For O-Squad, Saturday was a sober day. For our ministry host, Saturday brought some serious challenges. It was just an “off-day.” Bad for some, but not necessarily for everyone.
However, God brought us Sunday!
Yesterday, God blessed me with the perfect day of rest. It started slow, with no specific ministry tasks. I had the chance to spend really good time with my Heavenly Father and then relax and read (one of my favorite activities).
The best, however, was yet to come. The afternoon culminated in a soccer game. O-squad represented the great USA and Tony’s boys represented Honduras. The stakes were high – winners take losers’ shirts. This was serious competition. Our instructions from Tony, “No mercy, score 25 goals.”
Twenty-five, as it turns out, was a bit ambitious. With a strong fan base, the rest of O-squad, we drew first blood in the middle of the second half. However, the boys tied it up with just a few minutes left in regulation. (I told you this was a serious game.) After an extended argument, we agreed to 10 minutes of overtime. With just 4 minutes left, the boys scored, sealing our fate. At the end of the game, Tony negotiated the penalty for the losers, apparently a complicated process. The conclusion – a re-match on Wednesday. (So stayed tune for that result.)
For those of you not obsessed with soccer, this whole event might not seem too important. In all honesty, it is not that important. However, God shined through in the competition, in the aftermath, and in the joy and laughter that surrounded our soccer game. We all needed to laugh, cheer, and love each other.
That evening, as we concluded our scheduling meeting with Tony, he explained how much that soccer game meant to him, especially considering how his day went on Saturday. He loved seeing the boys connect with us and sharing the fun of an intense game. At the end of the 15 minute debate about the punishment for the losers, he appreciated the joy and laughter that everyone, including the losers had.
Sunday was a day of rest. God poured out his love and pleasure upon us. We have seen the difficult side of life and ministry – from garbage dumps, rape, incest, mud, rocks, and relationships. Ministry is never easy. Tony has been honest about the tough situations that have arisen, even in the time we have been here. He desires that we understand ministry holistically. It is hard in the ways you think it will be and it is hard in ways you never even imagined. But, God! God gives to his people what they need. In the hard times and the good times, He provides.
