Sports Ambassadors Australia

If you know someone that would like to be involved or you would like to get updates about the trip please go to our website philippines2018.wordpress.com and enter your email address then select follow at the bottom of the first page.

Thanks Greg Beacham.

Sports Ambassadors Australia Changing lives one village at a time

Well it is probably time to dust of this Facebook account again as we are looking to do another trip to the Philippines but this time with a group of year 11 students. The trip will take place in January 2018. If anyone who has been on previous trips would like to support the trip by being a prayer partner or financially giving so we can do some feeding programs please let me know. Thanks

Greg Beacham.

Due to a late night and no Internet access up in the mountains, we’ve decided to combine three days worth of blogs into one. It’s going be a long one…

Our Saturday morning game was unfortunately cancelled due to the tragic death of someone in our opponents’ home town. We also bade “tata” to TaTa – our Filipino import for our Dumaguete game. Due to the game cancellation, we had a morning of R&R before our evening game in Bais city. This time we had to be taken on motorbikes as the muddy-bumpy road to the court was not accessible by our mini-bus. Moreover, the court was equally muddy and bumpy, and defensive slides became the natural order of the night. Hence, the game was more exhibitive than competitive in nature. Furthermore, we were blessed with a certificate of appreciation by the local church and Jai was almost roped into an arranged marriage. While walking back to our vehicle, a few of us witnessed a comet with a bright red-yellow tail. Mike, Andrew and Tim shared the moment by hugging each other – it was Andrew’s birthday by the way, which we celebrated back at the hotel after dinner. Even the ride back from Bais to Dumaguete was eventful with everyone making wise cracks that were cat-related. It was all sparked off by Greg’s recall of how he fed his students cat-food many moons ago (Fletcher was one of those students).

After breakfast the following day (Sunday), we headed off to the mountains. However, since Fletcher was unwell, Andrew stayed behind with him, and they both joined us in the evening. Prior to lunch, we visited the AOG church at La Libertad where Ps Gary preached and Carl got toshare his testimony. This was followed by a sumptuous lunch – minus a dodgy chef’s special pasta – at the Lalimar Beach Resort. Unfortunately, the toilet that Dave clogged up two days ago was still out of order. Due to an equally heavy consumption of coke (the drink, I mean), Jai went ‘higher’ than the mountains, such that a monetary incentive was given to Jai to take on the persona of a librarian. When we arrived at Cabacungan, we then checked in at a mansion with the volcano views. After a quick check-in, we made our way to a children’s home run by Ikthus Church. It was a heart-wrenching, gut-checking tour of the squalid conditions of the home. Yet, the children were smiling and happily playing in the dirt. Contentment is great gain! Even though we came bearing gifts for the kids, it was we who received the gift of the glimpse of Jesus in the people there (Matt 25). Next, we paid a visit to Ikthus Church where Andrew got to share his testimony and Tim preached. This was followed by an efficient food-packing exercise with the local congregation before heading to bed.

Monday morning saw us paying a courtesy visit to the mayor of Canalon. The mayor was modest when he said that his tallest player was 5ft 10’. What he didn’t tell us was that his players could jump high (one even blocked Greg) and had a three-point shooting percentage of at least 85%. No prizes for guessing who won that game – it was the Canalon team. Still, we managed a testimony from Mike and collected some tract responses (thanks to Bek). In addition, we handed out food parcels packed the night before to the people. After lunch, we had a brief devotion led by Tim based on Matt 25. Later, we were whisked off to the market place for our finalgame. The game didn’t happen as it was bucketing. Still, we managed some tract response collection.

ummm...its been 5 days dudes...are u ok?

We welcome the arrival of Bek, Kim, Cassie and Andrew to Dumaguete! It was a quick brekky at MacDonald's and then off to the prison. Playing with the inmates was a fun-filled experience and we won that game quite comfortably. In addition, we handed out tracts and Christian literature, and Tim got to share a short testimony.

Lunch was at Robinsons Mall with some time for shopping after. Next, we had a short break before being paraded like super-stars around the city of Dumaguete (we had the same experience in Guihulgan as well) before the game. This was our toughest game as we lost by a mere one point to the Dumaguete team last year. Surprisingly, we led by ten points in the first quarter, and that was when the opponents started roughing us up. Ironically, they played more like convicts than the inmates that we played in the morning. Almost everyone had a taste of being banged up - the worst being Andrew who took an elbow to the right side of his face. Even Jai wasn't spared with one of the opponents trying to pull his shorts down. Tsk tsk. Unfortunately, in the last quarter the Dumaguete team caught up and was leading as much as five points. With such a tense game, it was surprising that the crowd didn't get involved - only Tim was cheering off the bench! Then with some tough defence and strong offence, sports ambassadors managed to pull ahead by one point before the buzzer. It was a win and we would like to dedicate the victory to Giles Creelman. We closed the day with chicken on a stick and Fletch led us in devotions. Fletch talked about God's eternal forgiveness based on Matthew 18.

