Take the Plunge

“I’m always kind of trying to look outside the box – within reason.” – Matthew Fitzpatrick, 2022 U.S. Open champion

I invite you to join me in a time machine for a trip back to 1982. Ready, set, go!

Now that we’ve managed to turn back the clock 41 years, let me introduce you to the 22-year-old version of myself. I had just graduated from college the year before but hadn’t been able to land a full-time job until now. Finally, I was hired as a travel agent by Liberty Travel in Philadelphia, where I worked for six months.

As much as I enjoyed that job – and especially some of the free travel perks – I knew I wasn’t going to make a career of it. And so, I took a different position as the recreation director at a retirement community, where I gained some valuable experience in budgeting, scheduling, fundraising, and managing both staff and volunteers. Hmmm, what was God trying to teach me… and what was He preparing me for?

Whenever anyone asked me about my long-term goals, I would always give them the same answer. “I want to form an all-Christian softball team and travel around the country, telling people about Jesus.” As you can imagine, most people just smiled politely and shook their heads at me. And why not? After all, no one had ever done something like that before.

Eventually, the urge became so overwhelming that I put feet to my faith, thinking that my new team would play in a local recreation league and witness to players on the other teams. However, God had a different – and much better – idea. And so, on June 6, 1987, The South Jersey Saints entered Bayside State Prison in Leesburg NJ to play softball against a team of inmates… and to share the gospel.

At that time, virtually every other prison ministry in America followed the same formula: take a group of volunteers into prison and conduct either a Bible study or a chapel service. Unfortunately, studies show that 80% of prisoners refuse to attend a conventional religious program. But guess what? They will gladly attend a sporting event at which the gospel is proclaimed!

After 24 years, more than 350 prisons, and an estimated 23,000 decisions for Christ, I left The Saints Prison Ministry to launch Risk Takers for Christ. Looking back, I am eternally glad that God led me to think outside the box and try something new. Maybe Deanna and I will become full-time RVers and plant a church in our community next (only kidding!)

My friend, is God calling you to minister in an unconventional way? If so, I urge you to spread your wings and take the plunge! (Please read the verse below…)

"For without faith, it is impossible to please Him..." Hebrews 11:6

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President