This weekend some of us girls had the opportunity to play some basketball. But this wasn't just any game of basketball. This was three games, one on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, each of which we were matched with a Philippino college level team.
Philippino people love basketball, they can't get enough. They would play it sun up to sun down if there was time in the day for it. Not only do they love to play, but they are very good. The sheer discipline they must have to be that fast, strong and accurate astounds me. Each team we faced as the days progressed were "a little stronger than the team the night before." However, we were able to power through it and claim victory over every single game.
Saturday, Sunday and this morning we have each woken up tired and sore for the game the day before. Each of us were put to our limits and then asked for more. We had no choice but to give more. Each of us doing our best to meet the needs of the others on our team. Surprisingly, even though we are all from different places some from the Philippines and some from the states, we were all able to come together and achieve our main goal.
You might be thinking the main goal was victory over the game, but in all actuality it was about victory over their hearts. At the end of each game we have stood before the opposing teams and each individually shared our testimony of our relationship with Christ. We each spoke to them about how Jesus had taken over our lives and led it way better than we ever could on our own. We shared that each one of us use to have religion to live by, but now we had a relationship to live in. After we each shared about ourselves we got the chance to hang out and talk with them about their lives and their beliefs.
It has definitely been one of my favorite ministry experiences here. What a privilege to open up our hearts and be accepted without question. What a challenge to live in such acceptance.
