Thank you so much for your support and prayers for our family. Like every season in life, first quarter came with its own ups and downs. One big praise item is, after five years of living in the Philippines, it feels as though we found some rhythms that really help our family thrive!
In this prayer letter, we will share about our experiences coaching this sports season. As you know, we both love coaching and love discipling our students through the gift of sports. Thank you for praying for our coaching ministries.
Swimming
The Lord has been working in Britt’s heart through this season of coaching, reminding her that faithfulness doesn’t always lead to immediate results and that He is at work even when we can’t yet see the fruit. Though the season has been discouraging at times, these truths have helped her persevere and trust Him. One of the biggest challenges has been the captains, whose success in the pool has sometimes seemed to contribute to a sense of entitlement, resulting in disrespect toward coaches and teammates. Despite several conversations, we haven’t seen a big change in their behavior, and some of the newer swimmers have begun imitating their behavior. Change takes time! This experience has reminded Britt of Jesus’ teachings about status and power and how these things can sometimes hinder us from becoming more Christlike and loving others well. We would appreciate your prayers for the team’s dynamics, for God to soften the captains’ hearts, and for Him to give Britt and the other coaches wisdom as they lead the team through the final weeks of the season.
Recognizing and celebrating our senior swimmers. Our team competing at another international school. Kai came along to help Mama coach and cheer on the swimmers!
Volleyball
Grady, on the other hand, has said that this may be the best team he has ever coached! Beyond their volleyball skills, the leaders on his team are strong, mature Christians who lead by serving their teammates. For example, one of his best athletes has willingly embraced a new position because it is what’s best for the team, even though it pushes him outside his comfort zone. After putting in a lot of hard work, he has found joy in serving his teammates in this way. It’s a gift to coach athletes who want to do their best without seeking glory for themselves and who are willing to sacrifice their own preferences for the good of the team. Please pray for the team as they compete in their final tournament this week in Hong Kong, that they would glorify the Lord both on and off the court.
Faith Academy hosts a local tournament every year. This year, we were the champions! Volleyball teams doing an activity as a part of the service/ministry project at ACSC in Hong Kong.
Reflections
Through these two very different coaching experiences, we are reminded that the Lord draws us near to Him in both easy and challenging seasons. Whether we are encouraged by seeing godly leadership or stretched by situations that require patience and perseverance, He gives us what we need for each season and is faithful to walk with us through it all.
Some recent family pictures!
Top left: Yes, we have put up our Christmas tree! In the Philippines, Christmas season begins in September! (The “ber” months)
Top right: Mia’s birthday party. She turned 3 on October 6!
Bottom left: The life of a coaching family. Sitting beside the bleachers!
Bottom right: Our kids ready to cheer on our Faith Academy Vanguards 🙂
Prayer Requests
- Praise God for the rhythms that have helped us thrive in this busy season
- Please pray for our ACSC championships. Pray that we would lean on the Lord as we lead our teams. Pray that our students would see God at work through their sport.
- Pray for Faith Academy who is going through a big year of transition. Pray for unity and wisdom for our leaders.
- Pray for protection and unity in our marriage
- Pray that God would continue to soften Mia’s heart to Him. Pray that she would experience the gospel lived out through us at home.
Thank you so much for your prayer and support. It really means a lot to us! Please let us know if we can be praying for you in specific ways.
Much love,
Britt and Grady
