DAY 1
The start of our adventure actually began one day earlier
because Uncle Tom took a group of us from Sankey to see a professional PBA game
in Manila. We had a blast, and it was a nice kick off for the upcoming mission.
After
the game Jake and I along with Kuya Don Don and Kuya Allen drove to the airport
parking lot where we spent the night waiting for the team to arrive. There
plane got in at 6:45. We were able to get everyone into vans, and headed to
Sankey where we were going to have a bite to eat.
There are 20 guys with us and 1
girl that make up the basketball team. They all seem like great guys, and I
already know a few of them from the last trip two years ago. It was about a
four and a half hour trip back to Sankey where we were greeted by a great
chicken and rice lunch.
We had to leave Bill Epling behind
at Sankey for the night because he had a bad case of food poisoning.
After lunch we packed everything in
the vans and the two jeepneys. We had to say goodbye to everyone at Sankey, and
I now realize how much the boys and girls really mean to me. I can only imagine
how it’s going to feel in June when I really say goodbye. Once we left we drove
for another three and a half hours to San Narciso. As soon as we arrived we
immediately got in our jeepneys and headed to the neighborhood court where we
put on a little show.
Uncle Tom led the crowd like the
Pied Piper on his unicycle down to a seaside dirt court. We didn’t do our
normal routine, but Uncle Tom put a boy on his shoulders and rode around on the
uneven dirt court. It was pretty amazing, and all the people loved it. The
people love seeing all the tall black and white Americans, so we had a great
time mingling with the crowd. After a few minutes of play we switched to a
covered court a few blocks away so we could have lights to play in the dark.
I’m learning how to become a human
Swiss Army knife in that I have to be ready to do anything needed. I had to
step up and ref the game because they need someone to do it, but I had fun
interacting with both teams.
We passed out a few hundred Bible
study tracks, where the people sign up for a Bible study. Then the local pastor
follows up with the people. We received a ton of responses from people of all
ages.
All in all we had a pretty good
day, and I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for this trip.
DAY 2
Today
was a very successful and very full day. We woke up early to blaring music from
across the street. It was a good alarm, and everyone used it to get up and have
a little early devotional time. Afterwards we went up the street to the house
where half the team is staying, and we had breakfast together.
Uncle
Tom gave a little devotional about the difference between being a fan or a
follower of Christ using the story of the Prostitute and the Pharisee in Luke
7. It was a great reminder of our
priorities on this trip, and also to hammer into our heads the importance of
not judging by outward appearances.
After
the breakfast the team got in and on top of the jeepneys. On top is my favorite
way to ride around in the Philippines. You just have to hold on and watch out
for low wires and branches. We had
one branch almost hit us but Ross grabbed it, and pushed it out of the way.
What he didn’t realize was when he let it go it hit the top of the jeepney and
a ton of angry ants that were on the branch were now on him and his wife Ana.
It was pretty funny for the rest of us, and now we all know not to grab onto
any more low branches.
The
trip took a little over an hour and it was awesome. The views are spectacular.
I tried to take some pictures, but they really don’t do the scenery justice. We
are traveling through some pretty dense jungle, going up and down great green
mountains with views that overlook the ocean and the surrounding villages. It’s
truly amazing to see the variety of God’s creation. Some of the roads were
really muddy but we pushed through and finally found the court in the middle of
the jungle. Uncle Tom was on Kuya Toto’s motorcycle, so he had to navigate
through the mud to make it to the court.
When
we got there only about 20 people were there, but within 5 minutes there were a
couple hundred. The people love basketball here in the Philippines, and to see
Americans play is really a huge deal for them.
The
game was great. We have a lot of guys who know how to play and more importantly
know how to have fun while playing. It’s great to see that nobody is taking
themselves too seriously. At halftime of the game we started our halftime show.
The
halftime show starts with Uncle Tom juggling and doing various juggling tricks.
