by Phil Hart
How did I get the passion for a Softball Ministry? Like all good things this came from God through the Holy Spirit. I didn’t just fall into this, as many of God’s miracles seem to. A brief history:
I got sober in 1997, and played on a clean and sober softball team for three years. At that time there were three separate divisions playing throughout the city. I served as tournament director in the spring of 2001. The season ended in June and I went camping with my dog at my brother’s cabin. I was currently practicing the “Phil-ology†of a mix of eastern/new-age/native American spirituality. During my twilight meditation, I was given a ‘vision’ of building a sober softball association. So I went to work. The CSSA is now a 60+ team organized state sanctioned association, with a state championship trophy. I stepped down as director following the 2004 campaign.
Like many men, I was lead to the Cross by a beautiful woman the fall of 2005. In 2006 I attended a local church that had a banner for softball supporting their softball/sports ministry. What I saw was men leading men as iron sharpens iron as well as women and families being the biblical ideals that Pastor Mark has referred to in his sermons. I saw the Holy Spirit doing cartwheels throughout the ball parks. I had a feeling I was on the right track.
I had been to Mars Hill several times over several years, and started attending the Shoreline campus regularly in the fall of 2006. Seeing a post for the Outdoors Ministry, I emailed an inquiry about spring softball. Lead Administrator Thom Booth replied that although interest had been steady over the years, nobody had stepped up to take the lead organizing it, so here I am. If you dare to ask me my goals and expectations for the softball side of MHO, an evangelical sermon will follow as my conviction will surely be on full display. I feel a sports ministry is a tremendous to challenge one’s walk with Christ, open fellowship opportunities, and most importantly, to lead others to the cross.
I am so grateful for the MHO vehicle, the timing of it all, and the wonderful people that I get the privilege to serve for and with. MHO is just a small yet radiant example to me of God’s majesty - a majesty I feel honored to apply the gifts and experience Christ gave me to serve.
To get involved in the new Mars Hill Softball Ministry, email Phil at cssaphil@yahoo.com.
Softball meet & greet ‘practices’ occurring consecutive Saturdays: 4/7, 4/14, and 4/21. Time: 10am - Noon
Location: North Acres Park
The ball fields are at the northeast corner of the park. There is parking available on the west side of the park on 1st NE, and on the south side of the park on N 125th.
Teams forming for leagues starting as early as May, with Men’s Tournament Team starting in April.
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