...I have someone I'd like you to meet...

    The other day Carrie said I needed to come and visit a new burn patient at the clinic.  I stop by the clinic once or twice a week, I'm not the squeamish type but it does break my heart to see so many people suffering, especially the kids.   This new patient was one of the kids.  His name is Kevins and he has  3rd degree burns that cover most of his back.  The reason she wanted me to visit is because he had seen me before and knew me from one of our Sport Disciple camps.  Kevins wanted to make sure I knew he wanted to play in our leagues.

     The way we treat 3rd degree burns in our clinic is soaking the area with an antibacterial soapy cloth to make it soft and once it is soft they scrape the bad stuff off (my non-doctor terminology).  It is an extremely painful process.  When I came into see Kevins he was laying on his stomach with his Mama soaking his back, although not as painful as the scraping process I could still see he was in excruciating pain.  As I got closer he saw me and tried to stop crying from the pain, too put his tough face on.  I knelt down next to him and told him he was very brave and that I could see he had a strong heart.  I told him I knew it hurt and that I had a lot of injures growing up but our bodies are resilient and he would heal and be playing soccer with us in no time.  I asked him if he'd like to drive down with me and see the fields after his treatment and his eyes lit up, I knew the answer without him saying a word.  I told him I'd be back in awhile, stay strong and brave.  He nodded again and smiled though his mouth started to tremble with the pain. I walked away and as I left the clinic  my eyes just filled up, I said to myself keep it together but then I realized it was a gift.  After seeing so much hardship, pain and suffering over the past couple years, the tears meant I wasn't getting calloused to it.  I prayed right then and thanked God for breaking my heart, I needed it.

     After his treatment I picked Kevins up and brought him down to the fields.  Just riding with me he was on top of the world and I think for a moment he forgot about his injuries.  We came down and I introduced my new friend to my guys working on the cistern and fields.  They loved on him and prayed for healing of his injuries.  Its fun to watch a kid put on the tough act, he is indeed a tough little kid but when I brought him back up to his Mama, and no one was looking, he gave her a smile so big and bright I'll never forget it.  I am so thankful we've been blessed to be here and do this work, I'm so thankful that we have friends and family that come alongside of us and support us, and I am so thankful for kids like Kevins that can make this big man's heart break in a second then make it explode with joy in the next.

God Bless!

Barrett

Liftin' up & Lovin' on this little man!

     Update

We are one month away from our inaugural soccer season!  So much to do still and it kind of has our heads spinning.   I wanted to give everyone a detailed update so I included it below, items already accomplished, current and future projects/goals.   I also have a personal request for help.  We have a huge goal of raising $27,000 over the next couple weeks.  If you can donate $10 or $10,000 every penny would be considered a blessing.  We are also asking for you to share our fundraising goal and program with your local churches, businesses, friends and families.  Together we can make it all happen.  

The $27,000 is for:

• feeding the 500+ kids for the 6 week season, for many this will be their only meal of the day
• coaches and construction salaries for our Haitian employees
• team jerseys
• materials (cement, blocks, rebar, etc) for finishing water cistern and toilets
• shipping of equipment and final field preparation 

please go to www.sportdisciple.com and click the "support" button to donate

Thank you for your prayers and support!  God Bless!

Barrett

 

the 30,000 gallon cistern is almost finished!

Love these guys!  Bob & Cherbun come after school each day to help with the fields.  They cant wait to get their Sport Disciple jerseys...check out Bob's hat...he's making his own SD gear...super excited!

Your partnership will help us:

·         Provide a safe environment for thousands of kids to participate in organized sports, an opportunity most of them will never have otherwise.

·         Feed hundreds of kids every day.  Most kids here, especially in our area, can go days without a nutritious meal.

·         Provide leadership, character, life skills and health/hygiene classes.  Developing a new generation of quality, selfless leaders.

·         Provide jobs for approximately 20 local people.  Unemployment is roughly 80-90% in the area we live.  Most Haitians that do have a job support another 10 family members.

·         Complete construction on the sports complex here in Titanyen and develop satellite programs around the country.

The initial program: 

·         Develop a prototype, easily duplicated, multi-faceted sports program in Titanyen, Haiti

·         Will consist of approx.. 500 kids ages 6-16, boys and girls. (sadly, we will have to also turn away hundreds.)

