Category Archives: Getting to Know AIA

Listening to Your Hero!

Posted in Getting to Know AIA by

Whom do you really admire as the best at what they do?  Now imagine hearing that person share his or her faith journey first-hand while sharing a great meal.  Each year AIA holds its Legends Series of outreaches to the business and sporting community.  They are attended by thousands, with honorees sharing their journey to faith in Christ and a clear invitation to receive Christ.  When your hero speaks, don’t you pay close attention?  That’s why this is such a compelling ministry.

The Super Bowl Breakfast features speakers and special guests from the NFL, both past and present, and the presentation of the Bart Starr Award.

The NBA All-Star Game Breakfast gives attendees the opportunity to get “up close and personal” with NBA coaches and players, and honors athletes for exemplary leadership, character, and integrity.

The Legends of the Hardwood Breakfast is hosted by AIA and FCA. The event features speakers and special guests from the world of basketball, and the presentation of the Coach Wooden “Keys to Life” Award.

Held at AIA World Headquarters in Xenia, Ohio, the Night of Champions includes inductions into AIA’s “Hall of Faith,” an elite honor given to athletes or coaches who display exemplary character in the game, in their families, and in the community.

Want to know more?  Contact Dave Lower at (513) 404-9956 or at dave.lower@athletesinaction.org.

Two Days in September

Posted in Getting to Know AIA, Global Teams by

On September 28th and 29th the AIA US Global Team met to come before the Lord and trust Him to reveal our role in fulfilling His Great Commission next year.  These two days were the genesis of what the Lord will accomplish in 2012 through our ministry.  Our team’s major goals in fielding projects around the world are to:

  • pioneer in countries where little or no ministry exists
  • aid international staff with established ministries

One example from last year’s planning was the East Africa project in Kenya and Rwanda.  By God’s grace, 1,200 people were exposed to the Gospel, 80 people committed their lives to Christ and 33 AIA volunteers committed to disciple others with help from AIA staff.

As AIA staff, we will help with project planning, development, and fulfillment; however, God works primarily through our volunteers, who become the face of Jesus Christ in this life-changing ministry.  Your partnership with us will help to provide these volunteers with unprecedented opportunities to be ambassadors for Christ. We, together with you, will help facilitate this ministry.   Thank you for being partners with us in sharing the gospel around the world!

Please pray for:

  • the Lord’s lead in developing our 2012 projects
  • our volunteers as the Lord prepares them
  • project resources
  • AIA staff as they develop each project
  • Rick and Karen to complete our support team (our status)

Where else could this be done?

Posted in Getting to Know AIA by

Would you believe one of the country’s best sports facilities is just west of Dayton, OH in a town of only 30,000?  Tucked away southwest of Xenia, OH is AIA’s World Training & Resource Center   (WTRC).  In September, I toured the WTRC sports complex with my friend, Don Ross.  The complex is the fulfillment of one part of AIA’s vision to share the gopsel through the world of sports.  Since athletes are heroes in our culture, AIA is striving to build a relationships to share the gospel, disciple, and equip people to fulfill Matt 28:18-20 through the door of sports.    Currently, the WTRC can provide housing for over 250 and banquet facilities for 500, as well as conferences and even family retreats.  Touraments and clinics for football, soccer, baseball, track and field, and softball are held nine months a year, all with chaplaincy services.  Challenge Courses are also available to provide any type of team-building experience.  All of this is to ultimately share the gospel and build ministry across the world.  In fact, over 80,000 were served in 2010.  The WTRC also plays an important role with the Global Teams where each project team completes their planning and training in Xenia.  In addition, the Global Team conducts coaching clinics for many sports serving coaches from around the world each year.

See it for yourself by contacting Erin Wellman at (937) 266-3883 or erin.wellman@athletesinaction.org.

You are a Global Investor!

Posted in Getting to Know AIA by

Yes, your portfolio is extensive.  AIA’s Global US team fielded 40 projects around the world in 2011.   These projects are not only changing the lives of people in these countries, but also the lives of college athletes and the adult volunteers who staff them.  Through this strategy, AIA has developed a ministry presence in 96 countries!  The philospohy of win, build, and send has resulted in 57 countries being led by nationals.

     We recently spoke with Ben T., AIA’s International/Global Director.  He is extremely excited about the opportunities AIA has globally.  By 2020, AIA’s goal is to see a Christ follower on every team, in every sport, in every nation.  We don’t know how the world itself will change, but sports has the power to change the world, as Nelson Mandela said (see About AIA).  When it’s coupled with the life changing message of Jesus, the world will be transformed.  “It’s a privilege to serve the Global Family of AIA as we trust God for what only He can do.  We are so thankful to have Rick and Karen join us.  They will be a tremendous blessing to the ministry around the world!”

Can you imagine the eternal return on our investment?

Dreaming Big

Posted in Getting to Know AIA by

I recently had the pleasure of joining AIA’s U.S. Soccer Director, Jim S. who, 15 years ago, followed God’s leading to start a ministry through the game of pro soccer.  It all started in Columbus, followed by connecting with teams in Kansas City, L.A., and then Dallas.  Jim has been known to say “Let’s Dream”.  Well it paid off; today there are over 20 AIA staff / volunteers serving as chaplains around the world of Major League Soccer (MLS).  Jim uses a simple model of building relationships and helping the team by affirming and encouraging both players and staff.  He visits the team once or twice a week.  One of those days Jim leads a Bible study, inviting anyone associated with the team to join.

The potential for world-wide ministry is easy to see.  There are 184 players representing 55 countries in the MLS.  Given that the number of youth playing soccer in the US has doubled since 1990, the opportunity is big!  During the 2010 World Cup Soccer competition, AIA was able to expose over 800 million people around the world to the gospel  through broadcasts and distributing DVD copies of “The Prize” .  See more about “The Prize” and how it was used to reach the world for Christ by reading our 2010 annual report (Page 7) at AthletesinAction.org.  As we serve on AIA’s Global Team, soccer will become an ever-expanding avenue to share the Gospel around the world. 

What is God asking you to dream about?