During the game...before the spiritual battle for eternal life.Tuesday, November 21, 2006
An Excited Audience
Jason addressing a bit more than half the remaining crowd (estimated at 2500) while the Kings listen during their cooling off stretches.
Team Effort
A backup squad of others who love the King of Kings...left to right...Debbie King (Athletics), Ric Chapman (Sports Journalist and Author), Steven Meredith (Sydney Roosters), Allison Shreeve (World Champion Windsurfer), Jeremy Rolleston (Winter Olympian Australian 2-Man Bobsled), and Marty Wilson (NSW Waratahs).
Carla and the Captain
Jason providing some support for Carla as she shared from her heart.
Jason sharing the Good News about Jesus with the audience.
King and Servant
Rodney Elliott declares his love for the King of Kings...His King--Jesus! The Team Chaplain prays for those who responded to the message.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
14 Hours "after the fact"
18 November...Firepower Sydney Kings Jason Smith Fan Game...
What a great night…basketball and blessings from God !!!
With the fan base of almost 4000, bolstered by an additional 1721 near-rabid fan night supporters, the Sydney Kings won a huge game against Dragons by four points in overtime!
The coach had a game plan, the captain--Jason Smith--lead well, and the team responded with heart and enthusiasm.
More importantly (from an eternal perspective) at least seven people (of the several thousand who stayed after the game) indicated that they had asked Jesus to come into their lives after hearing Jason’s journey story and brief explanation of the Good News about new life in Jesus.
Six minutes after the game, the basket was lower at one end of the Sydney Entertainment Centre. Brian Goorjian, the head coach gave a brief welcome and gave Jason a glowing (and probably unnecessary) introduction. Seven other professional and world class sportsmen and sportswomen, including one of Jason’s teammates (Rodney Elliot) lined up behind Jason and each took the microphone to tell the quieting crowd that like Jason, they loved the Kings…and the King of Kings.
It was especially powerful and touching to have Jason’s wife (Carla) stand with the others and tell the crowd that she loved the Kings…the King of Kings…and the captain of the Kings. She told how Jason’s faith had been a rock for her recently as they have recently been through major illness, a move, and renovation hell. When she choked up a bit, Jason came and put his arm around her and they both won everyone’s heart.
The captain then got about business and shared briefly how he had come to Christ at what was then the height of his career. He was far from “down and out”…everything was going well for him but he suddenly realized that wasn’t enough. There must be something more to life. With that awareness he gave himself to Christ in a simple bedside prayer.
Jason concluded the post-game programme with a brief explanation of the saving work of Jesus on our behalf…and the “how to’s” of responding to Him. He asked everyone to bow their heads and close their eyes in respect for those who might also want to say a simple prayer of response to Christ right then. In addition to those who indicated a response by a show of hands, a nine-year old boy came up to me afterwards and told me that he had “said the prayer”.
I realized that from an eternal perspective that one small “win” was worth far more than the Kings win against the Dragons. What a privilege for us to be involved in such weighty matters!
The audience was extremely receptive and positive about the evening and the programme. It was especially encouraging to have the entire Kings team on the court behind Jason doing their normal warm-down stretches and listening carefully to the message. I had both fans and Kings management asking me when we were going to do it again.
What a great night…basketball and blessings from God !!!
With the fan base of almost 4000, bolstered by an additional 1721 near-rabid fan night supporters, the Sydney Kings won a huge game against Dragons by four points in overtime!
The coach had a game plan, the captain--Jason Smith--lead well, and the team responded with heart and enthusiasm.
More importantly (from an eternal perspective) at least seven people (of the several thousand who stayed after the game) indicated that they had asked Jesus to come into their lives after hearing Jason’s journey story and brief explanation of the Good News about new life in Jesus.
Six minutes after the game, the basket was lower at one end of the Sydney Entertainment Centre. Brian Goorjian, the head coach gave a brief welcome and gave Jason a glowing (and probably unnecessary) introduction. Seven other professional and world class sportsmen and sportswomen, including one of Jason’s teammates (Rodney Elliot) lined up behind Jason and each took the microphone to tell the quieting crowd that like Jason, they loved the Kings…and the King of Kings.
It was especially powerful and touching to have Jason’s wife (Carla) stand with the others and tell the crowd that she loved the Kings…the King of Kings…and the captain of the Kings. She told how Jason’s faith had been a rock for her recently as they have recently been through major illness, a move, and renovation hell. When she choked up a bit, Jason came and put his arm around her and they both won everyone’s heart.
The captain then got about business and shared briefly how he had come to Christ at what was then the height of his career. He was far from “down and out”…everything was going well for him but he suddenly realized that wasn’t enough. There must be something more to life. With that awareness he gave himself to Christ in a simple bedside prayer.