·         6 week, intensive teaching and training season followed by year round league play.

·         Feeding of 500+ kids a day

·         Program is free for kids but they must participate in our community give back program.  Coaches will lead teams on a weekly basis in community service projects.

·         Each team will also “adopt” an elderly person or a family in greatest need and with our resources will provide assistance to them.

·         Scholarships will be available based on total participation.

·         Leadership, educational, character development and health hygiene classes on regular basis.

·         This is a Christian program and we will be focusing on teachings such as “Love your Neighbor as yourself”  “The Golden Rule” etc.  Our goal is to raise up selfless leaders that will put others before self, to always lift up and to always emulate the love of Christ.

What we have accomplished to date: (specifically for Sport Disciple, not including the multifaceted programs we have as part of Global Outreach)

·         Graded and leveled 2 regulation size soccer fields &have access to another existing field

·         Constructed a 400ft x 2ft stonewall to divert flash flooding of fields, doubles as seating.

·         Built several soccer goals

·         Received hundreds of pairs of cleats, soccer balls and additional needed equipment

·         Trademarked “Sport Disciple” and have partnered with a local non-profit to begin producing our own brand of athletic wear, performance clothing and team uniforms.

·         Built a partnership with the organizers of the International Olympic Committee here in Haiti.  We have been invited to bring our kids to play at the Olympic facilities on a monthly basis.

We also have a powerlifting program that is unique to Haiti and they are especially excited about that.

·         A large fitness company in the US has donated all of the equipment to outfit a full size powerlifting gym.

·         We have received a few hundred pounds of Transcontinental Bermuda grass seed for the soccer fields.

·         Our donated underground irrigation system for the fields is almost complete

·         We have a 30,000 gallon cistern under construction and should be finished this month

·         We have a brand new 250 ft well that is producing over 10 gallons a minute, huge win since we are in a desert climate.  It will provide water for the fields but also drinking water for thousands of kids.

·         Purchased over 3,000lbs of rice and beans.

·         Partnered with Feed My Starving Children and have begun receiving free manna packets from them this month.

·         We have held multiple on site camps and have visited many schools with our traveling sport camp.

·         Hired our Haitian Sport Disciple Director.  He was a school teacher for the last 10yrs.  Amazing guy with many talents and has a gift for organizing children.

·         Interviewed over 12 coaches and other staff

What still needs to be done before the season starts

·         Raise approximately $25,000 to finish needed construction, feeding program, payroll, shipping equipment and team uniforms.

·         Finish the cistern and irrigation system

·         Finish our toilets

·         Order Team Uniforms for approximately 500 kids.  Sport Disciple Brand.

·         Build shade over our bench areas for our players, summer temperatures reach 115 degrees.

·         Hire 8 to 10 coaches, each coach will coach several teams.

·         Hold training camp for coaches.  We have established a friendship with a former professional soccer player with over 20 yrs. experience in coaching.  The first week in June he will be coming to Haiti and training our coaches how to coach.

·         Multi-location sign up/registration days.

·         Hire cooks for the feeding program

In the near future:

·         Finish construction of the field house.  It will house an office, team area, weight room, kitchen, equipment room/laundry room and locker rooms.  Side facing the fields will be bleachers and side facing away will be a covered seating area for feeding and meetings.

·         Marketing and selling Sport Disciple brand clothing and uniforms in the United States.  Our goal is to become as self-funded as possible.

In the not too distant future:

·         Strengthen existing and develop new relationships with other communities in Haiti.

·         Construct smaller satellite fields and develop programs, basically a Little League in Haiti.

 To donate and for more detailed information about Sport Disciple, go to www.sportdisciple.com 

"The Mustard Seed"

The Mustard Seed

The Mustard Seed

     “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

     I couldn't help but think of this parable when I saw this little boy playing with the soccer ball.   Our vision is for millions of kids and families to live and breathe the meaning of Hope, Faith and Unconditional Love.  We believe in our hearts that Sport Disciple will be a catalyst for the mustard seed to grow throughout Haiti and throughout the nations.  I wish a blog was capable of letting you experience the smiles, laughter and joy that Jesus is bringing to these kids through this program.  Hopefully someday you’ll be able to come visit and see for yourselfJ.  Thank you to all who have come beside us to help cultivate this seed, the best is yet to come!!

