THE ADVENTURES OF THE PACIFIC HOPE - MARINE REACH - DAY 4

TALKING TO GOD, THE GANG AND GLASSES

Tuesday September, 2016 5:00 pm

After once again jumping into the tender I arrived on the black sand beaches of Tanna.

It is mildly amusing to me that the area of Tanna that is called White Sands has black sand beaches…but I regress…

Once again I’m standing on the beach, among the hollowed out wooden canoes, ready for all that the Lord has in store. Little did I know that this day was set aside to meet the people of the crew who I needed to meet. 

Meet Mike, a man who is known as the director and yet is so much more. His awareness of the Spirit of God, voice of God, and direction of the Holy Spirit is very encouraging. Together with Christian, the guitar player from day one, we joined our hearts together on the grass to seek the Lord and pray people through to coming to the medical centre. Mike even prayed to the Lord that the crew would be allowed to travel to the top of the volcano for free…and guess what? As I was typing this message this news just in… everyone is going to the top for free! Praise the Lord.

Meet Christian, a young Maori (from New Zealand) man so filled with excitement and enthusiasm that he constantly goes spiritually into the place where you would think he should not go. He speaks the words that others would not have the courage to speak and pray in a way that others would find difficult to believe or agree with. With the guidance from Mike he has begun his walk in the spirit. Praying in tongues, moving in the spirit and seeing the hand of God move in his life.

Meet Layla an English YWAM member who is filled with life, and enthusiasm, ready to tackle all that the world is ready to offer. During this day it was Layla that sat with me and asked about what made men tick? What do they think like? What motivates them? Why are they the way they are?

Slowly as the conversation progressed, we two turned to three, then four, soon five and finally seven people talking and sharing all about communication and how relationships are to work according to the plan of God. In the midst of this discussion one father stood listening and finally in a moment of silence spoke up and confirmed all that was being discussed. This was reassuring to myself but shocking to his daughter who finally saw her father for all that he was. A man of God.

Lastly, we once again joined the glasses crew as the people were once again crowding around the table seeking help and appointments to see the optometry crew and receive their eyes check. So from prayer to parenting, from Spirit to sharing, from the gang to glasses God has been working through all of us today as we bring hope to a people who needed to have a hand up after cyclone Pam, La Niña and the volcano shower ash on everyone and everything here in Tanna.

Pray for rain, lives are counting on it.

THE ADVENTURES OF THE PACIFIC HOPE - MARINE REACH - DAY 3

YU SEE GUD?

Monday, 2016 9:00 pm

After a hearty breakfast it was off to Tanna, and the optometry clinic where we were going to help people see. The lines were large, but as the team noted not as large as in times past. But they are confident that many people are still walking from as far away as two days walk. 

Regardless of the distance to come,  we still served over 50 people today, people with cataracts, eye issues and many with simply short sightedness. 

So I tried to communicate to them using my broken, Bislama… Yu needem glasses lo eye blo yufala? I stumbled and fell through my Bislama and somehow with the grace of God and the patience of the people of Tanna we were able to communicate. 

The day was eventful in the way it began. Jumping into a small powerboat off the side of large ship is challenging at best, but with the additional eyes of the Captain and first mate watching the pressure not to slip or fall was all the more significant. But with a little dexterity and an agile step or two we were able to able to sit down in a place that I was quite sure would be the safest.

Safest, yes… Driest…not so much. The bow of small zodiac ships has a tendency to nose into the water in rough seas. Not so much to threaten the people aboard but more than enough to get all parties on board wet. Especially the person sitting in the safe seat in the bow of the boat centered on the floor.

So with a quick dive the safe seat became the wet seat and with that I started my trek onto the island of Tanna.

The crowd of patients was already waiting as we drove up. Children laughing parents watching and the elders sitting and talking through whatever community news needed to be discussed. We quickly unpacked and the Marine Reach team were excellent setting up the clinic with speed and precision. Soon, lines were forming and people began to file into the medical centre to see the doctors who were waiting to assist them.