Jason concluded the post-game programme with a brief explanation of the saving work of Jesus on our behalf…and the “how to’s” of responding to Him. He asked everyone to bow their heads and close their eyes in respect for those who might also want to say a simple prayer of response to Christ right then. In addition to those who indicated a response by a show of hands, a nine-year old boy came up to me afterwards and told me that he had “said the prayer”.
I realized that from an eternal perspective that one small “win” was worth far more than the Kings win against the Dragons. What a privilege for us to be involved in such weighty matters!
The audience was extremely receptive and positive about the evening and the programme. It was especially encouraging to have the entire Kings team on the court behind Jason doing their normal warm-down stretches and listening carefully to the message. I had both fans and Kings management asking me when we were going to do it again.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
12 Hour Countdown
If all goes according plan…in exactly twelve hours from putting fingers to keyboard…
The captain of the Firepower Sydney Kings will have just concluded a 20 minute message of hope with over 3000 fans following an exciting game against the South Dragons.
Jason Smith (also captain of the Australian National Team—the Boomers) will be standing on the court addressing over 1700 fans who came to hear his journey story of faith…and hopefully thousands more who only came to see a game but will walk away having had the opportunity to experience God’s love personally.
I will report more details in the next couple of days. So many “God things” have happened already with this event, that I am trusting Him to truly manifest his glory tonight through a simple message by a faithful servant.
There is an “interview” story with Jason about the programme…and his intentions with it…as the feature story on the Kings website at…
The captain of the Firepower Sydney Kings will have just concluded a 20 minute message of hope with over 3000 fans following an exciting game against the South Dragons.
Jason Smith (also captain of the Australian National Team—the Boomers) will be standing on the court addressing over 1700 fans who came to hear his journey story of faith…and hopefully thousands more who only came to see a game but will walk away having had the opportunity to experience God’s love personally.
I will report more details in the next couple of days. So many “God things” have happened already with this event, that I am trusting Him to truly manifest his glory tonight through a simple message by a faithful servant.
There is an “interview” story with Jason about the programme…and his intentions with it…as the feature story on the Kings website at…
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
18 November--Jason Smith Fan Day
Immediately after the regular season game between the Firepower Sydney Kings and the South Dragons... Jason Smith, the Captain of both the Kings and the Boomers (our Australian National Team) will be sharing his journey story of faith in Jesus from the court with any fans who choose to stay back and listen. In anticipation of a positive and refreshing look into the inside life of a professional basketball player and follower of Jesus, Sydney schools and churches are encouraging their people to swell the ranks of the Kings fans. Those groups involved are able to purchase tickets for just $10 per person. The Kings have promised to provide a free clinic to any school that can sell 70 tickets for this game. Interest is high in many schools.
EXtreme TRaining Arvo--2
22 October saw our second EXtreme TRaining Arvo in less than a year. We had approximately 30 professional and elite sportsmen and sportswomen show up to interact on how to better use their personal sporting success as a platform for sharing the Good News with others.
It was extremely exciting to see three professional basketball players (from two different teams)... four rugby league... one rugby union... several hockey... a summer and a (different) winter Olympian... a former boxer... and a tennis player (along with a number of other sports represented) joining together to engage in ministry training for 4 hours.
This year in addition to talking about how to share our journey stories, how to share His story, and how to most effectively use the media to get the message across, we also just sat around a bit and talked about what God had done with us in the ten month since our last training.
The written evaluations were overwhelmingly positive. Looks like we are on to a "winner" as far as meeting an unusual niche need. Our thinking is to have another training afternoon in March or April of 2007.
There were several great stories of personal courage and opportunities seized, but one highlight for me was the story of a new "fellowship group" springing up in the rugby league community. After our meeting last year, a couple of the league players started meeting for a bit of fellowship and some praises with a guitar after footie training. As others started to come along and join them the group outgrew the garage where they were meeting and has since outgrown two other venues. The group is called "PowerUp". They presently have up to 200 people meeting on Thursday nights out near Campelltown. At a recent special "outreach" meeting there were over 500 people attending. God is moving in the rugby league world.
It was extremely exciting to see three professional basketball players (from two different teams)... four rugby league... one rugby union... several hockey... a summer and a (different) winter Olympian... a former boxer... and a tennis player (along with a number of other sports represented) joining together to engage in ministry training for 4 hours.
This year in addition to talking about how to share our journey stories, how to share His story, and how to most effectively use the media to get the message across, we also just sat around a bit and talked about what God had done with us in the ten month since our last training.
The written evaluations were overwhelmingly positive. Looks like we are on to a "winner" as far as meeting an unusual niche need. Our thinking is to have another training afternoon in March or April of 2007.
