GamePlan a tool for reaching others

Soon, friends and family will gather for one of the most important times of the year next to Christmas and Thanksgiving — football season. In a state where many plan weddings and other events around football games, it is often said the sport is regarded as a religion.
   
With that in mind, Tuscaloosa Baptists chose to use that thinking to reach those who need Christ.
   
Jerry Wilkins, director of missions for Tuscaloosa Association, has used GamePlan, The Alabama Baptist’s annual sports evangelism publication, as a witnessing tool before a few University of Alabama (UA) football games. Last year, his association purchased 34,000 copies, which included a special message from Tuscaloosa Association. The year before, they distributed 40,000.
   
“We love GamePlan and it’s a tremendous evangelistic tool,” said Wilkins.
   
GamePlan includes photographs, testimonies, an easy-to-follow, sports-related plan of salvation and new this year, the Auburn University (AU) and UA schedules. Space is also provided to place an address or church label to indicate who is providing the piece.
   
Many use GamePlan in a variety of ways such as handing out the issue to youth at fifth-quarter events and distributing the publication before football games and in church outreach packets.
   
At a cost of 25 cents each plus postage, the minimum order is 25. The deadline to place orders is Aug. 10. Special runs, such as what Tuscaloosa Association took advantage of, are available.
   
A church, association or group may have GamePlan printed with their particular information on the issue with a minimum order of 10,000. The Alabama Baptist must approve the information printed in such personalized versions of GamePlan and has the right to decline any special order. The cost depends upon the number ordered.
   
To order GamePlan, contact The Alabama Baptist by e-mailing
gameplan@thealabamabaptist.org or calling 205-870-4720 in Birmingham, 1-800-803-5201 statewide.