Sports Beyond - Spain

Sorry it has been so long since the last post…the internet time has been limited this week.  The sun never came out this week, so our numbers were down a bit.  However, there was still great enthusiasm and good competition all around.  We were able to introduce Jesus to the campers and as we closed camp today about 8 of them came to pray with us in the circle.  This was truly amazing!  God has used us to make an impact on some of the kids and tomorrow we will hike and spend the day with a few of them in hopes of having deeper conversations.  Though it was great to teach basketball, it is much more rewarding to help spread the name of Jesus throughout communities who are lacking in faith.

Hola!  The rain has been extremely prevelant over the past few days.  The storms have been crazy to say the least.  Unfortunately we had to cancel the hip hop concert on Saturday and Monday´s weather allowed us to play for under an hour.  However, today we were right back on track.  The numbers have died down this week - I think because of the weather.  Nevertheless we are getting closer and closer to a few of the older kids and we are hoping to go camping with them on Saturday.  It is here that we will have an opportunity to talk to them about Christianity.  Due to the fact that the camp is sponsored by the city of Banyoles we cannot speak about Jesus.  So it is extremely important that we glorify Him trough our actions and words.  This past weekend we were invited into the home of one of the kids for a BBQ and another´s for video games.  Needless to say we are having a blast and are excited about the upcoming opportunities.  This week we will give away the Marvin Williams jersey to a camper who exemplifies character, passion and skill.  We´re looking forward to this week and keep praying for us!

Another day of camp down and the atmosphere in the city is very energetic.  Jonathan Banegas told us today that while at city hall he received word from multiple people that they are very thankful for what we are doing on the basketball court for the children and teenagers in the community.  This is a blessing for sure, because it re-assures us that things are great.  The numbers were a little down with the older kids today as Friday nights in Spain are packed with events.  We are hoping and praying that tomorrow the masses will come out as the hip hop group Praxis will perform a concert.  They are considered one of Spain´s biggest musical groups and they are Christians.

After two days of rain it was nice to finally get some sun! However, Rain or shine the campers are always full of energy and have an excitement to the play the game. The older kids especially already have such a passion for the game and are so excited to learn more. Today we had a one on one tournament to decide who receives one of the signed Marvin Williams shoes. A great kid “David” won and had a big smile when he received it. Adam, Joel, and I are starting to feel the effects of only get a few hours of sleep a night, but our spirits are high as well. we feel blessed to be.

for love and peace, Matthew J

Joel and Matt have failed me…sleeping while they should be writing this blog.  The camp is great!  We have had more and more kids everyday and the word is spreading throughout the surrounding cities that the camp is a success.  The three of us took two 18 year old kids on a 2.5 mile hike through the woods to waterfalls today.  We all experienced paradise in Spain!  I will update again soon ‘ in

Hola! Things here are money. We went for like a 4.5 hr hike into the mountains yesterday. At the end of our path was a waterfall and we jumped off it. We found a snake too, im pretty sure it wasnt poisoness, but i grabbed it by the tail then it reared back to bite and shook its tail like a rattlesnake. Camp is money the kids are having a blast and we are having fun with the young life staff! God bless

Matt

Hola!  It is so good to be back in Spain helping to develop the YoungLife program here in Banyoles.  I have so many friends here and it has been a blessing to spend quality time with them all again.  Today we had the first day of the basketbal camp.  We had a group that was 10-13 year olds and another that was 14-18 year olds.  Last year we had only 20 total campers on day one; however, this year we had 65.  Needless to say it was a success and it will only get better.  With talent spanning from beginners to semi professional players it is difficult to cover the spectrum of athletes with drills.  But we are more concerned at this time that we build a Christian community rather than great players.  I am very excited for the weeks and opportunities to come.  It is 2:15 AM right now…I´m going to bed.

Adam and Joel just after a Big Bob

Sports Beyond is going international, for a couple weeks. Sports Beyond has been asked to help with an Second Annual Street Basketball Clinics in Spain June and July 2009. Adam Shildmyer, Joel Ryman and Matt Coombe are in Cataluyna, Spain to assist Young Life Cataluynain the efforts to build relationships and coach young people basketball. Plans are in the works to invite students to visit the US and learn basketball and English next summer.

If you wish to help financially, checks can be mailed to Sports Beyond, PO Box 1571, Silverdale, WA 98383 or use the Paypal link on the website.