Friday represents the beginning of the end of the FFC New York outreach. The team split, some remaining back at the hotel for devotions while others trekked to the last competition in which FFC members competed. These were the 5 and 10k cross country races at the famed track at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. Mike Bell (West End FFC), new friends Christine Murray and Davey Paden (Northern Ireland) ran the courses. Christine brought home the GOLD!
The Canadian and Northern Ireland FFC reps departed New York today. Most will remain through Monday. A small contingent travelled to Queens to participate in a youth service at Christ Tabernacle Church. It was a dynamic night of worship and preaching which saw several young people come to Christ. It is so encouraging to see young believers rise up in the middle of New York City who desire genuine fellowship and a deep relationship with Jesus.
The remainder of the the trip will be a little sight-seeing, continued fellowship and engagement in new and established relationships. Closing ceremonies are Sunday.
Thank you again for your continued prayers and support.
Mike Bell, Christine Murray and Davey Paden cool down after their run through Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx in the cross country event.
Will have to keep Day 8 a bit short due to the wee hour (Irish for late) of the night. A great day in NYC for both competition and ministry.
Manitoba, Canada FFC member Russ Reimer led the devotion relating a compelling story of the cost of obedience from his own life. So passionate about loving and serving the Lord Jesus, Russ described a journey that has taken him from the heights of the marketplace to the drudgery of a job pumping manure on a farm in Canada then back to business success. The key thread throughout the story was obedience without an expectation of an explanation from the Lord.
We were also encouraged by a report from Ross McClean of Northern Ireland who had made contact with his boxing opponent. They spent time together in a less violent location and found out they are both believers. The man is a firefighter in Kansas City who plans to compete in Northern Ireland in 2013. He and Ross will keep in touch and perhaps combine to use boxing as a means of outreach during those games.
Out at the track on at Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island FFC members Paul Steusel, John White and Ross McClean all earned medals in track and field events. Paul a silver in the hammer throw. Ross and John golds in both the shot put and the hammer. Connections with long time competitors as well as new friends were made all week at the track. An example was during John’s hammer throw he erred on his first three attempts so none counted. He had to make a good throw in his last attempt to earn a medal. Several of the competitors were commenting to him expecting him to be upset with the judges or himself over the situation. In contrast John was at peace knowing God was in control and enabling him to exhibit peace in the situation. His last throw was a winner and the crowd around him was elated. Later, many found him off track and spent time with him trading shirts and building relationships. This interaction as well as what Ross experienced in the boxing ring are what FFC’s participation in such events is all about.
The screening of the movie Courageous went very well. Again, a small crowd turned out, but the event ran smoothly and the film was very good. It does not premier in theaters until September 30 so no giveaways. Just a hint....bring tissue. At the end of the film the gospel was presented in a very clear way and many in the audience raised their hands indicating a desire to know Christ. It was a thrilling end to a thrilling day!
One more athletic event on Friday (cross country). Thank you for your support.
Medal winners Paul Steusel, Ross McClean and John White display their hardware with a fellow competitor from Northern Ireland (right) and famed Olympic Gold Medalist Dame Mary Peters who won the pentathlon for Northern Ireland in the 1972 Games in Munich.
The FFC Team gathers outside of the famous Ziegfeld Theater in Manhattan after a screening of the film Courageous. Many in the audience indicated a desire to know Christ after the film.
Day 7 was part recovery from a very busy Tuesday and part elation from a series of medal-winning performances by the FFC team. Devotions were led by Diane Bell (West End FFC). She shared a small highlight from story in Judges 20 where warring factions within the tribes of Israel were to engage in battle with one another. It mentions in verses 15-16 that among the thousands of soldiers assembled by the tribe of Benjamin 700 left-handed men were chosen because of their great skill at slinging stones.
Diane shared that historians speculate that these soldiers may in fact have been severely wounded in previous battles rendering their right arms in effective. They could have chosen to never fight again and return to their homes with honor. Instead they chose to remain in the fight. Thus they overcame adversity, remained loyal to their cause and eventually gained great acclaim for their unique skills in battle. The application being that if we remain steadfast in our devotion to Christ he will help us through various setbacks and enable us to become more capable and effective servants of the Lord than we were before the difficulties began. It is often only through these challenges that we can truly move forward and claim new territory in our walk with the Lord.
