Thursday, April 29, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Hello again from Africa!
This has certainly been an adventurous trip, and it is almost over. The only thing I have left to do is fly back to the States, so in two days I should be arriving back in Colorado. I want to thank all of you for your prayers, because God really blessed in every place I was able to go.
Malawi and Tanzania turned out to be great trips as well. In Malawi, I was able to meet up with my church contact in the States from a church in LA, and it looks like they are going to try very hard to put together a team to go back with me in late August to do two trainings, one in Lilongwe at African Bible College, and another at a place that will be decided by the head of Sports Outreach Malawi (SOM), who have been doing ministry around Lilongwe and one other city in Malawi for the past six years. They are excited to partner with us to learn more about how to use evangelism as the main focus of a sports camp, and they also have the same vision as us when it comes to working through the local church and training leaders, so that was very exciting to see God start that partnership.
In Tanzania, I was able to meet some great people. Many of you know that I had some doubts as far as to the people I was going to meet, because while I knew I would be meeting some good people, up until two days before I arrived I was not planning on meeting anyone who had contact with the church we want to do the training with in the States, so I was a little discouraged. I called Tim Conrad (president of UW), and he was able to send me some contacts from the church, and it ended up working out great. The leaders that I met are not only excited about starting sports ministry, but they are both leaders in their different denominations, and will be able to help in getting leaders from all over the country to come to the trainings. We are hoping to take a team back from the church in the States, located in Tampa, and that trip will probably happen in September.
God has been good, and because of that this fall I have three trips lined up out of these three countries. I love having successful trips, because it is not only encouraging to me, but a confirmation that God has a hand in what is happening with this ministry. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.
God Bless,
Ryan Van Hoven
Malawi and Tanzania turned out to be great trips as well. In Malawi, I was able to meet up with my church contact in the States from a church in LA, and it looks like they are going to try very hard to put together a team to go back with me in late August to do two trainings, one in Lilongwe at African Bible College, and another at a place that will be decided by the head of Sports Outreach Malawi (SOM), who have been doing ministry around Lilongwe and one other city in Malawi for the past six years. They are excited to partner with us to learn more about how to use evangelism as the main focus of a sports camp, and they also have the same vision as us when it comes to working through the local church and training leaders, so that was very exciting to see God start that partnership.
In Tanzania, I was able to meet some great people. Many of you know that I had some doubts as far as to the people I was going to meet, because while I knew I would be meeting some good people, up until two days before I arrived I was not planning on meeting anyone who had contact with the church we want to do the training with in the States, so I was a little discouraged. I called Tim Conrad (president of UW), and he was able to send me some contacts from the church, and it ended up working out great. The leaders that I met are not only excited about starting sports ministry, but they are both leaders in their different denominations, and will be able to help in getting leaders from all over the country to come to the trainings. We are hoping to take a team back from the church in the States, located in Tampa, and that trip will probably happen in September.
God has been good, and because of that this fall I have three trips lined up out of these three countries. I love having successful trips, because it is not only encouraging to me, but a confirmation that God has a hand in what is happening with this ministry. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.
God Bless,
Ryan Van Hoven
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Live from Africa!
Jambo everyone! I hope God is blessing you as much as He is blessing my journey here in Africa. He has been so good, and I look forward to seeing how He is going to work on the rest of my trip.
So far some amazing things have happened during the Kenya portion of this trip. I am just wrapping up the first 3 weeks, and all of it was spent here in Kenya. The first update I sent was about how God worked in Nairobi, and these last two weeks God has had me moving around all over Kenya. I was picked up by a pastor that I had connection with named Charles Mwanda, and he had been telling me he had some meetings planned. I was tentatively excited, not really sure if he was just talking about all these meetings to get me to come, or if he really had them planned. Well, God certainly showed His faithfulness, and Pastor Mwanda was certainly not joking about all those meetings. He told me we would be meeting with over 200 pastors in those two weeks in different towns of Kenya, and here is the rundown of the last two weeks.
