First things first...we know that a major earthquake hit Haiti earlier this evening...and we are all fine...we are actually several hours away from the capital of Haiti...we know of no real significant damage in the DR and in the area where we are...although some of our guys did feel a shake on the basketball court right before dinner...thanks for your prayers for safety...we actually played a soccer team of Haitians this afternoon...
We spent our final day working in this community today...we laid rows of block on top of the foundation we laid yesterday...another team from Canada will be finishing the building of the house for a family living in desperate poverty next week...and we also had a chance to spend a few minutes at a local school built by students from Tri-City Christian School...we listened to them sing songs they learned in school and then our soccer boys led some rousing choruses of FATHER ABRAHAM and I'M IN THE LORD'S ARMY...complete with hand motions...you would have loved seeing it...
We had a new crew of kids for our soccer clinic in the afternoon and then played a final soccer match against a local Haitian team...the CU team scored several goals and enjoyed a win in the DR...it was exciting to see how soccer allowed a new group of people that often struggle in the community for relationship and acceptance as people from another country...they will now be connected to the local church and Christian community we have worked with...the power of our sport that the world loves to serve as a vehicle for sharing the Gospel has impressed us all once again, and we've loved using dribble moves, through ball passes, and shots on goal to build relationships and point others to the most important relationship in our lives...
We spent a final time together as a team reflecting on how God has changed us, the ways we will be different people, and the vision we have for impact in the future as a result of this very significant week in our world...I loved listening to guys talk about living lives filled with gratefulness and unselfishness, seeking to continue to daily read Scripture that inspires us and fills us with God's desires for our lives, and building a soccer community that is something that will model for opponents, fans, the CU community, and current and new players a team that works hard and uses its platform for global impact and influence...there are such rich and meaningful days ahead for each of these young men and the soccer program at CU...
I have to tell you personally this has been a fantastic trip...I've taken students all over the globe and I have loved these last days in the DR...what a joy to have the privilege to watch this team serve God with a heart that loves the people, cares for these kids, and is passionate about changing the future of a community that has needs God allowed us to help meet...in many ways, you see this generation of Christ-followers at its best...and tonite I praise God for waht He is doing and will do...
Tomorrow we will do a little shopping (hopefully you will get a gift from your sons?), see some historical sites in the DR, and head to a resort for an afternoon on the beach...we look forward to being together and are looking ahead to seeing many of you when we get back home later this week...all the guys are doing well and representing CU and Jesus and their families well...
Good night from the DR...CHIP
P.S. There is an article you might want to check out on the Cornerstone Home Page on the university's website about our trip!
3 comments:
Wow, we are so relieved to know that you are all safe and sound and are heart breaks for the people of Haiti who are suffering due to the earthquake. Thank you to Coach Elders wife for calling me to let me know that she received word that you were all ok ; ) That meant a lot. I continue to be in awe of how you are truly being God's hands and feet to reach out to so many people! Thank you for being an inspiration and a true witness! See you soon! Happy Birthday coach! We will have a huge coconut cake here waiting for you ; ) Love, Catherine
Chip,
It's very exciting and encouraging to read about the impact this group is making in the DR. I'm so thankful for what God is doing in each of your lives and the changes that are taking place. We're praying for you each day and looking forward to hearing all the stories when you return. Please pass along my gratitude to everyone there for their sacrifice, service and spirit. I'm so proud of each one of you. My hope and prayer is that the experiences and growth from this trip will directly impact our campus when the team returns. Of course the challenge will be to continue the commitments made once everyone is back in their everyday routines. Thank you for keeping us updated. Stay safe and away from shaky ground! ... Please greet everyone for me.....Dave G
Also thanking God that all of you are well. Please tell the Hawaii boys that Dani is safe and well. Thank you again for sharing these posts. It has been a blessing to us and our classes (CLA) as we have "walked" through your experience with you and shared in your journey. God is so good! Have a safe trip back to school and may God continue to work in and through all of you! Tami
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