Celebrating 70 Years of God at Work

As Leslie and I have moved in to serving a larger portion of Cru, we thought it would be good to share some of the broader reality of what has made Cru (the US organization) who it is as part of Campus Crusade for Christ (the global organization).

70 years ago, in October 1951, Bill and Vonette Bright began the ministry that has become Campus Crusade for Christ with the backing of a 24-hour prayer chain. The ministry focused on reaching students at UCLA with an understanding that if you can reach college students today, you can reach the world tomorrow. What follows is a shortened timeline of the ministry (a fuller version can be found at http://www.cru.org/about.html).

By 1952, more than 250 students had received Christ and the influence of the ministry was spreading to other campuses. To meet the demand, the Brights accept their first 6 staff.

In 1958, Dr Joon Gon Kim launches the work in South Korea, which propelled Campus Crusade for Christ into becoming an international movement. (see photo on Left)

In 1967, 600 staff and students converge on the University of California, Berkley for one week. Over 700 students and faculty members receive Christ. (See photo on Right)

In 1972, Explo ’72 was held in Dallas with over 80,000 attending day time meetings throughout the week, and it is estimated the Saturday festival had between 100,000 and 200,000 in attendance with Billy Graham speaking each day. Not only did this event revolutionize Christian music, but it mobilized thousands to engage in ministry.

In 1974, Explo ’74 was held in South Korea. More than 300,000 delegates attended. Police estimated at one evening meeting, 1.5 million people gathered – 320,000 of them indicated a decision to receive Christ.

In 1976 the “I Found It” campaign launched. It is estimated, in its 4 years, 85% of American’s received some exposure to the campaign. It mobilized 300,000 Christians from 15,000 churches in 246 cities for organized evangelism. (see photo on Left)

In 1979, “Jesus” a film account of the life of Christ premiered in 250 theaters. Since then, the Jesus Film has become the most translated film in history, with over 1,900 translations and growing. (see photo on Right)

In 1983, KC ’83 occurred in Kansas City, drawing 17,000 college students and received training in evangelism and discipleship.

In 1985, Explo ’85 was a worldwide video conference with over 300,000 delegates in 98 countries. (see photo on Left)

In 1990, representatives from 102 countries converge on Manila, Philippines over six months. Of the 5,000 participating, around 89% came from countries other than the USA. 3.3 million Filipinos were presented the gospel and 447,000 indicated decisions to receive Christ. (see photo on Right)

In 2001, following the attacks on September 11, we produced an evangelistic magazine called “Fallen But Not Forgotten” It was distributed to more than 10 million people by hundreds of churches and Christian organizations. Mike served with the high school ministry and provided the logistics for distributing 250,000 “No More Fear Student Survival Kits” to jr high and high school students in NY City. (see photo on Left)

In 2002, Operation Sunrise Africa mobilized Christians in 22 African countries. Believers from India, the Philippines, Singapore, France, and the United States joined thousands of Africans to proclaim the gospel in 50 cities in 50 days. 64 million heard the gospel and 1.7 million and 81 new churches were planted.

By the end of 2009, Campus Crusade has a ministry presence in 190 countries. Those countries represent 99.6% of the world’s population.

In 2012, 1,500 Campus Crusade staff and volunteers from more than 30 countries participate in Heartbeat Tallinn event in Estonia’s capital city for 7 days. Over 15,000 Estonians heard the message of God’s love for them. (see photo on Right)

In 2020, EveryStudent.com (a website created by Cru) attracted 60 million visits with over 900,000 Individuals indicating a decision for Christ. (see photo on Left)

THANK YOU Faithful MINISTRY PARTNERS for joining with us as we serve the broader ministry of Cru.
So EVERYONE KNOWS SOMEONE WHO TRULY FOLLOWS JESUS!

Making A Life-on-Life Difference

 Recently, Mike was interviewed for the monthly newsletter of MATS.org, the organization we have used to purchase vehicles from that caters to missionaries and those they are connected with. They captured such a great picture of our ministry that we wanted to share it with you.

Making A Life-on-Life Difference

As we begin to phase out of summer and into the autumn, we thought it fitting to share a story of transition that friend and client of MATS Mike Rebholz has to share in his ministry with Cru. Mike has been coming to MATS over the years for vehicles for his family and ministry, and we’d like to take the opportunity to share more about the work of Cru and the Rebholz family journey. We hope that you are encouraged!

