When Hailey D. was in college, she found her identity in running. Sport became her idol, but it was not an easy taskmaster. She thought being in control of everything in her life would make her happy, so she became very hard on herself, even on easy runs and practices. That devolved into a negative body image and disordered eating. A fellow runner invited Hailey to Athletes in Action where she learned that putting her faith in Jesus would give her a new identity in Him and that running could become a way for her to thank Him and bring Him glory. This is the first of the AIA 5 Principles.

Hailey became a student leader on her campus, discipling some of her teammates and helping them take steps of faith and obedience to Jesus. Her senior year, she realized that introducing other people to Jesus and helping them grow in their faith was something she wanted to spend her life doing. So Hailey joined the staff of Athletes in Action, and I had the privilege of being her coach. She is working at Wright State University in Dayton, OH with cross country athletes and will be adding track and soccer teams this fall. She is very open with other athletes about the struggles she faced, and God opens doors for the gospel through her vulnerability. One of the girls Hailey discipled was Alicia, whom Hailey helped to begin a team Bible study. Alicia looked for someone she could mentor and began helping Kaitlyn, who became a believer two years ago, to grow in her faith. Now Alicia is encouraging Kaitlyn to step out in faith to lead someone else.

AIA exists to take the gospel where the gospel is not so we can pursue the vision of a Christ follower on every team, in every sport, in every nation. Your prayer and financial partnership is helping create spiritual movements everywhere through sports. Thank you!

Please review our prayer page  and support needs and lift up our ministry to the Lord.  Click the following:  September 2023 hard copy.