Then he goes through some two ball dribbling drills. Then we line up on the
unicycles and go the length of the floor down and back. After that the boys and
I go down the court weaving in and out making (or at least trying to make) a
few shots. Then I get to do a few two ball dribbling drill on the unicycle.
After that Uncle Tom gets back on the bike and juggles while riding and he also
makes a few shots. Then Roy gets on the tall bike and dunks a few while going
up and down the court a few times. Finally, Uncle Tom finishes the show by
taking a kid from the crowd on his shoulders around the court as the kid is
squirming all over. After the rider Uncle Tom gives the kid a shirt and 100
pesos, and the kid is back to all smiles.
So
far Jake and I have become the refs and we are able to still have fun wih the
team while the game is going on. I love to play with the little kids and
getting them to smile and laugh is hilarious. Just make a funny face at them or
start copying them and they instantly become their friend.
We
played 4 games today each was very successful. We have already signed up a ton
of people for the Bible studies. Which is the whole purpose.
Uncle
Tom met a lady that wasn’t at the game, but was able to talk with her and
actually lead her to Christ. She accepted Christ into her heart right there. So
with that I’ll end for the night. It has already been a blessing of a trip. The
Lord is truly all-powerful and all mighty, and I thank him for his grace.
DAY 3
We were once again awoken by some
blaring music from across the street that has now become a reliable alarm
clock. We then did personal devotions, which were followed by a team devotion
where we talked about gifts and making yourself available to have God move in
your life.
After breakfast we loaded up on and
in the jeepneys and went to our early morning game. It was about 30 minutes
away and we passed a ton of little huts on the sides of the road. Just seeing
Americans is a big deal for them and as we pass they shout, “Hey Man” or
“What’s up dude” or the old faithful “Hey Joe.” Everybody on the trip has a
great time smiling and waving back. I love making funny faces to the kids and
it cracks them up.
We showed up to the first town and
found it with people there ready to go. We hung up a couple new basketball
nets, and went into the game. The court was a little slanted on a hill but
overall a very flat court. The guys were great playing and they really put on a
good show. The crowd loves to see
how tall we all are, and they crack up when our guys get rebounds over them
without jumping.
At half time Uncle Tom put on a
great show, and the crowd loved seeing him put the kid on his shoulders. The
Filipinos really love how he interacts with the crowd. It opens them up, and
makes them pay attention. After each show we sing a little song, and then one
of the guys gives a little testimony. Then Pastor Lito, the pastor from Bethel
Bible in Lucena where we go to church, speaks a Gospel message in Tagalog. Then
we go out and collect the Bible study slips from the ones that sign up.
After the game we came back to our
place, and had lunch. I have such a great time sitting around listening to
Uncle Tom and the rest of the team tell stories. It is amazing how great these
guys are, and how they have been impacted by Christ. We have a great group of
guys here on this trip.
After a little rest we went on to
our second game. The second game couldn’t have gone better. We started off with
a game of knockout and the crowd loved it as they began to show up. The game
started with a dunk by one of our guys, and the crowd went nuts. At halftime
the show was perfect. Uncle Tom was amazing and the boys and I didn’t mess up.
I went through my two ball drills and even made a 3 pointer while riding my
unicycle. The show was great and when Uncle Tom had the kid on his shoulders the
crowd went crazy. Then when it came time for the testimony the people where
ready to listen, and we got a huge response.
When the 2nd half started
Uncle Tom actually played! He had a great time running around and the crowd
loved it. He even blocked a shot and they went nuts.
After the game we stayed around and
took a bunch of pictures with the little kids. They are so cute, and so willing
to have fun it’s contagious joy!
Once we got home we sat around and
listened to some great stories by Uncle Tom while drinking out of some fresh
coconuts. Then we walked down to the beach and saw a spectacular sunset. Then I
and a few other guys got in a little fishing boat, and we circled around the
bay. It was so perfect to sit back and enjoy God’s beautiful creation. Truly
amazing!
Holy,
Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty who was, and is, and is to come!
