Rio Journal 2008

Today will be a very busy day for the team. We will journey to two schools in the morning and afternoon. In the evening the young ladies on the team will be able to show their skills to some young female basketball players.

Each member has eagerly waited for this very moment. The moment to jump in for a full day of mission. The previous two days was just the beginning of God's movement among this group of young people.

Pray that we will be able to speak in a way that these young children will understand who Christ is and how He much He means to us.

Posted by Tony at 09:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

We are off to a great start here in Brazil. Yesterday’s testimony with Brooke and Andy was a great kick-off to all the wonderful opportunities that we have in the days ahead of us. We are quite the bashful group, but God has just opened our hearts and is speaking through all of us. This Rio Team has a close bond already. I’ve never experienced such a caring and loving group. Stefan told the group (in our meeting tonight) that he prayed for the testimonies tonight (Matthew and Me). That in itself meant so much to me. Also, after lunch BW came and put her arm around me and said that she prayed for Matthew and me after breakfast that god would speak through the testimonies tonight. Everybody is praying for one another and this is just the beginning of a life-long experience that this team will have together. We are growing and growing stronger.

God is just so great. The basketball exhibition against flamengo was perhaps the most fun I’ve had playing basketball in a long time. We all kept cheering hard for one another and the atmosphere was just amazing. Keaton came to the bench and said it was like playing Duke again-only different gym, smaller crowd, and no ESPN. Even though we technically lost by a few considering the mix of the team against an all guys team, the most important part was that we won the heart of a young man who accepted Christ this night. After leaving the gym, Whitney and I were sitting on the bus together when it came to our attention of a group of low clouds surrounding the Christ Statue. I have to admit it game me a little chill, but it was quite an ominous feeling just having that vision of Christ coming back for us in the clouds one day. It was just a great ending of the day. Yet, it is the beginning of a transformation that we are starting to see.

Posted by Tony at 09:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Oi from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil!!! My time in Brazil has been nothing short of amazing. Looking around and seeing God's beauty all around me is wonderful. I can hear the waves crashing in the ocean as I write this blog. Yesterday we drove through the countryside on the way to the gymnasium. They have rolling hills here like we do in America! Not only is the scenery beautiful, but the people are beautiful as well. Everywhere you go, you see a smiling face.

Last night, we went to a camp at a gymnasium 3 hours from Rio de Janeiro. People were actually there waiting for our arrival...something I thought was really neat. We got to mix and mingle with the kids for about 15 minutes, then we hit the hardwood. We did layups, 3 man weave, and then played a little scrimmage for 5 minutes. After that, we brought the kids out to do the world famous Belmont Basketball Camp dribble relays. This was probably my favorite part of the night. The joy I saw on the faces of those kids was unreal. It's definitely something I will never forget. When we got finished playing, Brooke and Andy gave their testimonies, and BDub spoke from God's Word. The response I saw around me was really neat...young kids bowing their heads, and accepting Christ into their lives.

Today we enjoyed the morning on the roof and talked while we caught some rays. We went for some lunch at a nice buffet, and then went to the rock factory. Again, seeing God's Creation in these rocks was really neat. The fact that something so beautiful and elegant like a shiny crystal came from the same God that created me is neat to think about. Tonight we played a club team here in Rio. The guys were 18 and 19 years old. The effort shown on the court by both teams was really cool. I actually got to make my long awaited Bruin debut...1 steal, that's about it, haha. The excitement they had was great. What was even greater was the response after the testimonies. Laura and Dot gave their testimonies tonight, and both did an outstanding job. They led right into what BDub said. All of us have Christ in our hearts and in our lives, and these kids here can have that too. My new friend Luca sat next to me and I heard him praying along with the translator. I was able to talk to him and some of his friends afterward, and all of them were extremely excited about having us Americans in their presence, but more importantly having God and Christ in their lives now as well.

I look forward to tomorrow as we go out into 2 elementary schools and the girls play a club team. Tomorrow I will give my testimony for the first time. I pray that God will give me the words that He wants those children to hear in my mouth, and that I can glorify Him in what I say. I love you all back home and miss you tons. Please continue to pray for us as we continue our journey here in Brazil.