Call for help!!

We’re getting really excited here for our upcoming soccer season starting this June!!  I’m including a few pictures so you can see the progress on the fields and of the community outreach we've been doing with local schools.  Lots of hands & hearts pouring into these fields & program! 

If you have been or are able to start collecting as much soccer equipment as possible, we’re still trying to fill our container for shipping this April.  Please consider going to your local leagues, schools or just around the neighborhood. Below is a list of items we are looking for:

• ·         Soccer Balls
• ·         Whistles/Stop Watches/Megaphones
• ·         Pop up goals
• ·         Cleats & sneakers (all sizes)
• ·         Shin guards
• ·         Socks (lots of them)
• ·         Athletic shorts, black preferably
• ·         Nets for the goals, 2 regulation and 6 youth size
• ·         Ball bags
• ·         Underwear (ages 6-16, boys & girls)
• ·         Scrimmage Vess
• ·         Gatorade Style Water Coolers
• ·         Score Boards
• ·         Clipboards/Dry Erase Boards/Markers
• ·         Large totes, used for teams to put their cleats and equipment in (need lots!)
• ·         Large Riding mower or ride behind, our current equipment is too large to run across the             underground irrigation system.
• ·         Welder/generator, xxl welding jacket, gloves & helmet. (need for construction, soccer               goals and weight racks, etc)
• ·         Cones for drills
• ·         High Pressure Honda water pump to be used to run the irrigation system
• ·       Metal Chop saw
• ·         5 gallon gas cans
• ·         Weed whacker
• ·         Line Painter
• ·         Laundry soap
• ·         Garbage bags for community service projects
• ·         Grass seed (email me for types and amount)
• ·         Grass seed & fertilizer spreader
• ·         Artificial Turf for our 3rd field
• ·         Newer 15 passenger van
• ·         Pick up Truck 

If you have already collected some of these, especially the larger items please let me know so we can take them off the list.  We need to get all of the gear to our central packing & sorting station in MN no later than April 15. 

Please ship to:

 The address is:

Valley Bike & Ski

7640 146^th Street West

Apple Valley, MN 55124

Jeff Milbauer is the contact at 952-432-4537

Thank you & God Bless!!

 Our well for the Sports Complex

 Some grass is already growing!

 The factory we partnered with to supply our Sport Disciple clothing line.  New state of the art equipment being set up!

 Coach Richy & I sharing with the kids at a local school, telling them that everyone of them are special and loved!

 Building some PVC youth size soccer goals.

 Having some contests and fun at local schools!

 Painting the regulation goals.

 Panoramic of the two fields getting the irrigation in place.

Running contest and drills at another school.

Having a Sport Camp/Fun Day at our campus.

Coach Richy and Coach Cherbin at a camp.

River Church Team with some of our guys, lots of progress this week!

It's a good day, so don't cry, right?!

It's a good day, so don't cry, right?! As you can see from the picture below our sweet Pierlins hands are healing and she won't need to come back for treatment. If you don't remember her, her story is in our last blog. Hunger, anger, hot oil, good samaritan. What could have easily been infected and club like hands are healed! During the time that she's been coming one of her older brothers burned her arm with a match. That has healed as well. We've been able to love on her and her silence has turned into big smiled soft responses to our questions. "Who's smart, who's pretty, who's loved?" "Me!" One of eight children in a home where she's not shown love. Fear and sadness can easily creep in about her future. This is a good verse for the both of us. 

When I am afraid, I will trust in You. Psalm 53:3

1 Year Celebration, We'll Be Seeing You and Pictures!

September 25th! 

It's been 1 year since we've moved to Haiti. 

We can't believe how fast this date has come! Is it really true?!

We can't wait to share all that's happened!

 

October 28th - December 11th we will be back in the states on furlough. 

We're hoping to schedule times to share with churches, groups, etc., visit family & friends, have yearly check ups, visit schools with Braxton, hopefully get his learners permit, (oh, help me now!) and eat some fast food! (i'm sure we'll be sick to our stomachs!) 

We also want to catch up on all we've missed! 

