What an exciting day!!!!!!
The second half of the coaches' seminar began at 9:00AM this morning (9:50AT-Africa Time). Jon(athan) developed his seminar within two general topics. The first was his theory of periodization in the coaching of track & field (ask him if you want more information) and the second was the importance of the "total athlete." Read: Emphasis on glorifying God through sport. Ralph, Tim, and Sarah also added input to this section. They shared how God has impacted the way they compete, highlighting the importance of not separating spiritual lives from athleteic lives, and finally sharing the Gospel with the nineteen coaches in attendance.
After the Q&A section was complete Silas asked the coaches to fill out comment cards on the seminar. Twelve responded. One was already a Christian. EIGHT accepted Christ TODAY! WHOOOOOHOOOO! We are excited. What an impact these men and women could have on their country. The leaders of the second most popular sport in Cameroon assembeled at the Athletics Federation today, heard the Word of God, and responded enthusiastically! Many were interested in attending weekly Bible studies with Silas -- some indicating that they would like them to start "as soon as possible." We can't wait to see how God uses these "entraîneurs" to impact this great country. At the end of the meeting a TV reporter showed up and the footage we took will be broadcast on cable and satellite all over Cameroon and will even be able to be picked up outside of country. What an incredible audience provided for us by God. Woot!
Afterwards we went to Bible study with Silas' AIA disciples. We continued our discussion of Philippians that we began the week before and those of us from the US were so encouraged by the way the Holy Spirit works internationally. As Jon put it at the end of our discussion, "The truth is the truth here, just as it is back home." In a room where two languages were spoken, two completely different cultural backgrounds, many different tiers of education and economic standing, (a cornucopia of love), you get the picture...we met on equal ground to consider the way we are called to respond to persecution and how God meets us there and if we rely on Him His good purpose will be accomplished. It's hard to replicate the emotion in that moment but the end of the meeting might give you a good picture. All stood and sang (in his/her own language) "How Great Thou Art" and then raised their voices in prayer for the Bible study, thanking God for His Word and asking for His protection over everyone who participated that day. Glorious! :)
Upcoming Events: *Learning how to make foofoo with Comfort (Silas' Lovely Wife)*2 Radio and 1 TV Appearance(s)*Dinners with various members of the athletic federation*
Side Note: Unfortunately the Cameroon National Meet has been postponed until after we leave so we will not have the opportunity to compete while we are here. Fortunately since receiving this (unfortunate) news God has provided other outlets for spreading the word about AIA in country, such as more radio and TV interviews.
Weather Update for the Grown Folks by Jonathan W. Patton: Well, it was overcast [today]. Temperatures in the mid-80s. Light breeze across the city. We were glad we had our sunblock.
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