Over the past several years, Ephesians 3:20-21 has continually caught my attention and captivated my heart. The Lord very clearly inspired Paul when He inspired the following words:
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen.
In so many ways, this passage of scripture describes our journey with "A Life Worth Following" and "The Ambassadors". Every time I reflect on all that has happened with our ministry, I am blown away at all the supernatural evidences of God's hand. Today, we find ourselves about to begin our second season with the OKC Ambassadors and our second summer of experiences with the Lord.
In our inaugural 2008 season, The Oklahoma City Ambassadors, a group of elite high school players, were able to communicate God’s hope through Justin’s story to thousands of people in both the U.S. and Nicaragua. The Ambassadors made a tremendous impact competing in tournaments across the southwest, conducting free baseball clinics, communicating the Gospel to teams and fans, and concluding the season with a week-long baseball tour/mission trip to Nicaragua. Here are some of the incredible results we experienced in 2008:
- 10,000 people heard the Gospel on a baseball field
- 900+ kids attended free Ambassador baseball clinics
- 1200 people gave their lives to Christ!
- In addition, the Ambassadors helped 19 members of their team earn college baseball scholarships, and a roster of 26 young men were challenged to use their talent and passion to live beyond themselves for the glory of God.
In 2009, the Oklahoma City Ambassadors are expanding to two teams totaling 30 players and 7 coaches. Both teams will again compete in tournaments across the county, conduct free baseball clinics for over 1000 kids, and will engage in communicating the Gospel to thousands of kids, players, and fans. Both teams will also experience the trip of a lifetime as they share the love of Christ and the game of baseball with thousands of kids and spectators in Nicaragua. Amazingly, we are continuing to experience the incredible truths of Ephesians 3:20-21
To make these goals and dreams possible for this summer, I am asking that you consider partnering with A Life Worth Following and the Ambassadors through a financial gift. The expenses for each player/coach for the entire summer, including travel to Nicaragua, are $3500 per player. The total amount we need to raise to send all 30 players and 7 coaches on this baseball mission experience is just a little over $113,000.
With what our players are contributing combined with the funds already raised, we are within $15,000 from paying for all of our clinics and tournaments in the United States. That means we are almost half-way towards our goal. As soon as we hit that goal, we will begin raising the funds for our trip to Nicaragua which will cost $50,700.
You know, if I am really being honest, I have to admit that there are times when I feel like our goals and dreams are too big. There are times that I really do wonder if we are heading down the right path, especially in our difficult economic times. However, when these thoughts come into my mind, something will remind me just how big God really is. When I begin to meditate on the awesomeness of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the mountain of $113,000 doesn't even seem like a bump in the road even in the midst of a struggling economy.
C.S. Lewis said, "Has this world been so kind to you that you should leave with regret? There are better things ahead than any we leave behind." That Clive sure did have some insight into God. I am glad he wrote stuff down.
Amazingly, I have no doubt that the Lord's hand has been and is continuing to guide our steps. The fact is that the Lord has called us to communicate His word to people through our God-given talents on the baseball field. Because of this, we have to press on down this ministry path. Thankfully, every time God calls us to a task, He equips us along the way. For this, we are so very thankful.
As you are reading this, maybe the Lord will press it upon your heart to help us. If you would be willing to pray about contributing to the 2009 Ambassadors, rest assured that we will be faithful with your contribution and will use it to make a significant difference in the lives of many people this summer.
To give, you could make a tax-deductible donation to JustinSullivan ALWF, send it to Justin Sullivan A.L.W.F. ( P.O. Box 720782 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73172), or you can also go to the website – www.alifeworthfollowing.org - for more information or to make an online donation. If you have any questions, please contact me at chris@alifeworthfollowing.org.
We thank you so much for reading our blogs and hope that you will pray for us as we walk the road that is before us.
Believing God is going to continue to do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine according to His power that is at work within us.
Sincerely,
Chris Wall
Posted on
Friday, April 17, 2009
by Chris Wall