We just finished up the 2nd J.A.M. camp this afternoon and I have to say that it went very well. It is really neat to see how the kids progress throughout the week and to watch the seeds being planted. This was a good group of kids and I had a lot of fun interacting with them. On the last day we hand out awards to the campers for different categories, but the best one is the "JAMVP" which goes to the camper who most exemplifies what the camp is all about. This is a great moment because the award does not go to someone who is necessarily the best basketball player - but it's the award that we make the biggest deal about and comes with the best prizes.
I am so thankful for the opportunity I've had over the last couple of weeks to come to Ireland, participate in sports ministry, and hang out with people who are serving on the mission field. I have learned a lot and I will leave feeling encouraged to pursue the vision that I have for using sports as a Christian outreach. I have met some outstanding people and am honored to be able to call some of them friends now.
With that said, I am anxious to get back home - even though the heat will be a shock to my system. I have missed Sarah & the boys, so it will be great when I pick them up from the airport and get to hang out with them. I'm also looking forward to seeing my Summit Ridge family on Sunday and sharing some of my experiences with you. I need to say thank you again to those of you who supported me financially and/or in prayer, which helped make this trip a success.
God Bless & hope to see or hear from you soon!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
2nd J.A.M. Camp - Day 1
Well, after a long weekend in which I finally had a free day to do some sight-seeing, we are back in camp. This time we are in a community north of Dublin called Portmarnock. The camp is run by Jerome Westbrooks, who Todd helped lead to Christ. Jerome & his family are originally from Chicago, but moved here 25 years ago. Jerome is recognized as one of the best basketball coaches in Ireland and his kids are among the best players in the country as well.
Portmarnock is a different community than the place our last camp was held. This is outside the city and has more of a small town feel to it. We had nearly 40 kids today and this time I am in charge of the boys & girls that are 11-12 years old. We had a good first day and this group of kids is not nearly as rowdy as the group I had last week. Our first "Coach's Corner" went well today as I spoke a little about courage.
I am also in a different location for lodging this week. Randall Fudge is a missionary from the States who is helping at the camp and lives a lot closer than Todd does. So I have moved in with Randall & his wife Carolyn for the remainder of my time here. Talk about a small world...the Fudge's are from Berne, Indiana and remember Paul & Jean Biggers leaving several years ago to start a church plant in Las Vegas!
On my sightseeing tour I was able to visit some very interesting places that were loaded with Irish history. I visited Trinity College, where I saw the Book of Kells - which is a illuminated copy of the 4 gospels that dates from around 800 A.D. I also went to the Chester Beatty Library where I was able to see some of the oldest Christian manuscripts that are known, including some Pauline letters that date to 180 A.D. I also visited the Guinness Storehouse and the Kilmainham Jail, where many of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Uprising that led to Irish Indepence were held and later executed.
That's all for now - please continue to keep me in your prayers and to pray for the kids that are at the J.A.M. Camp!
Portmarnock is a different community than the place our last camp was held. This is outside the city and has more of a small town feel to it. We had nearly 40 kids today and this time I am in charge of the boys & girls that are 11-12 years old. We had a good first day and this group of kids is not nearly as rowdy as the group I had last week. Our first "Coach's Corner" went well today as I spoke a little about courage.
I am also in a different location for lodging this week. Randall Fudge is a missionary from the States who is helping at the camp and lives a lot closer than Todd does. So I have moved in with Randall & his wife Carolyn for the remainder of my time here. Talk about a small world...the Fudge's are from Berne, Indiana and remember Paul & Jean Biggers leaving several years ago to start a church plant in Las Vegas!
On my sightseeing tour I was able to visit some very interesting places that were loaded with Irish history. I visited Trinity College, where I saw the Book of Kells - which is a illuminated copy of the 4 gospels that dates from around 800 A.D. I also went to the Chester Beatty Library where I was able to see some of the oldest Christian manuscripts that are known, including some Pauline letters that date to 180 A.D. I also visited the Guinness Storehouse and the Kilmainham Jail, where many of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Uprising that led to Irish Indepence were held and later executed.
