Day 6

Wow, am I ever sore! I am not an athlete by any means, so it takes some effort to keep up with all these athletes, but it’s a lot of fun. We had an early morning that started with devotionals in our small groups. After that, we all gathered in the big meeting room and Pastor Kevin led a devotional for the group. Joe followed with a session challenging the athletes to do a “life physical”, it was a great message and everyone seemed to get a lot out of it.

After breakfast, it was competition time! The Salvadorans played the Gringos in a game of basketball. The teams were a little unfairly matched though, I think… I mean just look at the guys we brought with us! The Salvadorans never stood a chance. Everyone had a blast, and played with good sportsmanship.

The next session, Melvin talked about ways to use the athletic gifts and talents they’d been given as a platform for spreading the gospel. He trained them on getting involved and starting programs, and finished up by sending everyone into small groups to discuss how they would get involved in their community.

Next, the Salvadorans sought vindication as small groups battled it out on the soccer field. The gringos held their own this time around though (we must have learned something Sunday night after all).

After lunch, it was Tyler’s session. He did a powerful presentation he calls “The Google Perception”, he showed a slideshow of disturbing pictures of gangs, violence, and poverty that he found when he typed “El Salvador” into Google. He challenged the athletes to take charge of their country, and to be the light in the darkness.

After a quick rest period, it was time for street hockey, then some time in the pool before Melvin’s next ppresentation, continuing and expanding on the material he presented earlier. He gave stories, testimonials, and advice about using sports to advance the kingdom. It was powerful and inspiring, as Melvin’s talks always are.

After dinner came relaxation. Everyone jumped in the pool, Wally and his band came from their church to play music for us pool-side, and we had a laid back rest of the evening filled with swimming and socializing.