For what has been 23 years now, Mike began working with Cru (formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ) in their high school ministry. Cru’s purpose is to help fulfill the Great Commission in the power of the Holy Spirit by winning people to faith in Jesus Christ, building them in their faith and sending them to win and build others. Mike’s dream of serving in ministry began early on and was of speaking and singing at church camps and retreats. God opened doors for him to be involved with Campus Crusade for Christ during his years at Bradley University while he studied music education. His work within the organization gained footing as he assisted in video editing and sound engineering for the high school ministry and eventually morphed into more administrative work. With a desire for more face-to-face interaction with people, Mike moved within Cru to Keynote in Indianapolis where he served as a sound tech for a band. During this time, he also met his wife Leslie, and began to take on some human resources responsibilities as well.

This transition from music to more closely dealing with and relating to staff within Cru turned into a position as the Director of Leadership Development and Human Resources Services with Athletes in Action (AIA). Under the umbrella of Cru, AIA is an international sports organization focused on equipping athletes, coaches and sport-minded individuals to grow in their relationship with Jesus and invest their lives into others. Mike’s role was to coach new missionaries, oversee policy procedure and implementation, assist in staff care, and intervene in crisis situations. It was during these six years that Mike was able to more fully experience the gifts that he had been entrusted:

“It’s a unique opportunity for me as someone who has an aptitude for policies and procedures, but to be driven by caring for the individual to be in this position. I want to make life-on-life differences in people’s lives, and right now God has that for me in these human resource care roles.”

Mike has recently transitioned into a position at the Cru corporate headquarters, where he serves in US Staff Care - a segment of human resources.

Cru encompasses many different outlets and ministries by which the Gospel is expressed and shared. Mike has found his niche in being able to use the gifts that God has given him and his family to minister to those that are working to expand this Good News. When asked what the most meaningful part of his work is, Mike responded, “On people’s darkest day, I get to point them to Jesus.” Part of his role often deals with balancing the individuals that make up the organization and the organization itself. It is a delicate, yet very important balance of holistic ministry.

With the ever-changing nature of our world and society, it is encouraging to hear stories like Mike’s. His words of encouragement to those of you reading that are also serving in ministry is this:

“I’d like to encourage those that are in ministry to never be afraid to be vulnerable about where God has you. Live in the context of community - in the light. God has plans for each one of us and he chooses to use us. The more we can be in right relationship with Him, the greater the propensity there is to fulfill the Great Commission.”

Personal Update:

Our family spent the summer in transition, as we slept in 10 different beds between June and August. Though we have a house to call home in Orlando, FL, our transition is not over. A large majority of our belongings are still in Ohio, and we are preparing to have them transported to us. We praise God for his provision of a house (and boy is there a story to God’s handiwork in it)! Our boys are in school: Benjamin started 4th grade, Maddox is now a Kindergartener, even our youngest Zachary started preschool just 7 min. from our house. They are slowly adapting to the change. We (Mike and Leslie) feel like we are barely keeping our heads above water in the myriad of details of our move, processing emotions of the many changes and our ministry responsibilities. But God is FAITHFUL every day to allow us to do what needs to be done.

PRAISE & Prayer Requests:
1) Praise God for the provision of a home we LOVE and getting settled into it.
2) Praise for all the safe travel done this summer back to the Midwest— over 2,700 miles were driven in late June and in July, and Leslie flew with the 3 boys solo to Ohio and back.
3) Praise for the incredible opportunity of a matching fund to help us raise additional monthly support. If you would like to know the details, please reach out to us and we ‘d happily alert you when the fund has been fully established.
4) Pray for the process of getting all of our belongings from Ohio to Florida.
5) Pray as Mike travels at the end of this month back to Peoria, IL for a conference at our sending church, Grace Presbyterian.

In July, we said goodbye to our OH house for the last time. Remembering where the youngest two joined our family. What a journey in the 5 years we called Ohio home!

Mike and Leslie “saying YES to the house” in FL.

But God...

In our last newsletter, we shared with you some of the hardships that we have faced. In the midst of that, we have clung to these two words “But God”. It is used in 47 verses in the ESV and the concept of but God is in around 100 verses.

Maybe you are like us in wanting to see a “but God” moment in your life. God is at work in each of our lives, yet at times we don’t understand what He is doing. I (Mike) have seen that time and time again in my life and know that because God doesn’t change, I can have confidence in times of trouble. 

Years ago, when I worked at a Christian children’s camp, we sang a song that used the words of John 16:33. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus says this to his disciples as he understands the coming difficulties they will face as He will be crucified. While my circumstances are nothing in comparison, it is still true that Jesus has overcome the world.

Our BUT GOD moment we are about to embark on.

