Last year, our men’s basketball team was able to visit the state of Alaska for the first time in addition to their other travels. This year’s team recently had the unique privilege and opportunity to visit the Hawaiian Islands for three games on two different islands, facing off against NCAA Division II opponents. This trip was a tremendous time of growth for our young men in many ways. While there, we were able to improve on the court by playing some extremely talented and athletic basketball teams. Chaminade University, our first opponent, played the #13 team in the nation, Marquette University, just a few days later in the Maui Invitational on ESPN. Less than a week after playing us, Chaminade beat NCAA Division I opponent, Princeton. In fact, those watching the broadcast of the Chaminade-Marquette matchup on ESPN heard the announcer, Jay Bilas mention Golden State Baptist College on the air several times. In addition to the basketball experience, our men had the privilege to grow spiritually as well. Daily personal and team devotions were a memorable portion of our trip. While there, we were able to visit Pastor James Reid and the good people of his church on the island of Oahu. Our team preached and ministered in their weekly teen service, and we were also able to preach in their junior high and high school chapel a couple days later. Our players were faithful to witness and pass out gospel tracts, and we were able to lead several folks to Jesus Christ. It was a special joy to fellowship with GSBC graduate, Nathan Grosse. He and his wife, Hana, are doing a tremendous work there as pastor of the Lanakila Baptist Church on the island of Kauai. While the schedule was fairly full with travel, basketball games, and ministry opportunities, we were able to squeeze in a few sightseeing opportunities. Our men were moved as they visited the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor one morning, and they enjoyed the opportunity to see some of God’s beautiful handiwork on the islands. We saw mountains, rainforests, remote coastal towns, and we were able to hike and visit several waterfalls. Many of our players even enjoyed cliff diving off of a forty-five foot ledge near one of these waterfalls. Our team was able to come together in preparation for the upcoming season, and these once-in-a-lifetime experiences are things that they will surely carry with them for a lifetime in God’s service. |
