Since returning from the trip I've spent time looking at pictures, video clips, emails and processing what God has done. I'm humbled by His grace and goodness. He brought together a highly qualified team four weeks from departure. Then three weeks from leaving, changed the location from Merida Mexico to Tegucigalpa Honduras. The partnership beween the Honduran Olympic Committee, the Physical Education Department of the Universidad Pedagogica Nacional (UPN) and Athletes in Action/Campus Crusade for Christ was taken to a higher level of commitment. The four day sports medicine / strength & conditioning conference included such topics as Emergency Planning, Nutrition, Plyometrics, Thermoregulation and Hydration, Core Strength, and Ankle Injuries to name a few. Approximately 150 doctors, phyisotherapists, coaches, university professors and students attended. We shared testimonies, a motivational talk and the Gospel. Thirty five people indecated that they prayed to rerceive Jesus Christ. Thirty nine people are interested in being involved with the AIA ministry. As a result, a Bible study will be started at the university. We stayed at the Olympic Training Center hotel where we had the opportunity to evaluate several athletes injuries and provide rehab ideas. The team of Helen, Shalimar, Joe and Josh did a great job. I was amazed at how quickly friendships were developed. It was an emotionally moving time as our friends expressed appreciation to us for coming. Plans are already in the works to come back and develop a long term partnership! Local TV and radio interviews were also given.
After taking a four hour bus ride back to San Pedro Sula to fly home, we had the opportunity to have a dinner meeting with the top sports officials from the area. The Sports Confederation works with 60,000 young athletes from a variety of sports. They not only want us to do sports performance clinics but also teach Christian values and morals to their coaches and athletes. The Basketball Federation wants us to also send a basketball team to play games and do clinics. It is exciting the doors that this one trip to Honduras has opened up! My faith and trust in God has grown even deeper. Each team member grew personally and spiritually. My understanding of Proverbs 16:9 "The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps", has taken on a deeper reality and meaning that I didn't have before this trip to Honduras. - Jim