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.