Look at that form

I took with picture as Coach Murdock was warming up the team. What beautiful form, Coach.

Wednesday's News

It's been an interesting day and we're glad that God is in control. At breakfast, we found out the Jack had been up sick most of the night. Forrest had stayed up with him to make sure he was alright. By early afternoon, he was feeling a lot better, but we (the coaches) decided that he would sit today's game out. However, once there, we found the perfect spot ... 1st base coach. He's been able to eat all day and I'm sure he'll be back to 100% real soon.



We had some free time this morning, so we headed off to the beach that is about a block and a half away and about a 35 minute walk (when you go the wrong way). Oops. The water was beautiful, but the kids got a healthy warning to stay away from the sea urchins. Fortunately, they did and only fun was had by all. I'd expect we'll get back there on Sunday when we have more free time.

This afternoon, we when to a baseball complex that is being built by the Rawlings Foundation. The two pictures below will give you a sense of the conditions. I don't expect the boys will play on a field like this anytime in the near future. The outfield was like walking on carpet. We played a long, 4 hour, 9 inning game and kept our record unblemished with any wins. To add to the days excitement, Bryson got hit in the jaw by a pitch. To say the least, we were all extremely concerned at first, but God's hand of protection was truly on him. He iced it for most of the game and really hasn't had too much pain. This evening, he continues to be doing well and continues to say he's alright.


Here's a shot of Michael as he shares (and Wilkin's translated) his testimony with the other team and some of the other kids that we at a Colorado Rocky's training facility next door. Rodney Clingen (he and his son joined us from Alabama) shared the gospel with the locals and between 5 and 10 stood at the end to declare that they had accepted Christ.

With the places we visited today, it's hard to sell this as a trip to an impoverished country. However, tomorrow we will be visiting one of the local villages and expect to see those that truly need our support (but more on that after tomorrow). Please continue to pray for God's protection of all of us here. Pray that Jack will get back to 100% quickly and that Bryson will continue to not have any problems with his jaw.

Tuesday update (by Andrew)

Aside from the usual alarm clock problems and late risers, the first morning in the Domincan Republic got off to a pretty smooth start. After breakfast in the dining area, we were headed to San Pedro for the first game of our double header. Both teams played a good game, but in the end losing 4 to 2. After handshakes and a testimony by myself, Mr. Siegel began his teaching. When he asked if anyone wanted to commit his life to Jesus, about half of the Dominicans raised their hands. It was the first moment when I realized how big of an impact we could have on Dominican baseball players.

Back at SCORE, we ate lunch and before long drove out to play in Santo Domingo; 40 minutes away. The final score of the was 7-1, with FCA once again on the losing end. But this time, after a testimony by Jack Colston and Mr. Siegel's teaching, just about all of the Dominican players and surrounding fans stood up and received Jesus into their hearts. So many, infact, that Mr. Siegel encouraged their coach to have Bible Study before each game.

Overall, it was an amazing first day.

A few pictures

Here are a few pictures to let you see what we're doing ....


This is a shot of of the pool and the rooms that the boys are in. We have the two apartments on the far right. Six boys in one and five in the other. The like the direct access to the pool (can't blame them).

Some kids sitting on top of the dugout watching our players.

Team picture with the team from San Pedro

The stadium in Santo Domingo (before the game and rain)

Tuesday update (from the coach).

Today was our first full day in the DR. We got to sleep in a little and reported to breakfast around 7:30. After breakfast, we loaded up the bus and headed off to San Pedro (about a 20 minute bus ride). The team played a good game but lost 6-4. After the game, Andrew (Bayer) gave his testimony to the other team and a gaggle of local kids that were hanging around the dugout for the entire game. After that, Jeff Seigel shared the gospel with the kids and many raised their hands saying that they were interested in receiving Christ as their Saviour. I'll provide a picture later. After that, we hopped back in the bus back to SCORE for a quick lunch and back on the road again for our second game for the day.




Today was our first full day in the DR. We got to sleep in a little and reported to breakfast around 7:30. After breakfast, we loaded up the bus and headed off to San Pedro (about a 20 minute bus ride). The team played a good game but lost 6-4. After the game, Andrew (Bayer) gave his testimony to the other team and a gaggle of local kids that were hanging around the dugout for the entire game. After that, Jeff Seigel shared the gospel with the kids and many raised their hands saying that they were interested in receiving Christ as their Saviour. I'll provide a picture later. After that, we hopped back in the bus back to SCORE for a quick lunch and back on the road again for our second game for the day.


The second game was in Santo Domingo (about 45 minutes to 1 hour) away. Most of the boys (and coaches) took a power nap. We arrived at the stadium after an interesting ride through the city. Lots of intersections; few lights; fewer actually working; and seemingly no rules (other than the biggest vehicle seems to win). Not a place I'd want to drive. The stadium (yes, stadium) we played in probably seats 1000 or more. I'd say we had a crowd of 50 - 100 kids watching. Fortunately, this trip is not about winning baseball games and we lost the second game, although we had to cut it short because of rain. After that game, Jack gave his testimony and Jeff presented the gospel to a group of about 60 kids. Once again, 10-15 (my guess) accepted Christ as their Saviour.

Back at SCORE, we had a great dinner of Taco Salad and the boys headed to the pool, once again. Tomorrow, we have a little free time in the morning then we head out for another game in the afternoon.

We arrive ...

Just a quick note to all that might be looking. We've arrived safely at the Score International Hotel in Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic. After unpacking the luggage from the truck, we had a short "orientation" by one of the Score employees so that we understand what is expected of us. As expected, the boys are not content sitting around so they're getting sweaty playing basketball. I would have thought they would have ended up in the pool, but that hasn't happened yet. We'll have dinner a little later and devotions after that and then have the evening to ourselves. For those that thought it was hot last weekend for our games, we're are going to have much more of the same (plus some). I don't know temperature or humity, but it is hot. At this point, we're scheduled to play a double-header tomorrow. Til then, ...

Coach Feehs

Change to plans ... going to Dominican Republic in 2008

Here is a link to a video by the organization (Score International) that we will be going to the Dominican Republic this summer.