Our biggest focus has been preparation for Eric's mission trip to Germany. He left on Monday for what will be a five week tour with a ministry called News Release Basketball. To hear more about what this trip will be like feel free to read the excerpt below from our missions support letter...
"We are very excited to tell you about an opportunity that God has recently brought into our lives. Earlier this summer, we were told of a need for committed people to serve in a European basketball ministry called ‘News Release Basketball.’ The initial need was for Eric to serve on a summer ‘tour’ that is put on in July and August, but if things fell into place, it could eventually lead us to a 1-2 year placement on a German team. I (Eric) had an amazing experience serving with this ministry on a 3 week ‘tour’ in Germany during the summer of 2005, so the prospect of going back to serve sounded very exciting. There was some initial hesitance when the thought of jobs, finances, and responsibilities came to mind, but God has reminded us again and again that His plans are bigger than ours. He has brought everything together to make this possible and has taught us invaluable lessons about his power and sovereignty through the whole experience. We trust that His plans will result in a major impact on our lives and the lives of the youth reached by News Release Basketball!
What?
The tour involves a four week trip to Germany from July 21-August 23.
(Eric will make the initial trip alone, but we are praying and waiting on God to orchestrate any long term plans.) During the one month tour, he will join a team of players in facilitating Christ centered basketball camps and building relationships with youth in the community. At night, the team plays competitive games against local club teams; sharing testimonies and holding up Christ as their focal point.
Why?
Europe is a continent vastly declining in faith in Christ, and its youth are no exception. On my first tour, I found that the kids were desperate for meaning in their life and looking to all of the wrong things to fill that void. They were hungry for truth and were excited to engage in relationships and teaching with American basketball players who have found something to live for that is bigger than basketball, and bigger than this world.
God told us - ‘in all of your fears, ‘I AM;’ he commanded us - ‘Go to the ends of the earth and make disciples of all nations,’ and he reminded us that having a passion for Him is to have a passion for the lost."
Thank you so much to all of the family and friends that have supported us on this journey through prayer, encouragement, and financial support; we are forever indebted to those who have allowed us to step out in obedience to the Lord.
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