children of the world... in charlotte!

It's the sweetest thing to see children from all over the world - of every tongue and tribe and nation - right in Charlotte. Sometimes I wish that Jeremy and I were overseas (maybe back in South Africa), but this week, I was reminded that we don't even need to travel anywhere... God has brought the children of the world TO US.

My favorite part of the Eagles ministry, which we've mentioned before but wanted to highlight tonight, is the Urban Eagles, which reaches out to several inner city neighborhoods, specifically places where refugees have been resettled in Charlotte.

According to the NC Refugee Assistance Program, the US government allows up to 70,000 refugees to come into the US (although not that many do come in), and increasingly, more and more are being resettled in North Carolina, many in Charlotte/Mecklenburg.

For about the last month, I've been able to go and make some friends at a local apartment complex in Charlotte where many of these refugees are placed. At this particular complex, more than 14 different countries are represented, and there are so many children who just want someone to pay attention to them.

This past week, on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, the Lady Eagles had the opportunity to spend some extra time with these kids... loving on them through soccer, sidewalk chalk, and nail polish. Usually, the Urban Eagles ministry focuses on the young boys by getting them involved in soccer, but this week, I saw four or five times as many girls come out than ever before (usually it's only a few). They loved getting to know the women on the team, and I think the women were really impacted by the time there, too.

We were also able to have a photographer, Rodney Scot, take some pictures while we were there. Many of the parents in this neighborhood have very little in their homes, much less any artwork on their walls, so these pictures of their beautiful children will be printed and framed for them! Just so cool. It's also a sweet opportunity for me to introduce you to some of my friends...

This is Zowdie, a nine-year-old girl from Africa (she hasn't told me which country yet) and one of the first kids I met here. She is completely full of life, with a strong, outgoing personality. Her little sister Sofia (below) is pretty much the same, sweet and lively. She's 5 years old.

This is Mariam, a ten-year-old girl from Congo. She has the sweetest and most loving heart. This week, she taught me a hopscotch-esque game from her home country, which was hard for just about everyone but her.

And this is Biak, a beautiful girl from Burma. She is so full of love. She's about 9 and has two younger sisters she cares about deeply. I wish I had pictures of her sisters, A Siang and Mia (sorry, I can't remember how it's spelled) because they are just as cute and sweet as Biak.

I would keep going and show you all the kids individually, but instead, I'll just share one last picture of a whole group of kids listening to a skit about how much Jesus loves them.

Chile Tour

Hey Friends:

Sorry the last post was suppose to go up a week ago but we had some computer problems but were able to recover it. Yeah!!! So I wanted to write now to let you know two things. First the ladies had their first victory last weekend at Hampton Roads. If you are thinking that we just played them, that is correct. We played them in Charlotte on May 14th and then played them again in Virginia on May 22nd.

We ended up playing a great game and winning 5-0. Our record is now 1-0-1! Undefeated so far which is great! Our next game is on June 5th and then June 6th, both against Tampa Bay in Tampa.

The other thing I wanted to tell you about is that the group going on the missions trip to Chile left on Monday night. I am asking that as you all read this, please say a quick prayer for the them as they travel and minister to the people of Chile. They are going to be able to do some great things in Chile for the Lord. I am going to try and post some videos and other details about their trip when they return. Until then continue to pray for their time in Chile and then their safe return.

I miss you all very much and please continue to pray for Caitlin as she is getting busy working at the Eagles office with the camps department and doing graphic design things. If you want to know every time we have a new post, you can sign up on the right hand side of our blog, or you can email me at jwauyer@gmail.com and I will add you to the list. Thanks to all of you for your prayers and support. Take care and keep in touch.

First Game!!!

Hello friends!!!

So, the first game was two weekends ago. That is why I am writing now instead of on Sunday. I totally missed my self imposed deadline. I am going to try my best to continue to post at least once a week to make sure all of you who pray and support me know whats going on in the ministry.

So far we have just about every women on the team here and practices have been going great. 6:15 every morning they have devotions and then start practice and finish up by 8am. It has been a taxing schedule for everyone but I know that the women are getting into the sport ministry training and the discipleship groups. I would encourage everyone to check out a blog by a women who is on staff with the Lady Eagles. She is a former player who is now the women's ministry coordinator and goalkeeper coach. She will give you a great perspective on what they are going through and what it means to them. http://kforbis.blogspot.com/

I have been doing my best at making sure everything is prepared for the season and now my role shifts to maintaining the day to day of the team. I am learning the process to report the details of the game to the league and making sure the team's travel to away games goes smooth. Please continue to pray for the women as they training both spiritually and physically for their next game this weekend. Our opponent is Hampton Roads Piranhas. They are located in the Virginia Beach area. We have been able to develop some good relationships with them because we have played each other for the past couple of years.

Because we played them last week as well, we are hoping to continue to talk with some their players after the game. We had a time to pray with their team following our last game with them and hope to do that again. Please pray for Hampton Roads and that we will be able to talk with some of them and that they would be willing to ask questions to our players. Also pray for safe travel and a safe game for both teams. And that we would be able to be an example of Jesus to all of the fans, players, and officials at the game.

I am thinking about all of you and apologize for not being in touch personally right now. I am going to be trying my best to get in touch with each of you. Please be praying for Caitlin and I as we continue to serve God here with MAI. We love you all and miss you!

- Jeremy and Caitlin

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

season starting!!!!!

Well, it has arrived! The first day of practice is a little over 8 hours away! For all of you who are early risers, please pray for me because I am not.... though our 6:15am practice time will do its best to convert me. Yes, Monday morning we will start at 6:15am and go until around 8:00am. This will go basically everyday of May until the first week of June - then we will start at 4pm. So please be praying for each of the ladies on the team as some of them will not get in until the second week of May. Please check out our schedule at www.charlotteeagles.com.

Caitlin and I are also working on putting together a type of "adopt-a-player" program for anyone who wants to be involved. Basically, you will have a Lady Eagle player on our team, and you will pray for her specifically throughout the season. You could also take it a step further and send her a card or note of encouragement or even a gift basket. But please go easy on the sweets because they will be in season, remember. ;) But we would like you to get creative with it and get as involved as you like. So look for more details about that in the near future.

I tried to keep this post short and I will try to do more short posts instead of the lengthy ones like before. Please continue to pray for me as I still have a good deal of work to do before things get too crazy. Please also pray for Caitlin's job interviews this week! We will keep you updated on everything, and we hope to hear from you all, as well. I love you all and will continue to pray for you.