ATHLETES IN ACTION

 

More than twenty years ago I taught a class on Writing in Christian Service at Grace Bible Institute in Pennsylvania. Just recently I was contacted by a young man who took that class as a teenager and is now using what he learned with Athletes in Action—Canada. His note was a great encouragement.

Helmut Hensel serves as Director of Staff Partner Development with Athletes in Action—Canada. The writing comes in the form of coaching individual staff and advising them on fund raising as well as health and well-being.

“I view our ministry as journeying with someone across their entire athletic career,” writes Helmut. Through early childhood camps and weekly sports clubs to varsity athletes in universities and professional or Olympic athletes, AIA walks alongside, discipling, and encouraging them in the faith. They also work with CRU Global, coordinating efforts to support international partners in Latin America, East Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe.

“Nothing gets me more excited than seeing people commit their lives to Christ,” says Hensel. “But a close second is seeing people in ministry thrive in their relationships with God and others, using their gifts and talents for Kingdom purposes, and being radically generous with their lives to bless others.”

Twenty years have passed since I have seen Helmut. He has been married to his wife Terra for six years and they have two young boys. What a blessing it has been to re-connect and know what God is now doing in and through his ministry.