While in Jamaica on a Spring Break mission trip with Athletes in Action, God opened doors to a range of collegiate and professional athletes and athletic directors who allowed us into different team practices to share our testimonies and lead some of them to Christ. We were able to meet with athletes of various sports, sharing with them how God has changed our lives and even tell them how we as Christian-athletes worship God through sport.
After three full days of campus ministry, we were excited to go watch a cricket match. Before we left, we all gathered in the upper room of our dorm, held hands and worshiped singing, “You provide the fire. I’ll provide the sacrifice. You provide the Spirit, and I will open up inside. Fill me up, God. Fill me up, God. Fill me up, God. Fill me up.” I will remember what happened next for the rest of my life.
We arrived at the stadium to watch a 9am cricket match. The sun was out, the teams began to take the field, and then it began to rain—really rain. The teams sought shelter with us under the grandstands. We decided to do a team meeting telling them why we were there. Then for the next 90 minutes we began engaging in spiritual conversations and sharing the gospel with both cricket teams. A dozen athletes accepted Christ that morning!
That night I had an incredible personal encounter with the Holy Spirit. We hosted a celebration service with the athletes we met throughout the week. At the service Aunty Carroll, a Cru ministry leader, shared Colossians 1:27 “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” In that moment the Holy Spirit reminded me of the meaning of my full name, Momolaoluwa, which translates to “I know the riches/goodness of God” in Yoruba. The Holy Spirit asked me, “If you know the riches of this mystery, why aren’t you sharing, or how are you sharing this with others?”
Since returning, I’ve been praying for clarity and direction concerning the events that took place in Jamaica. I realized that God is giving me a platform to share Him through my passion for sport. I’ve also realized nothing has more eternal value than to lead and encourage another in faith and knowledge of the gospel.