Will

Posted by Tony at 08:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Another awesome trip has begun! Brazil is such a beautiful country and has the best chocolate cake…which is great for my sweet tooth! Yesterday we were able to interact with kids at a gymnasium about 3 hours away and today we played with a club team. Playing with them made me realize how much I missed basketball and talking with the young men afterwards made me realize how useful our God-given talents are in bringing others to Christ. At first I was hesitant as to whether we were making an impact on these people’s lives. In comparison to the Venezuela trip 2 years ago, I didn’t find as much “going on” these last couple of days. I was frustrated/disappointed at first because I felt like we should be doing more, but there wasn’t much to do. Then I realized that we did DO something. BW guided a young man yesterday and a group of the club players today to Christ. I was looking for a big group, but found that even a small number of people led to Christ are better than none at all. We go into the schools tomorrow, and I am eager to see the smiling faces of all the little children of Brazil. This team here is so awesome and I am blessed to be a part of it. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for in the days ahead.

Posted by Tony at 08:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The team will depart from the hotel at 12:00 pm heading to their next mission. This will be an all-afternoon session located in a local community center. At the conclusion of the day, the team will have their first full team meeting. This meeting will be discussing what they have seen, felt, and learned. We look forward to see and hear how God is working in these young peoples lives.

Posted by Tony at 06:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

What a day! It is 10:30 p.m. and we are leaving the gymnasium for a 2 and ½ hour bus ride back to Rio following a God-filled evening with youth and adults in the northern city of Rio das Oscras. It was a long day of waiting and anticipation, but it didn’t take long for us to see that God had it all planned. A crowd was waiting for us when we arrived and the team went to work immediately.

We were introduced one by one by the local coach. Demonstrations, exhibitions, fun and games concluded with Andy and Brooke bringing greetings and sharing their testimonies. The stage was set for the gospel presentation. The 200+ youth sat before us and listened intently as another 150 or so heard from the stands. Seeds were sown tonight and so many told us they were already believers. One young man came up to tell us that he prayed to receive Christ and wanted to fill out a commitment card. Praise God!

Autographs followed. We signed everything from paper to notebooks to t-shirts and arms. Cameras were flashing as team members stood with kids and families for keepsakes. I was so impressed with the Coach’s obvious work with these kids. He works three days a week in Rio das Oscras and three days in the city of Rio. All the kids were members of teams, by ages, and had their own uniforms. They were disciplined, attentive to instruction, and well organized. He told me he has prayer following every practice with all his teams.

It was a wonderful beginning for us and worth the wait and long bus ride. Did I tell you that we were treated to a pre-event meal of a real Brazilian seafood “gumbo” dish over rice that included squid, octopus, oysters, shrimp, fish, and several other things in a big soup bowl that we really didn’t have a clue. Stefan just came to me for some pepto bismal. “My stomach feels a little funny, kinda sick, B-dub,” he says. Why was I not surprised! I didn’t say anything but my stomach feels funny, too.

I’m glad we don’t leave tomorrow until noon for our work. I don’t believe we’ll be in our hotel and rooms tonight before 1:00 a.m. That’s ok – we’re on God’s time – not our time! Keep praying!!

BW

Posted by Tony at 10:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

As I realized in Venezuela two years ago, basketball continues to open doors for Jesus Christ. Tonight we entered a huge gym full of people of all ages ready to watch a group of Americans play basketball. The people of Brazil love the dunk! It was just incredible to see the excitement on the faces of everyone before, during, and after our exhibition. Most importantly, the majority of the crowd focused their hearts on the inspirational words of Andy, Brooke, and BW. All of the team was great tonight—full of enthusiasm. I want to let everyone at home realize that God is working wonders here in Brazil with their people. I eagerly look forward to the upcoming days and the new opportunities that we will have to share the Gospel. Please continue to pray for all of us and our divine mission.
Matthew

Posted by Tony at 10:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Tonight I was able to interact with kids and share the love of Jesus Christ in a way that I had never imagined. A simple gift of basketball opened a door that no other than Jesus himself could open. We were welcomed with open arms and were able to share the gift of Christ our savior with a room full of eager listeners. Andy and Brooke shared testimonies and then Ms. Wiseman shared more about the gospel. Everyone did a great job and the night couldn’t have ended better. It was sad leaving, but I know that our presence was felt and that the Holy Spirit has the power to do the rest. What a night!
Stefan

Posted by Tony at 10:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

After a great meal and lots of Banna Splits. The team is ready to embark on their first activity. Today we will journey about two hours outside of Rio to an area called the Lake Lands. It is said to be a very pretty drive. The team will demonstrate their God given talents in front of some open hearted men and women. This group is ready to get started in God's Mission that has been set before them.

