Colombia
We have taken four trips to Colombia which have included stops in Medellin, Puente Iglesias, Santa Margarita and the base of our operations; Envigado. We have been able to renovate their field, administer numerous clinics, donate equipment, bibles and I-pads containing Duel-Lingo software. Because of this partnership, several young men have come to the states to play baseball in college and have now received the undergraduate degrees. Jose Mercado, Mateo Calle and Abelardo Paz all played at Concordia University Chicago. Jose is still playing professionally while Mateo and Abelardo are working on their Master’s Degree’s and coaching in college. What an amazing story and wonderful blessing that will continue to grow!
Costa Rica
Through our relationship with Secundino Morales in Panama, connections to the Refuge of Life in La Carpio (a barrio outside of San Jose), took us to a tremendous place of need. We were told this was one of the worst areas in San Jose, that there was only one road in and out and only one piece of land that was not concrete in the entire barrio. Sounds just like our kind of place! The team spent the week not only teaching baseball but also working on a community center in the Las Grades neighborhood. Of course, only accessible by 120 steps, so to say it was challenging physically would be an understatement but so rewarding none the less.
Panama
Our first Mission trip almost a decade ago was to Bongo, Panama. We stayed with retired Methodist Minister, Secundino Morales. We have since made three trips to Panama which included Sortova and Concepcion. We have been able to build a field, renovate another, build vegetable gardens, roof a church, donate bibles, school supplies and baseball equipment. No to mention, we have hiked Vulcan Baru, the highest point in the country, twice!
Taiwan
What an amazing trip thanks to Bryan Woodall and the Fubon Guardians of the Chinese Professional Baseball League. We administered clinics, donated equipment and bibles in six different communities all throughout the country. While meeting so many extraordinary people, the team also experienced an amazing culture with great cuisine and a huge heart for serving others!
Dominican Republic
The D.R. has been our most visited country. We have been so blessed to have a relationship with the Pittsburgh Pirates that includes their Latin American Pitching Coordinator (Amaury Telemaco) and DSL Coach (Gavi Nivar). Over the years, we have built 3 fields, renovated another 3 fields and started location in La Romana, San Cristobal, Bani, San Pedro De Macoris and El Toro. In addition, we have volunteered at orphanages, donated bibles, clothing and baseball equipment. Continued plans for the future are already in the works.