May 22, 2025
East Texas Baptist University's Acrobatics and Tumbling, Cheer, and Pom teams recently returned from an unforgettable Tiger Athletic Mission Experience (TAME) to Northern Ireland, combining their athletic talents with gospel-centered service. This marks the 23rd TAME trip for the ETBU Athletic Department and the second international mission for these teams, following a journey to Japan in 2019.
Partnering with the International Sports Federation (ISF) and Salt Factory Sports, ETBU student-athletes spent the week serving schools and communities in Lisburn and surrounding areas, engaging in ministry and outreach at schools.
Upon arrival in Belfast, the team settled at Mullartown House, a seaside Christian retreat center that served as their base for the week. The trip officially began with training and orientation hosted by Salt Factory Sports, preparing the teams to minister effectively in local schools. Throughout the week, the student-athletes led athletic demonstrations, taught cheer, pom, and tumbling skills, and spent time in meaningful small-group conversations with students, sharing their testimonies and the love of Christ.
"I saw God working through the children in Northern Ireland," sophomore pom student-athlete Sara Basham said. "They showed so much excitement towards us. Northern Ireland doesn't have sports like pom, cheer, and acrobatics and tumbling, so our performances were a new experience for them. At the last school we went to, pom and cheer gave away all of our pom poms, along with t-shirts and stickers. These little items they will associate with us forever, and when they think of the Americans they saw, they'll remember that we talked about Jesus. I hope they use it as a reminder of us telling them that Jesus loves them."
The teams visited multiple primary and secondary schools, performing spirited routines and leading interactive games and discussions. In addition to their time in the schools, the group spent time in prayer on a walk through a local neighborhood.
"Connecting with the children from Northern Ireland was my first mission trip opportunity, so I really didn't know what to expect," freshman cheerleading student-athlete Emma Hogue said. "I arrived nervous but immediately realized that God was right there with me. As I opened up conversations with people about Jesus, I realized that it was not as hard as I previously thought it would be. Working in these schools made me realize that sharing the love of God in my everyday life can be easier than I ever imagined."
Cultural experiences were also a part of the trip. The group toured sites like Saint Patrick's Trail, Mussenden Temple, and the Giant's Causeway, deepening their understanding of Northern Ireland's history and its Christian heritage. Worship at Lagan Valley Church and a traditional Protestant service at Belfast Cathedral bookended the final day in Northern Ireland.
From nightly devotionals to Irish ice cream and traditional fish and chips, the trip was full of both lighthearted fellowship and life-changing ministry. The experience left a lasting impression on the hearts of both the ETBU students and those they encountered. As they return to campus, the teams carry with them a renewed sense of purpose, gratitude, and global awareness of the power of Christ's love.
"I walk away from this trip with confidence that I am able to organically weave Jesus into conversation," freshman, acrobatics and tumbling major Chesni Speaker said. "Before the trip, I was so worried about how I would speak about my faith without being too blunt or harsh. Time and time again, God provided so many opportunities to share my faith easily. I only had to have my mind set on that being an important goal to pursue."
About ETBU TAME
ETBU's Tiger Athletic Mission Experience (TAME) initiative seeks to integrate faith and sport by providing student-athletes with opportunities to serve, grow spiritually, and share the Gospel around the world. Since its inception, ETBU Athletics has led 23 TAME trips across multiple continents, reinforcing its commitment to developing Christian servant leaders through intercollegiate athletics.
About Salt Factory Sports
Salt Factory Sports connects with diverse groups, schools, churches, clubs, and communities through a wide range of sports activities and events. They aim to promote healthy, active lifestyles and enhance physical, mental, and spiritual well-being for people of all ages and backgrounds. At the heart of their mission is sharing the life-changing message of God's love and salvation.
About the International Sports Federation
ISF is a ministry that creates opportunities for people to share the Gospel through their gifts in sports and recreation. Its focus is on mobilizing college and university teams to meet global needs for sports mission volunteers.