Engaging students through sports teams and other groups on campus is a proven strategy that allows our Staff to get to know the students, speak into their lives, and most importantly, to share the gospel with them. We hope you’re encouraged by this story from Chris McClellend, SV Staff serving in Cincinnati.

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Early last week, I got to speak to 16 members of the Talawanda freshman football team. I told them about my athletic career in high school and how I always hoped sports would bring me lasting meaning and satisfaction, but it never lasted. I then explained how some friends in college explained to me how a relationship with God through Jesus Christ was the only thing that would satisfy me. I think the team was shocked that my past success did not satisfy me. They asked lots of questions about my life back then. At the end of my talk I explained how they could begin a relationship with God. Five of them prayed to receive Christ! Praise God!

The team talk was part of a pizza party outreach for the team. Eight weeks ago, the head coach asked me to spend 30 minutes with the team every Tuesday at practice. I gave short talks on topics like motivation, character, and teamwork. I also had trivia questions and team-building exercises to help the teammates bond together. The 22 guys on the team have really warmed up to me and seem to enjoy Tuesdays when I’m there. God has provided this unique opportunity to build relationships with the guys and share Jesus with them at the outreach.

There are two more weeks left in the season, so I will continue to go to practice on Tuesdays. Then I will challenge the guys to meet with me on Wednesdays after school so that they can continue to learn about Christ.

Family Stuff

  • Pray for God’s provision of our monthly financial support need.
  • We just discovered a roof leak and water damage in our house. We appreciate your prayers as we get the situation soundly resolved!
  • Pray for Ethan’s heart, that he would be “good soil” ready to receive the seed of God’s Word.
  • It seems like the Thanksgiving-Christmas-New Year season gets more hectic every year. Can you relate? We would like to bring simplicity back into these important celebrations. Please pray for us!