The DBU Men's Basketball and Cheerleading teams served in Spain during October 2017, as part of the Dallas Baptist University Global Sports Mission Initiative program.  Below is a daily recap detailing the teams' service in Spain.

DAY ONE RECAP
Greetings from Denia, Spain!
 
We are excited to share that we have safely arrived here in Denia at the Alfa & Omega school where student-athletes and coaches from our Basketball and Cheer programs, as well as DBU staff members, will serve and share the love of Christ for eight days.
 
After 24+ hours of travel from Dallas to Spain, the staff and volunteers at Alfa & Omega have welcomed us with great hospitality and excitement. Upon our arrival to the school, we received a full tour of the campus from Jorge Pastor, the leader of Alfa & Omega, as well as the lead pastor of the Evangelical church that is connected to the school. Jorge also shared with our group a history of the school, church, and the community and discussed our planned service and work for the week.
 
Please pray for our student-athletes and staff and that God would provide countless opportunities for our group to share the Gospel this week. Also pray for the faculty, staff, and students of Alfa & Omega this week as they prepare for a wonderful week with our DBU group. 
 
This trip also marks the tenth anniversary for the Global Sports Mission Initiative at DBU – a vision and program that has provided the opportunity for DBU student-athletes, coaches, and staff members to share the Gospel through the vehicle of sport. DBU Athletics and Global Missions have partnered together on 21 separate trips across 15 countries.  Glory to God alone for the work He has done, and continues to do through the DBU Global Sports Mission Initiative.
 
Connor Smith - Director of Athletics 
 
DAY TWO RECAP
Our morning started with a wonderful worship service at church. This is the only Baptist Evangelical church in all of Spain, and it was a pleasure to worship with our brothers and sisters. We had the chance of participating in the service through team introductions and leading a song in worship.
 
We spent the afternoon preparing our team for our lessons this week. We will be teaching about different fruits of the Spirit each day and how they are manifested in our lives through Christ's transforming power.
 
After our prep time, we had members of the community in Denia join us for basketball and soccer play. We had such a wonderful time building relationships and look forward to continue to grow connections.
 
The team is healthy and having a great time. Please pray as we continue to get over jet lag and begin ministering to the kids tomorrow. We await with anticipation to see what the Lord has for us!
 
Chris Holloway - Director of Global Missions
 
DAY THREE RECAP
Day three in Denia, Spain, proved to be a full, yet remarkable day for the Patriot Basketball and Cheer teams. 
 
Our day began with the "morning assembly" at Alfa & Omega school with students, parents, teachers and staff, gathering for the first formal introduction of our group of 36 individuals. DBU Global Missions staff member Jacob Stevens led the assembly with a fun, interactive Bible song that seemed to be a student favorite at Alfa & Omega...to say the very least (The Papaya Song)! 
 
Following the assembly, our Basketball and Cheer student-athletes divided up in to groups of five or six and led lesson plans or skits connected with our theme for the week; Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Each group is tasked with organizing a daily lesson plan or skit that communicates the Fruit of the Spirit for that particular day; today was love and joy. Each of our student-athlete groups did incredible jobs in teaching the students about love and joy as followers of Jesus. 
 
Early afternoon for our group consisted of two student-athletes (one cheerleader and one basketball player) sharing their testimonies to a group of 30-40 teenage students at Alfa & Omega. Our student-athletes did an excellent job in sharing their stories and answering questions from the students afterwards. Following a great lunch prepared by the staff at Alfa & Omega, our group led several outdoor recreational games and activities for the older groups of students. We have discovered that youth in Spain sure do love their basketball, soccer and handball! 
 
The evening in Denia, Spain, called for a trip to Benidorm, Spain, roughly 45 miles south of Denia, along the southeast coastline for the first Patriot Basketball competition of the week. Tonight, our opponent was Club Baloncesto Benidorm, a highly talented, semi-professional basketball team with several players who have played at the highest level of professional ball in Spain. With a packed house at Palau Municipal d'Esports L'Illa de Benidorm, and the DBU cheerleaders cheering from the sidelines, the Patriots fell just five points shy of picking up the victory. Our next competitive game will be on Friday evening in Valencia, Spain, against the Universidad de Valencia. 
 
It has been a special first day of service here in Denia, Spain. Please pray for our group in day two as they share the Gospel and love of Christ through lesson plans, skits, testimony, cheer and basketball clinics, and competition. Also pray for the students at Alfa & Omega as they interact, observe, listen, and learn from our group this week and that God would work in and through us to make eternal impacts. 
 
Thank you for your prayers! 
 
