Just like the daffodils erupting through the ground with certainty of their spring arrival, so comes March Madness with equal certainty. Even if one is not a sports enthusiast, he knows that the NCAA basketball tournament has begun. So I felt it was an appropriate time to fill you in on what the Lord has been doing with the Xavier basketball team. Sadly, Xavier lost last night. Their losing only helps me to write this in past tense.
In years past I have made steady headway in my inroads to the basketball team. They are very high profile and the best known of our athletes. Because of this, they are treated as rock stars, and also very protected. I did not want to abuse my privileges in spending time with the players or being at practices and games. Gaining their trust was a high priority.
If you were to meet one of these young men you would assume they were older than they actually are. (Susie wanted me to share this.) This is mostly because of their great physical stature. Their appearance can be daunting when you are my size. Interacting with them is quite a different story. They are friendly and polite. I actually wish you could have a chance to meet them. They are gentle giants. Your heart would be softened towards them.
The great news that I want to share is three major advances that have happened this year with the basketball team. One is that my “pre-game chapels” are happening in the locker room. Another great thing is that they are highly-attended, almost all of them came before every home game. The third change is that the students wanted to take responsibility in praying for their team. So, as one of them put it: “Mark, you bring the Word. One of us will bring the prayer.” To hear them pray would have melted your heart. The genuineness of their desire to honor God and keep Him number One in their lives was monumental. These prayers were from their hearts, not written down or someone else’s prayer that they borrowed.
In the past we have had players turn pro, as I am sure that some of these players will turn professional in the coming years, whether it is in the U.S. or somewhere overseas. They love the game of basketball. It is my prayer that they would know Jesus and follow Him. If they could love Jesus more than they love basketball it would be an amazing thing. Please join me in praying for these young men.
As for the Xavier loss, well, at least the seniors on the team will be able to make it to the Senior Dinner I planned for the athletes next week.
