Baseball - A Shared Passion, A Shared Mission
Serving in
Dominican Republic,
Caribbean
By Erik Johnson
Baseball is often heralded as America’s national pastime, but its appeal stretches far beyond the United States. For many in the Dominican Republic, the sport holds a similar place of reverence and affection. This summer we used this common love for baseball to share a much greater message—the love of Christ.
We were honored to have a group from Catoosa Baptist Tabernacle join us in what turned out to be our most ambitious sports outreach to date. Their support was invaluable, and together, we set out with a comprehensive plan to make an impact. The collaboration included seasoned baseball coaches, enthusiastic U.S. ballplayers, and a dedicated team of volunteers, all united with a singular goal: to use baseball as a platform for spreading the Gospel.
Our strategy involved taking our traveling baseball team to various local ball fields. These venues, already bustling with excitement and anticipation, became the backdrop for our outreach activities. We set up various stations featuring tracts, Bibles, face painting, balloons, and candy—each element designed to attract and engage children and families alike. The festive atmosphere drew many participants, creating an inviting environment for us to present the Gospel message.
The highlight of the outreach was, undoubtedly, the powerful Gospel presentations. With each game played, we shared the message of Christ’s love. Our baseball games became more than just athletic competitions; they were excellent opportunities for sharing the Gospel. It was thrilling to witness the enthusiasm and openness with which many received the message of salvation.
The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive. It was truly a home run in every sense. Lives were touched and hearts were opened to the Word of God. We are grateful to the Lord for the opportunity to be a part of this life-changing experience.
We are also thankful for everyone who played a role in this outreach—those who served, played, volunteered, or donated funds or baseball equipment. Your contributions were vital in making this event a spiritual success. We praise the Lord for His guidance and provision throughout this project and look forward to future opportunities to combine our passion for baseball with our mission to share His love.
As I was reflecting on this experience, it became clear that the shared love of baseball was a bridge to open doors and spread the message of Christ. As we continue to explore new avenues for outreach, we remain committed to fulfilling the Great Commission that brings hope to those we serve.
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