worst of the worst of addicts! Yet, my life was spared! This sports junkie who fell in love with God has learned the error of his ways (and there have been many) and little by little, day by day, I have discovered the joy of recovery and consequently, the place sports should occupy in my life as a father, coach and fan.

Here are five lessons learned: 1. What a great platform sports is for teaching our kids about righteousness and training them up in the way they should go. 2. Parents must first adopt a kingdom perspective toward their kids' participation in sports to maximize these teaching opportunities. 3. What a great avenue for fathers to unpack their own emotional issues from past sports experiences, unfulfilled athletic dreams and their relationship to their own father through sports, so that they won't live vicariously through their children's sports experiences and/or pass on some of the same patterns of sin to their children 4. Find the right balance between spending time in prayer, alone with God, the study of the scriptures and ministry service involvement, and watching sports on TV (and/or playing). 5. Those who become coaches at any level should be focused first on being positive "Life Influencers" than on winning games. It's not an either/or, but a priority order.

I could go on and on with the lessons I've learned, the branches that have been cut off and the ones that have been pruned with regards to my involvement in sports as an athlete, coach, father, fan and sports minister. I've fallen oh, so short too many times. And as I've stood back and watched the recent Lebron signing circus, the Woods debacle, the USC sanctions, the cheating in soccer that has just become part of the game, the youth sports environment, and so much more I've come to this conclusion: we desperately need Christians who find themselves in the environment of competitive sports, whether they be athletes, coaches, or parents, to accept the challenge of living out the righteousness of God, by abiding in Him, so that we can be the salt & light to a lost, lost world that is looking for a SAVIOR to WORSHIP and A COMMUNITY TO BE A PART OF. We have the opportunity to join the work of Christ, and He has already left the GREATEST LEGACY ever left on this earth!

Thanks Bo and Mac

Just wanted to say a BIG thank you to Bo and Mac Cramer for taking the initiative to invite 3 friends from Vanderbilt to go with them to Langano to assist Sports Friends with the first week of summer camp. Instead of having the 40 Ethiopian girls attend our first week that we planned for, 65 showed up! EPHRAIM! He just can't help himself. Sure hope Shane found enough food to feed everyone. Sounds like it was an AWESOME week from all the reports I have received. Many of the girls lives were impacted in a spiritual way.... forever! Please keep these girls and their leaders in your prayers. Pray for spiritual growth, courage and wisdom for each of them. Thanks again BO & Mac for making the Vandy team happen (thanks for all the admin. work by Danny, Cindy Ely and Mom & Dad Crammer as well). Oh, and thank you to the David Harding family for sending your girls and their friends to the camp to help as well. Hope you were blessed by the experience.

July 4th, 1966

I remember the day so clearly. I was on the porch of our home on 9 Arcade Street in Whitinsville, Massachusetts and lots of people were coming to the house. I kept trying to go in the front door, but no one would let me in and I had no idea why. I kinda made it into a game and when I thought nobody was looking, I'd try an sneak in. I never succeeded and the funny thing was nobody else thought it was funny! Finally, my brother (I think it was Steve?) took me up to the ball field to play catch and not long after that I was taken in a car to my other brothers house to be with my nieces and nephews. Yes, my nieces and nephews. You see I was an uncle the day I was born. Not the most planned baby in the whole wide world, maybe even a mistake, but then again God doesn't make any of those now does he? Mom was 46 and Dad 51 when I was born in a Worcester hospital and my brother Jim was already married with 2 kids and 26 years old. My sister Carol was just a couple years younger than Jim, and my brother Bruce just a couple more after that. Steve was the first mistake (?) and was 14 when I came on the scene.

Well I stayed at my brother Jim's house under the care of his wonderful wife Joanie for a week before my Dad came down. Soon after he arrived he took me up the street for a ride....just me and him. When we reached the fairgrounds he slowed the car down and proceeded to tell me (I was sitting in the back seat) that Mom had died. I WAS SHOCKED! I knew she was sick but I guess at the age of 6 you don't really realize or even think your mom could die. Never in my wildest imagination did I think she was dying! That I would never ever see her again!

After I had a short time to grieve it was back to "normal" life again, never did my Dad and I ever talk about Mom again. But she had left a lasting impression on me, forever! Her greatest gift was that she regular prayed over me. Apparently, 2 years before I was born, a woman by the name of Estell Carter led my Mom to Christ (she also met with my mom regularly to see that she grew in her faith). Obviously my mother knew she was dying of cancer and our time together would be cut short on this earth. I'm sure this must have intensified her prayers for me and that's exactly what I remember about her. She prayed with me everyday. I don't remember one word of any of those prayers, but I have burned into my mind the picture of me kneeling next to her bed as she put her right hand upon my head and PRAYED FOR ME! Could she have given me any better memory? Any better gift? "The prayer of a righteous person has great power...." James 5:16. I am one grateful son who indeed wishes I had more time on this earth with my mom, but knows that in our short time together SHE GAVE TO me something more valuable than any materialistic thing on this earth....SHE GAVE ME HER LOVE AND HER INTENSE PRAYERS....WHAT ELSE COULD I HAVE EVER ASKED FOR!! Thank You Mom.