We have accepted God’s call to continue serving and ministering at the International Headquarters of Cru. This will allow our gifts to be utilized in a way that is leveraged across the entirety of Cru impacting 9,000 stateside and overseas

staff and volunteers. The scope is vast!

Mike is going to remain in the US Staff Care department doing special projects. Right now, Mike is leading a project to create building blocks of curriculum to engage our staff in personal character growth. All too often we see believers and people in ministry failing to live up to Biblical standards. This curriculum will be targeted at engaging our staff to keep growing so that significant failures which would require them to leave ministry won’t happen. For those in ministry, it is particularly devastating if they do not maintain a focus on their own spiritual

condition and character growth. 

Leslie has accepted a role to use her experience as a Ministry Partner Development (MPD) Coach in the program (Lake Hart STINT) that we have participated this past year. As the MPD Coordinator for Lake Hart STINT, some of the privileges she’ll have are resourcing and coaching the staff in the program with tools so that they will not be hindered by their finances during their transition. Thus, encouraging and equipping them to be fully funded and financially free to pursue their new ministry assignments be it internationally or stateside. It’s exciting to mobilize laborers for the Kingdom so that MANY more will come to know Jesus!

AND we believe this permanent move from Ohio to Florida we will thrive in continuing to serve the Lord and thrive as a whole family.

Prayer Requests:

1) Pray for temporary housing in Orlando June 12—July 2.

2) Pray for provision for moving our belongings from Ohio to Florida.

Special Prayer Email Group:

We are gathering interested people to join a prayer team expressly for our transition to Florida.  Use the checkbox "Florida Transition Prayer" at this link: http://bit.ly/RebholzPrayer

I Feel Crappy!

March 2021 Newsletter 

Sitting on our apartment couches across from our life coaches I (Leslie) uttered “I feel crappy” (and it wasn’t about being physically ill). In our bi-monthly meeting things began to spill out of my lips in the conversation. Maybe you have shared a similar sentiment in the last six months. Being is ministry as a “vocation” we aren’t without this experience. 

 My coach gently responded with care and follow up questions to unpack the raw emotion. Our coaches brought to mind the recent team time talk we listened to. I was struck by how I viewed myself and how my Heavenly Father sees me. 

During a recent team time we heard from a Cru leader equipping us to, “Reading your gauges.” We were challenged to read Luke 2:52, “And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor of God and men.” Jesus grew in four areas: Mental (wisdom), Physical (stature), Relationship and Emotional (favor of God and men). Three thought-provoking questions we individually pondered: How do you see yourself? How do you see God? How do you think God sees you? Perhaps they cause you to pause for a few moments. 

You may recall Mike and I are here at Cru Headquarters for a purpose. This eleven-month program is developing us, giving us space to work through the good, the bad, and the ugly. Spiritual Growth and development are good and healing things. But, I’m not going to sugar coat it -- it’s HARD work.

   

Simultaneously we have the privilege to serve in ways that bolster our staff. Some of the beautiful opportunities we have this year are to bringing our experiences (Leadership Development) to come alongside others whether it be with missionaries who had to unexpectedly return from overseas assignments, a fellow mom with kiddos still at home, the single trying to discover their next place God is calling them to serve. It’s worthwhile and exciting to know our training and experiences are not wasted for the Kingdom work, including right here in our own apartment complex with fellow Cru staff. For example, Mike’s expertise of processes in LDHR and Staff Care allowed him to be tasked to develop some training material and processes that will improve caring for staff in matters of the heart and their grown. This enables staff to live more conformed into the image of Jesus Christ.

A gift from Cru - Lent Devotional

 We wanted to share with you a gift of a lent devotional that Cru has produced.  You can either sign up to receive it as a daily email or get the entire devotional as a single pdf download (sent to you in an email).

Here are the first two days, yesterday and today.  Check them out to see if you would like to subscribe to the full devotional series.  

You can sign up to receive this devotional at:https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/life-and-relationships/holidays/lent.html

New Year Photo Card

We wanted to share with you our New Year Photo Card for our family.  If you would like a physical copy mailed to you, please let us know by commenting on this post.  You can also download a printable version by clicking the image.

Prayer Request:

• Mike is taking an intensive Apologetics seminary course this week (an entire semester in 5 days of class).  Please pray for stamina and clarity of mind.  Also pray for Leslie as she deals with all the family logistics for the week.

A Gift from Cru - Advent Devotional

We wanted to share with you a gift of an advent devotional that Cru has produced.  You can either sign up to receive it as a daily email or get the entire devotional as a single pdf download (sent to you in an email).

Here are the first two days, yesterday and today.  Check them out to see if you would like to subscribe to the full devotional series.  

