Welcome to Nick and Uliana Morari blog

Don Eddy about his visit to Moldova...

As you might know from the December 2010 update, from all the ministry opportunities we have in 2011, our first one was the Don Eddy basketball camp. We appreciate your prayers to support us in organizing and running this outreach. We were challenged in a few ways but God turned those things for good! We really appreciate the coming of Don Eddy and the two demonstrators which he brought with him to run the camp effectively. Thank you so much for praying for their safe travel and time in Moldova. Their coming was very important for the ongoing ministry in Moldova and important step on the way to reach the vision which is the Christian basketball academy. Their service was selfless and outstanding!

 
 
We asked Don Eddy to share his experience in Moldova. His sharing will be the ministry update this time:

NICK AND ULIANA:I am finally getting things back together after our exciting and encouraging time in Moldova.You two went way beyond the call of duty in taking care of us during our stay. You are truly disciples of Jesus in every sense of “The Word.”The apartment we stayed in on the 19th floor was really nice and warm! The view was exceptional every morning as I ate breakfast as the city was waking up. The food that was provided was very good and then to top it off Uliana cooked super for us (“us” includes the two demonstrators that were with me from Texas, Keith Perry and Brett Davis) nearly every night.Included in our group nearly every night was Ivan (6’11) and Surgey (6’4) two of your area basketball players and university students. These guys set a good tone for our visit, culturally speaking and on the basketball court during our camp time with the students.Language is always a measure issue for me when I go outside the city limits of San Antonio. So in Moldova we had not one but two languages to deal with in the students, Russian and Romanian. But between yourself, Ivan, Surgey and Uliana we were able to bridge the language barrier with some success.During the course of the camp, your translation of “my English” into those two languages, all at the same time, in a smooth fashion made understanding and the success of the camp meaningful.The students in the camp really like the game of basketball and were very willing to learn many of the new things we shared with them. Good students always make a good teacher so they held us up for the whole time. Having Ivan, Surgey, Keith and Brett there to show the way brought my teachings to life thru their skill and abilities.It was encouraging to me to see “the game” of the students “turn the corner” and begin to show some real understanding of the game and how they were becoming much more effective.As always, for me, the most relevant time each day is when I get a chance to share Jesus with the students. They were receptive and enthused while at the same time showing some “shortage” in regard to the Word of God.Out of that my hope is that you picked up several teenagers to join you in bible studies so you can equip them for a future in the Kingdom of God.One of the real highlights for me was, at the conclusion of camp, when we presented each of them with a New Testament written in their own language, whichever it was. These New Testaments were in a beautiful hard back and colorfully illustrated. I asked them earlier how many had bibles in their home and only a few held up their hands so they were really excited when they received this beautiful Word of God.Nick and Uliana we thank you for going the second and third mile in making our time in Moldova very meaningful.Your demonstration of true “JESUS LOVE” was very special to all of us.Don R. Eddy.

Here you can find more about Don Eddy basketball camps: www.debb.com

Update on chaplaincy in Malta...

As I already shared this was an incredible opportunity to me. Still, I spent time in prayer asking if God wants me to go and believe He did. Providing finances for this trip was a way God communicated that He wants me to go. The thing that everyone accepted very well that I am a part of the team also spoke volumes.
 
 

One of the players, whose name is Vitalii, I did not know well. Before this trip when we saw each other we would shake hands and say hi. That is how far our relationship was. On the first day in Malta Vitalii came to me and asked if I mind if he would move into my room to stay with me. You are right, I answered of course! During this time we got to learn more about each other and had a couple of conversations about spiritual things. I found out that Vitalii is afraid of jumping into the water. When he was little, his family used to go to Orthodox church and at some point became disappointed. On the airplane, on the way back Vitalii fell asleep and placed his head on my shoulder.
 
Another player, whose name is Vova would not even shake hands with me or say hi before this trip. He is not from my home city, is married and has a daughter. It is interesting how quickly our relationship got established and grew in such a short time. He is a big guy who made me smile often by telling that he would deal on my behalf with anyone who offended me or hurt me. He would ask if everything alright each time he saw me. On the last day during a banquet and after he had some alcohol he took me aside and began to ask questions about spiritual things. More players came and wanted to listen but he was shy to talk in their presence. Before we got on the plane to fly back to Moldova I bought something for his baby girl and for two more kids of two other players. I saw how these players saved the little money they had to get something for their family back at home and it was humbling.
 