After we went up to the house and
had a delicious dinner that was followed by a little Bible study on the ten
lepers and being thankful. Then we went around and said what we were thankful
to God for in 2013. It was an amazing time where I got to listen and pray for
each of the guys that are fast becoming good friends.
I was able to thank the Lord for my
family and friends that helped me come here, as well as my new Filipino family
here at Sankey. The other thing I said I was thankful for was for time. Time to
spend in God’s Word and to grow closer to Him.
After this we went down to the
beach to light off some fireworks for New Years Eve. Filipino fireworks are so
loud and we had a great time setting them off.
God has been so good in 2013 and I
can’t wait to see what he has in store for 2014.
DAY 4
We
started a new year today, which is such a blessing. We are having such a great
time with each other. The life stories of all these guys are so different yet
because of Christ we are all now brothers.
Today
has been super hot and having so many guys ready and willing to play has really
been great. They are able to play in the heat for a little while then Uncle Tom
subs in a whole new 5. Our guys stay fresh as we wear out the Filipino teams.
We had a great crowd, and they really loved the halftime show. They really
listened to our halftime message. I was able to play with a lot of the kids on
the side, and they were having so much fun. We had a great first game.
On the way to game two we had quite an experience. We were
almost there at the game, but we had to stop for about 30 seconds for traffic.
There was a lady on the side of the road with crazy hairthat looked like she
had just stuck her finger in an electrical outlet. She started screaming at us
in Tagalog, and she picked up a couple of tree branches and threw them at us.
The she picked us a pretty big rock and tried to through that at us as well.
She didn’t hit us or the vehicles, but she didn’t stop screaming till we kept
going. I have little doubt that the lady was possessed. She really had a very
eerie look, but I just started to pray and we moved on.
When we got to the game we realized this was going to be an
interesting one. There were quite a few drunks at the game and they were in
your face dunks, but they were friendly. We did a team prayer before the game,
and I was able to pray the whole game while I reffed.
I’m
beginning to see a lot more of the spiritual warfare going on around this trip.
We are really doing some great ministry in Jesus’ name and Satan doesn’t like
it one bit. It is so comforting to know that though the battles are still
taking place the war is already won.
The game was great and after the
testimonies and the halftime show there was a peace about our time there that
settled in. It’s hard to put into words, but you could feel the Comforters
presence.
The third game was great we were on
a very dirty court surrounded by little huts, but a couple hundred people came
out and had a great time laughing and watching the game. We are having such a
great time interacting with the people here. God has been so good to us on this
trip, and we can really feel His presence.
DAY 5
Today we had another scorcher. It
was nice and sunny all day, and though it’s super hot it is perfect. The people
see us sweating and working hard and they appreciate it even more. The people
in the little villages here come out in droves. Already we have been able to
pronounce the Gospel to thousands of people. We have such a platform to reach
these people and they are responding. The Holy Spirit has been very present
with us on this trip. You can see it in the faces of the people. They are full
of joy, and though a lot of the smiles are missing most of their teeth, they
are genuine.
I have so much fun playing with the
kids on the sides. They are so cute and so easy to make laugh. The kids are all
wearing ratty clothes, but they are so willing with their joy it’s amazing.
They go crazy when we make a good play or when Uncle Tom does something funny.
They are totally into all aspects of our mission here. The Lord has been so
good to us.
I brought a chess board and Uncle
Tom has systematically beating everyone he plays. I love watching his games
because some of the guys have talked about how good they are at chess, and then
they play him only to find out that he is just on a whole other level.
It’s been such a great time for me
to watch Uncle Tom in action. He has such a heart for the Lord, and the Lord
has given him an amazing personality. These past few days have already been
life changing. Being around him challenges me to be a more joyful person. Not a
fake happiness that turns on and off, but a true inner joy that he has with his
life in Christ. So far the trip has been about as perfect as possible.
Hopefully the Lord will continue to keep us in His good graces.