You can sign up to receive this devotional at:
https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/life-and-relationships/holidays/advent.html

Where are we now?

Where are we?

Yes, we are in Orlando. We are here for 11 months by invitation of a special program that Cru runs known as Lake Hart Stint. This is a unique developmental program for a select number of Cru staff designed to foster holistic growth in their relationships with God, self, and others. Lake Hart Stint seeks to help our staff flourish in ministry as they journey with others in giving everyone an opportunity to know Jesus.

50 adults and 53 children make up the Lake Hart Stint program that we are participating in. We all live in the same apartment complex and unique sense of community is being built. It has been a whirlwind of decisions and details since being invited to the program on May 29. We moved into an apartment in Orlando, FL on July 27. Only 3 days before we began our drive to Orlando, we finalized our adoption of Zachary (our foster son who has been in our home since he was 2 days old).

While participating in this program, Mike works in a role in US Staff Care. He serves on a core team that sees to all the initiatives for caring for almost 9,000 missionaries and employees. The main project Mike will work on is developing training specific to other Human Resource workers in Cru to train them in key aspects of their roles. This gives Mike an opportunity to use his HR knowledge, his technical expertise, and teaching background all in one role.

Given the fluid state of the pandemic, Leslie is participating in the program but without a designated role at the headquarters. Both Benjamin and Maddox are in school, 3rd grade and pre-K respectively. Their schools could be shut down on a moment’s notice, so we are thankful for the flexibility for Leslie to be considered for some project specific roles in the coming months which can accommodate the virtual learning that may come for our boys.

We are thankful for God’s guidance and provision in all that has happened in the last several weeks. We have a couple we know who are renting our Ohio house. We got both of our boys enrolled in school prior to their start dates. We would ask prayer for a few specifics.

We are navigating some medical needs and insurance. Maddox has nerve damage on a tooth and our Ohio dentist said we need to get it extracted. It has been difficult to work with insurance and providers here to take the notes from the Ohio dentist and just perform the procedure without repeating the diagnostics already done. Please pray for resolution to this in finding a dentist who will accommodate what insurance is asking.

The Bible, The Gospel & Jesus are not Quarantined!

We are certainly living in unusual times.  What’s normal?  As we all know well, the COVID-19 Pandemic has impacted some more drastically than others.  The world of sports has been brought to a grinding halt.  Like many others, our AIA staff have resorted and relied on the various digital platforms.  It’s incredible to see how this adaption has opened doors.  Praise the Lord!  Because of availability we are building deeper relationships with others we have already been working with and the busy schedules aren’t as much of a barrier prior to COVID-19.  

As we continue to persevere through the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been so inspired the last several months as we watched how our AIA co-workers quickly adapted to these unparalleled times and have been thinking of innovative ways to keep our mission moving forward.

One of these initiatives is UTC EVERY -- a unique virtual experience hosted by the AIA Ultimate Training Camp for EVERY athlete, EVERY sport, in EVERY location. It is designed to challenge the participant on their view of how God, life, and sport are connected using five Biblical Principles, interactive activities, and guided small group communities. 

Typically we host Ultimate Training camps in four locations each summer around the country for college athletes, but because of the current circumstances we had to cancel these events. This new initiative is allowing us to expose more athletes around the world to this curriculum. We had 714 campers/athletes registered and 27 different countries represented!

PRAISE: The technology worked for the mass amounts of participants.

PRAISE God used the event to draw the participants to Himself despite it being a virtual event.

PRAISE The creativity of the small group leaders as they connected with the athletes in their groups.

Coaches Guard Goes Down

Over the years, our Men’s Basketball staff have crisscrossed the country attending games, practices, and often having superficial conversations with high level coaches with the hope that one day the door would be open to go deeper into their lives. Well that day has come! Since their season abruptly ended and they are unable to work with their teams, many of these basketball coaches are open to having in-depth conversations about their personal and spiritual growth. Several of our staff are hosting small group video calls and are experiencing a vulnerability of these coaches they haven’t experienced before!

Faith and Football

What does the most climatic sporting event of the year have in common with AIA? That most anticipated Sunday night televised game- the Super Bowl. A platform to share the Gospel! Did you know just less than 24 hours prior is an NFL sanctioned event-

Super Bowl Breakfast which is hosted/sponsored by AIA! This year’s recipient of the Bart Starr Award (note link at the end for a tribute to Bart who passed away yesterday, May 26, 2019) went to Calais Campbell. This player is supported and poured into by one of AIA’s NFL Chaplains, Maurice Williams. Even more exciting is this is Maurice and Reulonda’s initial year with the Jacksonville Jaguars. As a former player for the Jaguars, he could be relaxing in retirement but chose to re-enter the league as a powerhouse chaplain. Leslie has had the privilege of equipping and mobilizing (MPD Coaching) this couple this past year. Here is Maurice’s recap of this season.