Skinny jeans (with safety pinned bottoms?) or bell bottoms going on now?! 

We would love to see as many of you as possible! 

Please email or face book us so we can let you know where and when we'll be! toddfamilyhaiti@gmail.com 

We'll be flying IN to Minnesota and then traveling outside MN for a few weeks.

I am going to FREEZE!! 

(definitley not BT writing This blog)

Pictures

This is Miali. A candle caught her clothes on fire. She has been coming for several months and last week she got a graft on her abdomen and thigh from a visiting surgeon. We are praying that it works, it has been a long and painful journey for her and her family!

Oh, the things you will see! Every day, All day!

Home school science projects. (that don't work!) Darn...wink, wink

Missionaries or the special agents next door?! 

No smiling FOR YOU!

Sports Disciple launching! iamadisciple.com

Please pray for this adorable girl. She was brought into the burn clinic today by a stranger who heard her screams last night. She stole a piece of fish and her mother held her hands in the hot oil as punishment. She is the middle child of many, has an extra finger on each hand that you can't see in this picture and needs a lot of prayer for healing. The skin on her hands will come off in the next few days and she can't use them to do all the things you need your hands for. 

I had a sweet conversation with her this morning and she knows she's loved.

I am loved because I am 

Chosen by Jesus

I am known because I am

Named by Jesus

I am fearless because I am 

Safe in Jesus

I am brave because I am 

Always with Jesus

                    -ann voscamp

Great note on the kids message board - 

Whether fear or faith prevails depends on the commander we're saluting.

We miss you all and can't wait to hug your necks!

Oct.28-Dec.11th! Brrrrr!

This story kind of goes nowhere…kind of…

     In May 2013, I drove from Minnesota to Maryland and back.  It all started around going back to my high school football coach’s (Tim Ambrose) retirement party. On many levels it was one of the best trips I've ever been on, many stories came of this trip, but today I’m only going to share the one that kind of left me hanging, well at least until I saw the bigger picture.

     I was heading from a visit with an old college friend and his family near Philadelphia, on my way to Cumberland, Maryland.  It was a beautiful day and drive, western PA is mostly rural farm country, very similar to where I grew up, so it was very relaxing.  Well, we all have some rituals we perform on long road trips and one of mine is to not only fill the tank but also get one of those gi-normous fountain drinks of diet Coke for the ride.  It also doesn't take a scientist to understand that means I’m going to have to stop, basic biology right?  So after a while, I started looking for an exit to pull off and of course there weren't any because I was in the middle of nowhere.  About 10 minutes down the road I finally saw one sign for a gas station, but I was wary…you see the day before I saw one of the signs and pulled off near Baltimore and the station was like 5 miles off the exit, down 3 roads etc…(I personally think it should be illegal to post signs like this, I think I’m writing my congressman…)  so I waited to the last minute, “I’m not pulling off until I actually see it, not going to trick me again…” and right after I passed the exit, there it was behind the trees…(I muttered something I’m not proud of under my breath).  So I started to speed a little and the need got a little more urgent.  Then a few miles down the road there was a town with several gas stations, “Jackpot!” I thought.  As I was preparing to pull off I saw another sign that read “Rest Area 1 mile” I thought, “even better, I’ll go there instead” so I passed the town exit and headed to the rest area.  As I rounded the next bend my bathroom hopes were crushed.  The rest area was also a weigh station for trucks and was backed up a quarter mile, no entrance available for me.  (I muttered something else).  Needless to say, it was getting dire.  You know when you have to go bad, think you’re going to get to go, but don’t get to go, then oh no.  So I had to make a choice, pull over, risking a indecent expose ticket or go really fast and risk a speeding ticket…I chose to floor it.  After using all 5 cylinders of my 4 cylinder car, I saw what seemed like a carnival of gas stations, even one of those cool big truck stops!  As I pulled off the exit I noticed the exit number was 77.  You may only understand this if you are/were an athlete (and yes it makes me kind of a dork) but 77 is my football number so I immediately thought, “guess I’m supposed to take this exit.”

