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Day 8 Blog

Caleb Henson
Assistant Coach

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Day #8 marked our final day of scheduled activities as tomorrow will be mainly a travel day back to Marshall. Please pray for our safe return back to ETBU and that all travel logistics will go smoothly.

We began this Wednesday eating breakfast at Ms. Gloria's cottage and left for St. James Infirmary at 9:30 am. Our mission today was to bring as much joy and Jesus as we could to these elderly Jamaicans that were sick, destitute, and some with special needs. We learned from the organization's director that the individuals ranged from 35-95 but anyone placed there was an individual that could no longer take care of themselves for one reason or another. They were divided into male and female huts/shelters that only had beds inside and were not air-conditioned but were ventilated. 
 
We went and met the elderly males for the first 30 minutes and then the ladies for the remaining time. I enjoyed getting to know Dee, Stanley, and Dunlap in our brief 60 minutes with them. Dee wore an old wooden cross around his neck, which made for an easy spiritual conversation with him to which we ended praying together. 
 
Stanley, was completely blind but his name was written on the wall above his bed so people could speak to him and know his name. Today being my nine year anniversary with my wife, Whitney, we talked about his family and wife quite a bit. He told me the secret to his 65 year marriage before she passed was that they went to church together very regularly. We also prayed together specifically about the unseen wonders of heaven, certainly in both of our futures, where we would someday reunite. 
 
Dunlap held a special place in my heart as she reminded me of my two wise grandmothers whom both contributed greatly to my personal spiritual growth and development as a young boy. We talked about Jamaican and American society and the legacies we would like to leave behind as we work to help be the change for God's kingdom and our respective countries. All three were very inspiring and motivating conversations and prayers, but so were the many other handshakes, smiles, and hugs. As we drove off, I couldn't help but think about the individuals only in their 30's and 40's that will now likely live out their remaining 40-60 years in their beds with no great sense of purpose left, however, maintaining such a joyful spirit through it all. Many of our players related to them well and even had strong fond memories/stories of their grandparents to share. How blessed we are as Americans, Texans, and members of the ETBU community to have the blessings, resources, family, and friends that we do.
 
We had lunch back at the cottages before going to the beach for several hours and enjoying the sunset really for the first time this trip. These young ladies and staff have really worked hard and poured their hearts and wisdom out to advance the kingdom of God, this team's chemistry, and amongst the people of Jamaica, so it was great for them to relax and enjoy God's scenic creations this afternoon.
    
Overall this trip has greatly had an impact on my life. The Lord has sent me to the books of 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy to study thoroughly while I have been here and opened my eyes to quite a few different areas in which I can improve, help my family improve, and help disciple our basketball family in the near future. 
 
1 Timothy 1:5 says: "Now the goal of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith." 
 
I believe these are wise words from Paul on how to disciple the people we are directly responsible for so that they may go out and more effectively and efficiently witness to others for the kingdom. Many have read much about the many different orphanages, shelters, and infirmaries we have visited, served, and witnessed in the past eight days from some of our players' perspective. 
 
From a coaches viewpoint, our players have learned to not let their youth or inexperience hinder them as the profess the name of Jesus Christ as it talks about in 1 Timothy 4: 9-14. They have set an example for all believers with their speech, life, love, faith, and purity and they certainly have not neglected their gifts while doing so. We all have been genuinely changed for the better by this experience. I sincerely believe this is going to be a great foundation for our program as we head into year two and the upcoming season as it relates to humility and thankfulness. 
 
In 15 years of being a part of college basketball programs in many capacities and levels, I have not been a part of a team that is going to enter the fall semester this connected. I pray we can use that as a springboard to get off to a great start, but will take great intentionality and prayer to maintain the focus, discipline, and love as the momentum of this trip wears off. It is hard to imagine how this could have been any more impactful spiritually for the individuals involved, and I cannot wait to see how the seeds we planted will sprout in our lives and in the Jamaicans lives as God provides the metaphorical rain to give it nourishment and life in His time. The vulnerability of our players and the great leadership and organization from Judy Fox, Lisa Seeley, and Coach Rainbolt have been what has made this trip so highly successful. Coach Rainbolt, as always, has done a great job preparing this team spiritually before/during/after each day, and we are very thankful for him. I also want to thank Ryan Erwin and Dr. Blackburn for their leadership and vision to make these life changing trips possible. 
 
Finally, I want to thank all of the donors who contributed financially and all of our supporters that prayed for us continually. We will miss these people and this beautiful country as we head home tomorrow, but we return strengthened, united, and experienced as we go forth for the kingdom of God.