Discipleship

I sometimes get intimidated to update my blog because I feel like I need to do an update on everything that has happened since the last blog.  And now, since it has been over a month since I wrote last, it seemed even more overwhelming.  However, I've gotten over it and am just going to write about a new project that has began.  Also, I am going to include an email from an American coach who played against our team recently.  I know I'm not supposed to brag... but its not bragging if someone else does it right?

Discipleship Project:  Even though I coach 4 teams, I spend the most time investing in our varsity team.  They have practice 3 days a week, English class 2 nights a week and games one or two days a week.  So, I've felt like I could not add another commitment of a bible study to their schedule.  This year, we've developed a 3-strike policy for the varsity team.  For every subject that they fail during the year, it's a strike. This also includes their English class they are taking.  And just like baseball, 3 strikes- you're out. Off the team. No states trip. No more varsity.  Some people suggested that I have some sort of redemption system that they can get back on the team.  Even though my immediate reaction a was NO WAY, I have developed an excellent alternative.

Deportistas para Dios (Athletes for God)
This program is a three phase or  "strike" program.  For each strike, they must complete a list of activities.  Phase or strike one includes reading the New Testament, Purpose Driven Life and selecting 5 books from a list of books such as Every Young Woman's Battle, Captivating, Radical, etc.  Strikes 2 and 3 contain similar activities as well as memorization of scripture and finding a mentor.   Once they complete the activities involved in each phase, it will take away an existing strike or give them a "bonus" strike that they can use if they ever get a strike.  If they complete all three strikes, they will receive a $100 shopping spree when they come to the states.  I wasn't sure how they were going to respond when I told them about the program because they already have a lot on their plates.  However, they were SO EXCITED! At that practice, they asked, "can we start this today!?"  and they ALL came over to my house after practice to start "checking out" books.  It's been so fun watching them read their books and talk about them with each other.  These books offer such great teaching for these teenage girls who don't recieve ANY type of guidance when it comes to boys.  Most parents decide the best way of teaching about boys is that all are bad and its bad to even think of liking one. I find it just leaves my girls confused and without proper guidance.  Thus, these books will help give them great in depth teaching on these life changing issues.  I'm so excited for this program.  Our goal would be to do it for our other teams as well if it continues to work well with varsity.  Keep praying!

Just a little letter about Varsity from an American coach in Santiago... 


Hey Jess,
I wanted to say Thanks for bringing your team down to play yesterday. I think it was exactly what our girls needed to see and although we didn't give you the competition that you would like, I think this match alone will have a strengthening affect on our girls longer term.

Please pass along my compliments to your team. The abilities of your setter are just beautiful. The fact that you can get consistent hard driven offense says something about your consistent passing, the strength of your setter and the versatility of your hitters. I can honestly say that I have not seen a team in this country with the level of skill that you brought yesterday - and it brings great joy to see the talent exists. 



So that's about it.  God is working and the girls practices are paying off!!! We are working on a way to donate money online for the states trip.  COMING SOON!