Connor Smith - Director of Athletics
 
DAY FOUR RECAP
Today was our second full day working with the Alfa & Omega school. It was really good for the Basketball and Cheer teams to reconnect and build on relationships from yesterday. After playing with the youngest members of the school on the playground or in their classroom, each DBU student returned to the same classroom they were with yesterday to continue their lessons on the Fruit of the Spirit. Today, each group taught lessons on peace and patience. One group tested the patience of the kids in their classroom by providing them one gummy bear candy at the beginning, with the promise that if they could wait to eat it until the end, they would receive a second candy. Most demonstrated the necessary patience, but a few just couldn't resist eating the piece in front of them. Each small group of DBU students taught the elementary/middle school aged kids about the peace and patience that comes only from God. A "peace that passes all understanding" and continues despite circumstances because it is rooted in the eternal character of God. 

Then two student athletes, one cheerleader and one basketball player, shared their testimony with the 15 year olds from Alfa & Omega. Both were able to share their stories and the gospel in a way that was relatable to these young high school students. Afterwards, there were some follow up conversations from students who were interested to talk more. We also played basketball, volleyball, soccer, and handball during a break time. 

After this time, there was a small break where the students could rest or explore the city. Some DBU students ended up in a pick-up soccer game on the beach. There is never any shortage of people looking for a good game of soccer. 

In the early afternoon, the cheer team did a clinic for young people from the community of Denia. At the same time, the basketball team also did a basketball clinic. This was a fun time for both the young people of Denia and the DBU students. After that, we were blessed by an opportunity to hear the story behind the Alfa & Omega Christian school. It was a powerful story of God's faithfulness and work through many people over many years to fulfill a promise to the grand-parents of Jorge Pastor. Jorge Pastor shared this miraculous story with us in the "Prayer Garden." This was the very spot where his grand-parents, who were first generation Christians had prayed for seven years from 1914-1921 during a time of persecution of Protestant believers in Spain. It was a powerful and emotional story that demonstrated God's faithfulness, and the perseverance of a small number of evangelical believers in an isolated part of Spain. Today the Iglesia Baptista church is the largest evangelical church in all of Spain. 

We are starting to get a feel for the routine and flow of each day. Last night after the basketball game was a later night, and there was some fatigue today. Pray for perseverance in the work here, and renewed energy for what will be another full day tomorrow. Pray for spiritual seeds to be planted in the hearts of the young people we meet. Pray for continued wisdom and spiritual insight for us as we seek to share the message of the Gospel and God's love through our many different interactions throughout the day. 

Dr. Blake Flickner - Head Basketball Coach 
 
DAY FIVE RECAP
We spent the first morning hour at the school with the youngest members of the school which consisted of chasing, being chased, pushing on swings, and making up games and laughing.  During the second hour, each DBU student returned to the same class they have been attending and continued to teach the fruits of the Spirit. Today's fruits were kindness and goodness.  Several groups told the story of the Good Samaritan to help explain the goodness and kindness we find in Jesus' renewed grace and mercies each day.  After teaching the Fruits of the Spirit, each student received a short booklet titled "Sublime Gracia" (Amazing Grace) that presented the Gospel in Spanish.  The children immediately put their noses in the book – some said they had heard the story of Jesus, but many had not.  Some had only heard it from other American groups that have visited Alfa & Omega school in the past. 
 
After our time in the classroom, the two teams met with a group of 13-year-olds.  One cheerleader and one basketball player shared their testimonies and the impact Jesus has had in their lives.  One student asked questions regarding the role of Christianity in the Crusades, the Inquisition and many more.  Several DBU students and coaches were able to meet with him for a time answering his excellent questions in attempt to help him understand what a true relationship with Jesus Christ looks like.
 
At the end of that hour, the DBU Cheer team put on another clinic for the young girls at the school in preparation for their assembly performance on Friday morning.  The girls have had a wonderful turnout and have done a great job in teaching the youth in attendance cheer fundamentals and the routine they plan to present on Friday.
 
In the evening, the basketball team hosted a 90-minute clinic for four Denia youth basketball teams.  The clinic consisted of skill stations where the young athletes were able to hone their skills with the DBU basketball players.  One Denia coach mentioned how excited the children were because they had never seen American basketball players in person.
 
After the clinic, the DBU Basketball team spent time practicing with and lending instruction to a local Denia team made up of 17 to 20-year old basketball players.  It was a very neat experience for the DBU players to practice side by side with the Spanish players and cooperate through drills despite the language barrier.  Both teams seemed to really enjoy each other.
 
We are officially past the midway point of our trip.  Your prayers are needed and appreciated!  Please continue to pray for energy and focus that we never tire of spreading the message of Jesus.  Pray that God will speak through us to the students at the school, the basketball teams we play, and anyone else we encounter in Denia.  Pray that any seeds that have been planted will sprout and that the people of Denia will choose to follow Jesus!

Ryan Glenney - Assistant Men's Basketball Coach
 
DAY SIX RECAP
Today was our fourth day working with the students at Alfa & Omega. The teams were greeted by many hugs and excited faces eager to spend time with them. After spending time playing chase, singing songs, and swinging with the younger kids, the teams split up into their groups to continue teaching about the Fruits of the Spirit. Today's fruits were gentleness and faithfulness. With skits, stories, and songs, the student-athletes did a great job teaching about these two characteristics.
 