     After I raced into the parking lot, sprinted through the aisles of the truck stop and took care of my problem, I went out into the store section to browse.  So I’ll admit I have a problem right now, don’t judge, but I went right to the fountain drinks and filled up another 64 oz’er.  As I was filling it I glanced over at the couple next to me. He was an older gentleman, guessing in his 70’s, his wife looked to be in her 50’s and they were getting hot dogs off the self-service roller.  Then it dawned on me, the gentleman was Robert Duvall.  He was wearing a short brimmed flat cap pulled down (incognito) untucked shirt, jeans and cowboy boots.  I thought “nawww…it can’t be Robert Duvall, he wouldn't be eating hot dogs in a truck stop in PA, besides, no one else recognizes him or thinks it’s him.”  Now, I don’t get star struck, I didn't think much about it actually, but he kept looking at me, maybe he thought I’d give him up, I don’t know.  Either way, I waited behind him in line, neither the cashier nor none of the dozens of people recognized him.  As I left, I saw him and his wife off in a corner eating the hot dogs and as I step outside, I see the brand new Porsche Cayenne Turbo, I thought, “yep, it’s him” then I got in my car and drove over to the McDonald's drive through.  As I sat there waiting to get my order, I Google imaged Robert Duvall, and there he was with his wife.  They had just been at a fund raiser (where the picture was taken) to raise money for a children’s charity he supports.  Now at this point, the old Barrett would have just said “I knew it!” and that would have been it.  But the new Barrett, the one that tries to be obedient in every situation, looks up and says “I’m willing to make a fool of myself for you, you made it so I HAD to go here, the exit sign even said 77…okay, I’ll go introduce myself.” 

     I reeeaaalllly didn't want to, but I pulled out of line at the McDonald's and pulled back into the parking lot of the truck stop.  I got out of the car and started walking towards the entrance and at the same time they exited, meeting right before their car.  No one else was around, I’m sure I probably startled them at first (if you’re reading this and don’t know me, I’m 6’3 295lbs) and I asked, “excuse me sir, are you Mr. Duvall?”  he replied “yes, yes I am”  I apologized for interrupting their day but just wanted to let him know “Mr. Duvall, I just wanted to say thank you.  I know you do a lot of charity work and as a person that works with the hurting people in Haiti I know how important your time is.  You probably never get to hear thank you directly from someone on site, so I’m telling you, thank you for them, I know they truly appreciate your efforts.”  I think I caught him off guard, probably not expecting that.  Then I told him “and as a side note, thank you for making the movie Second Hand Lions, it’s one of my family’s favorites, I wish more movies were made for families and that his character reminded my kids of their Grandpa.”  He laughed and we began an extended conversation.  He asked me about what I do, I explained it all and in the end, we both thanked each other for what we did to help others.  He shook my hand and left. 

     Now, I didn't share this story with anyone for a while, it didn't seem to go anywhere and when I did, I kind of left them hanging, like there was something amazing supposed to come of it, like “then he cut me  a check for $100,000 to fund our program” or “hey, I’m heading to Cumberland too, lets hang out and become Buddies!”.  No, nothing exciting.  But I've come to realize that this is actually one of my most important stories, it marks a turning point.  I had swallowed my pride and was willing to embarrass myself in order to be obedient to what I felt God was asking me to do.  I had no idea what I was going to say to Mr. Duvall right up into the time the words left my mouth and in God’s perfect timing, I said “Thank you”.  I may never know why I was placed in those circumstances, maybe God knew I would be willing to give a word of encouragement to someone that needed it, a word of encouragement to a man, who in his fame, may not know people’s real intentions.  But I do know, after looking up and saying “okay, I’m willing to make a fool out of myself for you” He has given me opportunity after opportunity after opportunity to lift someone up, to speak life into someone.  He has also let me live out and through some really amazing experiences, some nothing short of miracles.  It’s like when I said “I’m all in” He said “Now I can use you.”

     Now, the question is, if the next time, you and I get that nudge will we listen?  The next Robert Duvall might be the guy with a flat tire, will we stop and help?  Or it may be someone needing prayer, will we pray for them on the spot?  Or it may be just a feeling that you need to reach out to the elderly neighbor, offering an ear and a cup of coffee. Just imagine...just imagine if we all became fools...  

