Check out the following link -http://thechronicleherald.ca/HCW/1161715.html- to a newspaper article introducing Upward basketball and Ian MacFarlane to the Halifax Community. Pray that it will be received by the community.
It has been exciting for us to be a part of this partnership with Living Hope Community Church. Over the next few weeks, Ian and I will be talking about an upcoming summer sports project. We may be involved in a variety sports camp (June) that could include multiple sports. If your interested, start praying and come by to see me.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Training Complete
We had a great final day of training coaches and referees for the new Upward league in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Ten new coaches came out for the training and we introduced the philosophy of coaching and ministry. Several things I am reflecting on following our training and discussions:
1. You have to adjust your ministry process based on your demographic and culture. While the Upward ministry provides a great shell to follow, within the culture of Nova Scotia (a culture where people go through life never thinking about God and simply shut down any conversation regarding religion) the approach of the devotions and half time speakers may look different. The focus of the league will be to teach basketball at the highest level possible while demonstrating the love of Christ through making genuine relationships with community members. Yes, team huddles during practice will take place, but the way they are communicated might not be the traditional style of giving a devotion. Trust between the community and Living Hope Upward basketball league will be critical in securing the foundation for future years of ministry.
2. We really are dependent on God to move in the lives of others. While we hosted a previous summer camp, handed out several hundred brochures in two days, and met with school leaders, we still must pray fervently for people to have open eyes and hearts to participating in a new local basketball league.
3. The job of church planters is hard. I remember all to well the days of living overseas with the daunting task of starting a church in a country that only one percent of the population was Christian. Pastor Ian is meeting regularly with families who are hurting and students who are fighting against the struggles of the world without any concept of who God is and how He can be a part of their daily lives. And Pastor Ian is doing it without a "Christian Ghetto" around him. That's one of the great things about the partnership we have formed. We are able to walk alongside of Ian and Ian alongside of us as we both seek to be used by God in the process of lives being transformed.
Continue to pray for Living Hope Community Church ( a church of about 40 people seeking to impact a city of 350,00) and the start of their Upward basketball league. Pray that God will provide players, coaches, ref's, and facilities. Pray for Ian to guide and direct the church and that God would raise accountable leaders to run and work the league.
Friday, January 08, 2010
Training Day 1
We headed back out in the snow and freezing temps to distribute more brochures to schools and neighborhoods. We had some great contacts today with teachers and principles of the local schools. God provided for us several "persons of peace" who are interested and excited about the way the Upward league will involve the children. Following the schools we hit a nice new neighborhood for door to door distribution. And in order to thaw out, we went to Tim Horton's coffee shop for a classic hot chocolate and donut.
The landscape of Nova Scotia is breathtaking, even in the snowy cold winter. Lakes are frozen and boulders are covered with white caps. Michael, Dana, Kelly and I went out to the famous Peggy's Cove to see the lighthouse and Nova Scotia's most prized picture spot overlooking the Atlantic. We also enjoyed a nice bowl of Seafood Chowder (Haddock, Lobster, Potatoes).
Tonight we met with a group of volunteers eager to learn how to run the Upward League Manager - the system used for drafting, organizing the league, and other administrative tasks. Basically it was a walk through the computer. Tomorrow we will start early with the same group for coaching and ref training. During the training Pastor Ian received a phone call for a new player registration!
But for now, and after computer training, we are headed out to Tim Horton's coffee shop - I'm ordering a double - double and a chocolate dip.
The landscape of Nova Scotia is breathtaking, even in the snowy cold winter. Lakes are frozen and boulders are covered with white caps. Michael, Dana, Kelly and I went out to the famous Peggy's Cove to see the lighthouse and Nova Scotia's most prized picture spot overlooking the Atlantic. We also enjoyed a nice bowl of Seafood Chowder (Haddock, Lobster, Potatoes).
Tonight we met with a group of volunteers eager to learn how to run the Upward League Manager - the system used for drafting, organizing the league, and other administrative tasks. Basically it was a walk through the computer. Tomorrow we will start early with the same group for coaching and ref training. During the training Pastor Ian received a phone call for a new player registration!
But for now, and after computer training, we are headed out to Tim Horton's coffee shop - I'm ordering a double - double and a chocolate dip.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
O degrees and 20 cm
Arrived today in Halifax Nova Scotia to 0 degrees C (32 F) and 20 cm (8 in) of snow. Travel was good and after claiming luggage we hit the famous Tim Horton's coffee shop for soup, sandwich, and hot chocolate.
