Alum Realizes
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All four years that Ed Davies was a Seattle Pacific University student and forward on the Falcon basketball team, he yearned to go on a missions trip. But always the pressures of the game and the need to put every penny toward his education prevented Davies from going. This summer, five years after his graduation in 1992, he finally got his wish. For 16 days in June and July, Davies led six SPU athletes to Brazil to hold basketball clinics for junior and senior high youth. The trip, under the auspices of Seattle Pacific Reachout INTernational (SPRINT) and OMS International, was more enriching even than he had imagined. "Brazil is incredible!" says Davies. "The people give out of their poverty and showered us with love." Besides Davies, the team included Shane Abbott, Dirk Been, Chuck Carter, Jesse Enfield, Geoff Ping and Ben Scheffler. In the city of Londrina, the SPU players were housed in a retreat center and visited with families. In the afternoons they conducted sports clinics; in the evenings they scrimmaged with high school teams and showed them where they needed to improve. They also gave their testimonies in two local churches. Making friends with two teenage girls, Davies was eventually able to guide them to faith in Christ. "God used me, of all people," he marvels. "What a privilege!" One of the many other blessings Davies received was a greater appreciation for his kindergarten students at Highland Terrace Elementary School in Seattle. "A Brazilian cook, Doña Lucilia, thought it was an honor to serve us. That made me wonder, do I feel honored with the opportunity God's given me to serve the kids in my class?" Supporters provided the Seattle Pacific team with airfare and basketballs - plus T-shirts and posters to give as presents. A professional photographer supplied autographed color team photos which were popular with children. "If you're an alum and you can't lead a team yourself," says Davies, "through prayer or financial support, you can share in the blessing!" What did Davies think of the three days of "R & R" in Rio
at the trip's end? "After one day, we realized our hearts were still
in Londrina with our newfound family." |
Call For
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Seattle Pacific University alumni are invited to submit their nominations for 1997-98 Medallion Awards, and for the 1999 Alumnus/a of the Year Award. Medallion Award winners are alumni cited for outstanding accomplishments, both in their professions and in service to the community. The Alumnus of the Year award traditionally recognizes an individual or couple for exceptional achievement on a national or international level. It is the highest award bestowed by the University. "Since these awards are given on behalf of all alumni, we want as many people as possible to participate in the nomination process," says Doug Taylor, alumni director. Nomination forms are available by calling 206/281-ALUM. |
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Send any questions, comments or correspondence about Response to
jgilnett@spu.edu or call 206-281-2051.
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