Spain Soccer Tour Part 2

Hey everyone, well the Spain Soccer Tour has finished up as of yesterday, and it was an amazing 10 days.  The team consisted of 17 players from Canada, Trinidad and Tobego, Mexico, U.S.A and the majority from England.  It was an amazing time, as we played matches at a drug rehab center, had tournaments at the prison on two different days, and had matches against some local semi-professional clubs.  It was amazing how God worked not only in the hearts of the people we played against, but also in the various players lives.  Throughout the week, we stayed at a local businessman's home who has built an addition onto his house for missionaries passing through.  For the tour I was the worship leader, which was a really enjoyable expereince for me, as I had many opportunities to share with the players.  As the week progressed and the various activities took place, I was exercised not only physically through sport, but spiritually, as we interacted and shared with many non-Christian soccer players.  However, throughout the week the most impacting moment was going into the prison to play.  For me it was quite a new experience, as I have been waiting on paperwork, and therefore it was my first visit to prison.  Entering into the prison, and walking through all the high security is a very different feeling.  Walking through metal detectors, passing through the various security check points with my soccer shoes in hand, gave it a somewhat surreal feeling....  We went in a played several matches against the prisoners competing with them, yet building relationship at the same time.  Through this all, we were able to give testimonies after the games and share with the prisoners the love of Jesus.    The fact is with stereotypes already established compliments of Hollywood and the latest T.V series Prison break, going into prison was very eyeopening.  Although many of the stereotypes you envision are visible in some form or another, at the same time there are dynamics you witness that our stereotypes tend to pass by.  Going into a prison to play soccer, many would probably figure it would be in the best interest of those going in to were extra large shinpads, and to expect that after a solid tackle, you may get punched as soon as the recipient as time to get up.  However we met all sorts of very diverse people, who weren't scary, but actually very kind on and off the field.  People, who are serving time for mistakes they may have made in the past, and others who are there unjustly due to the speed at which the Spanish Government operates.  But no matter where they come from or where they are the need for Christ remains.  The tour went great, and throughout the tour we were able to plant seeds, which was the most important thing.  Despite the fact that some of the ground may have been harder than others, that's not for us to worry about, God takes care of that.  Whether in Spain or Canada, we are all called to plant seeds, and plant them faithfully.  Only God knows the true state of the ground in which they fall, and He can make the hardest soil fertile.  Thanks for your prayers and support.

Love ya all

Spain Soccer Tour

Hey everyone, I just have a chance to write you a short message here right now, so I am going to take it. We have kicked off our Spain Soccer Tour as of Saturday. All the guys have arrived, and we are playing lots. Yesterday we went and played a few matches at a drug rehabilitation center, where we played and then had a message after. It was really great to spend time with the guys there as many of them had just recently checked into the center. Today we went to training and there were some guys already playing, so we joined up wtih them and we were able to share a bit. The tour is just getting going, and I have a slight injury. Your prayers are much appreciated. Sorry this is short, but I will post another message to let you know how things went, as we have many matches to play, and a busy week ahead of us.
Love you all, Miss ya,
Matt

Pictures

Me at the Int. Office

Processionals During Semana Santa

A Cathedral in Granada