There were several great stories of personal courage and opportunities seized, but one highlight for me was the story of a new "fellowship group" springing up in the rugby league community. After our meeting last year, a couple of the league players started meeting for a bit of fellowship and some praises with a guitar after footie training. As others started to come along and join them the group outgrew the garage where they were meeting and has since outgrown two other venues. The group is called "PowerUp". They presently have up to 200 people meeting on Thursday nights out near Campelltown. At a recent special "outreach" meeting there were over 500 people attending. God is moving in the rugby league world.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Player Prayer at the Blitz
I had a great time at the recent NBL Basketball Blitz. I spent the weekend with some longtime friends who now live in the host city of Coffs Harbour. Bruce is a Sports Doctor and Sue runs her own interior design business. They were good enough to join me for a number of the games scheduled over the weekend.
The Basketball Commissioner for the NBL had asked some of the chaplains to set up a voluntary prayer meeting or Bible Study for any players that might be interested “sometime” during the blitz. However, when we tried to actually schedule a meeting with the organizers we were informed that the players were too busy with other functions to try to schedule in something else.
Nevertheless, there seemed to be player interest in such a meeting even it were only for half an hour, so we decided to meet after the final game and before the cocktail party at the players hotel. I spread the word to any of the Christian players that I knew of during the final day and actually discovered that there were more Christians than I realized who were playing professional basketball.
As is turned out we had the commissioner, two chaplains, and nine players at the meeting. Two other Christians we know of were not at the Blitz and at the cocktail party I had several others identify themselves…and ask me to be sure to invite them to the next meeting of this nature. All up, there are approximately 15 believers among the 150 (?) players in the NBL. That is a whopping 10% (huge by Australian standards). And we are praying that more will join our ranks this year.
Most of the players are the only Christians on their team…and several of the teams don’t have chaplains…so we are encouraging people to pray specifically for good support for the players and a developing fellowship among them.
The Basketball Commissioner for the NBL had asked some of the chaplains to set up a voluntary prayer meeting or Bible Study for any players that might be interested “sometime” during the blitz. However, when we tried to actually schedule a meeting with the organizers we were informed that the players were too busy with other functions to try to schedule in something else.
Nevertheless, there seemed to be player interest in such a meeting even it were only for half an hour, so we decided to meet after the final game and before the cocktail party at the players hotel. I spread the word to any of the Christian players that I knew of during the final day and actually discovered that there were more Christians than I realized who were playing professional basketball.
As is turned out we had the commissioner, two chaplains, and nine players at the meeting. Two other Christians we know of were not at the Blitz and at the cocktail party I had several others identify themselves…and ask me to be sure to invite them to the next meeting of this nature. All up, there are approximately 15 believers among the 150 (?) players in the NBL. That is a whopping 10% (huge by Australian standards). And we are praying that more will join our ranks this year.
Most of the players are the only Christians on their team…and several of the teams don’t have chaplains…so we are encouraging people to pray specifically for good support for the players and a developing fellowship among them.
Monday, September 04, 2006
Upcoming Events
Want to get the word out about three big events on the horizon...in order of occurence...
8-9 September...Blitz
NBL Professional Basketball Blitz in Coffs Harbour this year. Three chaplains will be involved in setting up an official prayer meeting for the function.
22 October...EXtreme TRaining Arvo (EXTRA) Sunday...1:00-5:00 pm...
Extreme competition demands extreme training...for "we wrestle not against not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual hosts of wickedness". A training opportunity for elite and professional athletes hosted by their high profile peers to better equip them to use their sports success as a platform for the gospel. Last year we had 15 sportspeople at our inaugral training session, this year we are planning for many more as the word gets out.
18 November 2006 (Saturday)...Sydney Kings and Jason Smith Fan Day at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. Come and see a top game between the Firepower Sydney Kings and the new team in the NBL--the Southern Dragons. After the game join hundreds of others to hear the Kings Captain Jason Smith share his journey story of faith in Christ. Discount tickets and game T-shirts to students are available through their schools.
For more details on these activities see our website... austaia.net (look in the "Stories" and then "News" tabs).
8-9 September...Blitz
NBL Professional Basketball Blitz in Coffs Harbour this year. Three chaplains will be involved in setting up an official prayer meeting for the function.
22 October...EXtreme TRaining Arvo (EXTRA) Sunday...1:00-5:00 pm...
Extreme competition demands extreme training...for "we wrestle not against not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual hosts of wickedness". A training opportunity for elite and professional athletes hosted by their high profile peers to better equip them to use their sports success as a platform for the gospel. Last year we had 15 sportspeople at our inaugral training session, this year we are planning for many more as the word gets out.
18 November 2006 (Saturday)...Sydney Kings and Jason Smith Fan Day at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. Come and see a top game between the Firepower Sydney Kings and the new team in the NBL--the Southern Dragons. After the game join hundreds of others to hear the Kings Captain Jason Smith share his journey story of faith in Christ. Discount tickets and game T-shirts to students are available through their schools.
For more details on these activities see our website... austaia.net (look in the "Stories" and then "News" tabs).