     I hope you enjoyed this “God Story” and I hope I didn't leave you hanging.  I do want to share with you, if you haven’t seen them yet, our new promotional video for Sport Disciple and our new website, please take a few minutes to check them out.  We are also beginning our fund raising campaign for construction and program costs.  If you are able, we would really love for you to be a part of the Sport Disciple Team.  Below are links to the video and website as well as donation links.  We are 100% funded by people just like you and every gift is considered a blessing regardless of the amount so please prayerfully consider joining the Team.

 Our Goals & Needs:

·         Monthly sponsorship increase $4,000.  Please consider joining the monthly sponsor team, $20, $30 etc…

·         One Time Gifts large and small!  Total initial project, Phase 1, costs are estimated $110,000.  Phase 1 includes 2 regulation size fields, equipment building, concession, laundry facilities, pavilion, rest rooms, gym, 30,000 gallon cistern, shipping container with equipment donation + shipping costs and general infrastructure.

To learn more about the details or to become a sponsor please visit www.sportdisciple.com and to view the Sport Disciple video click here..

"Run Dummy"

Happy Anniversary to 2nd chances!!  18 yrs ago today I was given that 2nd chance.  When I woke up this morning I had a scene from the movie Bull Durham in my head, "Run Dummy"...I added the clip from youtube if you don't know the scene.  Basically the catcher lets the batter know the pitcher is going to throw a fastball.  The batter crushes the next pitch out of the park then he just stands there.  The catcher then yells at him " I just gave you a gift and you just stand there?  Run Dummy!"  

How many times do I forget this gift that God has given me, a 2nd chance, a beautiful loving wife and 4 incredible children.  He's given me an amazing adventure over the last 18 yrs that really is just the beginning. Over the next few days I'll be releasing some really exciting information and our first video about our youth sports discipleship program.  I really hope you all love it!

I pray today that we all see the gifts God has given us, that we don't need to have tragedy or near tragedy  strike before we sit up and take notice. That when we're given a gift or opportunity we don't just stand there and watch, we all run the bases as fast as we can, that we're never mistaken for spectators.

Have an awesome day and God Bless!!

"Run Dummy" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20NEbFeXU7w

become like little children...

    

 I just came back from an orphanage, it was awesome!  Funny how the words orphanage and awesome don’t seem like they should be in the same sentence.  The reason for its awesomeness was that it was overwhelming evident that the kids were loved.  The family that ran it, the children all exuded love on us as we visited no sadness except in my own heart that I couldn't take them all home.  I've been able to visit quite a few orphanages and it’s not always the case, Lord please let this family be an example of how we all should take care and love on the least of us.

                                                 

 a couple of boys from the orphanage

Carrie translating a letter to one of the boy's, it was from his sponsor, loved being apart of this!

     Things are getting exciting around here!  Summer is here and we’re going to start our sport day camps in a week or two.  The camps will be a great way to build relationships with all of the local children and families and a great way to kick off our youth soccer league.  We’re hoping we can get the league started this fall.  Below are some pictures of our first sports camp and community service outreach, can’t wait to be doing these several days a week!

Our Soccer/Futbol Program:

     We will initially have over 1,000 kids, ages 6-16, both boys & girls. Our goal is to make it free but the kids will have to be involved in the whole program, which will include:

•         Community service - teams will work hand in hand with us on multiple projects

•         Each team will adopt a home of an elderly person or family in need & with our help, will provide  them     assistance & care

•         Scholarship opportunities

•         Feeding Program

•         Life skills training, health & hygiene leadership development

     Our Vision is to develop a prototype youth sports discipleship program that can be duplicated nationally & internationally.  Raising a new generation of leaders that will love their fellow man, instill hope in their future & help change the cycle of poverty.

     Thank you to all of you who have supported us with good wishes, prayer and financial support; we can’t do it without you.  We are currently in the need of continuous monthly sponsors and individuals who would like to make one time donations, anything you can do is a blessing.

Please click here to donate

First score of the game!

community service trash pick up

 I'd say we worked hard but it was so much fun it went by fast...building a servant's heart.

the girls weren't going to let the boys win trash pick up

Yes, we introduced the kids to "dizzy lizzies" 

think they we're having fun?

these kids did dizzy lizzies then dribbled a soccer ball down & back, awesome!!

more play!

run, run!!

 time to eat!

my wall guys, finished the wall, now let's plant some grass!

Please click here to donate