On one of the days I presented the Bible to the head coach. He did not have one and accepted it willingly but said he does not have time to read on this trip. Daughter of the president of the basketball federation in Moldova was the head of the delegation. Her name is Larisa. She saw the Bible on the table and was told that it is from me. The next day she approached me and asked questions about relationship with God and we had a good conversation. She said that one of her friends goes to a Baptist church and on different occasions invited Larisa to go with her. 
 

 
On different times I read the Bible with a player who I lead to Christ many years ago, when he was a teenager. We also prayed together. His name is Nicolai. The head coach of the Gibraltarian team who is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio one day asked me what we are reading. I told him we are reading the Bible and found out that he is a Christian too. Another relationship began with a writer for a Scottish sport news paper who came with the Scottish basketball team and happened to be a dean in a local church.
 

 
Several years ago Nicolai lead his teammate to Christ who also became a member of the national team. The guy’s name is Vladimir. Vladimir would come to me for support and advice as he had to deal with another player on the team.
 
Going on this trip was special and I pray that the seeds which were planted will result in salvation and fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Update on mission trip to Belgium...

About a week ago four Moldovans safely arrived to Belgium. This is the first mission for Anastasia, Natalie and Alexander. Six months ago they responded to the Gospel and joined our Bible study group.
 
Two more Moldovans, Vladimir and Serghei arrived from USA to Belgium a day later. To remind you Serghei was in USA to participate in Don Eddy basketball camp for personal and ministry benefit. Vladimir went to USA trusting that God would direct people his way who would pray and support his full time ministry with SportQuest in Moldova. Two of them also helped a local church in Lubbock, TX reach young people for Christ through sport activities. To see photos of the ministry in Lubbock, TX click here.
 
Six Moldovans joined a bigger group of Belgians and Americans to help 13 local churches reach young people in their communities through sport activities. Prior to the travel six Moldovans were equipped at some level and received more training with everyone during the first week of their time in Belgium. Three days ago, after the training, two weeks of ministry have began. To follow the project in Belgium over facebook click here.
 

 
On the photo from left to right: Anastasia, Alexander and Natalie.
 
After I asked Natalie how she is doing, she replied: I am perfect...i think that this is the best summer ive ever had...thank you for this really great present
 
Alexander wrote: vou)))in belgium is very good...i think this summer will be best of the best))))
 
Please pray that God would continue to shape the six Moldovans into the people He wants them to be and for His work during this ministry in Belgium.

National basketball team coordinator

On July 4th I have an opportunity to join the national basketball team to travel to European championship division C. Officials from the Moldovan basketball federation already registered me as a team coordinator with FIBA Europe and got me the entry visa to Malta. The purpose of me going and my not official role is to be the chaplain – spiritual counselor. In order to have this ministry opportunity I have to cover the airline ticket and room cost at a hotel.
 
Have I ever thought that I will have such a favor and relationships? Should I be surprised? After all this is God’s ministry and I am just a vessel. It is a privilege and honor to serve Him.
 
I remember when we began to reach out to players, coaches and officials back in 1998. Nobody wanted to do anything with us. God has been working in the lives of these people and is expanding our borders. Now we are at the point of introducing the idea of chaplaincy on the very high level. The idea is new not only within basketball world but all sports in Moldova. We continue to break the stereotype that believing in God is only for weak and elderly people.
 
Would you please pray for this new in Moldova ministry, for my growth and preparation, and God’s work in the lives of the delegation. I think this is symbolic that chaplaincy starts within the national team.
 
It is our desire that the lives of the athletes who are looked up to would be a testimony of God’s love and forgiveness.
 
Our ministry budget is at zero. Uliana and myself decided to use our limited personal finances to purchase the airline ticket and room at a hotel. The same thing with Vova and Serhgei going to USA. If the Lord will lead you to help us out, please let us know.
 
 

We now have visas to go on mission to Belgium!

Today our whole group received passports with visas for Belgium! Praise God and thank you for praying with us! The prayer request for visas was an important one. For the first time we applied for visas at this new embassy in Kishinev. Since 2001 we used to apply for visas in Kiev, Ukraine and have built good and trustful relationship. Now we began new relationship and God gave us the favor. You need to realize that for a Moldovan to obtain a visa to Western Europe is a major success. Please pray for the preparation of the team along with travel arrangements!
 