During the afternoon we hit the streets of a local neighborhood to distribute the Upward basketball flyers. There is nothing like going door to door bundled up like the Michelin Tire Man and promoting the new basketball league. This community seemed to have a variety of ages represented. We are going to hit some other neighborhoods in the morning as well.
We had some great lobster (5.50 per pound!!) and met for prayer with local church leaders. Praying that God will provide children for the league and that the community would begin to hear and ask questions about the Upward Basketball League. Pastor Ian was interviewd today by the local newspaper for an article to run this weekend promoting the Upward League. This is a praise that Living Hope will be getting some "free" press.
Continue to pray for our leadership training and opportunities to engage people while delivering flyers.
During the afternoon we hit the streets of a local neighborhood to distribute the Upward basketball flyers. There is nothing like going door to door bundled up like the Michelin Tire Man and promoting the new basketball league. This community seemed to have a variety of ages represented. We are going to hit some other neighborhoods in the morning as well.
We had some great lobster (5.50 per pound!!) and met for prayer with local church leaders. Praying that God will provide children for the league and that the community would begin to hear and ask questions about the Upward Basketball League. Pastor Ian was interviewd today by the local newspaper for an article to run this weekend promoting the Upward League. This is a praise that Living Hope will be getting some "free" press.
Continue to pray for our leadership training and opportunities to engage people while delivering flyers.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Brrrr...Nova Scotia
This week I am headed back to Halifax, Nova Scotia to work with my friend Ian McFarlane. Ian is the Pastor of Living Hope Community Church - www.livinghopehalifax.com.
I, along with Michael Curley (our basketball director for Upward), and our spouses, will be training coaches, ref's, and volunteers as part of a continuing partnership in starting an Upward basketball league. Over the summer we were able to help run their first basketball camp and now they are ready to start a league in February 2010. We will also be meeting with members of their church and small groups. This will give us the opportunity to worship with other believers and see how God is working in their community.
We are praying for the families of Halifax to see the great opportunity for their children to play basketball in a league that develops basketball players and Godly character. We are also asking God to reveal to us those in the community who may be seeking Christ and through this sports league will come to know Him as Savior. We would ask that you join us in praying for Ian and Living Hope as they step forward in faith to impact their community through sports.
I, along with Michael Curley (our basketball director for Upward), and our spouses, will be training coaches, ref's, and volunteers as part of a continuing partnership in starting an Upward basketball league. Over the summer we were able to help run their first basketball camp and now they are ready to start a league in February 2010. We will also be meeting with members of their church and small groups. This will give us the opportunity to worship with other believers and see how God is working in their community.
We are praying for the families of Halifax to see the great opportunity for their children to play basketball in a league that develops basketball players and Godly character. We are also asking God to reveal to us those in the community who may be seeking Christ and through this sports league will come to know Him as Savior. We would ask that you join us in praying for Ian and Living Hope as they step forward in faith to impact their community through sports.
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Duke Bound
Dreams do come true! As much as Disney World advertises this and does do a good job of achieving it, I ain't talking about Disney today. I am talking about Duke basketball and Cameron Indoor Stadium - www.goduke.com.
Brendan, my youngest son, was born a Duke fan. And for those of you thinking he got that from me, well, no. It's just his team. And today, he has been provided an opportunity to go see Duke play Clemson. Not only are they playing Clemson, but it is the 70th anniversary of the historical landmark in college basketball and the celebration of their 50th anniversary to the first ACC title won by Duke. It should be a good one in Cameron Indoor today, whether you are a Duke fan or not!
As a sports fan, I'm pumped! As a father getting to watch my son's dream come true, I'm in tears!
So for all it's worth today - GO DUKE.
Brendan, my youngest son, was born a Duke fan. And for those of you thinking he got that from me, well, no. It's just his team. And today, he has been provided an opportunity to go see Duke play Clemson. Not only are they playing Clemson, but it is the 70th anniversary of the historical landmark in college basketball and the celebration of their 50th anniversary to the first ACC title won by Duke. It should be a good one in Cameron Indoor today, whether you are a Duke fan or not!
As a sports fan, I'm pumped! As a father getting to watch my son's dream come true, I'm in tears!
So for all it's worth today - GO DUKE.
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