Pray for the Players

By Bruce McDonald

For the past 12 years God has kept open a door for ministry to professional athletes as I have served as chaplain to the Philadelphia 76'ers, a professional basketball team. We hold a Bible study at each of the 82 games throughout the season. The visiting team is invited to join, so many people from different teams hear the gospel before each game. My wife, Bev, works with the players' wives and girlfriends.

For many years I have also spoken in professional football chapels, usually held 8:00 am Sunday morning. I don't serve as the Philadelphia Eagles' chaplain, but frequently hold chapels for the visiting team.

Hockey is a phenomenally popular sport in North America. Although the Philadelphia Flyers have never had a chapel, the coach and two of the players are Christians. They have tried to place me as team chaplain, but so far the club president has refused permission. Since his refusal, one player died in an accident, another player's lung collapsed, the beloved game announcer died, and the president's father died. Many are praying that these events will soften his heart.

God is reaching into the world of professional sport, to a group of influential people, but Satan opposes. The next time you watch an NBA, NFL, or NHL game, pray for the players and those who work among them to lead them to Christ.