What an incredible ministry Marine Reach is. This floating medical centre supplies the nation of Vanuatu with the one thing that they cannot supply for themselves. Good, inexpensive medical care on the remote islands of this Pacific Nation. 83 Island with little to no medical supplies, or facilities desperately need the kind of assistance that the Pacific Hope is only too happy to provide. So people lined up, filed in, and filed out with most receiving the medical care that the so desperately needed.

Meanwhile, back aboard the ship the first patients for the dental clinic were beginning to be shuttled over from the island to cue up on board and wait for the dentist. Over 40 people were cared for today, teeth were extracted, some were filled, while others were able to get more elaborate procedures that they would never have been able to afford had the Pacific Hope had not come. Julie, dressed in her scrubs and looking the part of a dental assistant was able to endure the morning, and by the afternoon was able to really get in there and help. I am so proud of her and her willingness to, “not let fear stop me from trying anything” as she said. She not only tried but succeeded to conquer her fears and tomorrow she has been invited back onto the dental team to once again, assist these wonderful people with their real pain and suffering. Well done Julie.

So now it is night and there is talk that they want my Mormon seminar to be presented to the pastors on the island. I have email Gary and Lori Ellison in the hope that they have a copy of the Bislama version. Once again as I settle into bed I bid you all a fine farewell and a hearty good night, for this Pastor is tired tumas.

THE ADVENTURES OF THE PACIFIC HOPE - MARINE REACH - DAY 2 1/2

I SEE…

Sunday, 2016 1:00 pm

Gather round everyone… we are building our teams. We sit in the meeting room and listen as our names are called. Julie, you’re on the Dental Team. Dave, you’re on the Optometry Team. Everyone’s name is called. Each team is filled and every plan is set.

So now our merry group of buccaneers are dividing into the teams that are preparing to help and minister to the people of Tanna. We have arrived on the backside of the Island, away from the limited facilities that exist in other sections of the island. We have arrived where the people have limited exposure to assistance from the outside world. There is some help but it would best be described as random.

The leadership team departed this morning to speak to the chiefs and the pastors confirming with them the plans and how best we can help. From general medical assistance to primary dental care, from ministry team to optometry many needs are about to be filled, many lives are about to be touched, for everything starts tomorrow.

The people here, who have limited medical availability and even more limited dental assistance, are very excited about the ship as they drop anchor. Many would never be able to afford any medical assistance and the ship comes as an answer to many prayers. So as the teams are preparing their supplies on board, the people on the island are also preparing. Today some will to plan to travel the many miles from their home to the location of the medical clinic.  Most, if not all, are on foot and some will come to overnight, as the distance will be too great for a single days venture.

Julie is nervous about the dental clinic, as she can be quite squeamish with the sight of blood, but I am praying that God will strengthen her, and give her divine courage to be able to do all that God has called her to. She is very strong woman, so I am quite sure she will be fine.

My job? Well I will be giving people glasses to assist them to read and see. The opportunity for hands on ministry is something that I really appreciate. Practical, straightforward assistance will give me a great opportunity just to be Jesus with skin on. No speaking, no leadership, just service. Thank you Lord. May my hands become your hands may my voice become your voice to share with these people the chance once again to see.

As I give out these glasses help me to once again really see you. Help me too, to see.

THE ADVENTURES OF THE PACIFIC HOPE - MARINE REACH - DAY 2

Smooth Sailing.

Sunday, 2016 12:30 am

So the evening went well, meeting people, listening and telling God stories and hearing the hearts of this amazing crew. Some stories were encouraging and exciting hearing all that God is doing around the world, moving on the hearts of his kids to love, give, serve. While others were heartbreaking as others were walking through the challenge of following a father who promised never to leave us or forsake us, even through the deepest valleys.

But in every story was the consistent love of the father woven into every moment. From the volunteers to the more permanent boat crew each member has a faith that God is leading and providing. Their faith is inspiring to say the least.

I had been concerned about my first open water crossing but the Lord provided a gentle swell and smooth sailing. So, after hearing these great stories for faith, Julie and I stood on the deck and after a few minutes watching the waves lap quietly against the hull of the ship, the "Pacific Hope" came to life. With one long blast from the horn, a momentary shutter and a quick prayer from yours truly, the steel ship moved quietly out of the Port Vila Harbour and we set sail for Tanna.

