Tag Archives: Sports Ministry

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?