I'll start with the 3v3 tournament - what a blast/challenge it has been planning this. It has driven me to really take action on making connections and bringing in program sponsorships. While no "official checks" have been received, there have been promised partnerships, and overall "buzz" about NorthStar has begun to circulate in the worlds of soccer, corporate, and personal connections. I have had a "meeting" scheduled everyday for the past 3 weeks with people who know people and people who are giving advice, support or a pat of encouragement on the back. The thing I love about all of this is that I have names, faces and stories behind this "program" that I am raising support for. All of the hours put in on and off the soccer field have ignited in me a spark of passion that only continues to grow for these kids and their families.
I have to admit, though, that the "task-driven side" of me has gotten extremely overwhelmed and anxious with everything that is going on. It has been a daily battle...task...necessity to focus on why I am doing what I am doing. Yes, the kids, their families, the opportunity for life-on-life discipleship and investment is HUGE. But the reason behind all of this goodness is Jesus Himself.
I want to make much of Christ...for people to see Him in me and for me to be able to proclaim His initiatives and drive in me. My friend, Mr. Paul (not Paul Neville, though he is my friend too) who works in the Princeton Elementary Cafeteria told me last week that he sees something different in me. "It's like a light, or something. Those kids are attracted to you..." Jesus, may he see you as the light. May the children be attracted to you in me.
"I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining." - 1 John 1:8
My task has been and will be over the coming weeks and months to generate print-based material to recruit program sponsors. This money will be used to sponsor the soccer program. The soccer program will be open to returning and new kids. These kids will get exposure to the Gospel through the words and life-example of the coaches. The Gospel will take root in the kids, who will become young disciples of our King. These disciples will go into their homes and share the Good News with their families. These families will be changed by the light in their children. The community of and around NorthStar will be cross-centered and cross-driven to live and give and serve to MAKE MUCH OF CHRIST...poor or rich according to standards in this world, they all will become eternally rich because of their new-found hope in Christ. This is my vision, and I believe God's heart, for the impact of the NorthStar Soccer Club.
Lord, lead me, Paul and those working behind the scenes and at the front lines of NorthStar to MAKE MUCH OF YOU. Make us less and weak so that you may be great and our strength. May we look back on this time, Fall 2009 and the coming days, and say "Only the Lord could have made these things happen." Im excited to be a part of this awesome plan.
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