I was deeply moved as I once again realized the amazing grace of God and His wonderful plan for Julie and my life. Here we are standing on board of the medical ship, Pacific Hope in the middle of the South Pacific off the coast of Tanna, preparing to assist in any way that the Lord and our director Mike wants us to.

The gentle rocking of calm seas encourage Julie and I to settle into our bunks and drifted off to sleep. The gentle rocking along with the excitement of the day provided the background to a restful and peaceful sleep.

How was the sail, you ask? 

How was the overnight sail into the blackness of the South Pacific, you ask?

Uneventful… 

... and that was good.

THE ADVENTURES ON THE PACIFIC HOPE - MARINE REACH! DAY 1

Jared and his Bounty of Buccaneers

 

Anchors away…

Saturday 2016 1:00 pm

So today is the day. The bags are packed and precisely on time we are picked up from the house on our way to the boat… or should I say ship. For the Pacific Hope is not a boat but rather a ship, ocean going, ship shape and ready for the adventure set before her. The boat is a refurbished Japanese government fisheries vessel. Later in her life she served as a passenger ship although that was short lived and then after resting for a couple of years at anchor she was purchased by Marine Reach, a division of YWAM (“Youth with a Mission”) international, the Christian organization that recruits young people from around the world to have their first taste of missions and international assistance.

After being showed us to our berth and orientated us to the ship and her amenities we met with Captain Roger, an older man who serves the Lord aboard this ship. He joined the Pacific Hope after being the captain of a fishing vessel out of New Zealand.  He is quiet spoken but exhibits the confidence that is vital to complete his duties aboard; a man who is comfortable with his responsibilities and just as comfortable instructing you of yours. It is good to have Captain Roger at the helm.

As I settled down in the staff gathering room where the crew gathers for meetings, eating and just enjoying each others company, today, five ladies from four different countries sit and enjoy their coffee and conversation, while in another section six young people from around the world are laughing and talking. Ni-Vanuatu, Fijians, Aussies, Canadians and Americans as well as others from around the world are sitting on the floor, or on the wall-mounted sofas. Laughter and fun seems to the norm along with a quiet excitement as moment-by-moment more tenders arrive carrying with them even more crew, doctors, dentists and volunteers who are joining us on this voyage.

Christian, a young man from New Zealand, is sitting playing his guitar quietly in the corner providing subtle background music to the room; which somehow rounds out this, my first experience with the crew, leaving me with a quiet peace, and confidence. All seems to be in good order and well prepared for all that the Lord has in store for us in the days ahead.

Julie and I have joined the crew today on the invitation of Jared Waipouri, the Port Vila based Advance Planning Coordinator. After the invitation it was with Julie’s interest and encouragement that I find myself aboard. Julie has wanted to sail with the Pacific Hope for a while and although this experience is certainly one that is way outside her comfort zone, she has stepped over her fears and concerns and climbed aboard into the adventure that waits for her. Lord bless her as she ventures for God and follows His lead.

Jared, our host, is a shorter man (Look who is the pot calling the kettle black!) whose personality does not match his stature. He is larger than life, able to mix comfortably and easily with businessmen, and government officials as with Young People who join the crew from YWAM. His quiet, demeanor combined with his quick wit provides him an ease of communication that takes away any nervousness that any new crew-member might have. His relaxed attitude hides his awareness and control of all that is aboard and all that is about to happen.

As I sit here listening to the hum of the generators, and listen to the laughter and conversations, I notice two young men praying together. In these and many other ways, I am reminded that God has brought this company together for His will and for His glory and He the one who will care for each of us in the days ahead.

So the crew is loaded and settling in, friendships are renewed, others started and God has begun the process of bringing His will into clear focus. Enough typing, time to grab a coffee, join the fun… after we have our orientation.  ALL ASHORE WHO IS GOING ASHORE!

Photo Credits to Sharney Chapman.

He's Already There!

Have you ever wondered where is Jesus? Where is Jesus when the foundations that you have depended on in your life are removed and you find yourself in a new world? Where is Jesus when you are about to step into tomorrow when tomorrow is not clear and the path before you is dark and unknown? Maybe it is when you have to step into a difficult circumstance or situation that seems so dark and empty of His presence that you have those thoughts of wonder and concern. Those moments when the warm glow of the calling has faded to the dark cold of reality, the challenge of the opportunity and the emptiness of reality?

