December 2008 proved to be especially exciting for Ignite International as we had the privilege of taking our first ever men’s team ever. Cloud Nine Men’s Basketball, representing University Presbyterian Church in Seattle, did a fantastic job laying the groundwork for what we hope will become an ongoing, long-term relationship in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico.
The team, made up primarily of current and former students at the University of Washington, conducted basketball clinics at the School of Champions, located on the outskirts of a large garbage dump just outside of the main city. The guys were exceptional in not only teaching the kids with great precision in their instruction, but more importantly in embracing the opportunity to show the love of God in a real and tangible way. So many kids around the world are severely lacking the love of a male figure in their lives. Yet this team of young men took a week of their time and swept this city with a real and genuine touch of the love that only THE Father could provide.
The team also competed in several basketball games during their trip. Having been told by a local ministry partner, “There is no basketball in Puerto Vallarta”, the team chose to proceed with the trip in faith that God would provide the opportunities to compete. And He did not disappoint. In fact, as is typical for Him, God overwhelmed the team with His ability to open doors.
Having won a game versus a local prison team, the Ignite guys were invited to return and play against the top prison team another day. And as we departed from the prison the second time, we got a phone call from the city’s professional team asking for an official game, to be played a couple nights later. It was a nice surprise for the guys, and yet an unsurprising answer to a prayer we believed would come to pass.
While the team competed in the game at the prison, Ignite Founder Judy Fox and Ignite Board of Directors member Darla Sheeley went to the women’s side to meet with a group of inmates. After two hours of simple conversation and encouragement, they led 25-30 women inmates to receive Christ. Judy went back during the second visit and conducted a volleyball clinic for the prison volleyball team. Ignite looks forward to returning to Puerto Vallarta and increasing the impact in this prison and among others throughout the city!