In each place I spent at least one day, and the total numbers of my trip in Kenya are as follows: I had 14 meetings in 5 different provinces (there are eight total in Kenya), with 366 leaders of churches all over these provinces who traveled to the meetings, and there were over 125 churches represented by these leaders! God truly is faithful, and what an apportunity to see how many people in Kenya are interested in sports ministry. Pastor Charles is going to head up our efforts to bring sports evangelism here in Kenya, and he is extremely excited to see how God will use this tool of sports for evangelism here in Kenya. His goal is by the end of next year to have over 1,000 churches in Kenya using sports outreach. At first that seems like an unattainable goal, until he told me that now that we have traveled to all these different provinces, when we come back in August to do a training we can expect to have over 500 leaders come to be trained between the two meetings we are going to have in Nairobi and Mombasa! That means that the goal that UW Sports Ministry has for Kenya will be reached in our very first training. Obviously God has a bigger plan in mind, and I am just thankful that He is allowing me to have a part in it.
I finish up my trip by spending a week in Malawi and then a week in Tanzania. Please continue to keep these countries in your prayers, as only God knows how it will be received in these areas. I have been very encouraged by the Kenya portion of this trip, and instead of being tired I am extremely energized to see how this same tool can be used in these areas as well. The trip so far has been busy, but God has provided a day or two of rest just when I have needed it, and that is truly a blessing.
I thank all of you for your continued prayers, and may God bless you and your families as He has blessed me here in Eastern Africa.
Your brother in Christ, Ryan Van Hoven
So far some amazing things have happened during the Kenya portion of this trip. I am just wrapping up the first 3 weeks, and all of it was spent here in Kenya. The first update I sent was about how God worked in Nairobi, and these last two weeks God has had me moving around all over Kenya. I was picked up by a pastor that I had connection with named Charles Mwanda, and he had been telling me he had some meetings planned. I was tentatively excited, not really sure if he was just talking about all these meetings to get me to come, or if he really had them planned. Well, God certainly showed His faithfulness, and Pastor Mwanda was certainly not joking about all those meetings. He told me we would be meeting with over 200 pastors in those two weeks in different towns of Kenya, and here is the rundown of the last two weeks.
In each place I spent at least one day, and the total numbers of my trip in Kenya are as follows: I had 14 meetings in 5 different provinces (there are eight total in Kenya), with 366 leaders of churches all over these provinces who traveled to the meetings, and there were over 125 churches represented by these leaders! God truly is faithful, and what an apportunity to see how many people in Kenya are interested in sports ministry. Pastor Charles is going to head up our efforts to bring sports evangelism here in Kenya, and he is extremely excited to see how God will use this tool of sports for evangelism here in Kenya. His goal is by the end of next year to have over 1,000 churches in Kenya using sports outreach. At first that seems like an unattainable goal, until he told me that now that we have traveled to all these different provinces, when we come back in August to do a training we can expect to have over 500 leaders come to be trained between the two meetings we are going to have in Nairobi and Mombasa! That means that the goal that UW Sports Ministry has for Kenya will be reached in our very first training. Obviously God has a bigger plan in mind, and I am just thankful that He is allowing me to have a part in it.
I finish up my trip by spending a week in Malawi and then a week in Tanzania. Please continue to keep these countries in your prayers, as only God knows how it will be received in these areas. I have been very encouraged by the Kenya portion of this trip, and instead of being tired I am extremely energized to see how this same tool can be used in these areas as well. The trip so far has been busy, but God has provided a day or two of rest just when I have needed it, and that is truly a blessing.
I thank all of you for your continued prayers, and may God bless you and your families as He has blessed me here in Eastern Africa.
Your brother in Christ, Ryan Van Hoven
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Article from Athletes in Action about UW's International team trip to Holland
Mini Project in Groningen
From Wednesday 10 to Friday, February 12 has a special mini project in the District Korreweg place in Groningen. It has worked with staff from other organizations in America sportministry (Uncharted Waters) and Egypt (Egypt AIA, Youth for Christ). We have during the project the way the American organization Uncharted Waters (UW) used. They organize sports camps for children at the request of churches. That way we could see how both organizations work and what we can learn from each other.