We have all felt the fear. The fear in the hospital surgery room before you are rolled in, in the court house before the proceedings begin, in the bedroom when the sadness of the day is overwhelming you as you cry yourself to sleep and even in the ends of the earth before you go not knowing what tomorrow holds. 

But the promise that Jesus give us in the great commission is not to go without him, nor is it to go and bring Him and his presence to a location or circumstance. No, the promise that Jesus gives us is far more real than that.

Oh, reader, I wish you could see the smile on my face as I type this... you would see the joy shaking my hands as a type, or the tears running down my cheek and the deep breaths and I am filled by the reality of this next thought...

We do not bring Jesus to the location that we are going... HE'S ALREADY THERE! Moving, touching, setting free, healing, releasing, and above all saving.

All we are required to do is to bring our lives and our hearts into close communion with his heart and He has promised never to leave us or forsake us, to provide, to sustain, to be our Lord.  
 
Like the old song says...

Where ever He may lead I will follow whatever He decides I'll obey. My heart will forever welcome everything that my Lord has to say. For every time I choose not to listen, and each time I demand my own way. His spirit within me suffers and I find that my joy fades away. 

Jesus is not just leading us from an area where is presence is close and reassuring to an world where His ever present help is available but distant but rather He is leading us from the land where we know Him to the land where he is already working, healing, leading and transforming circumstances and lives.

It is with this joy set before us that we pick up our cross and follow Him. May I be so bold today as to suggest that you too choose to follow....wherever He may lead?

Would you like to come along with us on our adventure? Join our prayer and support team today.
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Today is the First Day 

of the Rest of Our Lives.

A wise man once said, that you will never be younger than you are today. With that thought in mind I here to tell everyone that Julie and I are going to Vanuatu. Yup... that Vanuatu. The small south pacific island off the coast of Australia that was clobbered by Cyclone Pam, only a few short weeks ago.

We are going not for a week or a month but to move there and become the Pastor of ICC. International Christian Church, in the capital city of Port Vila. 

This is so exciting as we venture out of our comfort zone into the zone where God wants us to be. 

Would you like to be added to our mailing list? Click the button below.

Would you consider joining hands with us across the Ocean?

Please pray for us as we step out on the water and reach to Jesus... the one who is calling us out of the boat.

I'll have a full bowl...

Have you ever been aware of the truth of the Word of God?  No I don't mean in a passing kind of way...(like) "Wow that's really cool I should think about this some more" "Has the word ever reached out and smacked you in the face? Has it ever spoken so clearly that you would not have been surprised if the writer was sitting across the table from you?... (like) "Ohhh... I need to repent"

Well once again I am aware that the Word is living and active... sharper than a two edged sword... 

Let's look at a verse i was just reading, It's found in Colossians 4:6 (NIV) 

"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

Full of Grace? Really? Grace is the unmerited favour of God. Grace is offered to those who do not deserve it. Grace can only be received freely. No effort can earn grace and grace needs to be freely distributed. First year bible school... got it! But do I really?

How often my voice is only seasoned with the salt of Grace. How often I speak harshly, factually, clearly but not graciously. Somehow my personal need to be correct, or to win overpowers the delicate and gentle need to be full of grace. How often my communication contains little grace as I carefully distribute it out as a precious commodity that should be saved and preserved, less we run out.

Wow! Did you catch what I just typed? I did not realize until after I typed it and I went back to the original verse to confirm. The verse does not say, seasoned with grace but rather full of Grace. FULL! not seasoned, not flavoured, not carefully added, but Full. Not a pinch but a pound. Not a spoon but a sea. Not a touch but a ton! How often I have distributed grace out like a salt shaker, a little shake here and a little shake there and the situation or the person I am dealing with will be fine. I could not have been more wrong.

The only other reference I can find to salt is the communication from Jesus where He said in Matthew 5:13  “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot." You are the salt of the earth... We are the salt... not grace. 

