ACCESS + OPPORTUNITY = INFLUENCE

FOOTBALL MINISTRY

 Every coaching transition brings with it a measure of uncertainty, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect under this new coaching staff. Despite leading a weekly bible study with a dozen or so of the players over the summer, I was still pleasantly surprised when I received a call back in early August from Coach Kelly's top assistant asking me if I would come to the first team meeting of the season.  At this meeting, I was introduced to the team and given a brief opportunity to address the guys from upfront. What a great platform this provided me and helped set the stage for a great season in which I was able to build rapport with many of the guys. Whether out at practice, on the sidelines during games, before or after team chapel services, or simply meeting one-on-one, this season was truly a "win" in terms of my integration with the team and time spent getting to know these young men.  

Though the season (team record is 3-8, with 1 more game left) hasn't turned out as we had all hoped, I firmly believe a great foundation had been established to build upon for the years to come.

The sweet taste of victory
over the USC Trojans. (11/17)

CHOOSING LIFE

One day last week, a coach on campus told me about an athlete who wanted to connect with me one-on-one.  Shortly upon connecting with this student, he informed me that his girlfriend was pregnant and they were considering aborting the pregnancy.  Since he was beginning to have doubts, he wanted to talk with me about this pending decision. They had an appointment scheduled for early the next morning at a local abortion clinic, so I asked if he and his girlfriend would be open to meeting up with Jenny and I later that evening.  Thankfully they said, "yes".  

Later that evening, not only were we able to meet with them but also with the girl's mom who had flown in from out of town to accompany her daughter to the clinic the next day.  After consulting with the 3 of them, we decided to close out our time in a word of prayer.  The girl was also really torn about getting the procedure done, asked me if I could pray for God to give her some sort of "sign".  I immediately told her I would but also mentioned that I felt God had already shown her at least 3 signs already. 

For you see, just a week prior she had already gone into the clinic to have the procedure only to be turned away by one of the nurses, who had sensed her internal struggle. (Sign #1) At that same appointment, she was shown a picture of her baby which she thought was only at 8 weeks but in actuality, was at 12 weeks and she just could not get that imagine out of her mind. (Sign #2).  

Finally, I told her the very fact Jenny & I were brought into this situation at the last minute and sitting right in front of them on the eve of her 2nd attempt to end her pregnancy, wasn't a coincidence. (Sign #3) We lovingly encouraged them to give that life a chance even if it meant eventually giving him/her up for adoption.  

We left that night totally unsure as to what they would decide.  

 Though this girl went to her appointment the next morning, she just couldn't follow through with the decision to end her pregnancy.  Not only could she not get those 3 signs out of her mind, but she just  so happened to have a dream the night before and could not stop thinking about it throughout her appointment. 

(Talk about an answer to prayer!)

PRAISE THE LORD!!!

Please pray for this young couple and for us as we continue coming alongside them at this critical juncture in their lives.

HALL OF FAME MOMENTS 

What a Fall it has been for our family after witnessing Jenny get inducted into both the UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame as well as the California Beach Volleyball Association (CBVA) Hall of Fame for her accomplishments in the sport of volleyball. We couldn't be more proud of her than we were during these two momentous occasions.

 UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2018 at the Rose Bowl (10/6)

CBVA Beach Volleyball Hall Of Fame Ceremony (11/3)

 GLOBAL SERVANTS 

 Back in early October, I had the chance to partner with fellow servants who also have been commissioned for ministry through Global Service Associates. We spent a couple days together down in San Diego for a time of mutual encouragement and organizational re-alignment. Over the past 5 years, I attended a few of these mini retreats and each time I left feeling more refreshed than when I arrived.  By far, the highlight for me was visiting the East Country Transitional Living Center and hearing about all that God is doing to serve the homeless in that community through this awesome ministry. We even had the opportunity to provide much needed insulation to one of the rooms in order to help keep it  cooler during the very hot summer months.

Fellow Global Servants serving at East County
 Transitional Living Center (10/11)

Never to late to learn a new trade (10/11)

FESTIVE MOMENTS

Jenny & her beach volleyball team receiving their
National Championship Rings (9/24)

Women's Basketball annual Photo Shoot (8/12)

FAMILY UPDATE

Jaylen (11th) and Kory (8th) are enjoying the start of another school year.  They both are adjusting well to the demands of both school and their extra-curricular activities.  Jaylen just completed her junior year on her volleyball team and though her team fell short of their ultimate goal, they still enjoyed a fantastic season finishing with an 31-11 record.  She has a couple short weeks of rest before starting up with her club volleyball team which begins its season in January. 

Kory is continuing his pursuit of basketball and is currently  playing on his schools 8th grade team as well as our church's club basketball team.  

First Day of School (8/27)

Tailgating at the Rose Bowl (10/6)