Ralph and Becky Grant were staff members with Athletes in Action from 1994-2000, serving at Kent State University and Mount Union College . Today Ralph teaches 9 th -12 th grade science at Mound Street Academies, a charter school in Dayton , Ohio . He also coaches girls' varsity basketball at Cedarville High School . Becky is a stay-at-home mom. The Grants reside in Cedarville , Ohio , and are the parents of five children: Hudson (11), Hannah (9), Hunter (7), Halle (5) and Hayden (18 months).

Ralph's story

God has used the people of AIA in many instrumental ways in my life, my wife's life and the life of my family. I was introduced to Athletes in Action in the fall of 1988 when I was a senior at Kent State University with no real direction in my life.

I was intrigued with AIA, having gone to church throughout my life and was invited to attend the AIA Winter Conference being held in Pennsylvania . During the conference I listened to professional and college athletes and AIA staff members talk about how a relationship with Christ impacted their lives. It was at that conference when I decided to commit my life to following Christ and becoming the man he wanted me to be. That decision changed the direction and purpose of my life.

Through the mentoring relationship of Bill Pugh and joining a dedicated group of guys wanting to be more like Christ ( Ed Uszynski , Ray Carroscia and Steve Koproski ), I learned what it meant to be a follower of Christ not only on Sunday but every moment of every day. One idea that has stayed with me is the idea of practicing the presence of God. Whatever I do in life God is with me, and I need to represent him through the best of my ability and the power of the Holy Spirit. Whether I am taking out the garbage, coaching or changing a diaper I need to do it with a thankful heart and attitude as I remember what Jesus did for me.

My relationship with Christ has impacted my relationship with my wife, my family and all whom I interact with. I have learned to communicate better with those around me and to be more confident in whom Christ has made me to be. I am definitely not perfect and fail many times, but God has changed me and continues to change me so I can have an impact for Christ in my realm of influence.

Becky's story

I became involved with Athletes in Action in 1992. I started dating Ralph, and he was helping lead Bible studies at Kent State . The people of AIA really welcomed me and challenged me to be the woman God created me to be. I grew up as a Christian from a young age but did not always take my relationship with Christ as serious as I should have. I started to attend a Bible study with Paula Pugh and was challenged to live out my relationship with Christ on a daily basis, to trust Him for every area of my life. That was difficult to do but through the nurturing of the AIA staff I was able to relinquish control of my life to Christ. This allowed me to start being used as a vessel to influence others with the message of reconciliation to God through Christ.

After Ralph and I were married we decided to join AIA staff because of the change God had made in our lives through the tool of AIA. During our time on staff we learned about community and how to encourage one another to live out the Christian life on a daily basis. Ralph and I were able to see lives impacted because of the ministry of AIA. We were able to pass on to others what we learned and to challenge others to grow in their lives with Christ. Ralph and I both believe that we are better husband and wife, parents, and friends because of the ministry of AIA and how people built into our lives. We are better equipped and prepared to tell God's message of hope through our words and actions.

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.