Celebrating changed lives since 1966.

That was the theme commemorated throughout the duration of Athletes in Action's Ministry Days, July 16-18.

Held every two years preceding Campus Crusade for Christ's U.S. Staff Conference in Fort Collins, Colorado, AIA Ministry Days provides a time for AIA staff members from around the U.S. to gather for times of refreshment and encouragement as well as the opportunity to meet as a staff family.

This year's events held greater significance as AIA celebrated 40 years of existence as Campus Crusade's sports ministry.

Founded in 1966 by Dave Hannah, AIA has used the platform of sport since its conception as an avenue to tell coaches and athletes about Jesus.

"Our motivation has and always will be changed lives," says Bill Pugh, president of AIA.

Lisa Palmisano, a staff member with AIA since 1993, is one of those whose involvement with the organization has brought about life change.

The former Auburn University diver's introduction to AIA was through a Bible study on campus her freshman year. Since then Lisa and her husband Jason have served at Florida, Central Florida, Clemson, Alabama - Birmingham and Kentucky Universities as well as in New Zealand.

Although Lisa prayed to receive Christ at age 13, she didn't learn the concept of spiritual multiplication until her involvement with AIA.

"I learned that Christians have to pass on and teach others all they have learned and also train others how to reach others and reciprocate what they have learned," says Lisa.

Ultimately, seeing lives changed-like her own-by communicating the gospel has been Lisa's motivation.

"AIA changed my life because I not only learned how to effectively communicate the gospel, but how to listen and meet people where they are at," says Lisa.

The celebration of changed lives included praise and worship, prayer and a message from Bill, all intertwined with honoring AIA staff members who have been with the organization for 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years.

The highlight of AIA's time together was the 40th Anniversary Banquet held on Tuesday, July 17, on the campus of Colorado State University. Special guests included Vonette Bright, co-founder of Campus Crusade; Dave Hannah; Wendel Deyo, former AIA President; and Cindy White, AIA staff women's ministry pioneer. While on stage, guests provided tidbits of AIA's history by telling stories of changed lives and glimpses into what the ministry once was and has now become. This included the pioneering of AIA in various countries, beginning of the women's ministry and Dave's original vision for AIA.

The 370 guests in attendance were also treated to a 20-minute celebration video made by AIA staff member Val Zimmerman. AIA's 40 years were illustrated through photos, music and interviews. Before the conclusion of the banquet, 30- and 35-year staff members were honored, many of whom had family members in attendance.

"Because of AIA, I have lived a life of faith," says Cindy White , 23-year AIA staff member whose life was also changed through her involvement with Campus Crusade at the University of Alabama.

After 41 years of ministry in many corners of the world, Cindy and Lisa are just two examples of perhaps millions who have encountered change that comes through the gospel AIA has faithfully proclaimed.

Bill best summed up AIA's 40-year history when he said, "Changed lives-that's why we do what we do."