Before I go into detail about upcoming trips, I want to first provide a follow-up on any loose ends from my last post. The Vera Cruz Baseball Association efforts went into "hibernation mode" until January 2012. Doors didn't seem to be opening as they should in order for the association to really take off. To make a long story short, we have been reminded of a tested and age-old lesson--all things in His time. However, in recent months we have been in contact with Regan Downs, and he seems optimistic about advancements with the league. He reports the possibility of fields we can use to facilitate the league. We (Brad Wright, Brad Hall, and myself) plan on returning this December with the intent to run introductory baseball clinics for communities such as Vera Cruz and San Marcos. Details of the trip are still pending, but we are excited to see what role the Vera Cruz Baseball Association might play in ministering alongside the church families established in each community. More information to come as time and planning progresses...
The International Baseball Academy of Central America has not made a substantial amount of progress due to a lack of funding (as I understand). They are still looking for potential contributors. If you are interested, please contact me (crislip4@gmail.com) or the IBACA organization directly through the above link. The land has been purchased, but development cannot begin until they meet a certain amount of funds donated/investments. Does anyone know Nick Swisher personally? Ha I'm sure he could be a huge help to those student-athletes in Central America that might not have the opportunity to play baseball or attain a higher-level education otherwise. Just a thought... you never know! :)
Now, about the future...
As I mentioned before, I'm planning on making a return trip with "the Brads" this December. We hope to spend time assessing interest and need while teaching the basics of baseball and expressing our testimony to the youth of each community. While we are excited to see where this process of planning will take us, we are also very aware that this has to be His plan. We need to join him where He is already working--most often than not, He'll be two steps ahead. As we search for his "footprints" to follow in our preparation, we prayerfully ask that He search our hearts and bless our efforts. More to come...
The second trip "in the works" will be through the West Virginia Baptist Convention. Juan Aragon, Mark Houser, and Roger Ledbetter are the leads for this mission. So far we know several facts about this trip:
1) We will be going to a San Marcos, Nicaragaua
2) The trip will be in February 2013
3) We are taking a team of 12-15 individuals
4) We will be connecting with a church plant there entitled "Iglesia Bautista Jehova Jireh/Baptist Church Jehovah Yireh."
5) We look to learn from each other, build relationships, and create an international partnership between our two faith communities.
6) So far, we have been requested to plan and implement a bible school and a community revival.
7) We hope to implement sport ministry in the future, as well. Basketball and soccer are both extremely popular, as we've been told. Who knows... maybe one day the "E"lite Sports Center could minister to "E"ven more youth through their "E"xcellent athletic talents and instructional abilities (I couldn't help myself... I may have been reading too many of Uncle Terry's Monday morning "E"mails :).
With all of this information to process (and still "search for his footprints to follow" as we go), we must also find a way to raise funds for the trip. Keep checking back as I'll have more details, dates, and events that you can enjoy while supporting a good cause. I know right now we plan to have a yard sale (or two), a potential car wash, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament (if facility and time allow), and so on as we brainstorm. If you have any fundraising suggestions, please feel free to email me or comment below. They would be much appreciated. :)
Again, I thank all blog-reading faithfuls that have been waiting two whole years for "the next time"... and are still reading at this point. ha I promise it will not be quite so long for the following update. You are wonderful, you are loved, you are unique, and you have a purpose. He promises us that (John 3:16, Jeremiah 29:11, Jeremiah 1:5).
And while we're talking about "mushy stuff" like love and how unique we all are... try to tell someone special you love them today. We could all use a little more of that, I think. <3
Have a wonderful, blessed, inspired day.
All my love and thanks,
Meredith
1 Corinthians 13:13