We bid farewell to Steve and Hedley this morning (looks like Dave has lost his 1.5l ice cream buddy; at least Carl still has Jai). With Greg down with diarrhoea, we were down to six men. Our illustrious director led the morning devotions with Joshua 1-3 and encouraged us to 'step up'. And by the grace of God, we did!

It was our first morning win at La Libertad. Fortunately, we played against their B-team as their A-team was resting for a night game. It was a challenge to collect tract responses with only six men, but with some 'extra' time between quarters, we managed. Fletcher shared his testimony and the vice mayor kindly hosted us to wood-fire pizzas, curry-carbonara pasta and a huge fruit platter (Fletcher got his mangoes) at a resort by the sea. This time it was Dave's turn to clog up the CR as a 'out-of-order' sign was placed outside the toilet after his use. Since the vice mayor catered for fifteen people, he got the resort staff to warm up the excess food for us after our afternoon game at Guihulgan.

We had butterflies in our stomachs as we were under-manned and we had to play the top team at Guihulgan. To add to the pressure, the mayor paraded us through the town... However, by some miraculous ball-playing we scored 30 points in the first quarter and eventually won the game. Mike shared his testimony and we had managed to get a tract collection system going with only six guys by then. It was pizza time en-route to Tanjay to pick up Greg and our luggages, and then making our way to Dumaguete. The night ended with meal at Macus:)

Tim led the morning devotions with the reading of Romans 8:32 and the old hymn "My Jesus I love Thee" on Greg's iPhone (Mike's Samsung Tablet failed to deliver). We were then whisked off to Tayasan to meet the mayor and play against the local team. After a close fight, we lost to them as a result of turnovers in the last quarter. It seems that we only lose in the morning and win in the afternoons/nights. In spite of the lost, we received 164 contact slips and Tim shared a very brief testimony. Praise be to God! Please pray for effective follow-up.

This was followed by lunch where Jai, for the sake of 500 pesos, ate a chilli - it wasn't a pretty sight. We then spent the afternoon eating fresh bread from a local bakery while Fletcher, Jai and Carl went on a pedicab ride. A pedicab can sit about 3-4 Filipinos or about 1 Fletcher. Next, we headed up to Jimalalud to meet the mayor and play the local team. While exchanging pleasantries, a couple of the boys headed to the municipal toilet for a no. 2. Unfortunately, our Asian sensation, Tim clogged it up:(

While waiting for the Jimalalud team to show, we started our ministry of tract distribution with Dave sharing his testimony. It was a pity that our opponents arrived late and in small numbers. Hence, it was an easy win, with the opposing side giving up out of exhaustion and discouragement. Still, not to let the crowd down, Fletcher delivered his dunks - including one reverse! In addition, since we were the first foreign team to play in Jimalalud, the mayor treated us to dinner - and this time we had pig on a stick!

This is Hedley and Steve's last night with us as they head home to attend Felicity's (Hedley's sister) wedding. Please pray for traveling mercies for them and for the rest of the team to hold up until their replacement arrives.

An interesting start to the morning... told to leave 30 minutes before the scheduled time, arriving at Bindoy after an hour's drive, only to drive back because of a rain-induced postponement. Still, the guys had fun at a tag-team league of subway surfer on the iPads, with Greg's team winning the tricky hat first. Unfortunately, our Dave got addicted to the game and kept at it till 10pm. Please pray for Dave!

Thus, we all had a rest in the morning before heading up north to Ayungon city to meet the mayor before the game. At the mayor's office, we exchanged pleasantries and the mayor commented that he doesn't play basketball - only tennis (Tim smiled). The meeting ended with Hedley praying for the mayor and the upcoming elections - no pressure, Heds. Next, we headed to the half-constructed indoor basketball stadium with the 11-foot rims. We came away with Fletcher's testimony, the win and a record-breaking 291 tract responses. After a quick photo session with the fans, we had to speed off to our rain-delayed game at Bindoy.

The spectators were large in numbers, and so were the opponents! It was probably the most exciting game we had so far with the home crowd cheering for the visiting team...go figure? It was Mike's night with him burning the opposition within the first 2 minutes of the game and his testimony at the half. Moreover, it was also Tim's first night on the scoreboard. In the last quarter, the crowd broke into a frenzy when Fletcher made 2.5 dunks! After that, it was just paparazzi flashes of camera with the locals.

When the team got back, Steve and Dave led us in devotions, reminding us of the importance of humility. Realistically, the fact that we can play basketball is a gift of God's grace. And when we play, it's a response to that gift - i.e. worship. Greg then closed the session by encouraging each team member.