These encouraging words carried into the competition as three veteran members of the FFC team came away with medals in their various sports. Jerry White (San Diego) took a silver in the 50 meter free style swim. Paul Steusel completed a grueling 2000 meter indoor rowing heat in less than 8 minutes (a great time) which earned him a silver medal also. The winning time by a Finnish rower was just over 7 minutes, a World Police/Fire Games record for that age bracket. Finally John White flung the discus so well that he defeated his competitor and captured a gold medal at the Randall's Island track and field meet. Another great day at the games for FFC.
Non-competitors attended various events in support of fellow athletes including hardball baseball and a charity basketball game hosted by former NFL star David Tyree.
Thursday FFC in conjunction with Xperience a ministry that uses large events to raise money for various charities will host a special screening of the Christian film Courageous at the Zeigfeld Theater in Manhattan. John White will be speaking at the event. Please pray for a good turn out and a responsive audience to the message of the film and the Gospel as presented by John.
Just a few days left in NYC. Some more competition and outreach and a constant interaction among FFC members and fellow participants (as well as "random" New Yorkers) are on tap. Thank you for your continued prayers.
Paul Steusel grinds his way through the indoor rowing event on his way to a hard earned silver medal.
This day was a wonderful marathon of traversing the city, battling New York traffic and transit systems getting to and from sporting venues then back to the Convention Center for our major event.
It began with Paul Steusel and Victor Laveaga making their way to Randall's Island the home of the FDNY's Training Center to compete in the javelin throw. Paul and Vic both threw personal bests finishing 5th and 4th in their classes respectively. Jerry White commuted with a rooting contingent to Lehman College in the Bronx to the swim meet where he captured FFC's first two medals of the games and they were glittering golds! He bested the field in the breast stroke and butterfly events.
With little time to celebrate everyone scampered back to midtown, snagged a slice of pizza or a hot dog and made their way to the Javitz Convention Center for the Pro Athlete's In the Line of Fire event. Working in conjunction with Athlete's in Action the FFC team provided many services to help make the event run smoothly. These included security for the athletes, staffing the FFC tables, assisting in the "green room", ushering and greeting and handling a variety of logistical tasks including a run to Dunkin Donuts for a "box of joe" (coffee). In spite of a major canvassing and communication effort the turn out for the event was disappointing. But the Lord brought the right people and they heard the great testimonies from these star athlete's, David Tyree (New York Giants football), Stu Grimson (hockey), Andy Petitte (New York Yankees baseball) and Kurt Warner (football quarterback). each one shared stories and testimonies of how their relationship with Christ enabled them to balance the pressures of being professional athlete's (especially in the New York media market), and family men.
Between these athletes, they have a total of 21 kids! Each one is now out of their respective sports and devote most of their time to those growing families. Andy Petitte's wife Laura joined him on stage and spoke of how she and Andy worked together to maintain a sense of normalcy in their home as he competed in the Major Leagues. Kurt Warner and his wife have seven children and he told a story about "getting away" for a date night when the farthest they could go was upstairs to watch a movie and eat popcorn together (sound familiar). The movie they watched was "300" a story about courage and leadership which he used as an effective back drop to talk about heroes. A hero on the football field Warner and the other athlete's made it plainly clear to the attendees that it was their relationship with Christ that kept them centered throughout their careers and gave them hope far beyond the fleeting glory of athletic fame.
Warner concluded with an encouragement to seek Jesus as Lord and Savior and praying for the audience. Counselors set up in rooms outside the hall were available for people to receive one on one prayer and ministry aids. The event was video-taped by Athlete's in Action who plan to use the testimonies through digital communications via websites and social media to share Christ around the world.
Thus, while a small audience was blessed by a tremendous night of testimony, millions more with benefit from the efforts of the event team in the year ahead as the message goes out that Jesus Christ is a real hero and the only one able to save the day for eternity.
