Dave and Connie Deal, Athletes In Action
Dear AIA Partners,
The Valley of the Sun was recently host to several sporting events all in the same weekend. Perhaps the most prominent one was the NFL’s Super Bowl. While we didn’t have a personal stake in either team involved, we WERE highly invested in AIA’s Super Bowl Breakfast on the Friday morning prior to the big game. This is an officially sanctioned NFL event/outreach that AIA presents every year in the city of the Super Bowl. We hosted about a dozen of the Arizona Rattlers staff and players, and all told, over 1700 people were there to hear testimonies from Brent Jones, Steve Largent, and Tony Dungy. Peyton Manning was presented with the Bart Starr Award, as voted by NFL players, for “outstanding character in the home, on the field and in the community”. A clear Gospel presentation and invitation was given by Benjamin Watson of the New Orleans Saints. Those who we invited indicated that they thoroughly enjoyed the Breakfast and we continue to pray that the Lord would work in their hearts as they respond to His leading.
This week is the kickoff for the Spring Training Baseball Bible study that we host every year for players and wives. With the start of spring training comes a busier schedule for our family, but also increased opportunities to encourage and connect with these sport influencers. Dave will teach weekly chapels for the Seattle Mariners and the San Diego Padres, meet guys one on one, host the Bible study… and we will be welcoming players and their families into our home. Please pray that they would be challenged by Biblical truths and inspired to lead their teams and use their platforms to honor the Lord and build spiritual movements. Also pray for those who haven’t yet responded to the Gospel to have a life-changing encounter with the God of the Universe during this spring training season!
What a privilege we have to partner with you to help build the Kingdom of God! Thanks so much for your encouragement and support.
