Day 3: El Tejar, INBC School, and an U-21City Team...

Greetings again from Guatemala City!

We had a very full day today.  We left the house early and headed to the town of El Tejar which was about 45 minutes away from where we are staying.  We got to spend the morning at a Christian Elementary school and the kids from the school won over everyone's hearts.  We spent time doing some basketball exhibition skills and then did some clinic teaching with the kids..(both of which were feats with in themselves since all we had was about 40 feet of courtyard space and one 8 foot basket to work with!).  Not only did the kids steal our hearts, I think the guys were a pretty big hit with the students as well.  Dalton Welch was able to share his testimony with the kids.  He did an incredible job by sharing his story and being able to relate it to the kids.  After we were finished the school fed us lunch and we were mobbed by all of the kids wanting autographs, and just generally wanting to hang out with the guys.

Mrs. Hubbard...I think this was the picture that your ordered...

After we left the school we returned to Telma's house and regrouped for the afternoon...

First we headed into downtown Guatemala City.  After what seemed like a million twists and turns we arrived at a INBC public high school in downtown Guatemala City.  When we arrived there were a lot of kids milling around playing soccer in the courtyard so naturally we tried to show off our soccer skills which were definitely very lacking.  When the time came to play all of the kids in the school assembled in the courtyard and we played a short game outdoors more as an exhibition.  Coach Fryant and Coach Sensing played for the Guatemalan team because they didn't have enough players to play.

During halftime Luis (one of our mission contacts) got all of the guys out on the court to "break the ice" with the Guatemalans...and by breaking the ice he made us do a ridiculous dance in front of this entire school!  Don't worry there is video to prove this!  After the ice breaker, Luke Love shared his testimony.  He did a very good job talking about where our "treasure" is.  After Luke's testimony it opened the door for Luis to do a great gospel presentation to these high school students.  Next, we finished the game and signed more autographs and the guys took lots of pictures with the students.  

Next, it was back in the vans and back to the National Gym for a game against an under 21 City Team.  They also had some players who are National Team hopefuls.  We played pretty well against the guys and it was an opportunity for us to play against a bigger faster opponent.  During halftime, Thompson Moore shared his testimony with both teams and the spectators in attendance.  Thompson did an outstanding job being very real and transparent during his testimony.  His main point was that even when your whole world is falling down around you you can always turn to Christ.  Once again, this gave Luis and awesome opportunity to share the gospel with the players and spectators.  

Next, we finished the game which we ended up winning by about 10 points.  It was a really good victory for the guys.  Then we hit the road back to Telma's house.  We had a great dinner and debriefing session from the day and at that point everyone was about spent so it was off to bed for the night.

We only have one more day here in Guatemala and it is another busy one but we are going to continue to do all we can to share Christ's love with these people.

Late last night Coach Moore got a little sick, so please be praying for him that he will get well and back to feeling better quickly...

Thanks for your prayers and for one last day we'll be living the dream in Guatemala!!