Summer MiLO Blog 6

 

Summer MiLO Blog 6 Finish Strong, MiLO’s Never End I was in country three weeks and there were 3 HiS Print team members left.  We prepared for our part in helping with the 15U European Baseball Qualifier to make it a memorable experience for everyone coming. Although we were tired with all that had been going on over those past three weeks (food and prayer deliveries, children’s Library programs, baseball and American football camps, Texas Carnival, field preparation and Croatia National Team practices, plus some sightseeing and cultural learning time) we wanted to finish strong this final 10 days. Then I was reminded that ministry never ends and missions is not a time frame, but a lifestyle. That’s why we make it a point to elevate to everyone we have the opportunity to share what we call our missions MiLO’s and not mission trips. We are on mission to learn and seek opportunities for what we are doing on a mission field whether we are 6,000 miles away, 6 feet or miles away.  To take the words of Paul, “to finish strong” is marching orders for our lives and not just the days we have left in Croatia. The baseball tournament started on Monday July 15th so the national team returned back to HiS House on Sunday night after a weekend home. The flurry of activity was about to begin.  The Nest (baseball field) was in great shape and ready to take on the 16 games over the next week  (3 games everyday and then 2 on Saturday.) The city had really put a lot of resources and effort into the field with top dressing, seeding, and rolling the field. They also provided new netting for the bathing cages and backstop as well as a 60 seat covered bleacher container. The flags were set and the volunteers in place, so let the games begin!

Six countries, including Croatia, descended onto the field to represent their country and play to qualify for the next round. The countries were Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovakia and Switzerland. Each team played each other, playing one game a day, Monday through Friday, and the two teams with the best record would play for the championship on Saturday. Croatia fought hard and played well finishing in third behind Slovakia and Belgium. Belgium came out on top as champions and will move on to the next round.

One of the biggest blessings I received was having Hugh Poland join our team and come be the voice of the championship. Each game was broadcasted over YouTube and I had asked Hugh if he would cone and be the broadcaster. After much prayer, God laid it on his heart and he joined us on July 10th. After 16 games his voice was about out but his joy for the Lord and love for people came out over the airways and influenced a press box of personalities from across Europe. In the tight quarters of the press box there were 6 people from 5 different nations and Hugh was the lone non-European and melted the hearts of each of those men. Hush is an avid baseball fan and has written several baseball devotional books. In fact, that is how God brought us together years ago, while I worked at HBU. Hugh happened to be a graduate of HBU and when I was reading his Intentional Walk devo and found out he was a graduate, I set out to meet him. God crossed our paths those 10 years ago and brought us back together to serve Him overseas.

Enjoy this short video Hugh put together of the tournament. You will not regret it and it will give you a great overview of both on and off the field.

Back in the Game

Robert and I had the pleasure to run a Fun Zone of games for the fans and players everyday just outside the left field fence. What a great time we had and a blessing the people had in receiving blow up toys, jerseys, gloves and bats. The blessing we received was just loving them and sharing God’s love by sharing our story.

HiS Print was one of the sponsors of the tournament and to have our flag flown and to receive the thank you certificate were true blessings we cherish deeply.

Thanks again for your continued prayers and support. We carry you with us and couldn’t do all that God asks of us without each of you and your love. Remember Jesus loves you and so do I! HE DID IT!  David