Michael Redd Partners with Athletes in Action and City Life in Columbus, Ohio

“Was this about what you expected tonight?” I asked Jack, director of the City Life urban ministry center. “No. This is by far the most people we’ve ever had here. I can’t thank you and AIA and Michael enough for this,” Jack replied.

It was the evening of August 21 as Jack and I stood in the gymnasium at the City Life Center watching as more than 400 people departed from the evening’s outreach event. That day around 20 of the student-athletes involved in Athletes in Action at The Ohio State University partnered with NBA all-star and Olympic gold medalist Michael Redd and his ministry, The Wave, to reach out to urban Columbus. Michael purchased 500 backpacks and a number of gift cards to distribute to kids and families at four sites around the city. At each site the students prayed for and talked with people who stopped by.

At one apartment complex, Taylor (track) and Corey (ice hockey) made a sign that said “Stop for Prayer” and stood on the road to attract people. Two 20-something girls saw the sign and pulled in with tears of sorrow in their eyes. After the girls shared the reason for their sadness, the AIA students prayed for them and then talked to them about what it means to have faith in Jesus Christ. Both girls then prayed and asked Christ to come into their lives to be their Lord and Savior.

At the City Life center—the final stop for the day—they served a meal to people from the Franklinton community, one of the most impoverished and crime-stricken neighborhoods in Ohio. Over 400 people showed up see Michael Redd and receive a free meal and free backpacks. Jack and the City Life staff were astounded by the number of people.

Michael then delivered a message about his life growing up in that community and how Jesus has given him hope. Nearly 90 people stood to their feet to acknowledge their desire to learn more about a relationship with Jesus. Again the AIA students had an opportunity to pray with these people and to tell them the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ.

The day served as a brilliant picture of how AIA seeks to minister to and through athletes. Michael showed the student-athletes that it is truly possible to be a star athlete, walk with God, and use your influence for the glory of God. And the AIA OSU athletes showed the city of Columbus the love of Christ in some real, tangible ways. More significantly, we were able to partner with City Life, a dynamic urban ministry that is already established in doing significant long-term work in Franklinton. (Check them out online at www.coyfc.org.) The AIA student athletes at OSU hope to have similar partnership opportunities in the future.

By Jamie B., Athletes in Action staff member at The Ohio State University

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