After a short break to recharge, Coach Ryan Glenny and Cheer student-athlete Elizabeth Rumsey had the chance to share their testimonies with a large group of teenagers. Both did an excellent job sharing the Gospel in a relatable way. Much like yesterday, this group had some very good, challenging questions where that allowed us to further articulate and explain God's true and perfect love for His followers.
 
Following lunch and a quick trip to the beach for some more soccer, both teams had the opportunity to do clinics for the students at Alfa & Omega. Each clinic had about 20-30 students excited to learn new skills - the teams also had a chance to share about Jesus. The students participating in the cheer clinics this week will have a chance to perform their routine tomorrow in front of the school at their morning assembly.
 
This evening we had the opportunity to hear from one of the volunteers here at Alfa & Omega and his testimony. It was a great time for our student-athletes to be encouraged and hear more about what God is doing at Alfa & Omega. We then headed to the Church for a time of worship and prayer with a few of the members.
 
Tomorrow is our last day in the classrooms and sharing testimonies with the older kids. Please pray for energy and for the Holy Spirit to continue to speak through the students. Pray for all of the seeds that have been planted thus far and that they would continue to grow through our conversations tomorrow. Please also pray for our game against the Valencia team tomorrow evening here in Denia and that our teams would shine the light of Jesus through their actions and performances.

Cami Smith - Head Cheer Coach 

DAY SEVEN RECAP
This week in Denia, Spain, has been an answer to prayer. A transformational and powerful week for many, including our group of student-athletes, coaches, and staff, as well as the students and staff at Alfa & Omega. We could not have asked for a better partnership this week in Alfa & Omega; they provided wonderful support, hospitality, and selflessness, as our group shared the love of Christ and the Gospel to the kids and the community.

Today was simply amazing. A morning assembly that included the exchanging of gifts, a successful cheer performance and routine from the girls of Alfa & Omega, and of course, the infamous 'Papaya Song' from our worship leader, friend, and DBU staff member, Jacob Stephens. The afternoon included classroom lessons and skits focused on our final fruit of the Spirit (self-control), powerful student-athlete testimonies (one basketball and one cheer student-athlete), and a moving time of debriefing and worship.
 
Our evening proved to be one that we will never forget. In front of a standing-room-only crowd at the local gymnasium in Denia, Spain, the Patriot Basketball team recorded a great victory of the Universidad of Valencia, one of the top ball clubs in the region. It was truly a special experience with such an electric atmosphere. We learned this evening that the entire community of Denia had been talking about tonight's matchup in the newspapers and on the local radio stations. The attendance and energy in the building tonight showed how truly excited and anxious the community was to see this competitive matchup.
 
This week has been transformational, powerful, and unforgettable. Our student-athletes have done an amazing job in trusting in the Lord and stepping out in boldness to share the Gospel and the Great News of Jesus Christ.
 
- Senior Patrick Burke
"This week has been exciting spiritually, physically, and mentally. This has been a great team-bonding experience that I hope will carry over for the rest of the year. Personally, this week has given me a new appreciation for European culture and it's been amazing to watch the way the Lord has worked through our team to have an impact on these kids."
 
- Sophomore Serena Soto
"Being in Denia has been a life changing experience. The Lord has opened my eyes to see how majestic His creation is and how beautiful His unfailing love is. Denia will always have a special place in my heart!"
 
- Junior JT Harris
"It has been an amazing experience here in Denia, sharing the love of Christ with these kids. Having the opportunity and experience to play basketball in Spain has been great for our team and a lot of fun."
 
- Freshman Claire Gregory
"This week has been life-changing for me because of the positive attitudes and love I have seen in people at Alfa & Omega. The language barrier has not stopped people from sharing the Gospel because it is more about actions than words. I couldn't be more thankful to have had this opportunity and it is an experience I will never forget."
 
- Sophomore Ryan Michael 
"It's been a huge blessing to be in Denia with the team this week. My favorite part has been seeing every single guy on the team fully engage and invest in the opportunity to grow in their faith and serve the people here. I thank God for this amazing experience and thank DBU for making this trip happen. I can't wait to be back!"
 
- Sophomore Presley Gilcrease 
"The gospel has a way of bringing people together through love and compassion that no language barrier could ever get in the way of."
 
It has been a life-changing experience for all of us indeed. Please pray for safe travels back home to DBU this weekend and that God would work in the lives of those we have interacted with this week. Pray for the seeds that have been planted would grow over time and that new believers of Jesus would share their story of salvation. Please also pray for Alfa & Omega and the work they are doing here in the great community of Denia, Spain. Pray that their ministry in the church and their work with the kids would continue to transform lives.
 
We thank you for your prayers this week. We are all blessed and thankful to have had the opportunity to serve together through the Global Sports Mission Initiative.
 
Connor Smith – Director of Athletics
 
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23