THE SUMMER THAT WAS...

Hello Team,

Jen & I trust you each had a good summer and are making a nice transition to the start of the Fall season.  We are excited about this upcoming season of ministry on the UCLA campus.  We thought we'd catch you up with a few things that's happened in our lives since our last communication with you.

A GOLDEN MOMENT

At the end of June (24-29th), Jaylen's club volleyball team traveled to New Orleans to play in their final tournament of the year; the Junior Olympics.  Saving their best performance for last, these girls capped off a fantastic week by finishing 10-1 and winning the gold medal in their division.  Going up against the #1 ranked team from the state of Texas, her team, down 10 points in the 2nd set, after having already lost the 1st set, managed to rally back from the depths of defeat, and won the remaining 2 sets, capturing the title.  

It was, quite simply, one of the best comebacks I have ever seen in my many years of watching sports.  

Oh, the sweet taste of victory! (6/29)

What a proud moment for mother & daughter.

A"SPECIAL" WEEK 

The last week of July, our family was blessed to be involved in the largest sporting event in Los Angeles since the 1984 Summer Olympic Games.  The Special Olympic World Games captivated the hearts and minds of millions around the world.  Our family was involved on a few different levels throughout the week ranging from hosting a dinner reception for 7 countries prior to opening ceremonies, competing alongside these amazing athletes, to simply being spectators in the stands.

Welcome dinner put together by Jenny's parents, brother, and
several of their friends on 7/22

Post-Opening Ceremonies @ the LA Coliseum on 7/25

Unified Sports Experience- (Soccer) on 7/28

Unified Sports Experience-(Volleyball) on 7/30

Can you spot me in this picture?  Probably as close to the First Lady as I
will ever get. :))

MAN2MAN 

Back in late January, the Lord placed on my heart to start up a men's small group (which I will be calling, "Man2Man") targeting coaches, administrators, and any staff personnel working within the UCLA athletic department.  A few guys joined me in this endeavor, which took us into the month of April.  The time was so encouraging to everyone, that we just decided to keep it going throughout this upcoming school year.
Starting this Wednesday morning, September 2nd, we will begin a 4 week series, based on a Bill Hybels book entitled, "Simplify".  I am really looking forward to this time and excited to see that a few more guys have committed to being a part of this group.  Please pray for our souls to be refreshed in the Lord during the course of our time together.

HITTING THE BOOKS

After taking almost a year off, today marked my return to Talbot Seminary.  I am at the halfway point of my Masters program and look forward to continuing my march toward completion.  I will be taking two classes this Fall; Pastoral Care & Counseling, and a class on Biblical Ethics.  I am extremely grateful to the Lord for providing a couple generous donors to help me cover 50% of my tuition costs this semester. 
  

WOMEN'S SOCCER MINISTRY

Love watching these girls grind at practice during the week.

A couple weeks ago, Jenny and I were given the chance to address the women's soccer team.  For the past couple seasons, we have been blessed to serve this team by providing them with a pre-game chapel service before every home game.  We usually get great turnouts for these sessions.  We have gotten off to a great start thus far and enjoy being able to deposit seeds of God's Word into the lives of these young ladies.


FOOTBALL MINISTRY

Here are just a few things that have happened thus far this season, that I am encouraged by:

July 13th   Spoke to the freshman class about my role within the team and what's available to them on campus, to encourage them in their relationship with the Lord.

August 11-19th    Made the 70 mile trek out to training camp a few times to watch practice and connect with the guys.  

August 16th      Led Sunday morning chapel service, in which 15 guys showed up and participated.  My message came out of 1 Timothy 4:8.

September 4th   Leading team chapel this coming Friday night before their season opener vs. Virginia.

Thank you for your continued prayers and/or financial support, which allows us the chance to continue our ministry to the UCLA athletic community and beyond.  May the Lord richly bless you for your partnership with us and for your desire to see college students and their coaches built up in Jesus Christ.