Tennis Ambassadors Christian Ministry Newsletter

Love to Serve News May 1, 1999

This is a five-part series of messages on tennis professionals who have played on the tennis tour. The first and second newsletters will help you to understand a player who is well known today. The third will cover players who were well known in the past. The fourth will cover well-known coaches. And the fifth will cover players not so well known, both Christian and non-Christian. We will look at their spiritual life and their influence on the game. Many of the players I have met or known. More importantly I know many others who know them well and have shared with me their observations concerning the player's relationship with God.

PART 1
Several weeks ago former world men's number one, Andre Agassi, won an ATP tournament in Hong Kong. Having been a former world number one, he has won many tournaments in his career. However two events concerning him during this time did catch my attention.

The day before his final, the news broke that his two-year marriage to actress Brook Shields was over and they were undergoing divorce proceedings.
The Tennis Magazine, March 1999, cover story was on Andre. Several of his comments concerned his relationship with God.

Below is a portion of his interview:
Q: Unlike Michael Chang, you haven't been as vocal about your faith in recent years. Have your beliefs changed?
A: I think everybody has a unique relationship with God. Everyone discovers His place in their lives, and sees the workings of God's will differently. There's a wonderful, important place in the world for people like Michael, who declare their beliefs and spread the word. I don't think I could ever do justice to that role. I know my strengths and weaknesses, and the way I live really doesn't lend itself to broadcasting my faith. I can probably do just as much damage as good if I try…
Q: What are the other spokes in that wheel?
A: My identity as a husband, my role as a friend, my activities with the foundation, in the business… Add them all up and that's who I am. But the axle in the wheel is God. It all starts and ends with my relationship with Him.

My spiritual relationship with Andre goes back to 1988. I remember meeting with Fritz Glaus in Columbus, Ohio, USA. Fritz was the pastor traveling on the men's circuit and discipled many of the players during this time. We prayed specifically for Andre and his brother Phil. During the course of two years we often prayed for him. Did Andre turn his back on the Lord? Did our prayers go unanswered? We all wondered what happened to Andre as a Christian. Below is an open letter to Andre and one that I will send to him.

Dear Andre,
Your are absolutely correct. Everyone does have a unique relationship with God. It is important to remember that you may change and your circumstances in life may change, however, God remains the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. God deals with each of us uniquely but he is our Rock and His circumstances do not change.

In the past you often mentioned your relationship with Jesus. Has it now changed to your relationship with God? As followers of Christ we are taught that no person comes to the God except through Christ.

Any believer who feels that they live a perfect life, with no faults, is very misguided. You will not be able to lead a perfect life in this lifetime. You can only try your best and, when you fall, get back up and try again. Yes, your sins will have consequences, for you and others. Feel remorse, ask for forgiveness, and go on. Actually, many had great hope that you would lift up the name of Christ in your life. In the beginning you did. I am certain that you were criticized for it. You needed to be strong and accept it. You needed to have friends who also have experienced this and emerged victorious. I have no doubt that you are a very loyal friend. My question to you is "Is Jesus your best friend".

You mentioned Michael Chang, and for all of his good points he also has his faults. They are not well known publicly, but privately. Many of yours are public. I am convinced that you can be used greatly as Christ has tested you in many areas of your life. A person who is used greatly by the Lord is one who is tested and refined by difficult circumstances. Remember that we lift up the name of Christ and no other. Tell the deeds of Christ, the life of Christ, and He will help you stand. No mature believer will reject you, but will welcome you in the name of Christ. If you hurt, we as your brothers and sisters in Christ also hurt. I invite you to lift up the name of Christ with us. I know and understand your pain and you will not be forgotten. You can have a place in the body of Christ with sharing the Gospel. While you are well known to many, it is important to remember to stay humble. To Christ you are one person in a world that he loves.

Blessings,
Rev. Bob Kraft

For our readers: If you would like to find additional information in our newsletters concerning Christian touring professionals go to our September 15, 1998 newsletter.