New Year, same mission

CCA Athletics and Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale have a common calling to go and "make disciples."  Pastor Bob says we have been commissioned to partner with God in leading others to a life of faithfully following in the steps of the Savior Jesus Christ.

How do we do this in athletics?  Read, Pray, Serve.

The Scriptures provide all we need to equip others to walk with God.  As Pastor Bob described this weekend, the Bible shows us the way to live, the how to decide, and the what to think.  The Word of God is our playbook and coaching manual.

Prayer gives us access to the power of the Holy Spirit.  God's Spirit gives us the guidance, wisdom, conviction, and confidence we need to lead and disciple others.  Here's a shot from the post game prayer between CCA and Coral Springs Christian Academy.

Finally, we need to set an example for all believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.  We need to encourage regular interaction with God's family.  And, we need to help those who can't help themselves.  God wants to share His heavenly resources with those who can't help themselves.

2010 brings hope of new opportunity, but reminds us to remain steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58).  See you at the Finish!

Getting personal

Our staff devotion and coaches training this week focused on an intimate and personal relationship with Jesus.  As we celebrate the birth of our Savior by getting together with family and friends, don't forget to spend some "alone time" with Christ the Lord.  This should be a daily discipline, but all too often the worries and events of the day cause us to skip the one thing that will enpower and protect us.

Another suggestion to keep the holy days bright is to focus on others.  If you're a Christian, you already have everything you need.  Try giving the gift of eternal life to every one of your family and friends who has yet to receive Jesus as Lord.  They may not "accept" it, but you should at least offer, hence the word present.

Check out this testimony from the team mom reporting on the middle school boys soccer game:

Neal Sevant scored one goal for CCA against a much older Hillel team. At the end of the game one of the players from the other team wanted to pray with Coach Licata and accepted Christ!

What you may not know is that Hillel is a Hebrew school.  But, coach Licata purposed in his heart to get personal and invited all the players to pray.  Most of them did not, but for the one who did, it will be a Christmas to remember.

Are you ready to get personal?

Outreach 5K Run/Walk 2009

Tha Calvary Chapel Outreach 5K Run/Walk exceeded expectations.  The Oasis HIVAIDS ministry and Calvary Christian Academy Athletics joined together with almost 600 people for an awesome day of fitness, food, and fellowship.  Our goal was to host a 5K run "set apart" from all the rest.  We focused on the ministries at Calvary Chapel and sharing the love of Christ with all the participants.

Steve and Donna Savage were excited to share about their calling to serve those stricken with HIVAIDS and the work being done at the All Saints AIDS Camp in the Bahamas.  Many people stopped by their tent to learn more about the ministry, and one person even offered them the use of their plane to help with travel.

I was able to highlight some of the God-stories that occured in athletics this fall like the fifteen or so players and coaches praying after a football game to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior .  Like the volleyball team who spent time at a convalescent home, the golf team who served at the Refuge, or boys basketball team who distributed food before Thanksgiving with Love Out Loud.  Our discipleship plan is clear, testifying to the gospel of God's grace, serving others, and reconciling those who are seperated from His amazing love.

Thanks to Pastor Bob for allowing us to have the Outreach Run on campus and for making available all of the church's resources and essentially closing down the campus for this one event.  Thanks to Pastor Fidel for opening the race with prayer and for challenging all the runners to remember "why are you running today?"  Thanks to Pastor Chet for going without sleep to fly over from the Bahamas to share his heart and tell us that there is more work to be done over in the Bahamas.  Thanks to Pastor Greg for encouraging all of us to get involved in small groups, especially the FCA Endurance Team.  Thanks to Pastor Billy and Pastor Jorge for "making connections" with the body.

Thanks to David Savatelli and the entire CCA advancement team (especially Karen Bakos and Ceri Usmar) and the scores of CCA parents, teachers, and administrators who volunteered their time and gave generously of their resources to the glory of God (especially Laura, Tami, Kathy, Lisa, Noel, Cindy, Wendy, and Keith for coordinating the volunteers, sponsors, communications, and t-shirts). Thanks to all the CCA sport teams for running and representing Christ "at all times."  To all who ran or walked to support this Outreach, thank you.

Special thanks to John Bunch in the parking ministry for setting up the course, monitoring thr gates, and keeping everyone safe.  To Matt Hickman, Kevin Lotterman, and the facilities team who coordinated all the trucks, tents, tables, toliets, and trash.   To Carolina Wiebe for the incredible course and race day logistics.  And to Gregg Mucerino and his dad, Harry, for their servants heart and for setting up the sound, water stations, and overseeing the food vendors.

