Greetings from The Gold Camp!

This is a note from Reid Lamphere, our SEA project coordinator. I hope is encouraging for you and takes you to stay tuned on your knees:

"I’m back in SEA - for the 3rd time in 6 months.  It’s exciting to be here to see what the Lord has been building upon the shoulders of those who have been here at the GC over the last three months.      

Great Welcome!

The memory of the miserable journey disappeared when I saw the faces of my teammates waiting at the bus station.  Carl and Noreen, Ni Hoi (girl translator), Mang-Mang (our key guy in the country to help with logistics) and even Hnin was there (works for the Ministry of Sport in the area of “Mental Training”.  She has become everyone’s best friend - amazingly helpful to us.)  

The Countdown Begins!

We’ve had staff here at the Camp for the last 12 weeks.  This morning we started the countdown for our last month.  We went to visit the Judo teams (men’s and women’s).  They sat on the judo mats for at least an hour while Carl led a discussion on “The Fear of Failure”.  He introduced me to the teams and I told a story about my fears during competition and how I dealt with them .  This is Carl and Noreen’s last week.  I’ll pick up where they leave off with each of the teams.  Carolyn will join me this coming weekend.  She needed one more week to finish up the bible study she leads with the women on her tennis team.  

Please bring to the Lord our need for direction in our messages during these last weeks.  What to say - when to say it - how to say it.  

One other request is for a 7:30 am appointment with one of the Olympic Committee officials regarding a “Friends and Family Homestay” program for the SEA athletes who are going to Singapore for the Southeast Asia Games in June.  We’re going to extend to them the opportunity to bring their family members to the Games in Singapore and provide them with free housing.  More later….

Blessings,

Reid"

On Your Knees | April 2015

Dear fellow teammates on your knees,

My time in Portugal with Greg Morgan was a blast. We drove between Lisbon and Porto and met with coaches, pastors, amateur and pro athletes, Christian leaders... All whom love and follow Jesus and reach out and disciple in and through sport. 

Pedro Mateus, and Antonio, Ricardo, Joel and Joao have what it takes as guardians and forefront of advancing mission in and through sport there. Pray with us that they find models to consolidate leadership for their vision and they move forward with boldness. It'd be great to see AIA develop there as well.

The week in Detroit and Indianapolis around MCAA Men Basketball Final 4 was a blessing as well. I had the privilege of doing all this trip with Saul Ares, basketball agent and former coach, who's one of the best "volunteers" you'd Love to serve Jesus alongside your team. 

Cesar Fornos, President of the Nicaragua Basketball Federation joined us for the days at Indi. Legends of the Hardwood Breakfast event was one of the highlights. AIA produces this evangelistic event where over 1,300 coaches and sport authorities hear and respond to a relevant and clear expression of the Gospel as a famous player or coach is honoured with John Wooden's 7 Keys to Life Award.

Networking and reaching out with hundreds of coaches, visiting friends and partners, introducing Saul to the USA life and some of our favorite friends like Ross and Karen Fitchner filled a full week.

Last Thursday I had a great time and chance to listen, pray and encourage basketball players, AIA staff and ministry partners in a quick day in Barcelona.

Today I travel to the Netherlands. Amsterdam, Groningen, Amersfoort until Monday. Co-journeying with Greg Morgan ((CIS) and Wouter, Marcel, Jan and the Dutch AIA troops, Donar vs. Leiden basketball game tonight at Groningen tonight. 

TA Day event tomorrow with God willing over hundred athletes from the Netherlands, Sport Film Festival on Amsterdam, fun and strategic praying, thinking and planning at new Agape and AIA offices at Amersfoort. 

Pray for abundant sowing and reaping. AIA NL hopes to see TOTALATHLETE Hurdles multiply and serve for multiplication all over the Netherlands in the coming year and tomorrow we hope to witness how Jesus meets, commands and empowers.

Please, pray for Lidia and the troops at home. Some still sick, but over all, pray for protection and His fullness and presence. The next 35 days I will only be 4 days at home.