Started the morning with breakfast cereal and the usual team devotions. We then made headway to Manjuyod for our second game. The Manjuyod team was leading at the start of the first quarter by firing three's as though there were mid-range open jumpers. Our ambassadors fought hard and tied the game by the end of the first quarter. We then led for most of the second and third quarter, until Fletcher took a hit in the lip and drew blood; and had to sit out for most of the game. Although Greg's comeback off the injury list was a morale booster, the opponents sealed their win with another barrage of three's again - namely from the town's police chief (wonder whether he's equally accurate with a gun). Though defeated, we managed to collect 145 contact slips from the crowd and Hedley got to share his testimony. Praise God!

We were then whisked off to have lunch with the opposing team, hosted by the mayor's brother. After a delicious lunch (with braised pork to die for), we made our way back to Tanjay to rest; while Pastor Gary and Greg took Fletcher to Dumaguete to get his lip fixed. Back at the hotel, the boys decided to resume their diving exhibitions which began yesterday at the pool - namely Steve's back flop (aptly termed as 'scuba dive') and Mike's tsunami drop. Photos are available on this website.

Game three. It was an interesting one in a remote place with 11 foot rims and a smallish and speedy team of opponents. Still, we came out victorious with Jai Sweet Chilli Beacham shooting three's like the basket is only 8 foot tall. Moreover, Steve got to share his testimony and we continued handing out tracts and collected 70 contact slips.

Started the day at the "Australian Embassy" (aka MacDonald's) in Dumaguete. They served the usual menu with some local fusion - rice with sausage and egg! Fletcher was more on key this morning after using the senior citizen's aisle at the "Hypermart" two nights ago and the ladies customs aisle at the airport yesterday...

This was followed by a vibrant church service at The Lord's Church (TLC - tender loving care) where the presence of the Lord was felt during the singing. Carl got to share a little bit of his testimony and Tim preached on the prodigal son. After the service, we were whisked off to Tanjay city with chicken on a stick enroute.
Just got back from our first game in Bais city against the local team AAA. The scoreline was 74-68 in our favour and we had 184 contacts from the tract distribution. The team played well with Fletcher dunking twice and our rookie sensation, Carl, firing on all cylinders. Our youngest team member, Jai, put up a couple of shots as well. Well done, Sports Ambassadors! And now we're all warming down in preparation of the next two matches tomorrow. Stay tuned!

The morning was greeted by a wholesome breakfast of eggs, toast and fruit. Yumm... The team had a good sleep after late-night shopping on the 1st night coupled with dangerous road-crossing by Fletcher, Cassie, Jai and Tim. We had the opportunity to tour the orphanage and the upcoming Christian school. The former being the highlight in light of Jesus' words in Matthew 25 and Genesis 1 which allude to the fact that everyone is made in God's image. Kudos to the Kids International Ministry!

This was followed by an early lunch at 10.30am and a ride to the airport to catch a flight to Dumaguete - the city of gentle people. Unfortunately, we left some speaker stands on the van when we got to the airport. Looks like some guys may have to hold up the speakers - hey, that what's subs on the bench do. Hence, the term "sub-woofers". Since we were early for our flight, the team spoiled themselves with cinnabons and massages. The flight to Dumaguete was interesting too with the air stewardess getting the crowd involved with a game and prizes.

When we landed, the team was warmly received by Ps Gary "The Weapon" Visitacion who took us to our accommodation - the Tip Top Towers - no relation to the bread company though (or dough). The evening culminated with a 'chicken on a stick' dinner. Our dinner was also graced with the presence of Ps James, Ps Uly and his wife. Team leader Greg presented them with NIV (Nearly Infallible Version) study bibles signed by the team.

We are now back to our accommodation counting tracts and booklets, and winding down for our 1st game tomorrow!

Photos will soon be uploaded on the photo section of this website. Watch the space!

Blessings

The team took off from Perth at 2.30am - a seriously red-eye flight that was chockers. We were blessed by a small send-off party at the dome cafe at the airport comprising of family and friends. Customs was pretty smooth apart from Hedley being 'randomly' selected for an x-ray scan (pics will be posted shortly - fingers-crossed); and Fletcher had to chuck his toiletries. They were confiscated for the fear that his "Banana Boat" sunscreen may be used as a bomb. We transited at Kuala Lumpur airport where the most of us made a bee-line to Starbucks for a caffeine fix - come on, Perth! Bring in Starbucks!

The flight from Kuala Lumpur to Manila was more relaxing as there were lots of empty seats for the boys to stretch their long legs. Tim had a rude wake-up call when he fell asleep while holding a cup of water on the plane...go figure. Once we arrived in Manila, we got onto a bus that was piloted by a skilled driver (named Adore - jokes aside) who weaved his way in and out of Manila traffic - it sure beats some of the rides at Universal Studios!

We just had a sumptuous dinner of lasagne, garlic bread and salad at the Youth Ministry Centre at Antipolo. Please pray for Dave's roommates tonight as the former had loads of ranch garlic dressing on his salad...

Feel free to post any comments in light of Ephesians 4:29 - basically something to encourage and edify the team (jokes would be good too!)

Blessings in Christ.