After a constructive and inspiring leader we have a joint training event where we had learned much from each other. UW was especially impressed by the focus on equipment and supervision of the team leaders and churches within the AIA, as the worship leader during the Event. AIA has especially learned a lot from the fact that UW is working with themes, much more rigid structure persists and gives sportclinics. On Wednesday we have worked with Jan Waanders, district evangelist, the project promoted and afternoon workout in the gym. There were more children than expected! The first two days we have had around 20-30 children, both afternoon and evening. We went with them nice football, basketball and dance. Above all we could tell them about our God! Using the umbrella theme "The Great Comeback" every day there were two key issues discussed. These key issues were also linked to weather conditions in sports, so the children while the sports items can be remembered. Some children had to get used to the new format during exercise. There was far more Bible-time coach and then they were used. Even when things ended, was the first time some of the sports removed. Because, they said from Uncharted Waters: "We love sports, but we love Jesus more!"
The last day we had as many as 50 children, a pleasant and blessed so busy! On Thursday and Friday we called the children to Jesus in their hearts to adopt, where a few excited children shouted that they "already had done"! Nice to see God with the children at work, but also good for them to pray that they actually change and start living for God! Both our foreign guests and participants of AIA can look back on an enthusiastic and inspiring educational week.
From Wednesday 10 to Friday, February 12 has a special mini project in the District Korreweg place in Groningen. It has worked with staff from other organizations in America sportministry (Uncharted Waters) and Egypt (Egypt AIA, Youth for Christ). We have during the project the way the American organization Uncharted Waters (UW) used. They organize sports camps for children at the request of churches. That way we could see how both organizations work and what we can learn from each other.
The Great Comeback
The last day we had as many as 50 children, a pleasant and blessed so busy! On Thursday and Friday we called the children to Jesus in their hearts to adopt, where a few excited children shouted that they "already had done"! Nice to see God with the children at work, but also good for them to pray that they actually change and start living for God! Both our foreign guests and participants of AIA can look back on an enthusiastic and inspiring educational week.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Good News Goodie Bags
Over the course of the last several weeks we have seen an amazing compassionate heart for Haiti from numerous people and nations! In our own efforts to meet physical needs in Haiti we will be seeking donations to build 300+ goodie bags. Each bag will contain items such as: washcloth, toothbrush/paste, bar soap, hand wipes, French NT bibles, granola bars, and a small toy ball.
We will begin seeking these donations immediately from local resources. Once items are received UW will be assembling and preparing them for Julia's March trip to Haiti.
The International team (Nate, Ryan, Louie, Julia and Tim C.) are preparing for two weeks in Holland with Athletes in Action. The trip will be a time for mutal ministry as the UW team will participate in an AIA training with European Sports Ministry staff and then have the opportunity to share UW's vision and strategy for Sports Outreach Ministry. Please pray that the trip will be productive and that the Lord will open many doors for both ministry across the world!
We will begin seeking these donations immediately from local resources. Once items are received UW will be assembling and preparing them for Julia's March trip to Haiti.
The International team (Nate, Ryan, Louie, Julia and Tim C.) are preparing for two weeks in Holland with Athletes in Action. The trip will be a time for mutal ministry as the UW team will participate in an AIA training with European Sports Ministry staff and then have the opportunity to share UW's vision and strategy for Sports Outreach Ministry. Please pray that the trip will be productive and that the Lord will open many doors for both ministry across the world!
Friday, January 15, 2010
A light in the Dark
The events in Haiti the past few days have been very difficult to stand by and watch. UW was fortuante to make many connections with Haiti during this past year, including sending our intern team last summer. This year two training trips have been planned for the summer along with our intern trip. I (Julia) waited very anxiously to hear news from the many friends I have made in Haiti this last year. So far most are safe but the tragic stories that come forth as they have time to relate via email/blog are heartwrenching.
This was blogged this morning by a lady that helps run the Northwest Haiti Mission in Port-de-Paix, an area in the northern part of the country. They all felt the quake but now many are dealing with the waiting, as practically every family has relatives in Port-au-Prince. Reading this can help you know how to pray for the Haitian people in this time.
Castillo Family: We started the morning off at 5am while everyone ran outside of their homes and onto the streets. Why? Because rumors spread that another quake was coming. Frantically people ran out and waited....for nothing.
I'm sure you watched the report on CNN a few days ago where gangs yelled that there was a Tsunami coming and 1000's took to the street running as fast as they could - with panic and terror.
And for what? Let's scare them so they run and leave what little belongs they had left. So - now the gangs can just steal all the things left behind. Was today the same thing? Did the rumor come to go out of the homes so that robbers could break in? What un ugly tragedy on top of the worst tragedy Haiti has ever seen.