Please Pray for those that we come in contact with that their hearts will be open, that they will feel and see Christ.

Proverbs 16:9 A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

Posted by Tony at 06:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

The team arrived in Rio this morning at about 7:00 am (5:00 am Nashville). There were no difficulties receiving our bags or going through customs. Everyone is in his or her rooms getting a well needed rest from the flight. We will have lunch at 12:00 pm, then our orientation meeting. We are looking forward to getting started with what God has planned for us.

I know the fear is always, will we be ready to serve? Will we have what it takes to fulfill God’s Plan? The answer is YES!!

As it says in Corinthians 1: 5-8

“For in Him you have been enriched in every way-in all your speaking and in all your knowledge. because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end…”

Posted by Tony at 08:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBacks (0)

Just prior to lunch today, the 2008 Sports Evangelism team from Belmont University worked their way through the Delta ticket line and gathered for this picture (click image to view larger size).

The team will depart Atlanta soon (after a 4 hour layover) to make the long flight to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Hopefully, we will hear of their arrival sometime tomorrow morning (depending upon access to the internet).

Posted by admin at 03:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

It's the day before we leave for Brazil and I'm so excited! I try and imagine what this trip is going to be like, but it
is impossible. I know this is going to be an amazing experience, and I hope to further develop my faith through
this. I am a little nervous, too. This is my first trip with Bdub and I pray the Lord will place the right words in my
mouth so I can impact the most people. I can't wait to see what these next few days will have in store, i'm counting
down the hours until we leave!!

Brittney

Posted by Tony at 05:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

I am so excited for this trip to Brazil. It is my second trip with Bdub, and I am looking forward to working with this group. I love seeing the smiles on the little children's faces when we arrive at each location, and I can't wait to see that in Brazil. I am so pumped about the lives we will be able to change and I know God has this trip all planned out and is just waiting for us to put it into action. Thanks for all the prayers and I cant wait til monday!

Brittany

Posted by Tony at 04:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

First of all I'm felling excited and nervous at the same time. I know after I start hanging out with the kids and everybody I'm going to make a connection and that is the exciting part because a piece of me will be left in Brazil. The nervous part I think comes from wanting to say the right things about God to each person I meet. I'm probably going to only see them for a day so I want to make sure I say everything that God wants me to, so I don't have any regrets when I leave. I think the trip overall will probably open my eyes to everything more than most of the people I meet. I'm very honored to be one of the people who get to go on this mission trip to Brazil.

Rachel

Posted by Tony at 01:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

It is Friday and graduation week-end at Belmont. There is so much excitement in the air! I am excited for these graduates, but I am most excited that when I leave the office today I will “close up shop” and be “on go” for RIO on Monday. I like reading the thoughts that team members are sharing in this journal as they prepare to go.

This team is going to be special! God has orchestrated the “calling out” of each one for his plan and purpose. We have a good mix of veterans who have been with me before, and some who are doing this for the first time. They are “glowing” as they drop by for last minute conversation. The next time I see them will be at the airport on Monday morning.

I have been reading the book of Acts again as I do prior to each mission trip. I love to read of Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus, his call by God to share the gospel, and his boldness in proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. It inspires and encourages me over and over. It is always a reminder of how God can take a life and direct it for his purposes. I want to be like Paul – bold and unashamed of the gospel, ready and willing to endure whatever for the cause of Christ. I desire this same boldness and readiness for our team. I pray our hearts will be open to God’s leadership, his divine appointments, and that when the people of RIO see us they can get a glimpse of a God who is real and personal. I pray we will always be ready at a moment’s notice “to give the reason for the hope that is in us.” And, I pray that many will come into a relationship with God through his son, Jesus Christ, during our days in Rio.

I pray for health and strength, safe travel and good flight connections, energy and enthusiasm, boldness and courage, sensitivity and compassion, humble hearts, and freedom to share Christ, both in words and deeds. I keep singing the words to one of my favorite songs, Not by might, not by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord.

