The field where we play is located in the yard of a house that is not yet ready to move in; however, one of the Croatian family of 5 children purchased it and they are planning to move and serve as missionaries in Gracac. Camp is organized by IST group and another Croatian family that is serving in Gracac as full time missionaries. This family has established contacts with families, school, and they have been always preparing the way for families of Gracac and surrounding areas to hear about this camp. There is a wonderful story how baseball idea happened, and how IST group and local missionaries came together to decide to organize a first baseball camp three years ago. I won’t be able to go in details of the story, but I can tell you that prayers were answered for God to move in this region and hearts of the people.
The Lika Region is a very challenging area for evangelism, as war devastated not just infrastructure of area, but many relationships, and outreach efforts has not been many. We are all seeing the change as town is embracing this idea of baseball, and this year we had the first tournament on a local soccer field with 2 teams that are established clubs in Croatia. There was a team from the city of Zadar (about an hour from Gracac) and Sisak Storks that came to be part of the tournament. Both teams came with a kids team and adult team. Adults played co-Ed softball. Many parents showed up for the first time to watch their kids play baseball. At the camp we had 4 days of practice and the last day we had the tournament. About 100 people gathered for the tournament.
One of the parents of a little girl that has been coming to camp since we started three years ago, are struggling financially, but they still brought watermelons to the tournament to share with everyone. They have been blessed by seeing how happy their daughter is. Three years ago this little girl didn’t want to speak to us, she was extremely shy, but this year a complete transformation. She was coaching other kids, her voice was definitely heard as she was telling others what they need to do in the game. Just amazing.
One of the biggest highlight for Arie and me was this story that the missionary who bought the property where we hold the camp shared. He told us that one afternoon, closer to sunset, he was going by the house to pick up something and as he pulled in the yard, he saw three kids playing baseball. At first, they were little scared because they had a baseball, and they explained to him that they didn’t took it, but found it in the bushes. Of course, he didn’t mind. Instead of a bat, they were using a wood stick. They fell in love with the game of baseball. This reminds me when we had first had baseball camps in Sisak, and we as kids would do the same, play sandlot type baseball in the neighborhood. And let’s not miss the message here for all of us, God provides. No matter what “thorns and bushes” in this life may discourage us, nothing good can come from them, God desires mercy. As we follow Him with unburden heart and complete trust, depending in His providence, and compassion for us. God provided that baseball to be in a bush for this kids. These kids are now “fishermen” for others.
Many parents came to meet us and expressed their gratitude for this fellowship we’re having with their children. There are many stories that I could write about what happened during all these camps, but it would be even a longer than already is.
Many people asked why. Why baseball? Why Gracac? From parents to grocery store workers, to restaurant owners, to construction worker, etc. Let’s continue to love first. Love them where they are and till they ask why. Jesus did it! Amen!
Enjoy some of the pictures: |
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