Finally, thanks be to God our King for the great weather, for the joy and peace that comes from "running" in the Spirit, and for sending His Son to die on the cross so we might be saved.

I'm already looking forward to next year's Outreach Run.  See you at the Finish!

Christ's provision... for that we're all thankful.

We started the year praying Psalm 90:17, "May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us- yes, establish the works of our hands."  And now as we look back and see all that He has provided, we give thanks.

Christ's provision meets all our needs.  His Word gives us everything we need for life and for godliness.  His Spirit gives us the authority and power to change the world. And, His amazing love never fails to comfort us.

After Friday's regional final football game against American Heritage Delray, we all needed some encouragement.  I received a call from our Certified Athletic Trainer, Cori Thompson, regarding an injury to Greg Mabin.  He seperated his shoulder in the game, but according to the doctor, Cori was able to "pop" it back in place preventing futher damage.  Cori told Mr. Mabin that she felt God had His hand on this team the entire season and this was just another example of His provision.

I'm sure thankful God brought us Cori and has blessed us with His transforming presence this season.  Now it's time to press on, to learn more about Christ and the power He offers, and to continue to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.

Start sharing your story, start conveying your conviction

Last week's challenge was to "hold nothing back that was helpful."  Pastor Bob's teaching this weekend emphasized sharing our story with others and conveying our convictions, and he emphasized starting today.  I received an email this week that concurred with his message and exhorted all of us to be radical, revolutionary, and relentless in sharing our testimony and the truth about eternal life.

Our Head Soccer Coach for the varsity girls, Marcel Bombonato, understands the importance of taking every opportunity to share the gospel.  Here's his report after Monday's match against Coral Springs Charter:

After the game we invited the guest team to a short devotional... at first the coach did not understand why, but after our team mixed with the opposing team, the coach gathered as well. Captain and Senior Meghan Mason led devotional/gospel presentation followed by CCA coach's speech and prayer. The guest school participated in the prayer and some players had an opportunity to fellowship and exchange personal info. Our attitude was the same, whether we won the game or not, we are in Love with Jesus, our race is to win 'more' for him not the final score!

Are you taking every opportunity to share your story and convey your convictions?  Does your team or family know your heart?  Have you told them how God has changed your life?  Have you warned them about the consequences of disobedience?  When was the last time you simply told someone, "Jesus loves you, and He's got a plan for your life?"

Start today!

Hindsight is 20-20 (Acts 20:20)

Hindsight is the recognition of the possibilities of a situation after its occurance.  Too often people see others going in the wrong direction or bordering on disobedience, and they fail to confront them.  Paul says in Acts 20:20,

"I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly."

I challenged all of our coaches to hold nothing back.  If they see selfish behavior, they should correct, rebuke, and encourage the right behavior immediately.  Just as coaches address mistakes on the field as soon as they recognize them, we need to confont spiritual and social shortcomings as soon as we see them. Paul says in Acts 20:27,

"I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God."

Paul understood that everything matters.  Little things turn into bigger things.  We've all experienced that truth in our lives.  Our ministry as leaders, coaches, and parents is to share those experiences with young people so they don't go down the same path.  Our goal is to get them on the right path, so they can experience the blessings of walking in obedience.  In athletics, we tell our players to leave it all on the field.  Are you willing to help our youth understand God's will for their lives?

If you have a testimony about what God is doing through athletics in your life or on the CCA campus, please send it to danar@ccaeagles.org.

Love the LORD your God

Last week a CCA golfer shot the fifth lowest round in the regional finals, but his hopes to advance to the state finals were dashed when he lost in a playoff.  The 6th ranked Eagles (#1 in offense) were defeated by Melborne Central Catholic (ranked 3rd in the state) on senior day.  The volleyball team lost to WA in the district finals.  It was a very emotional week.  How will the teams react? How does one deal with the highs and lows in sports? 

The Bible says to love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and strength and your hope will be restored (Deut. 6:3-4).  Stay focused on what God has called and commanded you to do and you'll turn difficult circumstances into opportunities for growth.

This week is Homecoming. We'll have various activites to heighten school spirit.  We'll honor our football team, cheerleading squad, and alumni at the pep rally.  We'll travel to Benjamin for the volleyball regional quarter finals on Wednesday.  And, we'll play for the 1A district championship on Friday against American Heritage Delray.  But, our focus will remain the same - "making disciples", teaching our athletes that win or lose, we will continue to love and obey with everything we have.