In about six hours Vladimir and Serghei will start their travel to USA. This is their first trip to USA! Please pray for their safety, spiritual and overall growth, and for God to use them to build His kingdom!

Mission trip to Belgium 2010, visas

On July 19th a group of 10 Moldovan athletes are scheduled to depart to Belgium on a three week mission trip to join a bigger group to serve 13 local churches. In different neighborhoods we will conduct sporting events for kids and teens to build the bridge for the Good News.
 
The last couple of months the Moldovan group has been a part of the Bible study and English courses to prepare for this mission.
 
Past Monday we applied for visas at the Belgium embassy. On June 22nd we should find out if the visas were granted. Please pray that we get visas!
 

 
 

Serghei and Vladimir on the way to USA!

We thank God that today two Moldovans received back their passports from the American embassy with visas to travel to the United States. Their names are Vladimir Vascovet and Serghei Moscaliuk.
 
The special friendship and relationship with Vladimir and Serghei have been a blessing for me personally and God’s work in the world of sport and through sport.  
 
Serghei is a growing Christian who is a basketball player, was a candidate to make the national team this year. He is another player who heard the Gospel on different occasions from myself and his teammates. It is joy to see him grow spiritually and have desire to serve God along with us. Last year Serghei went with us on a mission trip to help churches reach youth through sports in Holland and Belgium. This year three of his friends have been coming to Bible studies and want to join us to go on mission trip to Belgium
from July 20 till August 8.
 

 
The purpose of Serghei’ trip to USA is to work at Don Eddy basketball camp and serve the City View church in Lubbock, TX. Don Eddy basketball camps is the place where back in 2001 I first received training on ministry through sport. So many years later I am excited about sending Serghei to walk my footsteps. Serghei is another player after Ivan Kropotov who wants to help establish and run a Christian basketball academy in Moldova. The things which he will learn at Don Eddy basketball camp are essential and part of our strategy. Also, Serghei will be able to use the experience gained at the camp in ministry to and with churches who use sports to reach young people for Christ. City View church is the first summer project for Serghei this summer. Then Serghei will join us in Belgium for two more weeks of ministry and will be able to serve with two more churches.
 

 
Vladimir has been a volunteer on our team for many years, using many of his talents in mass evangelistic outreaches. Past Spring after a training on ministry through sports in Kiev, Ukraine to which I invited him, Vladimir shared that he would like to serve God full time with SportQuest. Sometime later he went through the application process to become a staff and was accepted. The purpose of his trip to USA is also to serve the City View church in Lubbock, TX but also he trusts the Lord will send people his way who have heart and passion that he has and will join him as ministry partners to pray and support his ministry financially. His main ministry right now is camps for youth and graphic design for SportQuest intl. After the project in Lubbock, TX he too will join us in two weeks of project with churches in Belgium.

Sports ministry conference 2009, Moscow

This is the group of Moldovans who we took to the sports ministry conference for fellowship and spiritual growth. Some traveled with us by train from Moldova. Others came from Moscow because this is where they live now. Among them are: Dima a former bb player, his father Sergei who is a basketball coach and referee, Olga who is Dima's girlfriend, Vadim who is a former bb player, Anna who is a coach on swimming came with her son Ivan, Jenya who continues to play ball, and our family.

All together there were about 170 sportsmen from different countries.

1st place in Moldovan Championship!

During the 2008-2009 season I was able to serve this team as a chaplain. It was a good year as the guys practiced physically and played together to win in the Moldovan championship. Most importantly it was a good year as they have been coming to study the Bible to achieve victories in their lives.

Christian international basketball tournament in Zhitomir, Ukraine

This is our team!

Andrei (the host) and Vova are now friends.

Anton got first place in 3-point contest.

Jenya is celebrating the dunk by Sergei.

Sergei dunks and gets second place in this competition.

Praying together with a team from Rovno before the game.

Participants came from Moldova, Belorussia and varios cities in Ukraine.

Little Nick, 2 years 2 months

Little Nick, 2 years 1 month

Anastasia, 25 days old

Little Nick, 2 years 1 month

Anastasia, 13 days old

Little Nick, 2 years 1 month

Birth of Anastasia, one day old

Little Nick, 1 year 11 months

Little Nick, 1 year 11 months

Olympics 2008 Beijing, China

Together with boxers. Veacheslav (in the middle) won a bronze medal. Vitalie (on the right) got injured.