Today was the day to find out which tournament brackets our teams will be competing in. Both teams fought hard, but in the end they will both be competing Thursday in their respective consolation brackets. The coaches could not be prouder of the kids' performances today. Both teams were breaking new ground in their competition abilities.

Tonight was also the night for our service project. We partnered with Bread of Life Mission in Seattle to assemble and distribute care bags to the homeless. Our teams decided they wanted to be part of the distribution teams so we took dozens of bright orange backpacks filled with bottled water, socks, soaps, toothbrushes, etc. and followed a guide into the streets of downtown Seattle to distribute the bags to any homeless we could find.

We walked many blocks up the water front, past fish markets, and between high rises. When the guide offered to let any of the groups who wanted to leave a chance to get on the bus and go after an hour or so, our group was one of the two who stayed behind to try to give away the rest of the bags.

We are so glad we did. We finally reached a square with many people who were willing to receive our gifts with glad hearts and we quickly ran out of care bags. We got to talk with people and hear some of their stories. Many people asked us to pray with them right there.

We are so proud of our kids and their willing hearts of servitude. This trip across the country has been definitely worth it even if just for the experiences they received tonight.

On a side note I do want to ask for prayer for Russ. He was an elderly man I encountered who wanted prayer for himself and for his two sons of 28 and 31 who he hasn't been able to see in years. I told him he would be lifted up in prayer by name tonight.

Thank you so much for supporting our team and particularly our teens in this ministry of Bible Quizzing.

-David J. Blaize, coach