There were so many highlights for our season, one of which being our weekly Bible study. We coined our study, “Squad Night”, and it was comprised of a mixture of couples and singles. Our attendees came up with the topics, and the two of us would search God’s Word and pray for wisdom on how to handle the subjects. It was a blessing just to minister from a place we had been not too long ago. Our last Squad night we had local worship artists come in to lead us in worship in our home.

Our guest speakers and chapels were all on point as each person brought their best each week. We actually started having Church as the season progressed. While in London (UK), we were blessed to be connected with a local church, and they sent two young worship artists to lead us in worship. The presence of God was tangible in the room; it was awesome to experience.

This season we were stretched, challenged, and ultimately grateful as God chose us to minister to a team that is young and open to God. Our prayer sessions before games were special as I was able to lead them weekly in prayer for protection, blessing, and a reminder to honor Christ with our platforms. No man or coach is perfect, but I was blessed to see the entire team weekly line up for prayer as we thanked Jesus for the opportunity to play this game. This is just the beginning after being with this team it’s almost as if this had to happen as our team was probably not entirely ready to handle the success of winning a Super Bowl. Next season will be different, but what took place this season spiritually allowed God to establish an even stronger presence on the team, and we further discovered the blessing of following His leading, which brings the victory. 

This was a team that started off with so much promise as they hoped to position themselves to win a Super Bowl. The team was truly humbled after a 3-1 start they watched a promising season turn into a real disaster. However, amongst the darkness, there was light. Spiritually, we laid the foundation for a strong ministry presence within the stadium. We had four players pray to receive Christ, two re-dedications, and it was awesome watching God open doors for effective ministry each week. This year was an excellent opportunity to build relationships with the players and influencers in the organization. To close the season we ended in communion, which was another precious moment as we took time to remember the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf

The media especially on Super Bowl Sunday does not showcase what these chaplains do, but they are fully committed to the Cause of Christ. Praising the Lord for raising up 32 people that serve behind the scenes of these favored NFL teams to bring the word of God as a platform in this well known and loved sport.

PRAISE & PRAYER REQUESTS:

• PRAISE: AIA is onboarding 15 new long term missionaries this spring and summer who will serve on college campuses or in departments of our ministry.
• PRAISE: AIA has onboarded 22 short term missionaries in April at the Cru Orientation (see photo below) and another 16 will come in June (all of which Mike and Leslie train).
• PRAISE: The FULL season of ministry and fruit we’ve seen because of faithful ministry partners choosing to invest in His Work through us. GRATEFUL!
• PRAYER: Because of the bountiful work in our ministry, we are praying the Lord would provide help for some of our needs around the home. Babysitting (a few hours a week so that Leslie can tackle work) so that she can give her full attention to the kiddos this summer and not be distracted.
• Also, labor for routine house projects looming we need to get done (ie: carpets cleaned, small jobs we just can’t get to).
• PRAYER: Mike is taking two required seminary courses July 3 - 17. Pray for his ability to work on homework in this busy season to be on track for the condensed 2 week format.

PHOTOS:

*(Top Right) Leslie met Haley face to face for the first time at Cru Orientation in April. For Leslie it was a joy and privilege just a few weeks prior when evaluating her application to offer her an acceptance to join the campus of Wake Forest for this next year. What a huge step of faith for Haley as she has deferred med school for a year!

*(Top rt. & Bottom) April 12- 14 Mike and Leslie equipped 22 Interns, Part- Time Field Staff and STINTers (going overseas) at the Cru annual short term mission’s orientation AIA hosts. This was the 3rd year Mike and Leslie have co-taught the 9 hour intensive training equipping new laborers!

Haley’s email to Leslie the day after she gave her the acceptance for internship.

Leslie,
Thank you so much for this and for taking the time to chat with me yesterday. I am reflecting on the phone call and amazed that you spent the time reassuring me of Christ's love and expressing your care for my future rather than only assessing my adequacy or qualifications. I'm not certain I'll ever have an interview experience similar again, so I am feeling very thankful and peaceful. Thank you again for the trust that you, and the whole of AIA, are giving me to serve throughout this next year. I am excited about growing under AIA's guidance, getting to take part in God's growth of His kingdom, and to meet you in a few short weeks! -Haley

NFL's tribute to Bart Starr upon his death yesterday, May 26, 2019

http://bit.ly/BartStarrTribute

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.

