Football!

 Last week some football players from Greenville College in Illinois came during their Spring Break to serve the kids in our community and our church.  The coaches and team members (22 to be exact) arrived Saturday night and worked hard all week long.  Monday through Thursday they ran a football camp for the kids in our church and the neighborhood.  They held the camp at a local park (one of the few) after taking time to clean up all the trash and syringes that were lying around.  Unfortunately this park is known as "Needle Park" which happens to hold our public library.  For four days, this park was transformed into a place where kids were learning about discipline, teamwork, Jesus, and skills needed to play football!

So how did this impact our schedules, other than running our nieces and nephews to and from football camp?

Groups that come usually bring their own cook or take turns making meals, but this team decided to hire Emily to cook for them!  This was an exciting and new challenge.  Thanks to some helpful advice from people more experienced, helping hands in the kitchen, and the grace of God - the football players were fed and she had a blast "throwin' it down" in the kitchen.  Emily's parents were in Philly for a few days and her mom helped with some cooking during the week!

Jonerik led worship for the team as they debriefed at the end of their long days.  He offered an open discussion about what God was teaching them and what they were experiencing.  It was powerful to hear how God was using and blessing them as they used their Spring Break to serve others.

If you look closely in this picture you will see little 4 year old, Gigi hanging out with the team.  She LOVED the attention and made friends left and right.  She loved football camp too.  Yelling and tackling things are a perfect outlet for all of her energy!







The team also did some work projects around the church and accomplished some things that were great for a big group of football players to do.  We were really grateful for all their hard work and dedication.

They were a great testimony just by being a group of men who respected authority and loved Jesus.  They shared some of their lives with the kids through talking about who Jesus is and what He has done for them.  We were blessed to have the group come.

For more pictures and information on their week check out their website:  www.emapnation.com
They have several "Philly Updates".