The Fall Ministry kicked of in early August with Football and Volleyball. Each week, through the Fall, devotions were shared with 16 teams with a total of 240 athletes and 23 coaches hearing the Word of God. Two Coaches Outreach Bible Studies were facilitated with 4 coaches in each study. There is great spiritual growth taking place in these men and women. Their vision of being a spiritual mentor to their athletes and students is truly developing. There have been Gospel Conversations, coaches and athletes sharing how they are reading the Word and asking spiritual questions in abundance. In Romans 5:17, we read, “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” When the Bible and spiritual questions are being discussed, God enters those conversations and does an amazing work. Through seeds planted, harvest is taking place. Sometimes some difficult things occur to breakup the hardness of a heart so the seed can be pressed deep. Through the loss of an athlete, the team attending the funeral and consistent availability, God has brought three athletes to eternal salvation. Praise God for His faithful, steadfast love!
There have been meetings, prayer times and discussions with missionaries from Italy and Malaysia. There have been conversations with Athletic Directors concerning Leadership Mini-Camps next Summer. Discussions are taking place concerning leadership development for middle school athletes to hopefully begin in January 2024.
Ministry opportunities have come through the preaching of three funerals, preaching at four churches and providing leadership for an elementary school prayer event.
It has been an exciting Fall of ministry and walking with teams through the highs and lows of competition. Sports ministry is rewarding and heart breaking. It’s rewarding to see development of athletes and their successes. Volleyball team advances to Regional Tournament, One football team plays in by-district game and another football team plays in Area playoff game. Some of the sub-varsity teams in each sport won district. The heart break comes when teams are eliminated or their seasons end. The hurt felt by these athletes is real, especially for those who are seniors and realize their high school careers are over!
It’s rewarding see and hear athletes come to salvation in Christ Alone! It is rewarding to have athletes seek you out to say things like;
“Thank you for always being around to support us and to bring the Word of God!”
“Thank you for all you have spoken to us and giving us encouragement!”
“I remember a lot of the talks you have given and they help me!”
“I accepted the challenge to read the Bible and am trying to be consistent!”
“The kids are listening to you, please keep coming and sharing with our kids!”
“You are just as much a part of this family as any coach or athlete!”
“You are welcome and needed here!”
“Thanks for all you do to support and encourage the kids in this district!”