program #12 Previous Weeks
| Mike Clark, Major League Soccer, Columbus Crew
TESTIMONY I had an incredible childhood. Being the youngest of five children definitely had its perks. But growing up also required that I go to church every Sunday. It was a ritual. Until three years ago, my relationship with God was passive – a relationship that consisted of two hours a week in church. I believed in God, yet when asked, "Do you think you'll go to heaven?", I never knew how to respond. I thought God only knew of my existence when I was in His house. My rookie year, summer of 1996, I asked Jesus into my life and began my walk with Christ. This past year I have experienced tremendous spiritual growth. I have learned that by giving God complete control of my life, I can expect great things. God has helped me to be more focused in my sport, and my marriage is stronger than ever. Now, if ever asked, "Do you think you will go to heaven?", I can emphatically answer, "YES!" Used with permission of TheGoal.com |
Shaun Murray: World Champion Wakeboarder, Orlando, FL
TESTIMONY Monday morning, day after pro tour stop #1. I haven't competed in two years and the first round I get to ride against Phil "The Frog" Soven. Some people came up saying "man, I'm sorry you have to ride against Phillip." I was actually pumped to ride with him since I knew I had to throw out a big run to get through. I rode, then he rode and I thought he beat me, but the scores came out with me ahead. Shane and I were riding head to head and I was first off the dock. Went to throw a crow 5 first trick and went down. Got up, did some tricks, made a crow 5, fell on a blind 5. Got up with enough room for 1 trick so I went for a KGB 5 and got knocked out. Travis whipped the boat around and before the boat stopped, Drew jumped in since I was face down in the water. They told me I wasn't breathing until they pulled me onto the boat. Apparently, I walked off the boat onto the shore and they sat me down, but I don't remember much of that, but anyhoo. They strapped me to the backboard with a neck brace and took me to the hospital. I was on the backboard for over 3 hours, not comfortable and the neck brace didn't come off until 1:30 a.m....Good times. Cat scan came out clear, no broken neck, just a bad concussion and whiplash. My neck can't move right now, but will get better. Guess I will have to take a little time off the water right now. It just goes to show you how quickly things can change. I went from winning against Phil to getting knocked flat on my back within a couple hours of each other. Make the most of what you have. I choose to live my life for God because He has given me so much. (Taken from shaunmurray.net) |
Laura Wilkinson: 2000 Olympic Gold Medallist Diving
TESTIMONY I became a Christian years ago, but like many people do, I wandered away. Then I came to a point in my life where I started having a lot of trouble with one of my dives, and I really started to unravel emotionally. It was at that time that I asked God to forgive me and gave Him back control of my life. God gave me many victories and I was able to represent the U.S. at the 2000 Olympics. There, in the final rounds, it all became very clear. My prayers were not to win. They were not even to do my best or to reach my highest score. I suddenly found myself praying that, whether I finished first place or fifth place, God would find a way to use me. I became the first American woman since 1964 to win a gold medal in diving. The first words I spoke to the world in a TV interview were “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I still recite that verse before each and every dive. Sometimes things have happened that at first seemed pretty bad. It’s easy to run away from a bad situation when you’re too scared or angry to face it. But it’s in the midst of these difficult times that some of the most amazing things happen. So instead of running from those tough times, I remember the verse, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.” (Isaiah 41:10). My advice for you: Don't stop believing and trusting God if things get tough. That's the time |