Grief in Goondiwindi
A couple of weeks ago now, I experienced a very sad, difficult, and extremely memorable couple of days in the small outback town of Goondiwindi, Queensland (5,000 people) as together we mourned the loss of two young rugby players in an automobile accident. The prayers of His people and God’s grace truly sustained me in this trying time and I am grateful to my prayer team and to Him.
I had specifically asked people to pray for “the Lord’s heart” in this matter—an unusual and spontaneous request (that I don’t think I have ever asked for in those words).
So, I was overwhelmed (on my second day...out on a family farm) when one victim’s grandmother came up to me and placed her hand on my chest, looked up into my eyes (with tears in her own), and said to me…”you have a good heart”.
I won’t go into details here. I have provided links below to “newspaper” accounts for more information (and photos) of the young men so that you can continue praying for their dear families.
News links regarding the Goondiwindi story…
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,20193210-5003411,00.html
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,,20183553-952,00.html
I had specifically asked people to pray for “the Lord’s heart” in this matter—an unusual and spontaneous request (that I don’t think I have ever asked for in those words).
So, I was overwhelmed (on my second day...out on a family farm) when one victim’s grandmother came up to me and placed her hand on my chest, looked up into my eyes (with tears in her own), and said to me…”you have a good heart”.
I won’t go into details here. I have provided links below to “newspaper” accounts for more information (and photos) of the young men so that you can continue praying for their dear families.
News links regarding the Goondiwindi story…
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,20193210-5003411,00.html
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,,20183553-952,00.html
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Kings' Academy Kids
I was asked by the Sydney Kings management to present "my message" to the Kings' Academy last Tuesday. I sensed the Lord's blessing in answer to others' intercession. I was introduced as a "part of the support team who is a tremendous help to the players off court with a lot of positive things to say about life and spirituality."
I used ball games, stories, and quotes from players to add some "zing" to a brief talk on the importance of developing your spiritual life to improve your game. I shared how I had made a commitment (at about their age) to Jesus as both "champion" and "teammate"...and encouraged them to give some careful thought to entering into a relationship with Him themselves.
Each of those (over 40) at the academy received a colourful booklet (Gospel of Mark) which included the spiritual journey stories of several sportsmen and sportswomen including the Captain of the Sydney Kings (Jason Smith).
There were several enthusiastic responses from young players in the cafeteria after the session...and more importantly (to me) a "Perfect!" evaluation from the Academy director. This was a special area of concern for me as I felt the tension of honouring and serving both the Sydney Kings (who trusted me with a half hour of time with these young charges) and the King of Kings (Who trusted me with a half hour of time with these young people).
Our next session (my fifth with the Kings) starts in 72 days, 17 hours, and 5 minutes. Can you tell I'm looking forward to the challenge?
Have you visited our Australian AIA website recently… http://austaia.net
I used ball games, stories, and quotes from players to add some "zing" to a brief talk on the importance of developing your spiritual life to improve your game. I shared how I had made a commitment (at about their age) to Jesus as both "champion" and "teammate"...and encouraged them to give some careful thought to entering into a relationship with Him themselves.
Each of those (over 40) at the academy received a colourful booklet (Gospel of Mark) which included the spiritual journey stories of several sportsmen and sportswomen including the Captain of the Sydney Kings (Jason Smith).
There were several enthusiastic responses from young players in the cafeteria after the session...and more importantly (to me) a "Perfect!" evaluation from the Academy director. This was a special area of concern for me as I felt the tension of honouring and serving both the Sydney Kings (who trusted me with a half hour of time with these young charges) and the King of Kings (Who trusted me with a half hour of time with these young people).
Our next session (my fifth with the Kings) starts in 72 days, 17 hours, and 5 minutes. Can you tell I'm looking forward to the challenge?
Have you visited our Australian AIA website recently… http://austaia.net
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Boomers Gold--Story Behind the Story
I met with Jason Smith this morning for the first time since our return from the Commonwealth Games. He is still recovering from a very bad cold (probably made a little worse by two or three days of celebration after winning the gold for Australia in basketball at the Games).
Over coffee, he shared this story behind the story with me...and I asked him if I could re-tell it in my blog.
Here it is...
Jason said he "very seldom 'hears' God's voice in everyday matters, but a couple of days before the final (Gold Medal) game he felt the Lord was saying to him...'I'm going to give you something very special'. In the last couple of minutes of the final game with the Boomers behind on the score board, Jason remembered this promise of 'something special'. He told me that at that moment he didn't pray for the answer...he simply trusted God for the promise he had already been given...and a couple of seconds later he hit his first of two three-point shots in the dying minutes of the game. He says it was special because of the result on the game but not really all that special as a shot. It was just what he was trained to do...and depended a lot on the basketball skills he has developed over the years.