The event ended and the work continued with clean-up and reconstruction of the boxing ring that served as the stage. Serving one another and the event until after 11 pm, the FFC team were the first ones in and the last ones out making one more trip (by foot) back into the heart of the city and a well deserved night of rest.
In the morning another day of competition (discus and swimming) and more ministry in the afternoon. Please pray for the next major event, the screening of the Christian film "Courageous" on Thursday night. Thousands of flyers have been handed out, hopefully many will bring their families for this free showing at a very nice theater in New York City's Midtown area.
By now, the team has made new relationships and fostered old ones. Pray that these connections would blossom into opportunities to share Christ and to be his witnesses unto the ends of the earth.
Thank you for your continued support.
Ross McClean (Northern Ireland) celebrates surviving his three round bout. |
Jerry White (San Diego FFC) receives one of his two gold medals in swimming. |
Clint Walbeck (Fresno FFC) won silver in wrestling. Pictured with Victor Laveaga and fellow Fresno Firefighter, Josh Henderson. |
Serving where needed, Kallen Hiebert (Manitoba, Canada FFC) lends a shoulder to Andy Petitte as he climbs out of the boxing ring during the Pro Athlete Event at the Javitz Center. |
How many firefighters does it take to set up a boxing ring.....Joe Lindaman (Los Angeles County FFC) and Frank Costa (FNY FFC) discuss the matter in the neutral corner. |
Victor and Marie Laveaga (Pasadena FFC) pause for a moment while cleaning up after the event. |
The first full day of competition in the wake of Irene brought an absolutely glorious day in New York City. Clear skies, low humidity and temps in the 70's. Stunning!
Victor lead us in an early devotion reminiscing us that even Jesus was dependent upon the Father for spiritual nourishment. Quoting Ephesians 5 as Paul describes the relationship between husband and wife as a symbol of that which is found between Christ and his bride the church, Victor keyed on that aspect of the flow of nourishment and cherishing or caring flowing from God through Christ to his church and each one of his followers.
It is only when we understand this dynamic, lay down our efforts, abide in Christ (John 15:5) that we can expect to see lasting fruit in our lives. Like a brooding eagle provides everything to sustain her hatchlings, so God does likewise for those who trust in him.
Coming to that place where we freely admit our utter dependence on God's provision and submit fully to that reality in outlives will we discover the fulness he intends for us in Christ. (Col. 2:8-10). With his wife Marie at his side Victor explained that they have witnessed this everyday in their home as they have raised a special needs child, their beautiful 23-year old daughter Christina.
"She cannot do anything for herself," Victor said. "Neither can we in a spiritual sense." Using Psalm 23 in a different context than what we usually think, Victor pointed out that God prepares that table for us in the presence of our enemies...that's here and now, everyday. It's not a thought that should only be considered at funerals! Returning to Ephesians 5 and the objective of the relationship between Christ and his bride, to develop and present us holy and blameless before his Father. And that he is doing and will continue to as we abide in him everyday.
This was a good word as the team gathered later at the Javittz Center for a walk through of the Pro Athlete Night which led to a spontaneous prayer meeting int he large room where the gathering will be held Tuesday night. An impromptu set up in the busy Athlete Village allowed us to personally interact with many participants making up for the ground we lost to Irene in the EXPO. Hundreds were contacted and made aware of both our outreach events. Many indicated a desire to attend. Please pray that they will in fact respond to that tug in their heart and make their way to one or both of the events planned for this week.
The FFC Team then donned their competitive garb and got into the action. Mike Bell and Victor Laveaga competed in the indoor rowing. The Grand Master A (50-54 age category) was the largest field in the competition. While not making the qualifying cut both Victor and Mike made strong showings cheered on by their teammates and spectators from around the world. Northern Ireland firefighter Ross McClean fulfilling a commitment he made to some youth back home jumped in the ring and endured a grueling three-round heavyweight boxing match. Ross knew going in, this morning's devotion was his to claim as he also endured an all-day registration debacle leading up to the match. Once in the ring at nearly 11:00 pm Ross held his own taking his more skilled opponent the entire three rounds. While the decision did not go his way Ross was clearly a champ by following through on that commitment and making he winner work extra hard for his victory.
