Be patient.

At any given time four to six of the eight world number one tennis players or teams sit at several tables in the players area at a tournament.  I must say it is a very odd feeling for me to see then all in one glance. The grouping would be men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles, wheelchair men's singles, wheelchair women's singles, wheelchair men's doubles and wheelchair women's doubles.  Then I sit down with each player or team going to each table.  Again, that is a very strange feeling for me.

How did this happen?  It took years of building relationships and friendships with these players.  Why is it important?  Each time I sit with one of these players, I bring in some way the thought of God to that table, where none or very little existed before.  Over a period of time it has an impact on the thinking of that player.

Today, I am able to be received by seven of the eight.  One of the eight, requires wisdom now.  I had good relationship to the player on the basis of the coach, whom I have known for years.  Now the coach is removed.  I need to use wisdom, and sometimes it is best to stay afar, pray and to wait until the circumstances or people change in that persons life.  With another, it took years of patiently waiting until God brought the circumstances to return favorably.

I know that I am in a very unique position.  I am the only person on the pro tour who is able to sit with all the number ones.   I just give credit to God for creating favour and wisdom.  It is also important to understand that circumstances change.  But one thing does not change and that is Christ, who is the same yesterday, today and forever.  That is how you and I can get through any changing circumstance by basing our trust, confidence and actions on this Rock.

What keeps Us going.

A player unexpectedly wins a Grand Slam singles title and becomes the hero of that nation in the 1970's.  Another player wins Grand Slam doubles and mixed titles from 1999 to 2006 achieving a number one world ranking. What do they both have in common? - A father who was an Archdeacon of a nation and the other a Godfather who is the Bishop of another nation.  They both grew up with a strong Christian heritage but with different nationalities.

This retired player is seemingly very quiet and reserved towards others.  I approached boldly but with trepidation wondering if the response to me would be anger or joy and I asked, "I am a Pastor and I work with players and I heard that your Father was a Deacon, is that true?”  A big friendly smile was shown to me and the answer was 'Yes".  I then explained my working with players spiritually and the answer was "that is wonderful'.  Then I asked if "The Daily Verse" could be given, and again a "Yes".  We know each other now and I look forward to that next 'smile'.

Another player I met in the mid-1990's at a tournament in Hong Kong and shared the message of Christ.  Since this time we see each other frequently at various tournaments around the world and we've exchanged email addresses.  A comment to me a few years ago at the French Open always sticks in my mind, "You are always welcome at my table".  While our conversations never went deeply on spiritual matters during this past decade, the player was always welcoming, friendly and accepted "The Daily Verse" and any materials that I had.  At the US Open, the player sat next to me and spoke on faith for the first time.  This came about because I offered communion.  The response, "My Godfather is the Bishop" and I always take communion.  I always look forward to seeing this players welcoming manner towards me.

These kinds of experiences keep me going.  What keeps you going and growing in your belief in your own mind that something is true?