Ignite International is gearing up for an exciting summer, with our third trip to the Holy Land and following with our first trip ever to a rebuilding nation, Liberia.

Israel and Palestine

We will begin in Bethlehem, West Bank as we expand the relationships that began a year and a half ago.  We are in a unique position to bridge relationships between east and west, Christian and Muslim, Believers and Non-Believers alike.  It is our firm conviction that EVERYTHING changed at the cross, and that it is not His will that any should perish.  We are not asked to solve political conflicts, we are mandated to love people.  We are not expected to bring victory to one side or the other.  We are required to build relationships and introduce every person we meet, in word and in deed, to the Savior who loves each and every one, who died for all of us.  THAT is our focus, and THAT we shall accomplish. 

In Bethlehem, our team will work closely with the Palestinian Volleyball Federation and others to conduct clinics for a number of clubs throughout Bethlehem and the surrounding area.  What began with last year's group is multiplying and we are returning to open arms, open hearts and to our Palestinian brothers and sisters who are urging us to work with as many of their young people as we can handle in the days we are there.  Our response - we can sleep after, bring it on!!!

From Bethlehem, we look forward to reuniting with our dear friends in the Israeli Volleyball Federation.  Our team from Lee University (NAIA Final Four in 2009 and 2010) will enjoy a game as guests of the Israeli National Team as they compete with Bulgaria in a European League game.  We will then compete with the Junior National Team and we certainly look forward to seeing them again, and to great competition.  In 2010, our team from Taylor University lost a close first game in 5 sets, and won the next two games in 4 each.  This week will shape up to provide exciting competition, great training for both teams, and an opportunity to extend our friendship to our opponents through the unique medium of sport. 

Next, we will go forward to Nazareth where our team will spend several days conducting clinics for numerous teams in Nazareth, both clubs and schools.  We look forward to our second trip to Nazareth and the opportunity to expand the influence and spread His love to a greater audience.

Following our time in Nazareth, we will return to Bethlehem to wrap up the trip with some incredible cultural experiences before departing for the USA.  We have no doubt whatsoever that this trip will be life-changing on both sides, that relationships will be deepened, born, renewed.  Misgivings about each other's cultures and misunderstandings based on media portayals will be thrown out the window.  People will meet people, athletes will enjoy athletes......and steps toward change will be taken.

Everything changed at the Cross - and it is our deepest desire to reflect the same love that made Him lay Himself down to those whom we contact in every place we have the pleasure to go.

Liberia

Ignite International is honored to be part of the future of Liberia after the tumultuous and tragic recent past that characterizes the perceptions of this precious nation.  We are proud of the efforts of our dear friend and brother, Doc Lawson, a former professional soccer athlete who is seeing his dream realized to return to the land of his birth and impact the next generation through sport.  Ignite International is honored to partner with Do'Nami Sport, as well as the YMCA of Liberia - as they work to build a better tomorrow, it is a deeply moving experience to be invited to be part of that process by bringing our team, the women's volleyball team from Grace College (IN).

We will conduct clinics and compete with the Liberia National Volleyball Team and the University of Liberia team.  We will get out into schools and a village in the greater Monrovia area and will put the voices of these athletes in front of hundreds and probably thousands of youth over a 10 day period.  The uniqueness of this trip lies in an especially deep place.  In 2010, the Grace College team suffered a tragic loss as one of their teammates passed away suddenly in what has been described by many as a "freak accident".  The team has walked through (and is walking through) the grief of loss and the remnants of what tragedy can do.  We applaud them for taking this step to turn that experience into an opportunity to reach out to others beyond themselves.  We believe that the Grace team will bring not only their name but every sense of the word it embodies....they will bring GRACE.....to a nation that has been ravaged by years of intensely horrible civil war.  They will bring hope in a way that others could not.  They will bring light to the darkness, and they will see lives changed forever because they chose to reach out rather than sit home feeling sorry for themselves.

Please keep both of these teams in your prayers, and please pray for the ongoing work of Ignite International in these partnerships, and around the world.  If you feel led to give a financial gift to help us as we step out of our comfort zones on a regular basis and GO.....we would be forever grateful and your gift would reach to Eternity.

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