The Why Behind It

One of the first assignments our new missionary staff are tasked with (even before they arrive at new staff orientation) is writing what our ministry refers to as a, “calling testimony.” I asked over a dozen new staff to share with me a snapshot of their calling testimony. It is essential for our new staff to process and articulate their calling to full time ministry. Without the “why” the enemy will seek to derail, discourage, deter them when the “rough” times comes to finally throw in the towel- ultimately defeated by the enemy equaling one less full time laborer for the plentiful Harvest.

My life was radically changed by Jesus through Cru while in college. A couple of years later, I was presented a need from Athletes in Action and knew God was calling us to fill that need with our talents. The vision and mission of Athletes in Action (as well as Cru) was something I wanted to be a part of. Being a part of building spiritual movements everywhere through the platform of sport by winning, building, and sending is something I can't apply a monetary value. –Kyle Holmstrom (AIA HQ’s –Sports Complex)

I joined staff with AIA after seeing the power of sport connecting to the gospel while serving overseas. The ball breaks down barriers which otherwise would remain. What better way to use the opportunities it opens up than to share the gospel? A 'profitable job' is really in how you look at what that means. I'd say being a vessel of God to save the souls' of people is the most profitable a job can be. - Pittman Kutchers (AIA Campus in NC)

I joined staff with Cru because I felt the Lord calling me to be a spiritual resource that I did not have when I was a student athlete at the University of North Texas 25 years ago. The reason I want to be a part of Athletes in Action is to be the resource that I did not have. I would have given anything if someone had shown up at a team meeting and extended an invitation for Bible Study and discipleship. God was faithful to provide for me, but my life would have been so different had I had the opportunity to grow in my relationship with Him much earlier though a ministry like Athletes in Action. Many Godly people have poured into me and I wanted to now be able to encourage others with the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We gave up a profitable job in the marketplace to go serve the Lord with Athletes in Action. The Lord was so faithful to provide the financial support that we needed and taught us so many valuable lessons during our journey of raising support. - Carmen McWhorter (AIA Campus in Texas)

I can't explain it! God did something in my heart. He brought me to a place where all the things that I thought were important and pursued were no longer important. He made me realized that only what I do for the Kingdom of God would last. It certainly makes no sense in the natural at this point in my life, but the peace that He's given me in this transition and for the future is unexplainable. As I key this I think of the scripture in Matthew 6 about seeking first Him kingdom - I know 4that He has me and all I want to do is be in the center of His will. –Mel/Cherie Jones (AIA Campus in Minnesota)

People are living life apart from the gospel. Because of your faithful prayers and partnership we have the privilege of mobilizing and equipping laborers to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ so there is a Christ follower on every team, in every sport, in every nation.

“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us, so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations” (Psalm 67:1-2).

“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” (Habakkuk 2:14).

For prayer requests and a photo of our most recent family photo (including a new foster son) please comment on this post and we will email you a copy.

Football & Faith or God & Beloved Game

Volume 12 Issue 2
Football & Faith or God & Beloved Game

Sitting on the couch that Sunday just the kids and I (flu struck our house), with the TV turned on and
tuned into the Super Bowl, I marveled. Football has a following especially on Super Bowl Sunday. An occasion for people to gather; feasting on salty and sweet snacks while cheering on their
favored Super Bowl team.

Sport brings people together but also divides; “My team is better than your team.” or “My sport is more important than your sport.” Athletics is entertainment and for some even a profession. Yet, perhaps few use their platform for Christ to be proclaimed or worshiped.

This year Christ was lifted up through this great game of football, by the winning team, the Philadelphia Eagles. They see beyond the field (here and now) even post pro-sport career to the eternal! Winning and losing, the ultimate gain is eternal, not just another trophy or rare timely piece of jewelry. At the Super Bowl LII, Philadelphia Eagles players talked openly about their faith in Christ. How AWESOME to see Gospel activity in the NFL!

Athletes In Action hosted the 31st Annual Super Bowl Breakfast (see photo to left), a sanctioned NFL event, was a sold out (1,600 in attendance) event Sat. February 3rd. The Gospel message is shared at every one of them for the past 30 years.



The 2018 Bart Starr Award recipient is Benjamin Watson (Baltimore Raves- tight end). Photo on the right shows Tony Dungey with Watson after presenting him with the prestigious award. This is awarded to an “NFL player who exemplified outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community.”


Praise & Prayer:

• PRAISE– Leslie & Mike had a refreshing time with 100 other Cru Ministry Partnership Development (MPD) coaches last week at the coaches forum.
• PRAY– preparations for our upcoming ALL AIA biennial conference– how we will manage kids and our roles.
• PRAY– wisdom & discernment in coaching 14 AIA new staff (between Leslie and Mike).

DID YOU KNOW? There are 2 honors that ALL NFL players vote for (Pro Bowl & Bart Starr).


Learn more about AIA's Super Bowl Breakfast at:
https://superbowlbreakfast.com/

Spiritual Movements

We dream of a day when there is a Christ follower on every team, in every sport, in every nation. That is our vision at AIA.  We are building spiritual movements on college campuses, in professional sports, sports teams competing overseas, digital strategies, and our sports complex so that everyone knows someone who truly follows Jesus.

Here is one such story of spiritual movements happening with one of our new staff couples now serving at UC Davis in California.  Leslie coached them over the last 5 months prior to reporting to their assignment.

For the last 5 weeks, I [Rachel] have been meeting regularly with two girls on the basketball team. We have been walking through the foundations of following Christ and what that means for their lives. In the beginning of our time, both girls were excited to be there, but were fairly reserved during our conversations.  However, as the weeks have passed, a great deal of trust has developed in our relationships, and they have become much more comfortable asking me questions and discussing different topics.  I have so enjoyed getting to know these girls on a deeper level and witnessing them begin to take hold of the power and truth of God’s word in their life!  Through our time together, God has used our studies to not only impact their lives, but mine as well.  For example, when going through the passage of Ephesians 2:8-9 with them, I was reminded that I have been saved by grace through God’s free love, and not through anything that I can earn. While this is something I have understood for some time, I am constantly in need of this reminder in the midst of our performance driven culture. As I prepare to teach these girls each week, I am thankful that God uses these studies to further cement in me the foundations of my faith built on Christ alone.

ALSO on the campus of UC Davis:

The Causeway Classic football game took place two weeks ago [in November], pitting rivals Sacramento State and UC Davis together for an intense and thrilling matchup. Leading up to the game, our staff encouraged a number of players to use this as a platform to come together as brothers in Christ.  For the players on the field, it is easy to get caught up in the hype and disdain that both teams have for one another.  However, as the dust settled following the game, in the midst of cheers and tears from both sides, a number of men from both teams came together to give honor, glory and praise to the King. (see photo to right)

Thank you Andrew and Rachel for sharing how God is at work through the AIA ministry with various athletic teams UC Davis college campus!

Prayer Requests:

• Opportunities to emphasize ministry partnership development as a ministry priority.
• Protection and travel safety as next month Leslie and Mike travel to a coaches conference and leaving the boys at home.
• God would move mountains to secure and graciously provide for us a get-away as a couple to be refreshed and strengthen/focus on our marriage.

PRAISES:

• Seeing spiritual growth in the women Leslie is coaching.
• His sustaining strength amidst  crazy, busy, full schedules.