A few seconds later however, in the final seconds of the game Jason got another shot opportunity. He claims now that there was no way that his final shot could go in. His feet were not planted right, he was off balance, he did not follow-through...in short, it was a terrible shot...but very 'special' in that it went through the basket for three more points. He strongly believes this basket was a grace gift from God...something special. The Boomers won the game by five points. No doubt it was a team effort...with all the players contributing...but I can't help but wonder if God had more in mind for this game than mere gold.
The day after the win I received an SMS from Jason asking about a church appearance and stating that he had not stopped doing media interviews for 14 hours! I replied by reminding him that "God was honouring Jason for his faith and now it was appropriate for Jason to honour God for His faithfulness. What you did last night won gold for you...what you say today could win eternity for others".
Over coffee, he shared this story behind the story with me...and I asked him if I could re-tell it in my blog.
Here it is...Jason said he "very seldom 'hears' God's voice in everyday matters, but a couple of days before the final (Gold Medal) game he felt the Lord was saying to him...'I'm going to give you something very special'. In the last couple of minutes of the final game with the Boomers behind on the score board, Jason remembered this promise of 'something special'. He told me that at that moment he didn't pray for the answer...he simply trusted God for the promise he had already been given...and a couple of seconds later he hit his first of two three-point shots in the dying minutes of the game. He says it was special because of the result on the game but not really all that special as a shot. It was just what he was trained to do...and depended a lot on the basketball skills he has developed over the years.
A few seconds later however, in the final seconds of the game Jason got another shot opportunity. He claims now that there was no way that his final shot could go in. His feet were not planted right, he was off balance, he did not follow-through...in short, it was a terrible shot...but very 'special' in that it went through the basket for three more points. He strongly believes this basket was a grace gift from God...something special. The Boomers won the game by five points. No doubt it was a team effort...with all the players contributing...but I can't help but wonder if God had more in mind for this game than mere gold.
The day after the win I received an SMS from Jason asking about a church appearance and stating that he had not stopped doing media interviews for 14 hours! I replied by reminding him that "God was honouring Jason for his faith and now it was appropriate for Jason to honour God for His faithfulness. What you did last night won gold for you...what you say today could win eternity for others".
Not an April Fool's Joke!!!
April 1 today, but I wanted to document some of the exciting things going on last month with the Commonwealth Games.
In short, the Lord blessed us in many ways…some expected (as far as enhancing and developing relationships with known athletes) and some totally out of the blue (for us at least).
I was able to lead one evangelistic basketball clinic for 6 hours one day with a couple of kids showing real interest in the Good News about Jesus and life! It was also important to model Christian love and service to about 20 other young believers who also love basketball.
I also spoke at one coffee house outreach in Ballarat…and at three church services in Melbourne…Presbyterian, Anglican, and Salvation Army!
Can you see me hiding in the pulpit here at Scot’s…my eye level was about 12 feet off the ground level. I see where the expression “talking down at people” probably came from! Surprisingly it was a very warm service of about 200 people who were extremely encouraging and attentive to me as I spoke on II Corinthians 5..."The Name of the Game: Tent or Mansion".
Nevertheless, what I enjoyed most in Melbourne was the “personal work” one on one. I met with Jason Smith from the Boomers (who subsequently won the Gold medal in basketball) for Bible study (in Galations); caught up with Jessica Blake a couple of times to encourage her (she did five or six clinics); and had a great talk with a businessman on the plane regarding the “two” difference between religion and a relationship with God (religion is spelled “D-O”…and right relationship with God is spelled “D-O-N-E”).
The Lord gave us an extra blessing as we were leaving Melbourne. We “just happened” to run into the Samoan Rugby Seven’s team (about 25 people including players and support staff) at the airport and after introducing ourselves as friends of Timo Tagaloa (former Samoan player and now AIA New Zealand) we were able to present each of them with a personal copy of a sports-oriented portion of the gospel with Jess and Jason’s testimony.
I later saw a couple of big burly players reading the New Testament over a burger at McDonalds!
In short, the Lord blessed us in many ways…some expected (as far as enhancing and developing relationships with known athletes) and some totally out of the blue (for us at least).
I was able to lead one evangelistic basketball clinic for 6 hours one day with a couple of kids showing real interest in the Good News about Jesus and life! It was also important to model Christian love and service to about 20 other young believers who also love basketball.
I also spoke at one coffee house outreach in Ballarat…and at three church services in Melbourne…Presbyterian, Anglican, and Salvation Army!
Can you see me hiding in the pulpit here at Scot’s…my eye level was about 12 feet off the ground level. I see where the expression “talking down at people” probably came from! Surprisingly it was a very warm service of about 200 people who were extremely encouraging and attentive to me as I spoke on II Corinthians 5..."The Name of the Game: Tent or Mansion".Nevertheless, what I enjoyed most in Melbourne was the “personal work” one on one. I met with Jason Smith from the Boomers (who subsequently won the Gold medal in basketball) for Bible study (in Galations); caught up with Jessica Blake a couple of times to encourage her (she did five or six clinics); and had a great talk with a businessman on the plane regarding the “two” difference between religion and a relationship with God (religion is spelled “D-O”…and right relationship with God is spelled “D-O-N-E”).
