Croatia Mission 2014 July 3: Where Do I Begin!

God has been incredible and continues to show up in incredible ways and the opportunities He continues to provide are mind blowing. To help put things into perspective: this years team has already had the opportunity to minister to and share Christ's love with over 200 children! Through the orphanage, baseball camp, children's libraries and Rachel's dance camp we have had that many children show up and participate. It has been such a blessing to watch the numbers increase, not only from last year, but also increase on a daily basis this year! Every day we get two to 5 more children join us at the programs or camp. Thank you God for your opening so many hearts to come and participate as we share your love with them.

I can't begin to tell you all the blessings or could not share the deep feelings of gratitude and love we have for this country and these people! The camp looked  like it was going to be washed out today from the rain we had this morning, but by about 8 the sun came out and the clouds rolled away. Baseball camp went on as schedule and although we had a few less numbers, the participation and improvement in those there was tremendous. We are watching a new younger generation fall in love with the game of baseball and enjoy this game they know little about, but eager to learn! It has been such a joy to spend most of my time with the 5 to 7 year olds and with 18 of them they are keeping us busy! We have had our coaches share their testimony at the end of each practice and tonight we will share a taped testimony and interview I had with Andy Pettitte.This will be a great treat for them and for our Storks who have no idea he will be speaking to them as well!

The talks, conversations and relationship building oppportunities for me and all of us have been incredible as well. Person after person has wanted to hear our story and ask why we come! That is why we come: to love them where they are and to love them till they ask WHY! Asking why is happening more and more! Coach Daniel is doing well, the Carnival got final approval today from the city and they actually waved the fee for the land rental to host the event in the city park. All the tables and stage are to be delivered tomorrow and we should be all set to host the Texas Carnival Street Reach event down town on Saturday evening! This will be our 3rd annual carnival, but the first downtown. God has opened up this opportunity to reach the city and with all the people we have met over the years we are looking forward to having many friends there as well as the chance to make new ones! We go to share His love with others and are grateful and thankful to all of you for being our support back home!

Have a wonderful God filled day!

David