Death Next Door

Volume 11, Issue 5
Death Next Door

Tuesday shortly before noon, turning left onto Bickett Road ahead on my left was a 2NEWs truck.  “Hmm what could be news worthy here on this side of the road and out here.” I pondered to myself driving on the two lane road in-between two college campuses.  Hours later, my husband inquired, “Did you see the news about Wilberforce?”   Instantly I made the connection as to what caught my eye on the country drive earlier that day/ on my way home from a midweek meeting at our church in Cedarville.   Less than ten hours prior in the wee morning hours (typical for some college students) a sedan (Toyota Corolla) car with four passengers lost control that became a deadly crash for one of the women and the three other passengers presently in ICU.  The student who’s picture and flowers sit at the foot of the tree was a sophomore and a part of the choir and dance team on her college campus.

AIA has a ministry presence at Wilberforce and Central State University.   (Three exits on 35 from our house in Xenia also one exit from AIA’s Head Quarters.) That morning of the accident one AIA staff was contacted and her presence was requested.  The death of this young woman unveiled opportunity for spiritual conversations.

I (Lisa) work on campus as the women’s basketball team chaplain.  Students were wondering why God would take someone so young.  I was talking to the coach and he said that students were needing people to talk to and I knew that one of AIA’s staff was a part of a Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) program that helps athletes and athletic programs walk through unexpected deaths within athletic departments.  I talked with our AIA staff and he got the ball rolling with his team to come and talk with the students.  On Sept. 28^th the women’s basketball, dance, and cheerleaders all met with the CISM group.  This meeting allowed the girls to ask questions “Did she go to heaven?  What happens after you die?  Why would God let this happen?...” The girls also told how they were feeling in the process. It was an amazingly hard hour and a half, yet it was so good to see the girls remember their friend in this way.  The women’s basketball team have been involved with AIA through Bible studies the last 6 years.  This tragedy has opened the doors for Bible studies with the cheer and dance teams as well.  On Oct. 3^rd, the men’s basketball team also asked for the same CISM team to come and debrief with them as well.  I was amazed at how open these young men were and how they trusted these men, and me, that they didn’t know that well in a time when they were unsure and hurting.  The doors are truly open for the Lord to come in and fill a void!

 I (Leslie) recently had the privilege of sharing at a family memorial and these words are fitting here as well.  Death is a bookend reality of life on earth.  Psalm 39: 4-5 Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. ⁵ You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you.  Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.

{To see our previous month's newsletter, please see it at this link}
http://mailchi.mp/10557cf9ee31/rebholz-newsletter-oct-2017?e=a4fc0fec9a#August

  

On Mission with God

Volume 11 Issue 2

On Mission with God

“Someone has prayed for you.  Athletes in Action has prayed for you….” spoken by Mark Householder (President of AIA) at the commissioning of recent college graduates passionate about Jesus and on mission from God to serve a 1 year internship with AIA.  A privilege it is to continue to equip, train and mobilize new laborers. These interns will reach out to/minister to people who are broken, spiritually harassed, helpless and in need of as Shepherd.  …we have something to offer them that the World and their sport can’t.

This spring our LDHR services team hosted two of these Intern trainings (April 21^st-23^rd  & June 9-11).  This was a first for us to offer two trainings so we get include athletes competing in spring sports that couldn't come to our April date.

10 of those are new laborers that  have bravely accepted the call to ministry in other countries (Puerto Rico, Czech Republic, East Asia).  New this year Mike and I team taught all the Ministry Partner Development (MPD) material and had a BLAST.  Let’s just say Mike was on “fire” and even staff serving at the training came up to me and said, “We’ve never seen this side of Mike!”  A highlight for me was being asked to give the devotional again this year. 

The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.  Thank you for the part you play in our ministry and in sending these 51 new missionary laborers.  Also, Let us thank the Lord for answered prayers for more laborers!  We pray for these workers as they prepare to take the message of the Gospel….to college campuses, sports teams and countries.

Karyn, now coaching interns, Leslie was her MPD coached last fall.

April Interns  trained  (above)

June Interns trained (below)

Mike Teaching  MPD principles

Commissioning of  Interns

AIA Internationally

Volume 11, Issue 1

Hablo Espanola? Atletas en Accíon

Yes, I have a little familiarity (some words I know the meaning of) in speaking Spanish however I am not fluent!  Have you ever studied a foreign language in school or as an adult?