That's all for now - please continue to keep me in your prayers and to pray for the kids that are at the J.A.M. Camp!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
My New Irish Vocabulary
I just got back from church and thought I would post some of the new terminology I've learned during my first week here. There are 2 main languages in Ireland - English, of course and Gaelic (or Irish as they call it here). The Irish language is one of the last surviving Celtic languages and is mostly spoken in the western counties, however all Irish school children must learn the native tongue and all signs are in both Irish and English.
The name of the church that Todd started here is called Ca'irde Christian Fellowship. Ca'irde is pronounced "kord-ja", and is an Irish word meaning "friends". Some Irish words are easy enough to figure out when you see them on the signs, but are pretty difficult to pronounce correctly unless you hear someone say it. For example the word Caislean (pronounced cash-LOIN) means "castle" and Oifig an Phoist (pronounced UFF-ig un fwisht) means "post office". A common Irish girls name at the camp I helped at last week was Niamh, which is pronounced "Neeve".
So I'm obviously much better off speaking English, but as some of you may know there is an entirely different terminology here - so some things mean something totally different than what I'm thinking it does and some words I've never heard before. A few of my favorites are below - the word used in Ireland is in bold and what it would mean in the States is on the right:
chips = french fries
crisps = potato chips
biscuits = cookies
chipper = fish & chips shop
cuppa = cup of tea (which is taken 3-5 times a day)
deadly = cool (this was a frequent word at camp with the kids, as in "that shot was deadly")
slag = make fun of (another camp word, as in "relax, I'm only slaggin ya")
messer = trouble-maker (keep an eye on that kid, he's a real messer")
minerals = soda
garden = backyard
Gotta run - I've been roped into playing in a softball game this afternoon! Looking forward to camp next week and will post again in a few days.
The name of the church that Todd started here is called Ca'irde Christian Fellowship. Ca'irde is pronounced "kord-ja", and is an Irish word meaning "friends". Some Irish words are easy enough to figure out when you see them on the signs, but are pretty difficult to pronounce correctly unless you hear someone say it. For example the word Caislean (pronounced cash-LOIN) means "castle" and Oifig an Phoist (pronounced UFF-ig un fwisht) means "post office". A common Irish girls name at the camp I helped at last week was Niamh, which is pronounced "Neeve".
So I'm obviously much better off speaking English, but as some of you may know there is an entirely different terminology here - so some things mean something totally different than what I'm thinking it does and some words I've never heard before. A few of my favorites are below - the word used in Ireland is in bold and what it would mean in the States is on the right:
chips = french fries
crisps = potato chips
biscuits = cookies
chipper = fish & chips shop
cuppa = cup of tea (which is taken 3-5 times a day)
deadly = cool (this was a frequent word at camp with the kids, as in "that shot was deadly")
slag = make fun of (another camp word, as in "relax, I'm only slaggin ya")
messer = trouble-maker (keep an eye on that kid, he's a real messer")
minerals = soda
garden = backyard
Gotta run - I've been roped into playing in a softball game this afternoon! Looking forward to camp next week and will post again in a few days.
Friday, July 18, 2008
End of 1st Camp
We just wrapped up the first camp this afternoon and I think it was very successful. Every day the kids started to open up a little more and share things about their lives. They also seemed to be willing to listen about my experiences. It was really a remarkable progression from the first day when I didn't know any of their names until today when I was able to share my testimony and encourage them to take the next steps in their faith journey. Hopefully some of them will take me up on the invitation I gave them to come to church on Sunday.
Of course, we managed to have a lot of fun at the camp this week as well! One of the highlights for me was a game we played called "Knock-Out". Everyone lines up at the free throw line and the first two people in line have a ball. The object is to knock the person out who is in front of you by making a basket before they do. Each age group would have the top two finishers compete against the coaches in front of the whole camp.
Yesterday there was a little guy named Michael, who is around 8 years old, very quiet & shy, and quite Irish looking with red-hair and the whole bit. Well, it was pretty amazing that he finished in the top two in his age group. But then he actually went on to win the whole competition, beating all of the coaches! He was so excited and all the other kids were cheering and clapping for him. He was the hero of the camp because his victory guaranteed sweets and candy for everyone that day! I just knew it was one of those moments that he will remember for a long time.
