Take a Lot of Swings

Ministry is similar to baseball. The greatest players in baseball have a batting average of around .300. If a player gets a hit three times out of 10 and maintains this average over the course of his career, he is considered a candidate for the Hall of Fame. As I take my “swings” in ministry, starting spiritual conversations with students, I never know when I will get a hit or when the message will seemingly miss. But I keep swinging and pointing students toward Jesus, because I know that the hits aren’t up to me. And even if I feel foolish at times, I keep swinging.

I met Bryce in the Oklahoma State University student union. We read the Bible together for about three months before he decided he was ready to put his faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. We continue meeting for one-on-one discipleship.

Recently, Bryce and I saw a guy eating lunch by himself in the student union. We asked if we could join him, and eventually conversation turned toward spiritual things. Cameron had never put his faith in Jesus, but said that he would like to think about it. I suggested that he read the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15. After a few days and a few more conversations centered on the parable, Cameron decided to receive Christ!

Bryce and I started meeting with Cameron consistently to help him grow in his new relationship with Jesus. One day while we were meeting, Cameron’s friend Patrick walked over to say hello. We invited Patrick to sit down with us and subsequently found out that Patrick had very little exposure to the person of Jesus. We talked for a while about who Jesus is and how His death on the cross allows any willing person to enter into relationship with God. Patrick decided he was ready to put his faith in Jesus right there!

We started meeting with Patrick the next day to read the Bible together and help him know Jesus better.

Sometimes, God strings together lots of hits! The outcome isn’t up to me, but I want to keep swinging, and invite students to keep swinging as well.