Julia, a junior on the women’s rowing team, has been coming to the AIA weekly meeting this semester. Recently, after coming to a prayer gathering that we had for a recent track athlete (Joi) who died, Julia said to me, “Everyone keeps saying that Joi accepted Christ so we know that she is in heaven. What does it mean to accept Christ?" It has been so rewarding to communicate the gospel to Julia and literally watch her wrestle with the reality of heaven and hell—and a God who offers salvation. Pray for her as she has not yet given her life to Christ.

                                                                    -Denise H., Campus, University of Michigan

Being a part of what God is going in North Africa was a dream come true for me! To experience a culture radically different from our own while using sport to bridge the gap between the two worlds was powerful.  I marveled that my own background in soccer prepared me for coaching clinics in another country. I learned first-hand how the Lord holds the nations in His hands. This was specifically demonstrated through the relationships that have been built up over time between staff in that country and key government leaders there; because of Gods favor being poured out on that relationship, we had the privilege of being the first Christian organization to be invited by the government to work in that country.  Wow.

                            -Rachel S., Campus, Central State University and Wilmington College

Traveling with the AIA Ministry Training Center to North Africa was such a breath of fresh air for me. To step out of my comfort zone and "teach basketball" as a non-athlete and allow God to use even me in an active sports setting was such an encouragement. I also love how He met me as Protector by meeting me in my fears of visiting this country, where the people are predominantly of another faith. Wow, I left the U.S. with a heart of fear, wondering if it was the favor of God or set-up of man because these people of another faith were so excited to host us Christians. I thought often, "What am I getting myself into? Will we return home safely?" So cool to see God meet me—and others—in our fear and give us reason to know, trust and believe in His protection!

                                                                      -Tricia A., Headquarters, Xenia, Ohio

The Lord has really worked in my relationship with the starting point guard on the basketball team, as I usually meet with him for two hours before every game for prayer and Scripture reading. He is very eager to grow.

                                                                 -Jim G., Campus, University of Iowa