 

Imagine for a moment, being in a country where a language is spoken that you have no experience speaking, much less you have the life-saving message of the Gospel and your mission is to tell others by using the platform of sport.  We know “sport” is a universal “language” around the globe.  There is an ability is to “get” the challenges, pressures, and mindset in “sport” regardless of a language barrier or where you are from.  While our short term international (STINT) missionaries are not required to know the language before they go, they are required to take language classes or get tutoring once on the field. 

 

Last year we had an eight person team STINT in Puerto Rico.  Presently AIA doesn’t have any STINTers in Puerto Rico. However for next year, we have a married couple from MN that will be the team leaders. We currently have more applicants than we can send for this 8 person team (two leaders and six participants). 

 

Overseas on the field right now we have Bethany and Landon in Central Asia, and Nicole in the Middle East. The STINTers in Central Asia are reaching an unreached people group. They have seen around 8 people accept Christ just this year, which is incredible for this Muslim culture.

 

AIA has 3 priority countries that we are trying to raise up STINT teams.  We have begun to investigate 5 additional countries for future teams.

Praise & Prayer:

• Praise for the 100+  applicants in process (Interns, STINTers, staff) with AIA.
• Prayer for  implementation of new ministry tool in MPD coaching as well as All Cru Staff that Leslie will be training others.
• Prayer for wisdom and capacity as Mike is overseeing implementation of two major ministry programs.
• Praise for ministry partners and prayers said on our behalf.  Thankful for community and the body of Christ.
• Prayer for peace as we face important appointments for our kids in April.

Christmas Greeting 2016

As this Advent season approached, the Lord etched the word “wait” on my mind and heart. Think of all the things we have to “wait” for. Perhaps you find yourself in a season of waiting as well right this very moment. (a cure for disease or cancer, marriage proposal from the love of your life, a job offer, reconciliation of a relationship, a season of darkness to lift, a loved one to come back to Jesus, a pregnancy test turn positive, being chosen as the prospective adoptive parents, or return of loved one from an extended time away.)

Did you know Advent in essence is a season of “wait”, marking the coming of the New Born King, the fulfillment of God’s promises, Messiah? In Deitrich Bonhoeffer’s Reflections on Advent and Christmas titled God in the Manger he shares, Whoever does not know the austere blessedness of waiting-that is, of hopefully doing without-will never experience the full blessing of fulfillment…For the greatest, most profound, tenderest things in the world, we must wait. It happens not here in a storm but according to the divine laws of sprouting, growing and becoming.

So, I’m pondering waiting differently. It is an opportunity to remind us of God’s story (brokenness, redemption, hope, true joy) being written on the tablet of our lives. What sets me on the plain of peace again amidst waiting is not the answer but the WHO in my wait. Just like in the awaiting of Jesus, God in human form. The Psalmist captured this heart-cry, “For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us” (62:5-8 also see Ps. 37:7;27:14).

…The waiting reminds us that this is God’s story, His plan, and His promises. He is in control, and He will take this story wherever He pleases. And it reminds us, slaps us in the face at times, that we’re not the center of the story. It’s not about us, and things don’t always (or often!) go the way we’d like. Finally, all the waiting helps us think differently about both the present and the future: valuing the present as a gift, cherishing the future as our ultimate hope.
Used with permission (Cortez, Marc “Forced to wait: An Advent Reflection.” Web blog post. Transformed. Western Seminary.17 December 2012)
https://www.westernseminary.edu/transformedblog/2012/12/17/forced-to-wait-an-advent-reflection/

May this advent season cause you to see waiting in a new light.

With love,
The Rebholz Family
Mike, Leslie, Benjamin, & Baby M


Because of foster care privacy, we are unable to share Baby M's face electronically. If you would like a physical picture, please let us know by email and we will be glad to send you a copy of our family photo.

Stepping Up - A New Chapter

Volume 10 Issue 5
Stepping Up - A New Chapter

Transition has been the norm for us in ministry these last 10 years.  No surprise God would move in ways we never expected!  Can you relate?  (Email us as we’d love to hear how God has done so in your life!)   Mike along with another HR associate have recently stepped up to take the interim role of LDHR Director of AIA.  (overseeing the care of 600+ AIA staff)  While the search process for a new team director continues, Mike and Michael are both sharing the load in addition to their normal jobs on the team.  Mike’s days are filled with meetings helping the team to keep moving forward.  This varies from dealing with growth conversations, health crises, hiring decisions, staff trainings, and the like.