In one sense, I feel like a lot was accomplished this week - but in a way I feel like the work was just beginning and it would be nice to see it through, build relationships, and get more involved. Obviously, that's not possible when I'll only interact with those kids for a week. I have to trust God that somehow a seed was planted that Todd and others can follow up on to see these kids come to a relationship with Jesus. For a lot of them, the foundation is already there thanks to a strong Catholic tradition. It's just not personal for them and there's a big disconnect about how salvation is not something that is earned, but rather a free gift by God's grace.
And so, it was through a little bit of teary eyes that I said goodbye to the kids for now - praying for them and the family situations they are walking into. My prayer is that it will not be a final goodbye and that I will see them again in God's Kingdom.
I'll have a couple of days to rest up before the next camp starts on Monday. I'll try to post again Sunday afternoon after church. I hope all is well for everyone back home and thank you for keeping me in your prayers!
Of course, we managed to have a lot of fun at the camp this week as well! One of the highlights for me was a game we played called "Knock-Out". Everyone lines up at the free throw line and the first two people in line have a ball. The object is to knock the person out who is in front of you by making a basket before they do. Each age group would have the top two finishers compete against the coaches in front of the whole camp.
Yesterday there was a little guy named Michael, who is around 8 years old, very quiet & shy, and quite Irish looking with red-hair and the whole bit. Well, it was pretty amazing that he finished in the top two in his age group. But then he actually went on to win the whole competition, beating all of the coaches! He was so excited and all the other kids were cheering and clapping for him. He was the hero of the camp because his victory guaranteed sweets and candy for everyone that day! I just knew it was one of those moments that he will remember for a long time.
In one sense, I feel like a lot was accomplished this week - but in a way I feel like the work was just beginning and it would be nice to see it through, build relationships, and get more involved. Obviously, that's not possible when I'll only interact with those kids for a week. I have to trust God that somehow a seed was planted that Todd and others can follow up on to see these kids come to a relationship with Jesus. For a lot of them, the foundation is already there thanks to a strong Catholic tradition. It's just not personal for them and there's a big disconnect about how salvation is not something that is earned, but rather a free gift by God's grace.
And so, it was through a little bit of teary eyes that I said goodbye to the kids for now - praying for them and the family situations they are walking into. My prayer is that it will not be a final goodbye and that I will see them again in God's Kingdom.
I'll have a couple of days to rest up before the next camp starts on Monday. I'll try to post again Sunday afternoon after church. I hope all is well for everyone back home and thank you for keeping me in your prayers!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
J.A.M. Camp - Day 3
We've been running the basketball camp now for 3 days in an area of Dublin known as Ringsend, which is a poorer section of town down by the harbor and docks. There are about 30 kids who have been coming and most all are from the neighborhood. I'm in charge of the oldest boys, of which there are 8. I've been told that Irish boys are more physical and rowdy by nature and this group definitely lives up to that reputation. I think they are good kids, but just come from some tough family and economic situations. There was one boy the first day that I know did not have a lunch to bring, but he wouldn't admit it and wouldn't take food from me either. Another boy's mother throws away the bible verse magnets that we send home with them to memorize each day.
Anyhow, either I was very lucky that first day or the Holy Spirit was with me because I actually made some amazing shots that really got the kid's attention. The reason it was so cool is because from that point on they started listening more closely to what I had to say. Every day we spend about 30 minutes in "Coaches Corner" and we are able to share a bit about the theme for the day. So far we have covered courage, character, and commitment. Tomorrow we will cover the topic of conviction and the last day we present the gospel.
The camp has been so much fun and there are opportunities to interact with the kids 1-on-1 as well. At the end of each day though I end up feeling pretty exhausted. You basically have to keep them moving and busy every minute or things break down pretty fast. But there is no doubt that all the work is worth it as I am starting to see some of the kids ask more questions and show an interest in this whole Jesus thing.