The Lord gave us an extra blessing as we were leaving Melbourne. We “just happened” to run into the Samoan Rugby Seven’s team (about 25 people including players and support staff) at the airport and after introducing ourselves as friends of Timo Tagaloa (former Samoan player and now AIA New Zealand) we were able to present each of them with a personal copy of a sports-oriented portion of the gospel with Jess and Jason’s testimony.
I later saw a couple of big burly players reading the New Testament over a burger at McDonalds!
Sunday, March 05, 2006
(Two of) The Kings and I
Here's a older shot of two of my favorite brothers in the world. Jason and CJ both love the Lord Jesus and are not ashamed to tell others about it.Most recently CJ has been able to discuss the importance of his personal faith in the current issue of "Handle" (basketball) magazine (Mar/Apr 2006) . One full-page shot clearly shows the "praying hands" tatoo (with CJ's favorite verse) on his left arm. He has recently been selected as Captain of the Boomers (our Australian national team) for the upcoming Commonwealth Games where we have a good chance for gold!
Jason has most recently been in the Australian press because of a disagreement with some referees. I am not going to comment on that much here (because I can't afford any forthcoming fines!) but, I do know Jason well and we had a long talk about this incident. Perhaps it is enough to make a general statement... Things are not always what they appear in the press. Personally I am very proud of Jason for the way he handled the whole matter. He certainly didn't let the issue put him off his game--scoring the first 14 points for the Kings in the opening minutes of the first quarter of game three.
Receiving a lot less coverage...as far as a reading audience...but hopefully generating a far more longlasting result in the minds and hearts of others...here is a link to a recent story on Jason...
http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/sydneystories/no_time_out_from_god/
What a privilege for me to serve the King of Kings by serving the Kings! Thank you, Lord.
Kings still rule in my book!
Well, I guess it had to come sometime...this is the first season since I started working with Sydney Kings that they haven't won a National Championship. Last year was their third in a row--and that was unmatched in NBL history.
This year we were top of the ladder on win/loss record at the end of the season, but we all knew it would be tough to beat the Tigers, especially after the injury loss of our "big" (Rolan Roberts). The Tigers had four players on their team taller than our tallest, but we put up a good fight. Only 16 points difference in all three final games combined. (Last year, in our first win of the series there was almost twice that point spread in the first game alone.)
The Tigers were just better this year. But, there's always "next season". Congratulations to them...and "enjoy" it now boys. It will not last forever.
This year we were top of the ladder on win/loss record at the end of the season, but we all knew it would be tough to beat the Tigers, especially after the injury loss of our "big" (Rolan Roberts). The Tigers had four players on their team taller than our tallest, but we put up a good fight. Only 16 points difference in all three final games combined. (Last year, in our first win of the series there was almost twice that point spread in the first game alone.)
The Tigers were just better this year. But, there's always "next season". Congratulations to them...and "enjoy" it now boys. It will not last forever.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Kudos to Kelly and Smith
The 2005-2006 regular season for the Australian NBL is now history.
The Sydney Kings have won their fourth straight "Minor Premiership Title" (team with the most wins in the regular season). With several big injuries on the Kings squad, the National Championship is up for grabs! More on that in subsequent blogs...
I wanted to document several different reporters' comments on Christian players in the NBL. Admittedly they are not discussing the personal faith in Jesus that both of these NBL players openly and readily espouse...but the reporters (and some of their readers?) still seem to value the character that springs from that personal relationship with Jesus.
So I am very proud of my brothers Mike Kelly (Wollongong Hawks) and Jason Smith (Sydney Kings) as a result of these newspaper articles appearing in the last couple of weeks...
Re: Mike Kelly (in regard to the search for a coach for the new NBL franchise--the Dragons).
"The search process isolated candidates who showed vision and integrity and Mike was an obvious standout." From…Dragons chairman Mark Cowan talks about the new team’s plans to interview Wollongong Hawks assistant Mike Kelly for the club’s inaugural head coach role next season.
Wow...what a statement...and what a man! I couldn't agree more. Even the “yet-to-be- Christian” world highly values men of integrity and vision.
Re: Jason Smith in an article entitled "Smith ignites Kings to victory over Bullets" From Oz Hoops...by Matt Darcy
"After an exhibition of moving without the ball to make Reggie Miller proud, Smith hit another 3-pointer from his favourite wing spot. Finally, it was Barlow again, leading the break and finding Knight all alone for the dunk. This made it 41-33 Brisbane and forced Joey Wright to call for time.Over the next 5 or so minutes, Brisbane cut Sydney's lead to 4 - 53-49 - but were rather fortunate to do so. Sydney missed a number of opportunities to extend their lead well into double figures, while Hill and Copeland kept Brisbane in the game with some unlikely (or just plain lucky) points. Smith was looking to assert his authority on this game. He is an unusual star player. Physically, he doesn't stand out and his game is not without flaw. But from the mental perspective, he is without peer in the NBL. Once he sets his mind on picking his team up and carrying them to a lead which will test the mental toughness of the opposition, he rarely fails to pull it off.