So hearing this statement again, It appears that our interactions with those around us should be full of grace and seasoned with us. How often our communication is full of us and seasoned with grace. I don't know about you but grace needs to be flowing out of my life in a fullness kind of way rather than the fullness that is flowing, the fullness of me.

Lord today, allow me to have the strength to communicate with a full measure of grace and a small measure of me. Lord remind me that I won't fear that I will run out of grace and not have any left for myself but rather that you Lord are the giver of grace and you have enough, even for me.  Oh I know, you may be thinking that that is not really the case, but speaking for my fears... it is true.
I remember back 25 years, to a bible school class, in front of an older Newfoundland preacher, where daily he would would repeat a phrase that at the time I saw little significance in and mostly ignored. Today, the words are ringing down across the years into a heart desperate for the truth they hold. What is the phrase he would say you might ask...? 

"Grace Flows Like a River." 
Dr. Graydon Giles...  
thank you sir.

There and Back Again...

Have you ever prayed a prayer like this... "Lord, where ever you lead I will follow, what ever you decide I'll obey?" Well I have... many times and each time I have felt like the Lord simply smiled and listened. 

You know what I mean... in the same way that a father listens to his children when they declare that when they grow up they're going to be a Doctor, or an Astronaut or a Fire truck. We smile and nod approvingly knowing that the little guy does not really understand what he is saying or what life has in store for him. Well many times when I have prayed that prayer it seemed that the Lord smiled, and nodded.

But we, as fathers, sit up and listen when our children graduate from High School and declare their intention to start a career. We sit up and listen because we understand that they are finally at the stage of life to make the decision and the maturity level to venture into the area that they describe.

Oh how I understand the heart of our Heavenly Father better now than I have ever understood before. Now when I prayed, Lord where ever you lead...I'm sure he sat up and listened and then simply said.... 

ok.... finally... they're ready...

To Be Continued....

Here I am Lord...send me...

How often... in the past few years  I have expressed a question to the churches and groups that I have had the pleasure to lead. 

How often... I would ask the listeners a question without really grasping what I was actually asking? 

How often... I would wait quietly until the moment of silence, the moment of peace when ask, "Are you ready to die for your faith?" 

You know the drill... the room quiets, look over your glasses and quietly and slowly challenge each person to live for Jesus and then quote the call from Christ...

Matthew 16:24-26 New Living Translation (NLT)

^"Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. ²⁵ If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. ²⁶ And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?"

As I sit here in front of my computer I am listening to the voice of a young man describe his call from God to reach the youth and children of Mozambique. I listen as he describes his desire to serve God with all that he is and all that he has. I sit here in front of my computer listening as to his voice cracks and he stands describing his desire to live 100% for his Lord. I'm thrilled.

As I sit here, I now listen as a man full of the spirit of God describes his desire to help children in West Ghana. Containers being sent... books, bed and clothing traveling to those in need... faith filled people going to the ends of the earth to share the truth of Christ. I'm encouraged. 

And then...

Against this moment, my heart travels across the sea to the deserts of Syria where a young man is kneeling, hands tied behind his back, a shot is fired and a young christian sinks into the sands of the desert and into the sands of time. 

Against this moment, my heart breaks as I realize that entire fellowships of believers are being removed from this world and are being ushered into eternity by the hands of evil men and corrupt groups.


Against this moment, my heart is soaked by the reality of the lives dying daily for Jesus. 


Against this moment, my heart sinks as I look into my heart and ask that very same question to my spirit, my soul and find the reality of fear and pain. Am I ready to die for my faith?

Against this moment, I cry...

Jesus said in Matthew 10:18-24,  “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.  But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues.  You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me.  

When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

“A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed.  And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one town, flee to the next. I tell you the truth, the Son of Man will return before you have reached all the towns of Israel."

Historians have said for years that the church of Jesus Christ grows on the blood of it's martyrs... that being true... 
prepare my heart... prepare for hope... prepare for harvest. 

Maranatha... Christ is coming... even so Lord Jesus come quickly.








 

Peace that passes...

The year was 1978 and Dad and I had just arrived at Waterfowl Campgrounds in Banff Alberta Canada. The moment the car came to a stop I wanted to bust out of the car with a cheer and run, shake out the legs and scream at the top of my lungs. I was 15 and Dad and I were going backpacking. This day could not start too fast!