Yesterday I was able to meet with some of the leadership team from the mission agency we are applying with. They just purchased a new property to serve as their headquarters and it is located in the geographical center of the country. It was about a 2.5 hour drive from Dublin and is very rural - exactly like you would picture Ireland to be with rolling green hills, stone fences, sheep, etc. We had a nice visit and I got a lot of good insight in to the ministry they are doing here. I left feeling very encouraged and excited to continue the application process with them.
Well, that's the update for now. I thank everyone for their continued prayer support. Please be praying specifically for the kids I am working with. That God uses this camp to somehow touch them and give them the hope that we share in Christ.
Anyhow, either I was very lucky that first day or the Holy Spirit was with me because I actually made some amazing shots that really got the kid's attention. The reason it was so cool is because from that point on they started listening more closely to what I had to say. Every day we spend about 30 minutes in "Coaches Corner" and we are able to share a bit about the theme for the day. So far we have covered courage, character, and commitment. Tomorrow we will cover the topic of conviction and the last day we present the gospel.
The camp has been so much fun and there are opportunities to interact with the kids 1-on-1 as well. At the end of each day though I end up feeling pretty exhausted. You basically have to keep them moving and busy every minute or things break down pretty fast. But there is no doubt that all the work is worth it as I am starting to see some of the kids ask more questions and show an interest in this whole Jesus thing.
Yesterday I was able to meet with some of the leadership team from the mission agency we are applying with. They just purchased a new property to serve as their headquarters and it is located in the geographical center of the country. It was about a 2.5 hour drive from Dublin and is very rural - exactly like you would picture Ireland to be with rolling green hills, stone fences, sheep, etc. We had a nice visit and I got a lot of good insight in to the ministry they are doing here. I left feeling very encouraged and excited to continue the application process with them.
Well, that's the update for now. I thank everyone for their continued prayer support. Please be praying specifically for the kids I am working with. That God uses this camp to somehow touch them and give them the hope that we share in Christ.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Greetings from Dublin
After a long day of travel on Friday, I arrived here in Dublin around 10:30 on Saturday morning. A special thank you to Paul Biggers and Joe & Linda Bessenbacher for a trip to the airport and breakfast to boot - It made for a great start to my trip!
The first thing I noticed when stepping off the plane was that it is cold!! The temperature was 51 degrees which was quite chilly compared with the 113 degree day I had just come from. My Oregon friends would think I've gotten soft from living in the desert. Hopefully I will toughen up since I only packed one pair of long pants and a light jacket.
Anyway, I met up with Todd at the airport and we went to his house where I will be staying this week. I have my own little room and everything has really been quite nice. He had some errands to run in the city center, so I tagged along to see some sights and get a feeling of the lay of the land. I was making every effort to stay awake as late as possible to fight off the jet lag, and ended up crashing around 8:30pm.
Today we went to the church that Todd planted, which turned out to be a wonderful experience. They are a small church of about 30 people that meet in a community center in a poor area of the city. When we arrived early to set-up we found that the building was still locked. As the time passed and people began showing up for church it became apparent that no one was coming to unlock it! Undeterred, everyone loaded in to their cars and drove to the house of a family in the church who lived nearby.
About once a month, the teens in the church lead the service. Today was one of those days and about 6 of them had just returned from a short term mission trip to Hungary and they were going to do a presentation on that. So while they got prepared in the kitchen/sitting room, the adults and younger kids hung out in the living room. Once they were ready, we all gathered together and sang worship songs, listened to the stories about the mission trip, watched a slide show, prayed, and then enjoyed some Hungarian tea that they brought back - which tasted a lot like hot apple juice.
I was so impressed with this group of people who showed tremendous flexibility and determination to make church happen despite the obstacle of a closed building. The teens did a brilliant job at articulating how the mission trip impacted their lives, the worship time was great, and of course it was very enjoyable for me to meet and talk with the Irish people that I met there.
Later this afternoon I met with the other coaches who will be helping to run the basketball camp that starts tomorrow. Todd has done a tremendous job organizing what will be a very fun and meaningful experience for the kids who attend. I feel very encouraged and am ready for the camp to get underway!