DAY 6
Yet
another beautiful day today. The weather has been incredible. No Rain! Which is
truly an answer to prayers. Today we had to travel 2 hours on mostly unpaved
dirt roads. This trip might not have been possible if it rained. The mountains
plus the mud might have made us reschedule, but thank the Lord we have had no
rain so far. Did I mention this is supposed to be the rainy season? Amazing.
The
ride to the games has been so great. We had some spectacuar views, and sitting
on top of the jeepney gives us great 360 views of everything. The people love
seeing us, and word is spreading to all the towns about our show. For the first
couple days we would pull up to an empty court and the people would show up
right before we started. Today on the other hand we have hundreds of people
already at the courts waiting for us to show up. The courts are always packed
and we even look up and see people sitting up in the trees to watch our show.
The
halftimes have been going great. Uncle Tom has not let up at all. He has fought
through some extremely hot days and very wiggly kids on his shoulders. It
really is amazing to see him still at it. It is only by God’s grace he has been
able to do some of these shows. God is really strengthening him physically so
he is able to win more souls for the Lord.
I
had to give a little testimony at halftime and though I was really nervous to
talk in from of all the people there I was able to do it. I spoke on the story
of the rainbow and Jesus’ sacrifice for us, along with how much God loves each
and every one of them. The Lord has given me such a change of heart so that I
am able to talk to crowds now. It still isn’t easy, but it isn’t a fear
anymore. As long as I prepare, pray, and stay focus on Jesus I am able to speak
to over 400 people. If anyone told me this when I was in school I would have
laughed in their face, but the Lord can change a willing heart. That’s what I
have tried to offer to God in these past few years, and hopefully I will
continue to grow.
In our last game Tyson, one of the
players, actually learned how to give his testimony in Tagalog, and the crowd
loved it. He just read it off his phone and it was perfect. Today was a very
long day, but it was a very good day. The Lord deserves all the credit for
getting us this far.
DAY 7
Today
we had some great adventures. Our first game was on an island, so after about a
two-hour drive on the jeepneys we made it to the pier. The water is an amazing
turquoise color. You can see right to the bottom. There were some fishermen
with nets in the water, and we watched them pull in their catch. After that
Toto got us 3 boats a big one, a medium one, and a small one. I, wanting to
make the most of this situation hopped onto the small one with a few of the
Sankey boys. We rode for about 15 minutes to the island. It was truly an
incredible sight. We left behind a mountainous tropical island so when we
turned around and looked at the big island it looked like a picture out of
National Geographic. The trees, mountains, clouds, and water were all like
something you see in a movie. I kept thinking how lucky I am that God has put
me here for such a time as this.
There
was a nice court on the island, and I think the whole island came out to watch
us play. We put on a great show, and the people loved it. After the game we
brought our own lunch, so we found a shady spot and enjoyed a nice relaxing
meal. Once we finished that the team headed down to the beach. It was an
amazing white sand beach with crystal clear water. So most of us jumped right
in and enjoyed the refreshing cool water. We sat out there for about an hour
telling stories. It was such an amazing relaxing time where we were able to
deepen the bond with each other.
Once
we were done we hopped back on the boats and went to our next game. The next
game was a tiny little run down court on the side of the road, but we still had
200+ people show up. During the game Allen dunked the ball and the rim broke
off. So the boys and I went scrambling to find some wood and nails. Uncle Tom
did the halftime show without us. We finally found some wood and a few nails,
and we were able to fix the rim and play the second half.
While
we passed out the Bible studies Uncle Tom went around and talked to people
about the Savior. He came across an old man, and asked him his name. It turned
out the old man had the same name: Thomas. So Uncle Tom said to the man
“Tukayo” which means, “we are the same.” The old man loved it. Then Uncle Tom
took off his jersey, which has his name on the back and put it on the old man.
The man was so happy. It was awesome to watch. Then a few minutes later a lady
came up and talked to Uncle Tom about Jesus, and he was able to lead her to
Christ! After they prayed the sinner’s prayer she told him how wonderful she thought
it was that we were doing this. He said, “Yea isn’t it great.” She said, “No”
She meant she thought it was wonderful that he had given his jersey to her
grandfather. That just goes to show you never know who is watching and what
kind of an impact your actions have on others. We are called to always be
ready.
