Cape Town Sporting or Ikapa Sporting?

Well my brew (oh by the way, for those of you, like my sister, that don't know what brew means, it means Bro like Brother not beer), it is that time again... It is the time to sit back and reflect on what has happened the past month. It feels as though I have been here for a long time. I have met some awesome people, created some great relationships, and added on old ones. One thing is for certain, God is alive and present in Africa (and the US for that matter). He can use anything for His Glory including things like soccer, guitars, or even walks. He has given me the ride of a lifetime here in Africa. From going through a time of hardships and struggles to a time of healing to being renewed to  actively living out what He has called me to, I invite you to sit back and enjoy the wild ride I call life...

I am still in Cape Town. My time here is either just beginning or it is coming quickly to an end. I have been given the go ahead from the head of Ambassadors here in Africa. However, I only have one tryout with one team. If I don't make it, I am heading back up to Polokwane to finish doing the ministry that was started three months ago. I have been on trial with a team called Ikapa Sporting (which also means Cape Town Sporting in Xhosa). Currently, there is a big tournament in Ghana involving almost all of the African Nations. It is coincidentally called The African Nations Cup. Well, since the tournament is going on, the leagues here in South Africa have been postponed for about a month. The teams are training and playing in the local Cups. My point is, they are going through a mini-preseason. I have been running double days with Ikapa and it is going great. Fitness has never been a problem for me and as a player, it is probably my biggest strength. Right now, it is paying off dividends because I am able to play at a high level and not become fatigued which leads to less mistakes and gives me a better chance of being noticed which could eventually lead to being signed. After this week of training, the coach told me before I left that "he likes what he sees and that if I stick with it and him, he will sign me." Praise God. Please be praying for me on this... 

PSM- Professional Soccer Ministries. This is its own entity in Ambassadors in Sport. It is relational ministry which starts with the team that one is playing with then extends out to fans and all other ministries in the area. Considering this, I am excited about what is happening. I am beginning to get to know some of the guys on the team and have been invited out a bit to hang out or go to eat. This is a fantastic opportunity to share my faith with the professional players that I could be playing with. Whether I do it by telling them what I believe or by simply listening and loving them for who they are, I pray that God will shine through me. I know that I am here in Cape Town for a reason and this could be that reason. 

Morgan Cathey, the guy I am staying with right now and current second string goalie (behind a world class goalie who has played all over the world) of Ajax Cape Town, is the best example of that. He has a bible study with his team once a week while doing different stuff with AIS and his church. His ministry is based in his team and God, through Morgan, continues to shine his light to the team. It was awesome to see 4 guys from his team at the last bible study (2 guys for the first time) along with me and Dana McGregor. We just had an awesome time of worship and prayer. It is so encouraging and it helps give me a vision of how to do it!

Okay, enough about soccer, I want to share the story of Leonard. While Jono (my digs (room)mate) and I were walking to church we decided to ask everyone we encountered along the way, if they would like to join us in going to church. The first guy we came across was a homeless man named Leonard. He decided that he would join. Along the walk, we found out a lot about this man. He has had a very tough life. We found out that his mother was a prostitute and his father abused him and his sister when they were growing up, at times he had to "sell himself" to be able to survive, he has been accused of murder, and now he now cleans windows for spare change to live. He came to church with us and we just sat next to him. After church, he said it was exactly what he needed and needed to hear. We brought him back to the apartment and let him shower and shave and cleaned his clothes. He ended up staying to eat and also watch the patriots dominate the chargers.. (sorry all you in San Diego, it was a good run).. He spent the night and left in the morning. We had some great talks with him and we prayed for him. At the end, it wasn't a miraculous conversion however, I believe that seeds were sown. Please pray for Leonard. 

Last but not least, I want to challenge you, the reader, to step out of your comfort zone and bless someone in an unexpected way. Whether it is buying some bum a hamburger at MickeyD's or just simply listening to someone that is hurting. Step out of the boat and let God shine through you.

Preach the Gospel... And if necessary... Use Words!