I am personalizing and claiming Romans 15: 5-6 for our team:

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give us a spirit of unity among ourselves as we follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth we may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Posted by Tony at 02:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBacks (0)

I just want to start by saying how incredibly blessed I feel to be traveling with a Belmont group on one last Mission Trip! Each trip has been so meaningful and unique in its own special way. Upon arriving home after our trips to Ukraine and Venezuela I completely humbled- and nothing compares to the experience of a mission trip. I will admit that I have not exactly felt as though this trip to Brazil was so close. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend most team meetings and felt out of the loop. The spring semester has been so unbelievably busy for me with an internship, classes, basketball, and preparing for graduation. However, classes are finished and graduation is quickly approaching and will soon be over. I cannot wait for Monday to be here; better yet I cannot wait until we arrive in Rio! As we prepare to leave in just a few short days, I am feeling somewhat anxious because I do not know exactly what to expect. At the same time I am excited about experiencing a new culture and also sharing the love of God with people in Rio!

When the group met last week for the final time, several people mentioned how they not only witnessed changes in people’s lives in Venezuela or Ukraine during previous trips, but also experienced changes and growth in their own lives. It is easy to return home and slip right back into the ways of life and forget about the experience in an underprivileged country; however, as I embark on my final trip as a Belmont athlete I have been praying for God to take complete control of my heart while we are gone and give me the strength to carry these changes over into my everyday life when we return home.

Thank each of you for your thoughts and prayers for the Rio Team over the last few months and we appreciate prayer for traveling mercies as we prepare to leave on Monday. God Bless!

Brooke

Posted by Tony at 02:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

After the Venezuela trip in 2006, I couldn't grasp all the wonderful things that I had experienced. It was life changing for me and for the people we came in contact with in Venezuela. So when BW asked me to go to Brazil right before Christmas, I was very honored to once again continue this spiritual journey that God has in store for not only me, but all of us. As I graduate from Belmont 2 days before we depart for Brazil, I couldn't think of a better way to wrap up my 18 years of playing basketball. In fact, I know that God gave us the talent to play basketball for experiences just as this. I'm very confident that our team this year will make a huge impact. God continues to amaze me every day and I know he's going to walk with us every step of the way in Brazil.

Laura

Posted by Tony at 09:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (12) | TrackBacks (0)

I am definitely excited about the mission trip to Brazil. Since this is my first mission trip, I am a little unsure of what to expect. I am excited to see a different culture, but the main emotion I feel right now is nervousness. I’m sure once we get there, then I’ll be alright. Hopefully, we will make an impact during our time in Rio, and hopefully, Rio will make an impact on us.

Posted by Tony at 03:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

I am very excited. I am excited about the people that I am going with and all the fun we are going to have. It is so much fun to play with kids and to let them know how important they are and that God loves them. It is going to be a lot of work though and I am just praying that our attitudes and health stay in top shape throughout the trip. I am excited yet nervous about my role, seeing that I can't play basketball due to my finger injury. This trip will be unique in the fact that I won't be able to participate in some activities. Brittany and I said that we would just coach! All in all I can't wait to get there and shower people with love!

Posted by Tony at 03:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBacks (0)

I am very excited about the trip we are about to take to Rio on Monday. This will be my second mission trip in three years. Heading into the first one to Venezuela I really didn't know what to expect. I just knew that we would be helping people come closer to our Savior, and we definitely achieved that! I am really looking forward to seeing the Brazilian culture and how they are different than we are. I think that is one of the best things about leaving the country, and that is comparing their lifestyle to ours. I respect the way different countries do things.

I have been praying a lot about this trip. I beleive it is a perfect time in my life to do missionary work. I want to get out and not only help people, but I want my relationship with Jesus Christ to grow even stronger. I stopped by BW's office the other day and we were talking about the trip. One of the things that I told her that I was excited about was when the trip ends my relationship with the Lord will have enhanced. I am really looking forward to that!!

Again, I am excited about this trip. I just wanted to post how I was feeling a week prior to the trip. It is going to be very exhausting, but God will undoubtly help us get through it! It's going to be an incredible journey!
Keaton

Posted by Tony at 09:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Meet the 2008 Rio Team:

Starting from the top: Our Leader Betty W. and Tony H., Row 2: Brittney E., Stefan B., Whitney S., and Will Y.
Row 3: Brooke S., Andrew H., Rachel S., and Andy W. Row 4: Laura C., Keaton B., Brittany M., and Matthew D.

Please pray for this Rio Team:

"24 He who calls you is faithful and He will do it. 25 Brethern, pray for us." 1 Thessalonians 5:24-25

Posted by Tony at 03:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)