PS "Mom....I've got good news and bad news....the bad news is I'm the chief sinner of a sports ministry...the good news is I love GOD WITH ALL MY HEART, SOUL, STRENGTH and MIND.........hmmmm....guess you knew that already though huh? Thinking of you on this independence celebration day which I'm so grateful to our troops for -what a privilege to live in a free country! But nothing compares to the freedom I have in Christ. Mom I believe your prayers played a role in that....THANKS!

A grateful man.....

Yesterday was the first day in 3 months that I felt the invisible weight off my shoulders of the cumbersome regular doctors visits, testing, sickness, lack of energy, and pain that went along with my recent health related issues. It was a day in which I just felt filled with joy and I even had a zeal for doing some of the most mundane tasks in life (even went to Loew's and replaced a shower head!...if you know me that's BIG!...I mean huge!).

Along the way, people have encouraged and challenged me as I've sought to listen to God for what He would have me learn during this journey. Today I share with you one of these challenges from a brother in Christ:

"OK, here’s my challenge for you…ask God to never let you be the same given He has spared your life. Be curious about that and remember it often so that you remain a grateful man!"

Good words...no...Great words! But what do they mean and how do they apply to my life as a follower of Christ? So this of course got me to thinking, asking, praying and reading.... What are the characteristics of "a grateful man?" What does the Bible say about being grateful? Teach me Holy Spirit about what it means to be a grateful man of God in the days ahead as I have been spared battling cancer and perhaps even my life? Being "a grateful man" should impact my life for the cause of Christ how?

Any thoughts, comments or lessons learned from your life experiences in this area, or your reading from the Word or convictions from the HS are absolutely welcomed, as I take time to understand it's application for my life. Thank you brothers and sisters in Christ.

UGLIER THAN NORMAL.....

Well after Mohs surgery on the side of my face and a biopsy on my lip which required several stitches I was looking uglier than normal. Ugh! Today I received the report back on my lip and the biopsy tested positive for scimus cells. So next Thursday they will dig away at my lip to remove all those cancer cells and two other spots on my back. I'm very grateful for the outstanding job the nurse and surgeon did last week and I'm almost looking forward to seeing them on Thursday Am...almost!

Tomorrow Chris and I leave for Charleston where we will visit a cancer center on Wednesday morning. I will have some more Cat Scans and possible needle biopsies done as well as a consultation with a head & neck specialist by the name of Dr. Lentsch. This will serve as our second opinion. Boston got cancelled after I had purchased tix. Did some RDM instead!

On this trip I'm looking forward to seeing a former Eagle player, friend and partner of ours in ministry Josh Farrar, who currently is in residency at this hospital. In fact, Josh set all this up for me. Josh was a terrific player with a tremendous competitive fire who I enjoyed coaching so much........I'm trying to remember if there would be anything I did to him where it might incite him to want to stick a needle in my neck just for the fun of it! Let's hope not!

With shoulder rehab on Friday it's a busy week of doctor visits. Praying for a conclusion on the root cause of all the issues in my neck area, continued improvement with the muscles in my shoulder and positive minor surgery for the removal of skin cancer cells on my back/neck area & lip . Pray with us for these requests will you. thanks, bd

Note from Kenya leader who attended SF Africa Vision Trip last July

*Sports Friends is partnering with the Charlotte Eagles/MAI on a project in a M***** region

on the coast of Kenya. David and Mitch Sanford have been working on training leaders in

this area for several years and planting the seeds for the development of sports ministry. Last

year they invited us to partner with them to assist them in the training of sports ministry leaders and the establishment of strategic initiatives. We agreed only after bringing in their top leader to see the work in Ethiopia in our Arsi Negele region and to share with him the SF long term approach to developing ongoing sustainable CCSM led by nationals. We wanted to be sure he bought into this approach and believed a similar approach could be used effectively in Kenya among the unreached groups. This former Iman now strong Christian leader who is radiant with Christ sweet spirit and love strongly felt a similar approach could bare Kingdom fruit in his region and beyond. A brief note from this leader after a recent training for Pastors and level 2 coaching leaders is below:

Mama and I do hope that all is well with you and your family, and God is blessing you and your ministry. It was good that you came at this time of the year, and ran the training with the key Pastors of *Blank and Blank* Districts. More fire is lit and Pastors have gone back to their respective Churches with fire for starting sports ministry teams!

This month of April, I have visited 4 Churches in the bush and these Pastors have started sports ministry teams– many people gather outside the Churches to watch. I am excited about your returning trip in August for the first ever Football Camp.

Thank you for all the s[ports equipments you sent for all the teams, every team/coach had something to take back home. Our Lamu team is registered for this season’s league – I will make sure we keep you informed….. I went to the boarder of Somalia and Kenya, and started a preaching point (seeds of a church plant) of 39 people by using the ball – we left a missionary there.

***PRAY FOR THE CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF THIS MINISTRY AND FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE PASTORS, COACHES AND YOUTH FROM THE EVIL ONE!

^OUR FUNDING INVOLVEMENT WITH THIS SPECIAL INITIATIVE IN AUGUST FOR 70 YOUTH IS $3500. IF YOUR INTERESTED IN INVESTING IN THIS MINISTRY INITIATIVE OF $10 OR MORE THEN PLEASE SEND TO SIM PO BOX 7900 CHARLOTTE, NC 28241 WRITE IN THE MEMO OF YOUR CHECK AFRICAN EXPANSION PROJECT 99803