We arrived in Saltillo Mexico by 10:15 in the morning and headed straight to our hotel. We only had time to drop off our stuff because our clinic was supposed to start by 11:00.
Even though it was raining, we did not drive all this way to let that stop us. When we arrived at the baseball field, there were only 10 kids waiting on us. The field was pretty wet but the dirt in Mexico is so hard that it held up well, and it was not pouring, only moderately raining. The clinic was set up at a little league field right outside the Saltillo Seraperos professional stadium. It was really nice and is the field where the city’s little league plays their big games. In every town we have visited, the people who run the youth baseball leagues in their particular city have helped us. God has been so faithful to give us favor with these community leaders. These are the baseball people in each city and though many do not know Christ, they willingly listen to our message because of our common love for baseball.
Due to the rain, Coach V decided not to do an official clinic but split the guys up and play a game with the kids. .
As we began dividing up, the Mexican crowd kept growing little by little. Before we knew it, there were 50 kids on the field plus all of the Ambassadors and the baseball game was on. Ambassadors were divided in half, Mexican kids were divided in half and it was 1 ½ hours of sandlot baseball in the rain on our last day in Mexico.
After the game, we gathered in the stands, shared the gospel and prayed with many more people who came to Christ. I got to thinking the other day, people giving their lives to Christ is something we see on a regular basis. We must never forget that there is real power in the gospel of Christ. Sometimes we all get in the middle of our normal lives that we forget this incredible reality. I hope and pray that seeing people come to Christ is just as normal as having lunch. It is a regular occurrence. I want to challenge us all to make this our prayer?
After the Mexican Sandlot baseball game, we blew some “pesos” in the Saraperos pro shop. The Seraperos are in the playoffs for the Professional Baseball League of Mexico. There were lots of cool stuff available and they were happy to sell it to us. As we were going through the pro-shop and touring the facility, the manager of the park asked us if we would come back next year and play on their field. He remembered when we played there last year and really wanted us to come back. Just another amazing blessing!
After lunch, we got ready and headed to Ardiaga Mexico. That is a suburb right outside of Saltillo nestled in between a beautiful mountain range. The government of Mexico just built a new stadium in this area and we had been invited to play the top team in the Liga Saltillo.
We arrived early to warm up and the field was in a beautiful location. Though the grass was pretty, the field was pretty rocky and rough. But, hey, this is Mexico right? It was going to be a great day of baseball.
All the coaches met at home plate and we all commented on how the head coach was a pretty stout fellow. We decided to make sure he was our friend. After we agreed on the specific rules of the game, we were playing baseball.
Aaron Cornell started off with a bunt down the line, which hit him on his way to 1st he was called out. Adrian did his best to argue the call but because the coach for the other team was one big muscle, he did not complain too much.
After AC, our bats came alive and this game was 9-0 before we knew it, Even though we were just killing this team, they never gave up and fought really hard the entire time. Probably because their coach could pinch their head off with one hand if he got mad.
Anyway, we respected the way they played hard and came back with 6 runs.
In the end, we won the game 16-6 and had a great time sharing Justin’s Story with them after the game. One more time, several people came to know Christ right in front of our eyes.
Coach V felt led to give the coach his jersey and we presented it to him during our share time. After that, the man we now know as Spartico, revealed the incredible news that he was a Luchador (Professional Wrestler in Mexico) and he had a match right after the game. He invited us to the match and that was an invitation we just could not refuse.
We left the game and drove directly to the Luchador match. Of course, if you had the privilege of seeing the Academy Award Winning movie called “Nacho Libre”, you understand how big Professional wrestling is in Mexico. It is different in the United States. Jack Black actually does an excellent job depicting what a Luchador match is like in Mexico.
All of the Ambassadors, in full uniforms showed up at the match and I am not going to lie, it was a blast. We were all cheering, booing and laughing our heads off. I am not going to try to explain it, just check out all the pictures that are blowing up facebook tonight. It was a blast and an incredible way to spend our last night in Mexico.
After getting our picture made with Spartico and seeing him bring home the Championship in the ring, we were off to some incredible food at Las Brazas. Boy howdy, that was some good food.
After dinner, we were back at the hotel and all of us were ready for some sleep. My son Eric was so wiped out, he actually fell asleep with his head on the table at Las Brazas.
This morning, all of us were surprised when Spartico himself showed up at our hotel with Wrestling T-shirts for everyone. He autographed most of them and we gave him an autographed baseball by every Ambassador. Spartico is not just a Luchedor but he is the owner of an Electric Company that services Saltillo. He has a very large house outside of Saltillo and invited the entire team to stay with him next time we come. At his house, he can sleep up to 20 in beds. His invitation was an incredible honor for us.
After he invited us to stay at his house, I could not help but think about the significance of his request. All through history, as missionaries go into a community, they pray for the Lord to allow them to build relationships with the people of influence. If a missionary can earn the trust of the leaders, they will be able to gain an audience with all of the people.
For years, I have traveled to other countries on mission trips. We have done great work and it has been a blessing both to the people we have taken with us and the people we have served. However, never in my life have I seen such impact with people of influence. For some reason, God has put His hand on our abilities with baseball and is opening doors to communicate the gospel.
I praise Him for that.
We were up and out the door by 9:30. Got some money changed for our trip to the Market so all those back home will have something to sell in your next garage sale.
We made a small dent in the market, got some more tacos and made the 7 hour journey to Eagle Pass Texas.
Tonight, is our share time and wrap up of the season. There will be testimonies from everyone, lots of tears followed by late night Spaids and Mafia.
What a great trip to Mexico. I wish the entire team could have come but I know for the 15 guys who made this trip, it changed their lives and will be a week they will never forget.
I praise the Lord for the Ambassadors and am thankful to be a part of this incredible group of young men.
I can’t wait to see how the Lord leads them in their lives.
Posted on
Sat, July 31, 2010
by Chris Wall