But Dad had different ideas... Without saying a word he quietly stepped from the car and walked only a few steps into the trees. And then, while I was trying to get him to move, joining me in my burst of energy, my father just stood.

"David come here. Breath... come here and breath. Listen...quiet... you can hear the heartbeat of God. There now stand still and breath deeply." So deeply I breathed...slowly and tried as hard as I could to reflect the peace that I saw, the peace I knew was in his life. 

"IN WHATSOEVER situation I find myself...there I will be content." Paul

Wow... if ever there was a time when I was impressed with the Apostle Paul that moment would be today. Contentment is one of the most difficult disciplines to develop in life. 

Our culture rejects contentment as a sign of a non leader, a lazy person or at worst... a complete sloth. These are the frames of reference that is so wrong and may I be so bold as to suggest that we have this completely backwards.

We talk about the peace that God has given us and yet we live so differently. The World is full of people looking for spectacular happiness while they snub contentment. We hustle and fly through life hoping that in the speed of our activities we will somehow discover the peace that we all so desperately need.  

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said 
 “For after all, the best thing one can do when it is raining is let it rain.”

How often do we live our lives as William Shakespeare described them... "we strut and fret our hour upon the stage." But this is the lie that our culture has pushed.

But in against this noise, God's word stands and says...

^"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Contentment is a discipline that comes slowly... deliberately. This principle is one that is easy to talk about and challenging to live out.  I have no words of direction about how to do this...for truth be told I'm still trying to listen.

So come with me...back into the woods, stand still and breath while listening to the heartbeat of God.

"Once a Wildcat Always a Wildcat."

I've been asked recently why I have taken the time to be the Chaplain of the Edmonton Wildcat Junior Football Team. People have come up to me and asked, "When in your schedule are you going to fit this in?" "Why a football team and why be a chaplain?" These questions were ones that I have been thinking about for a while now, and as time passed my thoughts became clearer and reasons became more apparent. 

You see when first asked by our Team President if I would consider this

opportunity it was the excitement and the thrill of being close once again to the action that caught my attention. The dirt, the fight, and the victories were all a great motivation to join the team and honestly this still thrills me. As the team prepares for battle my heart prepares with them. As the game struggle begins and the team breaks through to victories my spirit is carried along, challenged by every setback, saddened by every injury and thrilled by every touchdown.

But now a new motivation is beginning to take precedence. You see, over the past year I have been honoured to be able to work along side, or meet the Wildcats from past and present. Men of honour, dedicated to each other, and to a common goal. Men who know the challenges that lie before them but without hesitation step into the fight, step up to the challenge and push through to victory. 

Now you might surmise that I am solely speaking about the football games with all their drama and excitement, but I'm not. 

Rather, I am speaking about the men of integrity that I have met in this city who have, at one time, been a Wildcat. Businessmen, lawyers, bankers and civic leaders all who at one time wore either the Edmonton Wildcat or the Edmonton Maple Leaf Jersey.

Leaders... Men among men with names like Marco, Ryan and Dave and of course Big Al all speak to us. Men whose legacy lives on beyond the time in uniform, beyond the 60 minutes on a field, to the time when they would carry those around them forward into the future. 

Men who give more then they ever expect to get back. Men who have lived their lives for others. 
Men who have sacrificed in the hope that another would win. Hmm somehow these attributes seem familiar. Almost Christ-like.

It is for these men that I stand on the sidelines and offer my heart to the new team of men. It is for the greatest leader who ever lead a team of men that I do what I do. It is for those who have come before that I give my all to encourage the team, support the team but above all pray for the team as this years men suit-up

You see the Wildcats (Maple Leafs)...

... have not solely been in the business of making a football team... 

...but rather making real men who play football... 

...and while they are at it, win championships. 

So as we are about to once again put on the pads and take the field. I call on the men of renown, the Wildcats of Old to once again rise up and call out these young men to the legacy that is theirs for the taking. Join us in battle once again, and challenge us from the stands. Further, I call on the team of today to answer the call and find within themselves the character and integrity that it means to be a wildcat. Then we will be men among boys... remember...

Oh yeah... that is why I'm a Wildcat!