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The Ministry of Basketball
Basketball at Columbia International University is about more than points, assists and
rebounds. It’s also about ministry. As soon as summer break began, the men’s and
women’s basketball teams were on their way to the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica
to meet human needs, and as the CIU alma mater lyrics state: “To sow the precious
seed.” Here is how two CIU Rams basketball players were impacted by their short-term
mission trips.
ATHLETICS
“Pure Life” in Costa Rica
Lady Rams learn to be thankful on missions trip
By Erica Hightower, CIU Women’s Basketball
God, missions, and basketball – three of the things I love were combined into one
unforgettable week in Costa Rica. The CIU Lady Rams basketball team could see God’s
hand leading and guiding us during the weeklong missions trip in May.
While we enjoyed playing basketball against national teams, some of the most
unforgettable moments happened off the court.
We assisted a local a pastor who feeds needy children. After we assisted in distributing
food, the children introduced us to their songs and we danced with them. I will never
forget the story of the pastor’s wife who says she was abused as a child and how she was
able to forgive her abuser once becoming a Christian. Now, she ministers to children
who come from similar backgrounds, offering them hope. The joy on those kids’ faces,
spending time with them, and the power of forgiveness made an impact on us.
Meanwhile, we met another pastor with a ministry to women and Nicaraguan refugee
families. Some of the women have been abused, raped, and suffer psychological
challenges because of it. Our team was able to bless this man with financial assistance
toward a needed surgery for his wife. We also distributed food to some of the women
and families. I have never actually walked through an impoverished village before. It
was an honor to enter these ladies houses, give
them food, and pray for them. The experience truly
humbled me.
A common term for the Costa Ricans we met is
Pura
Vida
meaning Pure Life. The deep meaning of this
term is no matter what circumstances one may face,
choose to be thankful. Choose to be happy. Choose
to dwell on the good things. While in Costa Rica,
we encountered people with various challenges,
but were still grateful. Many of us on the team
openly stated that we take much for granted and
need to live with a more grateful attitude.
Personally, my time in Costa Rica taught me that
no matter what I face, look for the good and look
for how God is working in the midst of it. I am so
glad to have experienced this missions trip with my
teammates.
Photos: CIU Athletics
ATHLETICS
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CIU Today
Fall 2017