By Susan Stevens
The Alabama Baptist
Several months ago God impressed our family to get our passports ready. And I am glad we did.
Through Reel Life International we were able to plan a missions trip for our family to Dominican Republic to help boys learn baseball skills.
Our two sons have always loved baseball. Joshua, 20, now plays college baseball and Jonathan, 15, plays on a high school team. We have encouraged our boys to use their gifts and abilities to glorify God. Baseball was simply a vehicle we utilized to minister in Dominican Republic.
Driving up to a baseball field in San Pedro, Dominican Republic, we saw 30–40 elementary-aged boys eagerly waiting to play baseball. Each had clearly made an effort to look like a baseball player, wearing whatever they had to look the part. Some had baseball pants, some had shorts and others had high baseball socks. Some had cleats and others just wore flip flops.
We taught baseball skills in a different location every morning and afternoon. We encountered several hundred boys looking to better their skills and be a part of a team. We used baseball as a platform to share the love of Christ through our actions and words.
One afternoon we visited with neighborhood families door to door. Since most of the houses have limited electricity we gave each home a solar light. Immediately each family asked how much they owed for the light. We explained the light was a free gift and shared with them about God’s free gift of salvation through Jesus, the Light of the World. We shared with many individuals how to accept this free gift from God.
God’s direction
God’s faithfulness, provision and direction was obvious throughout the trip. As we checked out of our hotel I spoke with the front desk clerk to let him know how much I appreciated all he did for us during our stay. I also said how much I appreciated the Christian music playing in the lobby.
Planted seeds
When he asked what we had done during our stay I explained about the baseball clinics and how we shared the gospel at the end of each clinic. He shared that he became a Christian after a missions team came to share Christ with his baseball team. He explained how his local baseball coach shared with him about Christ and planted the seed. When the missions team came he made a profession of faith. The man’s story was such an encouragement to our team after a long week.
Our family’s lives are changed forever simply because we got our passport ready, invested six days in the lives of young men and planted seeds that will help them draw closer to a relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
EDITOR’S NOTE — Reel Life International is a nonprofit ministry working alongside the church to engage the people of God in the mission of God for the glory of God. For more information go to www.Reel-Life.org.
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