Batman in Japan

8 June 2007

Arrived at the airport. Another adventure. I decided a long time ago that there are different ways to view life. It could be an adventure to be lived out, or an experience that kind of happened to you, where you just let it flow over you.
Most days I look forward to the adventure. Travelling is definitely part of that!

Footballs to Japan. British Airways allow you one bag, I have two. One with a little clothing and training materials for the seminar I am giving in Japan. The other – 15 footballs from Paul in the FA. Good bloke. You need to find the good blokes of the world and remember their names. And their secretaries names...his is Emma.

But BA allow you just one bag.
The check in lady looks friendly, I start my story, bags, charity, balls for children...no problem! PTL! She has a flag saying she speaks Spanish and Italian. “Any Spanish blood?” I ask. Pues si, mi madre viene de Andalucia. So we chat in our best Spanish, until she returns to the best accent in the world, Mancunian, to tell me the gate, etc.

I get on plane. As we arrive in London, I realise I have been sitting next to Graeme Souness. One the most successful managers in Britain in the last 15 years.
He’s probably thankful I didn’t notice. It saved him a long conversation about mutual acquaintances! A great supporter of our work is Bill, working at Liverpool FC for 20 years. Graeme managed there.
Never mind, God’s in charge.

And now to row 50 of a jumbo jet. Tokyo here I come! And 3 hours on a train to get to the place of the training...let’s hope I find my way.

Ciao,

Batman

FCA visits Ukraine

Recently, four members of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) visited OM SportsLink Ukraine's team on a vision-casting trip. Dan, Bethany, Shane, and Kimmie got to see and participate in the work that God is doing through the OM SportsLink Ukraine team. The kids were excited to meet this group from the US and to interact with them despite the language barrier. The FCA team saw a variety of current ministries, including basketball, baseball/softball, floorball, football (soccer), and rugby. They also heard about the sports camps that are planned for this summer. Already they are sending a team to work with OM Italy in June to do sport outreaches. The OM SportsLink Ukraine team is looking forward to seeing more of the FCA group in the future and enjoyed their visit with us here in Ukraine.