A Tennis Missionary remembers

Speaking Spanish, Gods way.

God will make your way.

Speaking in Spanish with other players the number one in singles, doubles and mixed in the world in the 1990's, looked at me and replied to my own introduction in English "I attended church every Sunday in each city that I traveled to while was on the tour." SMILED and gladly took the Spanish Scripture I had. 

About one year later, I asked "I need YOUR help reaching the Spanish speaking players' and the response "I will introduce you". 

Someone who attends a church every Sunday for years and years in diverse cities and cultures 'loves God'.  God does not forget the love a person has for Him, no matter what todays situation is for that person.  It is that simple!  The love of God which passes all understanding.  I know somewhere deep in that heart is a seed of great love for God.

God uses people who have faith to accomplish things that are beyond themselves.  It requires teamwork with a common goal.  It requires faith that God has a way to bridge any gap, no matter how insurmontable it appears.  God's work in God's way is beyond our natural abilities.

Next week: You're not alone.

Playing on Sunday

Life by Principles

My question to a player once ranked in the world's top five, "Why did you quit at the top of your game?" The answer, "I had to play on Sundays." 

Inwardly my heart melted, as I realized the commitment that was made for family and faith and not the game.

I remember seeing this player on the television in the 1980's in finals.  We now see each other at the French, US Opens and Wimbledons and have had really deep hearted conversation on our common love for Christ.  I see the family children, now grown up, alongside this player all the time.  I am not sure if the decision had to do more with going to church or with family time, but I can certainly see the love of the family.

Spending TIME with my own family in church and trusting God to provide in things that I seemingly gave up (such as coaching income) in place of church has been the best choice that I have ever personally made.  I am seeing the "fruits" of this decision now in my family.  My children are learning morals, ethics and principles that go way beyond what the world teaches us is correct.
Next week: Grand Slam Champion who attended church every Sunday.

Rejection for four years

Don't give up.

I remember all those years when I was allowed to sit at the table of five people of the inner circle of the world number one player.  I gave materials and spoke spiritually to all at that table.  It was received politely and sometimes I would see that material on the table after we all had left. 

I did not grow discouraged as I always realized that just being allowed to sit at that table was from the very hand of God.  One of five people. 

Last year, sitting all alone on the final day at the French Open was that number one.  I sat down and spoke about faith, but this time it was different.  "Yes, I want that"  I asked three times, explaining what it meant.  Yes, Yes, Yes.  I then sourced the book "The Purpose Driven Life" in French and carried it to Wimbledon.  As the player was getting in the car at Wimbledon, I gave the book and hugging me asked if I wanted money for it.  I said, 'no'. 

You see; I do not do this to gain access to famous people as some would understand the word 'famous' or 'wealthy'.  I can not control any results, I can only pray and patiently wait upon the Lord.  Even now, my eyes tear up thinking of the love God has for this person.