When I first arrived at Cal Poly back in the fall I was really expectant for how God was going to use me here, just not quite sure what that would look like. I had gotten word from Joe Priola, who left for another campus last summer, that I might be working with some student-athletes that were involved with the ministry of Athletes in Action (AIA) on campus. AIA is a contextual ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ that seeks to use the platform, or culture, of sport to better reach collegiate student-athletes with the good news of Jesus Christ. When I got the final word from my leaders that I would be working with them I was pretty stoked! The group had been through some rough spots the year previous, but Joe was really hopeful of seeing things move forward soon.
In the fall quarter I spent some time just getting to know the leaders and the current status of the ministry; being a proactive, yet humble learner is tough when you’re a change agent (that’s me!). I met many of the leaders, including Chase, Ryan, Emily, and Jenny who would eventually form the core leadership team for AIA. What I LOVE is that they are very passionate about seeing their teammates, and all the other sport teams at Cal Poly, reached with the gospel. They just didn’t quite have the right training, vision, or direction. Now I’ll admit that I’m fairly ignorant myself when it comes to sport-specific ministry, although I was a two-sport athlete in high school, and still consider myself one to this day (looking to train for a half-marathon in April). We’re learning and growing together while seeking the Lord for what He wants this ministry to look like; and better yet, how it can become an authentic movement of people desperate for Jesus to rule and reign in their lives. I’m definitely still learning how to most effectively equip these leaders to reach the world of sport at Cal Poly and would greatly appreciate your prayers for wisdom, guidance, and effectiveness.
The past few weeks I have been spending more time with Chase, one of the leaders, who also is the captain of the wrestling team and an All-American in his senior season at Cal Poly. What a privilege it has been to be a part of his world and watch him use the sport of wrestling as a tool to glorify God in Christ Jesus. I’m dreaming and praying that God would keep opening doors into the wrestling team so that we can saturate that team with the gospel and see it become a “sending” hub from which we can reach the rest of the sport community here at Cal Poly. What a redemptive process it has been since I myself was a wrestler in high school, yet found my identity in being a wrestler, not in Christ. Pray that God would use me, and the other Christians on the wrestling team, to transform that team into men who love and abide in Christ.
Just this morning the Cal Poly newspaper, Mustang Daily, came out with an article about how Chase’s faith is his number one priority, even over wrestling. The article could be used in powerful ways to show students that even national prominence won’t bring them lasting satisfaction; that only Jesus Christ fills the deepest longings of their hearts. Chase puts it well in the article:
“I think God’s given me a lot of talent, so I always like to make sure I keep Him centered and not let the sport override that, keep Him the focal point.”
Great words from a humble man. Pray with me that Chase would continue to walk with Jesus and use his prominence to point students back to the One with ultimate prominence, Jesus.
Find the article at http://mustangdaily.net/chase-pami-profile
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