Tag Archives: Making a Difference

We thank God for you!

Posted in From God's Word by

May God bless you in many ways on this Thanksgiving day!thank-you3

Karen and I continue to thank God for all He has done for us.  Some days, we recognize new ways God is blessing us, while other days we get carried away with all the “things” that need to be done. On this Thanksgiving we want share two thoughts that encourage us.

  • “We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.”   1 Thessalonians 1:2
  • “Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.”  Psalm 106:1

“Thanksgiving is the evidence of our acceptance of whatever He gives.  Thanksgiving is the manifestation of our Yes! to His grace.  “He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me …. Psalm 50:23” (Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts) If this thought grabs your heart, take a look at onethousandgifts.com and start your journey of thanksgiving.

What are you thankful for?  Please use the comment link below this post so we might share what encourages you with the rest of our ministry team. rickandkaren4

Celebrating life change around the world / Nov 2013 Newsletter

Posted in AIA Global Sports by

At the recent global sports fall retreat, our team of thirty-four staff members celebrated how God was changing lives and touching hearts of people around the world. One example was the college student who described a tour’s impact on his life like this:  Nov 2013 Quote

Imagine similar stories repeated after 33 mission projects with competitive teams and sports clinics through seven different sports in more than 20 countries!  AIA offers uncommon opportunities for athletes to share their love of Jesus and sports through cross-cultural ministry. Ivory Coast Team 2013 Each project enhanced opportunities for ongoing ministry through outreaches and humanitarian aid, and each one helped students learn to share their faith.

It was my (Rick’s) privilege to serve these teams by assisting their missions’ projects, running the AIA team blog site, and2013 Global Sports Highlights managing communication roles for global sports ministry.   One of my latest projects was developing materials for our teams during our 2013 Fall Retreat mentioned above.  To God be the Glory!  Your prayers/support help make this happen!

Please review our prayer page and support needs and lift up our ministry to the Lord.  Click the following:  Nov 2013 to  print a hard copy newsletter.

For the least of these… / March 2013 Newsletter

Posted in AIA Global Sports, Hard Copy Newsletter by

Stories from Global Sports East Africa Jan 2013 Golf Project

One of the team’s most vivid memories is from  a one-hole golf course outside Nairobi, Kenya where 30 The least of these, Kibera Slum children from the Kibera slum received golf instruction and hope.  Despite living in the slum, they gained hope because Athletes in Action (AIA) shared a vision for changing their lives through sports.  Golf is very popular in East Africa, and it’s a great platform for One Hole Course, little girlteaching discipline and life skills.  The children also get out on a beautiful course in the Kenyan countryside every Sunday!  Our team taught, played, laughed and shared Christ with these children, so dearly loved by God.  That day the angels sang when several placed their faith in Jesus.  Five of “the least of these” had their names added to the Lamb’s book of life.  Amen!  The day ended with a one-hole tournament with all the children cheering and following down the fairway.  What a beautiful sight to see!One Hole Course Gallery  The project also blessed the children with golf clubs through our players and donors.  It was a special time all the way to the last putt.  This is how AIA’s Global Sports is changing lives throughout the world by supporting our teams like this one in East Africa.  There’s much more.  Did you catch “Taking it to the next level“?

Smilebox_612347981You are making a difference by supporting us as we develop and manage Global Sports communications.  Thank You!  

Please review our prayer page and support needs and lift up our ministry to the Lord.  Click the following:   to  Mar 2013  print a hard copy newsletter.

Connecting people to God’s work

Posted in AIA Global Sports by

Do you remember the moment?  That moment of discovery when you realized you would never be the same? In an instant, God opened your eyes to the revelation of living your life for His Glory.

For me, it happened not only when I accepted Christ, but when I realized that my talent for problem solving in business could be used for God’s plan of reconciliation.

For Kenya, it was his role of sharing the gospel during a project.  “That experience was very powerful and life-changing as I obtained the boldness for the Lord that is with me today.  I had the privilege and responsibility to share how I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.”

For many others, it was the day they accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

My role as the Communications/Logistics Manager for Athletes in Action’s (AIA) Global Sports Teams gives me (Rick) a small role that will contribute to over 30 missions projects each year.  These projects connect hundreds of college athletes and adults to a life-changing experience of sharing the gospel around the world.    What a privilege it is to use the gifting God has given me in His service.  Just as important is your role as a ministry partner.  Your gifts and prayers result in countless changed lives each year.  Together, we are a part of God’s plan for reconciliation.

Want more details about how we are working together click on our new blog page “Our Role“.