There are Voodoo Priests here telling the people - you see - you see what your "God" has done for you? He has done nothing. He has taken your families.....He has forsaken you.
I gave a talk to the Haitian staff this morning because I had to share with them truth. Most of them wearing black clothes - ready to mourn any news they might receive - maybe just 15 who've actually heard anything.
I said today you ran out in darkness - afraid for your life. And again and again we find ourselves surrounded by darkness. Today I bring you Light.....because darkness cannot hide from the Light. How many times must God shake us before we realize that this earth is not our home? I don't know why this happened just like I don't understand many things that happen here on earth....but I know that I have a better place waiting for me.
We must mourn the tragedy and our hearts must break. But for those who know Christ - they ran into the gates of Heaven the moment it happened. The schools full of children were at their desks and within an instant they were at the feet of Jesus. If you had the choice of Haiti or Heaven which do you choose? And if you have family that survived and still don't know Jesus - you better show them who He is because we do not control what happens today.
I heard the reports that this is the end of the world and voodoo priests talking bad about God. (They all shook their heads yes). So they said if our God was a real God this wouldn't have happened? Is the same not true for them? Well then why didn't their Satan stop it? (They never thought about that.)
I may not understand the things that happen but I know enough not to believe in the lies of darkness. That's the thing I hate about voodoo....because it's all lies and such clever mind games.
This was blogged this morning by a lady that helps run the Northwest Haiti Mission in Port-de-Paix, an area in the northern part of the country. They all felt the quake but now many are dealing with the waiting, as practically every family has relatives in Port-au-Prince. Reading this can help you know how to pray for the Haitian people in this time.
Castillo Family: We started the morning off at 5am while everyone ran outside of their homes and onto the streets. Why? Because rumors spread that another quake was coming. Frantically people ran out and waited....for nothing.
I'm sure you watched the report on CNN a few days ago where gangs yelled that there was a Tsunami coming and 1000's took to the street running as fast as they could - with panic and terror.
And for what? Let's scare them so they run and leave what little belongs they had left. So - now the gangs can just steal all the things left behind. Was today the same thing? Did the rumor come to go out of the homes so that robbers could break in? What un ugly tragedy on top of the worst tragedy Haiti has ever seen.
There are Voodoo Priests here telling the people - you see - you see what your "God" has done for you? He has done nothing. He has taken your families.....He has forsaken you.
I gave a talk to the Haitian staff this morning because I had to share with them truth. Most of them wearing black clothes - ready to mourn any news they might receive - maybe just 15 who've actually heard anything.
I said today you ran out in darkness - afraid for your life. And again and again we find ourselves surrounded by darkness. Today I bring you Light.....because darkness cannot hide from the Light. How many times must God shake us before we realize that this earth is not our home? I don't know why this happened just like I don't understand many things that happen here on earth....but I know that I have a better place waiting for me.
We must mourn the tragedy and our hearts must break. But for those who know Christ - they ran into the gates of Heaven the moment it happened. The schools full of children were at their desks and within an instant they were at the feet of Jesus. If you had the choice of Haiti or Heaven which do you choose? And if you have family that survived and still don't know Jesus - you better show them who He is because we do not control what happens today.
I heard the reports that this is the end of the world and voodoo priests talking bad about God. (They all shook their heads yes). So they said if our God was a real God this wouldn't have happened? Is the same not true for them? Well then why didn't their Satan stop it? (They never thought about that.)
I may not understand the things that happen but I know enough not to believe in the lies of darkness. That's the thing I hate about voodoo....because it's all lies and such clever mind games.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Welcoming the New Year
UW's International ministry is excited about the growth and progess that has been made in the last year. Already this ministry year (which begins for us in September) has seen many changes and enhancements to the way we are approaching our vision. Between now and Sept '10 we have a number of Churches partnering with us. So far Sports Outreach trainings are scheduled to take place in: Haiti, Cuba, South Africa, Mexico, El Salvador, and the United Kingdom. Visit our main website uwsportsministry.org for more information on all the happenings at UW Sports Minsitry! God Bless you in this new year. May we serve him more fervently this year than ever before.
Julia Cruz
Int'l Church Trainer
Julia Cruz
Int'l Church Trainer
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