Next up swimming (Jerry White) and javelin (Paul Steusel and Victor Laveaga). Pray for them to perform their best and for opportunities to honor the Lord among their fellow athletes.
Tuesday night is our big event. All the athletes who are speaking have safely arrived in NYC (an answer to prayer with Irene looming). Many details need to come together for this event which must be run on a small budget and short staff due to the prohibitive costs of hiring Convention Center crews. Mainly pray for good attendance and ultimately many decisions to receive Christ as Lord and Savior.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
Victor Laveaga competes in the 2000 meter indoor rowing competition as Joe Lindaman provides encouragement. |
Ross McClean lands a blow during his heavyweight boxing match. |
Victor Laveaga competed in the javelin competition placing 4th.
Ross McClean from Northern Ireland fought a great match last night.
Thanks for your prayers. Irene caused little damage in New York City and was mostly out of town by 9 am. There was flooding and power outages in many other areas but the City came through relatively unscathed. The preparation and interaction between agencies was quite impressive. Our hotel made several announcements concerning precautionary measures.
In the end it was just that precautionary. But it was handled well by the officials thus impacts were minimal in terms of damage and injuries. That the city was virtually shut down for two days no doubt impacted the local economy and has certainly put a dent in the World Police Fire Games. It did make moving about the city by car fairly easy so the group took advantage of that both Saturday and today to take in some of the City sights including Ground Zero.
Looks like competition will finally get started on Monday and most of the events FFC members signed up for will be rescheduled.
Event the church's were closed to day so the group turned room 2357 into a sanctuary and held a two-hour prayer and worship meeting. Joe Lindaman shared from Mark 5 about the man healed of demon possession near the Sea of Galilee which resulted in a herd of pigs drowning in the water upsetting the locals and requiring Jesus to leave the area. Before doing so he instructed the healed man to tell people what had happened and who and healed him. Later in Mark 8 Jesus is in the same vicinity where he and the disciples end up feeding the four thousand. The unanswered question is, "where did these people come from and why would they want to hear what Jesus had to say/". The answer, most likely is because the healed man did what Christ said and told people about him. That's what this outreach is about. We do our part and tell people about Christ and invite them to hear what he has to say, he then draws them to himself and changes lives with the Gospel message of love and hope. We don't need to travel to New York to do that. Just "show up" where we are and the Lord will use us for his purposes in the lives of others.
Pam Hermann from Rochester, MN was able to join us for this moving time of prayer and ministry. She is in New York fulfilling a pledge made by her late husband and FFC member Chuck Hermann to travel to the Games in support of several Rochester FD members competing in the games. Please keep Pam and the RFD in your prayers as they work through the loss of Chuck.
Details for the Tuesday outreach, called "Pro Athlete's in the Line of Fire" were discussed and much prayer spoken to cover the event. Please pray for that outreach and FFC's role. Kurt Warner is on tap to share the gospel. The storm may impede his travel plans. We hope not. We lost two days of informing participants of this event. Praise God it did go out in an email and it appears most have heard of it. We trust God that the right people will be there and great things will happen that night.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
UPDATE
We praise our most Gracious Heavenly Father for His faithful protection! The storm has passed and we are all rejoicing in His goodness. All events are still cancelled for today (Sunday), so the team is going out sightseeing and passing out invitations for our two outreaches on Tuesday and Thursday. Many events have been cancelled or are being rescheduled throughout the week. Please pray for the organizers of the games. They are working overtime in a stressful situation in order to accommodate all the athletes, and are doing a fabulous job, but we know they are tired. Please ask the Lord to fill both events with those who do not yet know Jesus, so that they may have an opportunity to give their lives to Him. Please pray specifically for Lee, a man we met on the subway who was invited to these outreaches and is searching for the meaning of life. Again and again, our deepest thanks to you all for partnering with us through your fervent prayers
Day 3 of Team NYC: The theme today, “This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.” We were encouraged by Jane White during morning devotion to share thoughts and stories from our first two days. The Canadian crew from Manitoba, Russ, Kallen and Pat, shared of their 30-hour driving adventure in a used Tahoe purchased and “deckled”...(that’s Canadian for decorated) specifically for this mission, with high end graphics depicting the FFC logo emblazoned on the vehicle. Jane had a “divine appointment” with a Jewish man aboard the subway, who shared his painful life story and warmly received the love and care Jane afforded, as well as sincere interest in the outreach events planned for next week. Pray for that man and the hundreds of others who have received personal invitations to these key venues.