I particularly like this quote because Matt (rightly!) acknowledges Jason's character (as well as his behaviour).
Jason was rested in the last game of the season against the Taipans, but will be raring to go for the Finals series.
The Sydney Kings have won their fourth straight "Minor Premiership Title" (team with the most wins in the regular season). With several big injuries on the Kings squad, the National Championship is up for grabs! More on that in subsequent blogs...
I wanted to document several different reporters' comments on Christian players in the NBL. Admittedly they are not discussing the personal faith in Jesus that both of these NBL players openly and readily espouse...but the reporters (and some of their readers?) still seem to value the character that springs from that personal relationship with Jesus.
So I am very proud of my brothers Mike Kelly (Wollongong Hawks) and Jason Smith (Sydney Kings) as a result of these newspaper articles appearing in the last couple of weeks...
Re: Mike Kelly (in regard to the search for a coach for the new NBL franchise--the Dragons).
"The search process isolated candidates who showed vision and integrity and Mike was an obvious standout." From…Dragons chairman Mark Cowan talks about the new team’s plans to interview Wollongong Hawks assistant Mike Kelly for the club’s inaugural head coach role next season.
Wow...what a statement...and what a man! I couldn't agree more. Even the “yet-to-be- Christian” world highly values men of integrity and vision.
Re: Jason Smith in an article entitled "Smith ignites Kings to victory over Bullets" From Oz Hoops...by Matt Darcy
"After an exhibition of moving without the ball to make Reggie Miller proud, Smith hit another 3-pointer from his favourite wing spot. Finally, it was Barlow again, leading the break and finding Knight all alone for the dunk. This made it 41-33 Brisbane and forced Joey Wright to call for time.Over the next 5 or so minutes, Brisbane cut Sydney's lead to 4 - 53-49 - but were rather fortunate to do so. Sydney missed a number of opportunities to extend their lead well into double figures, while Hill and Copeland kept Brisbane in the game with some unlikely (or just plain lucky) points. Smith was looking to assert his authority on this game. He is an unusual star player. Physically, he doesn't stand out and his game is not without flaw. But from the mental perspective, he is without peer in the NBL. Once he sets his mind on picking his team up and carrying them to a lead which will test the mental toughness of the opposition, he rarely fails to pull it off.
I particularly like this quote because Matt (rightly!) acknowledges Jason's character (as well as his behaviour).
Jason was rested in the last game of the season against the Taipans, but will be raring to go for the Finals series.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
eXtreme tRaining arvo
I am very late in making this entry (it happened "last year" already!)...but wanted to get something on the blog regarding our "eXtreme tRaining arvo" since it went so well.
First…and most important…I want to thank God for His gracious answer to specific and extra-ordinary prayer! Those attending believe that God was really at work. It is always difficult to assess the outcome of a training session since the only real success is in applying the attitudes and skills learned, however the immediate feedback was exceptional.
On Sunday arvo (afternoon)...11 December 2005...a number of professional and elite sports personalities from the Sydney area met together to engage in "eXtreme tRaining" in how to better use their sports success as a platform for the good news message of Jesus. As far as I know there hasn’t been a training opportunity like this in Australia (cross-sport…and specifically for professional and elite sports personalities) for many years. Certainly one of the comments I heard repeated by those attending was that they had never been exposed to such specific (and helpful) training.
Our sessions included:
Back to the Basics--Identifying essentials in sports mission
Incarnation -- pre-evangelism --CJ Bruton, Sydney Kings, Boomers
Influence -- evangelism --Jason Smith, Sydney Kings, Boomers
Impact -- discipleship --Marty Wilson, NSW Waratahs
Scoring with your Testimony --Daniel Willis, Bible Society
“Mastering” the Media (Using media ops) --Glenn Daniel, Radio
Winning at all cost (How to share with others) --Gary Speckman, AIA
About 10 days out from the event we had six people confirmed. I was beginning to wonder if the December date would kill off any potential trainees. (I did receive a number of apologies from those who loved the idea, but couldn’t change competition schedules.)
As I was praying about this early one morning, the Lord really impressed me with the question, “What do you most want to see from this time?” It struck me, then, that my own primary desire was to see CJ, Jason, and Marty “presenting” mission skills and awareness to other professional and elite sports personalities. The number they actually “presented to” was not really the issue.
However, since that time the Lord brought along many others…three of them the day before the event…and one (long jumper) who arrived unexpected. Sports people numbered 12 (including 3 women)…and coaches, chaplains, and media people numbered 12…for a total of 24 in attendance
(plus a couple of volunteers).