After
we finished the game we went out to our final game of the day. The court was
another good one, and we had a few hundred people packed around it. As I was
reffing I had a moment of awe. As I looked around I saw the sun setting over
the mountains. Hundreds of people sitting, standing, climbing on trees and
fences all watching our every move. It was an amazing moment where I thanked
the Lord for His goodness in my life, and the opportunities He has given me in
my life. The Lord is good all the time!
Day 8
A
day of rest. We slept in a little bit today and woke up at 6:30. We only had 1
game planned for the day, which we played after church. Uncle Tom, Toto, Mac
Mac, Bill, and I joined Pastor Dan (Who helped Jake and I set up the games) at
his church about 30 minutes away. We arrived just in time for the service. The
church is a little bamboo building that fits about 25. Toto, Mac Mac, and I sat
on a bench outside with some of the children.
After
we sang some songs they asked Bill, Toto, and I to share a quick testimony. It
was really great not knowing I was going to have to talk. It made me much more
relaxed because I didn’t know I had to be nervous about talking. Once I
finished Uncle Tom got up and preached to the congregation. The people loved
that we came. World Harvest might build them a church building and we partially
went out there to scout out the location with Uncle Tom and Toto.
After
church we came back to our place and rested till about 3. Then we went to our
game. The court was a rough one but we put on a great show and got a bunch of
people to sign up for the Bible study. Once we finished the game we came back
and had dinner, which was followed by a Bible study on Nehemiah about finishing.
Once they were halfway done building the wall, in Nehemiah, they started being
attacked. So Uncle Tom talked about finishing the way we started, and to always
have each other’s back like the Jews in the story.
After
Bible study we went back down to the church where we are sleeping and we played
some chess. Uncle Tom is still unbeaten, and it looks like it is going to stay
that way.
I
am so thankful for this day of rest, in which, we were able to re-charge a
little bit, and gear up for the rest of the trip.
DAY 9
We
were back at it today. Renewed, refreshed, and ready to go after out restful
Sunday. We had 3 games for today, and they were all to our biggest crowds. All
3 games were packed to the max. Word is getting out to the different Buranguys,
and more people are showing up every game. We had over 1000 people sign up for
the Bible studies today. You can really feel the Spirit at work. There is a
real tangible peace when we are at the games now. The basketball has been
really fun. Uncle Tom makes them do some funny things. Like a quarter playing
with only your off hand. Dribbling, shooting, passing all with your weak hand,
and if you did use your dominate hand for anything he subbed them out. Another
one is he’ll call out a name and they have to score the next point. Another is
only outside jumpers, but he usually saves that one for when we play on very
tight rims.
The
courts have all had amazing views. We’ve played an all kinds of surfaces. It’s
a great feeling to do the unicycle without falling off even on the tough
courts. The baskets have been anywhere from 11 ft to about 8 ½ , but that
doesn’t seem to bother anyone. It’s been a lot of fun reffing and watching the
team interact with the crowd.
We
had a great Bible study tonight about Naaman the leper and Elisha. It was about
the importance of having a personal relationship with the Lord. Uncle Tom
illustrated the story with one of his own personal stories about being attacked
by Muslims at an all-star game and then leading the crowd to Christ after the
attack. He lead over 1000 people to Christ that night. It was an amazing Bible
study. The Bible studies have really been incredible. Not only Uncle Tom’s
stories, but the way he weaves the Gospel into all his stories is amazing.
DAY 10
Yet
another full day serving the Lord. At all three games the crowds were great. We
are traveling in a really poor part of the country, but the people are showing
up despite the circumstances, and they are so ready to laugh it’s incredible.
The boys and I have been getting better at the halftime routine. We are able to
go out and make people laugh. Uncle Tom has been a machine. He has done every
halftime show and has even played in a few of the games.
