Thrive Africa has announced it’s going to start up a soccer ministry for the local high school kids early in 2005. They are currenlty looking for individuals like yourself to help fund this ministry so they can equip kids with jerseys, cleates, shin guards, etc. Their goal is to have 12 teams each with about 14 kids per team. Jersey sets (jersey, shorts, socks) are looking to cost about $15 each, so that’s about $225 for each team and for 12 teams that adds up to $2,700. I know that sounds like a lot, but remeber thats for 168 kids to play soccer every weekend. We’ll also need to raise another $1,000 to pay for balls, cones, corner flags, etc.

Remember, these kids don’t have much in life, so to give them the ability to come out and spend the weekend with friends playing soccer and having building freindships is going to be an amazing thing to be a part of. As bad as we want to start the league tomorrow we can’t do a thing until enough money has been raised to order the equipment If you are intested in helping out in any way please contact me at dditges@capernaum.com.

I’m excited to announce that I’m heading back to Africa in mid January. I’ll be working the same organization (Thrive Africa) that I did on my September mission, only this time I’ll be there or 2 months.

Why am I going back you might ask? Well, apart from my 2 week trip being an amazing experience they have a need for a “creative media” person to help with brochures, movie, emails, etc. This opportunity allows me to use the talents God has blessed me with to serve his kingdom. I never thought I could go to Africa and do the same thing I do in Jacksonville.

My 2 months at Thrive Africa will be sort of a trial period to see if I would like to pursue a 2 year staff commitment. Yes, I said 2 years. I know that’s a long time, but for some reason it doesn’t really scare me. This from a guy who second guesses hard shell or soft shell at Taco Bell. Either way, God must be in control of this or I would be shaking in my boots right now.