I was personally very pleased with the initial response…and with the job done by the guys.
One participant wrote in an email early Monday morning…”gday gary…just want to let you and the fellas know that sunday was full on success. God was in charge of sunday and there are a few of us who are seeing the bigger picture of where we are going with all of this. (It) was spot on and you were really used for his purpose.”
I debriefed with Jason and CJ on the way home…and they are eager to do similar training in the future if there is enough interest expressed.
CJ was especially encouraging to me at the Kings’ training session two days later, when he said he had been sharing about the “eXtreme tRaining arvo” with his mum and she was so excited about it that she wants to meet me for coffee sometime and talk about “what’s this good thing happening to my boy?”
First…and most important…I want to thank God for His gracious answer to specific and extra-ordinary prayer! Those attending believe that God was really at work. It is always difficult to assess the outcome of a training session since the only real success is in applying the attitudes and skills learned, however the immediate feedback was exceptional.
On Sunday arvo (afternoon)...11 December 2005...a number of professional and elite sports personalities from the Sydney area met together to engage in "eXtreme tRaining" in how to better use their sports success as a platform for the good news message of Jesus. As far as I know there hasn’t been a training opportunity like this in Australia (cross-sport…and specifically for professional and elite sports personalities) for many years. Certainly one of the comments I heard repeated by those attending was that they had never been exposed to such specific (and helpful) training.
Our sessions included:
Back to the Basics--Identifying essentials in sports mission
Incarnation -- pre-evangelism --CJ Bruton, Sydney Kings, Boomers
Influence -- evangelism --Jason Smith, Sydney Kings, Boomers
Impact -- discipleship --Marty Wilson, NSW Waratahs
Scoring with your Testimony --Daniel Willis, Bible Society
“Mastering” the Media (Using media ops) --Glenn Daniel, Radio
Winning at all cost (How to share with others) --Gary Speckman, AIA
About 10 days out from the event we had six people confirmed. I was beginning to wonder if the December date would kill off any potential trainees. (I did receive a number of apologies from those who loved the idea, but couldn’t change competition schedules.)
As I was praying about this early one morning, the Lord really impressed me with the question, “What do you most want to see from this time?” It struck me, then, that my own primary desire was to see CJ, Jason, and Marty “presenting” mission skills and awareness to other professional and elite sports personalities. The number they actually “presented to” was not really the issue.
However, since that time the Lord brought along many others…three of them the day before the event…and one (long jumper) who arrived unexpected. Sports people numbered 12 (including 3 women)…and coaches, chaplains, and media people numbered 12…for a total of 24 in attendance
(plus a couple of volunteers).
I was personally very pleased with the initial response…and with the job done by the guys.
One participant wrote in an email early Monday morning…”gday gary…just want to let you and the fellas know that sunday was full on success. God was in charge of sunday and there are a few of us who are seeing the bigger picture of where we are going with all of this. (It) was spot on and you were really used for his purpose.”
I debriefed with Jason and CJ on the way home…and they are eager to do similar training in the future if there is enough interest expressed.
CJ was especially encouraging to me at the Kings’ training session two days later, when he said he had been sharing about the “eXtreme tRaining arvo” with his mum and she was so excited about it that she wants to meet me for coffee sometime and talk about “what’s this good thing happening to my boy?”
NBL All Stars Pregame Prayer
Received this as a cc to someone else regarding our inaugral official NBL pre-game prayer meeting and thought I would paste it here to "document" the event.
Just thought I'd let you know, that the first Chapel service for the All star game of the NBL was held on tuesday the 27th of December. Gary Speckman led it with each person sharing their thoughts about Christmas, then Gary led a short devotion, an opportunity for communion and a prayer time. Present were Gary and his wife, 2 players from opposing teams, the commisioner of the NBL, and myself. It was a great time, the commissioner was very encouraged saying, it will only get bigger and better, and wanted us to do a chapel service at the finals, the pre-season tournament and next years all star game, and he will put it in the schedule. Praise God for what he's doing in the Nbl this is a unique window of opportunity following on from the successful extereme sports event.
(Thanks to Darren Kingston--Chaplain of the Hunter Pirates)
Just thought I'd let you know, that the first Chapel service for the All star game of the NBL was held on tuesday the 27th of December. Gary Speckman led it with each person sharing their thoughts about Christmas, then Gary led a short devotion, an opportunity for communion and a prayer time. Present were Gary and his wife, 2 players from opposing teams, the commisioner of the NBL, and myself. It was a great time, the commissioner was very encouraged saying, it will only get bigger and better, and wanted us to do a chapel service at the finals, the pre-season tournament and next years all star game, and he will put it in the schedule. Praise God for what he's doing in the Nbl this is a unique window of opportunity following on from the successful extereme sports event.
(Thanks to Darren Kingston--Chaplain of the Hunter Pirates)
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