FULL CIRCLE

FOOTBALL MINISTRY

Back in early October, I drove out to Phoenix to support our football team.  It was a "full circle" moment for me because exactly 20 years ago, I was a rookie playing for the Arizona Cardinals.  My plan was to not only lead our team pre-game chapel service, but to also visit the Cardinals facility to connect with some of the coaches on staff who were coaching in Pittsburgh during our 4 seasons serving the Steelers.  Though I didn't get the chance to see them all due to them having the weekend off, I was able to get some time with one of them, Harold Goodwin.  

Harold is the offensive coordinator/offensive line coach and was involved in my coaches bible study in Pittsburgh.  It was fun to have breakfast with him and catch up on life.  God has been good to Harold over the years, even providing him with the opportunity to interview for the head coaching job with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last year.  Though he didn't get the position, it proved to be an invaluable experience for him, nonetheless. 
What a joy for me to see many of the coaches I've had the privilege of serving down through the years get opportunities to "shine their lights" in places all over this country.

Harold and I following our meal together. (10/8)

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Jenny and I recently traveled with the Lady Bruins down to Ft. Worth, Texas for their annual team bonding trip.  We had an unbelievable time hanging out with the players and coaching staff.  We even had the chance to be involved in some team building activities as well as go on team outings such as Six Flags Theme Park, go-carting, and to a good ole' Texas BBQ restaurant.  In addition, Jen and I lead two morning devotional/prayer sessions with the coaches, as well as lead a pre-game chapel time for some of the players prior to their scrimmage against Mississippi State.  

We are so very grateful to have been included in this time with the team.  They officially kick off their season this coming Friday and Jen & I are excited to, once again, journey with them over these next 5 months.

  

Hanging with Dominique on our early morning flight to Texas (10/28).

Fun times at the Go-Kart race track (10/29).    Photo taken by Luke Grigg.

GLOBAL SERVANTS

Every couple of years, I connect with a few others who are also aligned with Global Service Associates for a weekend retreat.  Some traveled from places like Washington and Colorado to take part in this time together.
Ironically enough the majority of our group were at one point in time, life myself, on staff with Cru.  Our time down near Laguna Beach was spent connecting relationally, sharing about our various ministries and praying for one another.  We even manage to go on a hike together.  What a refreshing time it was to be with folks who are boldly following Jesus into a variety of unique mission fields. 

Love the hearts of these "Kingdom Minded" people. (10/23)

BRUIN VARSITY LIFE

Our teaching series through the book of Colossians has been going quite well over the last several weeks.  The student-athletes seem to be enjoying digging into God's Word together and have been eager to apply its' truth to their lives.  I had the privilege of teaching from chapter one back in mid-October and will be doing so again next week.  Something exciting that was recently added to our ministry is our BVL chapel messages being made available on podcast via "iTunes".  We wanted students who miss our Tuesday night meetings, for whatever reason, to still have the chance to stay connected to what we were doing on campus.  If you like to follow us, download the podcast app on your device and search for 'Bruin Varsity Life'.

Always a joy for me to share God's Word with the students (10/11).

Our BVL Leadership Team spending a 1/2 day together
at the Getty Museum (11/1).

As we quickly approach the Thanksgiving season, we are forever grateful for people like you who partner with us in one way or another making our ministry on the UCLA campus a possibility.  May the Lord continue to bless and keep you in this coming Holiday season.  We pray you have a great time celebrating them with your families.  God Bless!