I
have learned so much from him these past few weeks on how to be an effective
Christian leader. Everything is done prayerfully and with the Lord’s purpose in
mind. Any problems are attacked right away leaving no room for the evil one to
take hold. The amount of love that goes into every word and story is staggering.
I’ve always looked at myself as more of a soldier not an officer. A luke not a
Paul. But I see what a leader should look like, and how important no matter
what the situation is to put God’s will first. That’s what I see Uncle Tom do
everyday.
We
had another great Bible study the games about 1 Corinthians 9:19-27. Uncle Tom
talked about being any and all things for the Gospel. Being ready for all
opportunities to share Christ and the good news. We only have a couple more
days, but they are going to be days that we put the Lord before ourselves so we
can share the Gospel to any and all people.
DAY 11
Though
the days are running together now, we are still able to spiritually stay fresh.
The guys have been so great and focused about giving there all to the crowd
every game. It’s been really fun to watch.
I’ve reffed almost every game, and
it’s given me a lot of time to watch the guys. I’ve really made some great
friendships out here with these guys. We’ve played 30 games now, and we have 3
left tomorrow. It’s been a lot of basketball, but we aren’t here for the
basketball. That’s just that platform we use to share the Gospel. Thank
goodness we are here to spread the Gospel and is has been an amazing success.
I love riding on top of the
jeepney. We actually put a couple foam mattresses on top so we sit or lay down
on it for all our trips. After the last game it was dark out and I was just
laying down on top looking up at the moon and the stars. It’s amazing to
actually think about God’s massive creation. I’ve been able to see some amazing
things on this trip. The ocean, mountains, jungle, stars, the people, and where
they live. It’s pretty incredible.
Our Bible study tonight was on
Esther and being ready “for such a time as this.” We are on an amazing adventure,
and it’s great to remember that it is all God’s plan for us to be here in the
Philippines for this tour. God has been so good to us on this trip. It truly is
astounding.
DAY 12
Last day with games today. We started off the day saying
goodbye to the ladies that have taken care of us. They were so amazing. They
washed all our clothes, and cooking all our food. They were so helpful and
really made lives much easier on this trip. As we thanked them they started to
cry. It was cool to see how we were able to impact the lives of the people
around us.
After
breakfast we went to the game Uncle Tom and Toto set up with the military. We
were able to come onto the base a play a game against them. It was a great game
and we were able to entertain the 74th infantry also know as the
unbeatable. We did beat them in the game, but they really enjoyed everything.
Uncle Tom played after he put on the halftime show. I’m still amazed he can
even run up and down. He still loves playing though, and the military really
loved having him out there playing. After the game Uncle Tom, Toto, Randy, and
John Paul left for home because they have an important golf tournament with the
military in Lucena. So Jake and I were put in charge of the last two games to
make sure everything went as planned.
After
lunch and a short rest we drove out to our second game of the day. The crowd at
the 2nd game was incredible. They were the loudest crowd f the whole
tour, and they were everywhere. They were up in trees and on the roofs of the buildings.
I had to lead the halftime show so I went out and did some two ball dribbling
drills and spun the ball on all my fingers and my nose. Then I did my unicycle
tricks. Then the boys joined me and we went through our routine. We put on a
great little show, and the crowd was cracking up. We collected a lot of slips
for this game and the people really enjoyed every move we made out there.
The
third game was really cool. We parked the jeepneys in the middle of the jungle
then walked about 10 minutes up a dirt path in the mountains. We finally came
up to a little village that we played at. It was a small crowd, but they loved
our show, and loved to see Americans play basketball. Roy rode the unicycle
with Mac Mac on his shoulders. It was very impressive because we were on a super
rough court.
Today
was a great last day. We got to share the Gospel to almost 1,000 people. The
trip has been an amazing success!
We
had 6,456 total responses from the tour. We were able to impact a whole community
by our presence in these rural areas. It was such a perfect ministry, and we
were able to share Christ with so many people. The Lord has been so good to us,
and he really blessed the entire trip. Though it was exhausting at times it was
so great and truly life changing. The Lord is so good!