Off to the EXPO for an abbreviated day of outreach and interaction. All Saturday sports were postponed meaning some of our athletes could not compete as planned. The highlight of the morning was Matt Sillcocks, the son of FDNY FFC Chapter leader Jerry Sillcocks, who set a record for endurance on an automatic rope climbing contraption. As vendors began to take down their booths a full day and a half before the EXPO’s scheduled close, the FFC crew was able to serve several by helping them pack and move heavy boxes and trash.
With the afternoon open, the team surveyed the landscape, made preparations for riding out Irene and made plans for hunkering down in their respective hotels until the worse is over. The New Yorker Hotel, where many of us are staying, has taken the elevators and AC out of service. All subways and bus service has been suspended. Thank God we were able to rent a vehicle. (thanks for the help West End Chapter). The City is taking this event very seriously, constant updates from their Office of Emergency Management, lots of extra stuff staged all over the city. Looks like Long Island will get slammed pretty hard. Lots of buzz from the locals...they love their opinions!
Stay tuned and please pray for how the Lord will use this team during and after this weather emergency. Hopefully it will pass with minimal impact and life can get back to normal here quickly. Imagine the heartbreak for event organizers and athletes who waited two years and traveled so far for a single event.
We will update you tomorrow after the storm passes. Reports are the weather will be quite spectacular the rest of the week. Lets hope for the best.
Thank you
Kallen and Russ assist a vendor pick up and take down his booth during a premature EXPO take down.
Team members Victor Laveage and Diane Bell pray with a couple from Copenhagen, Denmark at the FFC booth.
As news of Irene became the main topic of conversation, the games went on as planned Friday. The big event was the Opening Ceremony held under a hot sun and humid conditions in Brooklyn where over 15,000 athletes and spectators gathered to celebrate the fellowship of international public safety responders amid the camaraderie of sport.
The FFC team began the day gathered on the 23rd floor of the New Yorker hotel to spend time int he Word and pray for the activities of the day. FFC President John White shared some of the most fundamental principles underpinning the ministry philosophy of Firefighters for Christ including overall mission to encourage firefighters to live their lives for Christ. He also shared that an early vision for the ministry was to reach firefighters throughout the world. How appropriate that firefighters from 70 nations were gathered in New York City many of whom will be exposed tot he Gospel through various means during the World Police Fire Games
John spoke of a field of souls ripe for harvest and a renewed sense of urgency for reaching them. Out to that field the FFC team trekked Friday, staffing a booth at the EXPO where thousands of participants scrambled for proper registration credentials. Then a train ride to Brooklyn and five hours in the steamy sun spending time connecting with athletes from around he world. Getting Scripture in their hands through passing out bookmarks and extending invitations to the two main events sponsored by Firefighters For Christ next week, the Pro Athlete night and the screening of the Christian film Courageous.
As the athletes proceeded onto the grounds of Prospect Park amidst Olympic style music and thousands of well wishers, the FFC team was able to show their colors and interact with the crowd. It was a long wait for a thrilling encounter that cemented important relationships and set the tone for the rest of the week.
With the real potential of a historic weather event bearing down on New York, the Games organizers wisely chose to cancel all activities on Sunday meaning several people who traveled thousands of miles will not be competing at all. Saturday activities may be postponed or cancelled as well depending on the timing of the storm.