That's the update for now - I will plan on posting again around mid-week after a couple of days of camp and my visit with the folks at the mission agency we are applying with.
God Bless!
The first thing I noticed when stepping off the plane was that it is cold!! The temperature was 51 degrees which was quite chilly compared with the 113 degree day I had just come from. My Oregon friends would think I've gotten soft from living in the desert. Hopefully I will toughen up since I only packed one pair of long pants and a light jacket.
Anyway, I met up with Todd at the airport and we went to his house where I will be staying this week. I have my own little room and everything has really been quite nice. He had some errands to run in the city center, so I tagged along to see some sights and get a feeling of the lay of the land. I was making every effort to stay awake as late as possible to fight off the jet lag, and ended up crashing around 8:30pm.
Today we went to the church that Todd planted, which turned out to be a wonderful experience. They are a small church of about 30 people that meet in a community center in a poor area of the city. When we arrived early to set-up we found that the building was still locked. As the time passed and people began showing up for church it became apparent that no one was coming to unlock it! Undeterred, everyone loaded in to their cars and drove to the house of a family in the church who lived nearby.
About once a month, the teens in the church lead the service. Today was one of those days and about 6 of them had just returned from a short term mission trip to Hungary and they were going to do a presentation on that. So while they got prepared in the kitchen/sitting room, the adults and younger kids hung out in the living room. Once they were ready, we all gathered together and sang worship songs, listened to the stories about the mission trip, watched a slide show, prayed, and then enjoyed some Hungarian tea that they brought back - which tasted a lot like hot apple juice.
I was so impressed with this group of people who showed tremendous flexibility and determination to make church happen despite the obstacle of a closed building. The teens did a brilliant job at articulating how the mission trip impacted their lives, the worship time was great, and of course it was very enjoyable for me to meet and talk with the Irish people that I met there.
Later this afternoon I met with the other coaches who will be helping to run the basketball camp that starts tomorrow. Todd has done a tremendous job organizing what will be a very fun and meaningful experience for the kids who attend. I feel very encouraged and am ready for the camp to get underway!
That's the update for now - I will plan on posting again around mid-week after a couple of days of camp and my visit with the folks at the mission agency we are applying with.
God Bless!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Final Preparations
Well, this is it. Tomorrow morning I will be on a flight to Dublin and ready to start the mission trip! The last 2 days I have been making lists, checking them twice and scurrying around to make sure that I have everything I need. Sarah usually helps me make sure that I don't forget anything, but since she & the boys are with her folks in Oregon, it's all on me this time :) One of the most important things I am packing is a picture of them to take along, since will be the longest we have ever been apart. It will be nice to have that when any homesickness starts to creep in.
I want to thank everyone again for their continued support of our family and this mission trip. It has been a real blessing for us to see our church raise the financial amount needed to make this trip a reality and to send me off with prayer. In fact, it is our church family who is even dropping off/picking up me at the airport (thanks Joe, Linda, & Bill). I would be honored if you would continue to keep the Bryants in your prayers. If you are looking for some specific things to pray about, here are a few that come to mind:
I want to thank everyone again for their continued support of our family and this mission trip. It has been a real blessing for us to see our church raise the financial amount needed to make this trip a reality and to send me off with prayer. In fact, it is our church family who is even dropping off/picking up me at the airport (thanks Joe, Linda, & Bill). I would be honored if you would continue to keep the Bryants in your prayers. If you are looking for some specific things to pray about, here are a few that come to mind:
- Pray for God to open my heart and mind to follow the plan He has laid out for me. That this time in Ireland would be used to get a sense for the future direction of our lives.
- Pray that God might somehow use me to impact the kids and families in Dublin for His glory.
- Pray for Sarah & the boys as they stay with her parents in Oregon - it's going to take a lot of patience and perseverance with those little rascals!
- Pray that the Lord keeps us safe as we travel.
- Pray that above all, God's will be done.
The next post will be from Dublin - I am so excited for this opportunity to share Christ and maybe bring a little of Summit Ridge across the Atlantic too. God Bless!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
