Saturday night in the Dominican Republic brought the first basketball game for the CU hoops team...and the team did not disappoint...
After a 3 hour bus ride and a great pre-game dinner of spaghetti, fresh fruit, and fried plantains at Crisitian's family home where he grew up (our Dominican host), the guys arrived at an indoor/outdoor basketball arena where a local team of Dominican all-stars was waiting to play them...
Dan Possehl and Coach E shared why we had come to the DR before the game...they talked about why we hadn't come just to play basketball, but because we want to serve the Dominican people in the name of Jesus...it was a great opportunity to clearly share the Gospel and offer those we were playing against the chance to hear about the new life Jesus offers to all of us...
We prayed together and then started an up and down, run and gun style game...perfectly suited to Cornerstone basketball tonight...the Dominican team had quickness and some good shooters, but the CU guys liked the soft rims in the San Juan Arena and kept scoring all night...Joey Saladino became the king of the DR basketball scene for a night as he brought the crowd into a frenzy with 8 three pointers, including a stretch where he couldn't miss on several consecutive possessions...everyone made shots and had a great time...the final score was 151-126 and plenty of pictures were taken afterward...and yes, some of the Dominican fans wanted to get pictures with their new favorite athletes!
We were treated to a traditional Dominican dish after the game and the guys are now sleeping in our hotel here tonight...we head to church in the morning and will play another game here in San Juan before leaving to head back to our home base tomorrow afternoon...
We are being well taken care of by so many gracious Dominican friends and loving being together as a team as we experience this culture and get to share our passion for Christ and for basketball...we miss you all and want to send love and Happy Mother's Day wishes back home from the DR!!
For the CU Hoops Crew, CHIP
3 comments:
In Jesus Name... Nice score!!! My kinda hoopin!
Prayin' for you and the guys. May tempers stay calm and let God's love shine!
Proud of all you guys!! Prayers to all of you keep up the good working of the lord!! Way to go Joey!!
151-126??? Just how soft are those rims? Hopefully you guys will at least play a little defense while you are down there. We are praying for you. I echo Toby's comment above - be sure to keep the tempers in line. One tirade can offset and entire pre or post game testimony, as I'm sure you know. And tell Coach E not to stomp his feet too much or stare too many daggers at the officials. :)
Andy Smith
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