How interesting to watch New Yorkers prepare for such an event. They just experienced an earthquake a week before and now face the prospect of damaging wind and rains. Some areas of the City have been issued mandatory evacuation notices. The FFC team is in a safe part of the city and plans to hunker down in their hotels and ride out the storm. Who knows what unexpected ministry opportunities will emerge from this unique situation.
On that note we move into Day 3, some competition will begin, but most likely limited. Pray for FFC competitors to perform their best and that God would use them for his glory. With Saturday hours shortened and Sunday cancelled, opportunities to get the word out about the planned FFC outreaches have been impacted. Please pray for other opportunities and that God would draw the right people to the events through whatever means necessary.
A praise report is that just before the Games opened FDNY Chapter leader Jerry Sillcocks was able to get the message about the events distributed to all athletes through the Games website.
Prayers are the key that often unlocks God's blessings and creates opportunity for ministry. As John reminded the group, Jesus' last words clearly declared that his followers would be witnesses to the ends of the earth. Many people from all ends of the earth are gathered in New York supposedly to play games, that plan is soon to be interrupted by an angry girl named Irene. Is it an accident that a band of believers is positioned in the heart of that international crowd ready to pray and minister as the Lord leads during the events of the next two days?
No accident, rather destiny, directed by the hand of God. Please pray for his will to be done in a mighty way.
Tracey White (Graham, WA), Kallen Hiebert and Russ Reimer (Manitoba, Canada) staff the FFC booth at the EXPO |
Diane Bell (West End, CA Chapter) meets athletes from Brazil. |
The FFC Team at Opening Ceremonies |
Day one of the FFC outreach at the World Police and Fire Games in New York City is in the books. The booth at the Games EXPO was set up without a hitch, as teamwork between the FFC International office in California and the FDNY Team in New York helped facilitate the delivery and transportation of booth materials across country, so they were ready for pick up and set up by the team as they arrived in New York. FDNY Chapter members Dominic Cassase and Frank Costa were instrumental in getting the booth set up. They were joined by FFC President John White and West End FFC Chapter member Mike Bell at the booth, as the EXPO opened and thousands of athletes from around the world, many with families in tow, descended upon New York City to register for the games.
Lots of materials were distributed, as well as information about two major events FFC is hosting at the games, including a night of testimony from several high profile athletes, including former Super Bowl MVP Kurt Warner and World Series Champ Andy Petitte. The other event is a free screening of the new faith-based film Courageous, which is about four police officers and their difficulties in managing their career and family lives. More importantly, old relationships from past World Games were renewed and many new friendships were made with both American and international athletes. The love of Christ and the gospel was shared all day through one on one conversations, as well as the distribution of God's Word through CD's, newsletters and other ministry aids.
The day was laced with travel drama, as most of the team made their way to New York. Several delays put traveling plans in peril, but prayer prevailed and everyone converged in Manhattan about the same time in the early evening. Coming from Southern California, Washington State, Minnesota, Manitoba Canada and Northern Ireland, weary team members gathered for a team dinner at a diner in the New Yorker Hotel and discussed the upcoming days of the ministry.
News of a looming weather catastrophe in the form of Hurricane Irene has added a certain amount of intrigue to this mission. Forecasters are currently predicting unprecedented wind and rain in New York City on Sunday. This of course puts much of the activity associated with the World Police Fire Games in jeopardy.
So this leads to the first of what will be many prayer needs for this team. The group has quickly gelled and is ready to adjust to whatever the Lord brings their way. However, please pray for the safety and well being of all areas of New York and New Jersey as this dangerous storms progresses. Also pray for the completion of the team with the safe arrival of Joe and Melinda Lindaman Friday afternoon.
Friday is the Opening Ceremony a Prospect Park in Brooklyn. As the FFC athletes enter the field in their sharp uniforms praise God for their ability to compete and that their efforts would glorify the Lord and open more doors for ministry no matter the results.
The upcoming weekend promises to be quite exciting in unexpected ways. May God's hand be over this team and each of you as you partner with us in prayer to accomplish his perfect will.
FFC members gathered for a team dinner at a diner in the New Yorker Hotel.
FFC president John White with a group from the Netherlands at the EXPO booth.