Mark Rumschik

Trusting God is something I have learned to do over the past three years of college through little steps. Although I grew up in a Christian home, it was in college that I began to get comfortable handing my life over to God and letting Him take me towards His plan for me. I've been able to do this thanks to Athletes in Action and the relationships I've built there. I got as close to God as I've ever been in my life and I could feel God moving through me. I gave Him every part of my life-or that's what I thought.

Volleyball was always my passion. I wanted to win a national championship and I wanted to be a starter on the team. When my senior year at Ball State University rolled around, I thought the best chance for me to start was by becoming a setter. The summer before my senior year I stayed in Indiana and trained everyday. When the pre-season came around I was a setter on the team with two others. But as the end of the semester came I learned that I was no longer going to be trained as a setter. The coaches were moving me back to the outside hitter position where I'd played the past three years. They told me I would go to the bottom of the depth chart and wouldn't receive much playing time. This was a huge blow. I was crushed. All my dreams of starting and playing for a national championship were shot. I felt like I failed and it hurt so much, especially since it was my senior year.

The next two days were the worst days of my life. The feelings I went through were so painful and I contemplated quitting the sport I loved most. However, I prayed about it and talked to my family and AIA leader. After all the emotions I went through, I realized that God was speaking to me. The thing that I held dear to me most, volleyball, was no longer mine. I figured out that I needed to give it to God. I thought I was playing for God, but in the long run, I wasn't. I was playing for my coach, the fans, stats, and myself. I came to the conclusion that maybe God wanted me here to affect the lives of those around me. He was going to use my position as a platform to speak to my teammates and other athletes.

Once I figured this out, I completely changed again! The first time back on the court, I played with complete freedom and happiness that I had never before experienced. I was playing for God now. I wrote four verses on my shoe to remind me of this and I put up verses in my locker (Philippians 4:13, Isaiah 41:10, Acts 1:8 and 1 John 4:4). The rest of the week God was my Audience of One and my strength . I began leading team prayers before every game and I had many discussions with teammates on long bus rides about subjects like creation, heaven and hell, relationships and why I believe in God. In fact, one conversation led to a four-hour talk about Jesus with ten guys including one of my coaches. I felt God's presence with the team and I knew He wanted to work through me. The relationships I formed the rest of the year are indescribable, as some of those guys still ask spiritual questions. I had to go through such a trial but because I kept my faith in God and trusted Him and His good plan for me, He was able to do miracles.

In fact, the blessings He rained down on me were unbelievable. That first weekend after the crushing news, I met the most unbelievable Christian woman, Angie. I had been waiting my whole life for a girlfriend and God finally blessed me. He also blessed me with playing time and eventually the starting role. As the season began I was on the bench but after three weeks of crazy incidents I was blessed with the starting role. The past year has been incredible and I give all the glory to God. Without getting hooked up with AIA, I would not be where I'm at right now. The Lord seems to work in weaker and imperfect people. I am just another example of His amazing power and love.

Mark graduated from Ball State this past May with a degree in Hospitality and Food Management. Originally from Orchard Park, New York, he is now seeking a full-time job in that field.

Each month you will be introduced to a life changed through Athletes in Action. If your life (or someone you know) has been greatly touched through your involvement with AIA, please send an e-mail to communications@aia.com. 

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