Our former executive director of LDHR pulled me (Leslie) into his office for a random meeting one of the hot Ohio summer days.  He asked  me to take the role of Ministry Partner Development (MPD) Coordinator for all of AIA, I was astounded and humbled!  My initial response/reaction was “um no…How can I do that job AND still be fully engaged with my children/mom to my children?”  After much prayer and conviction by the Holy Spirit, by faith I said yes to this new leadership role.  The Lord showed me that if I didn’t take this role I would be disobedient to Him. Surely, a desperate area to rely on the Holy Spirit and not my own strength.  This opportunity means added work (I enjoy most of the time) but also a means to grow (spiritually, leadership-wise…) while playing an integral part in laborer’s lives and impacting the plentiful harvest…(see Matt 9:27-28)

What does this mean?  I have the privilege of overseeing 5 AIA MPD coaches (Mike, myself and 3 others) and 30+new AIA staff raising their initial support.   Already I have begun coaching new staff in groups because of the few MPD coaches AIA has.  Last Friday 11:30am I hung up the phone from a 90 minute conference call with 6 new staff.   I marveled in my head, “Lord, thank you I LOVE my job!”  We had a lively but heavy-hearted discussion about this quote by Philip Yancey: “Most of my struggles in the Christian life circle around the same two themes:  Why God doesn’t act the way we want God to and why I don’t act the way God wants me to.  Prayer is the precise point where those themes converge.”  We unpacked how this has implications for them presently not to mention envisioning ways this plays out in ministry.

What a privilege we have to build up, mobilize, equip, care for and minister to AIA staff as they go out to their mission field through the platform of sport (college campus, pros, sports teams, international teams, and digital communication )  Frequently I share this verse with new staff I’m coaching “no eye has seen no ear has heard the things He has planned for them….”  (1 Cor 2:9).  Moving to Ohio and serving with AIA has been a step faith and transition.  Never did we imagine our scope of influence and touching so many lives so that the Gospel can go forth!  THANK you for joining in this incredible, daunting, humbling mission.  We are grateful for your financial support and prayers.

YES!  We LOVE OUR JOBS!  (granted they aren’t easy and can’t do it through our own strength.)

 Praise & Prayer:

• Praise: God continues to be our sustaining power and strength.
• Pray for Wisdom and discernment for Mike as he oversees many critical decisions in his new role.
• Pray for the ability to create margin in our present reality.
  
• Praise for the many opportunities we’ve had in our new roles and being foster parents to give testimony about Jesus ,what He’s done and how He’s changed our lives.[Baby M had to be cut out of this picture due to foster care policy.]

Summer Lineup

Summer is here! The Rebholz family has stayed put this summer (no moving and no travel trips). We are jumping right into athletic world by working alongside athletes. Mike worked with the high school Ultimate Training Camp at AIA HQ.

Leslie discipled 3 college interns for the summer who were here as a part of a larger group serving at AIA HQ’s (see photo to right). Recently, we hosted all the summer interns for a Monday night meal. What a neat opportunity to get to know them (see photo bottom rt.). We will also continue to equip and inspire laborers to be Christ-centered, fully-funded, and financially faithful as we coach and mobilize a 20+ laborers between the two of us.

Scope of the AIA Summer happenings:
Many athletes ponder this question “Can I be competitive, all the while being a person who has surrendered their life to having Christ on the throne?” AIA Ultimate Training Camp (UTC) seeks to answer that question. The heart and goal of the camp is to help current competing athletes give their lives and talents back to God and in turn, find freedom. Freedom from placing their identity and overall value in their sport. We see it in the world we live in, athletes in the media are idolized and put on a pedestal. Yet, sometimes, as glamorous as their life may seem, they sometimes may be spiritually broken. It’s because they succumb to the pressures of the world, demands of their sport, coaches and university. All taking the place of God.

The Spring and early summer was a flurry in our ministry for Mike and I. Praise the Lord we came out still breathing and praising the Lord– we are blessed and life is FULL! AIA celebrated its 50th Anniversary as over 400 of our AIA staff family were present for our biennial AIA staff Conference called Springboard. (see photo at left) Thankfully, Xenia is AIA’s Headquarters so we didn’t have to travel but down the road. Mike ran the tech for the conference. Leslie took over 1,000 photos of the commemorative event (not a professional by any means just a hobby). Amazingly, all 4 AIA president’s past and present were there. What a tremendous opportunity to hear stories of God’s mighty hand blessing and using this ministry to sports and athletes in the world!

NEW AND UPDATED: The official AIA ministry website is now at www.goaia.org. www.athletesinaction.org in NOW the evangelistic website, “The Assist”. The articles are sports centered yet Biblical as they tackle current and controversial topics in the sporting realm and news media.