We are inching ever so closer to Springtime here in Central Illinois. It's time to put the snow shovels away, break out the grill, tune up the lawnmower...and probably get the snow shovels out at least one more time...
However our Saints season is rapidly approaching with a big trip to Texas next week!Our Illinois season kicks off on May 16th with visits to Lincoln CC and Logan CC. We are going to five new prisons this summer and our schedule is packed! Besides our trips to Illinois prisons, I am planning on going to Texas, Kentucky, and either New Hampshire, Louisiana, or both!
Texas Campaign!!
Here are some ways you can pray for our team next weekend:
Traveling Mercies– There are five different states (IL, GA, NJ, WI, FL) represented among the 12 men going on this trip. Most of these trips include things like connecting flights, rental cars, and multiple airports. They can also include things like flight delays, broken van issues, and big city traffic!
Please pray for traveling mercies as we will navigate several airports and lots of Texas driving!
Team Unity– This is a really special group of guys to travel with this weekend. There are guys who have been with me since my first Saints journey in 2011 and lots of guys who have been with me throughout my Saints travels over the years. Please pray that fellowship will be sweet and morale will be high as we serve together. I’m excited that my friend from Wisconsin, Bruce Buri, will be leading our team devotions each evening so we will have time to study God’s Word together as a team.
Team Performance– The results of the games aren’t important but it is critical that we play well and that we earn the respect of the inmates. If we play well and earn their respect, they will be more likely to stick around and listen to us share the Gospel. The Texas teams we played last year were good so please pray that we play well and that we avoid the injury bug!
Speakers– Pray for the Missionary Athletes who will be sharing their testimonies of how they met Jesus and for the Missionary Athletes who will be sharing the Gospel. We are planning on having five different Gospel sharing times to the crowds in the prisons. I will be sharing the Gospel at FCI Seagoville next Sunday morning. Pray that we communicate clearly and that the Lord works in the prison yard.
Families– Our 12 Missionary Athletes are leaving families at home so they can minister. Please pray for all of the wives and moms who have to brave work and kids by themselves. I’m very thankful for the support that I have from home on these trips!
Inmates– Most importantly, pray for the men that we will encounter as they are the purpose of this trip. Pray that they hear the Gospel and will see a need in their lives to follow Jesus! Pray that God works in their hearts and that God draws them to Himself.
Thank you in advance for the prayer support and for all of the encouragement many of you have given over the last several years! I’m looking forward to having some time to write updates about our first big trip of 2026!
