Love to Serve News December 15, 1999

When someone asks you what gives Christmas special meaning for you, how would you respond?  As for myself, I would say: The joy of giving.  The humbleness of receiving from others.  The bond of love towards others.  The innocence of children.  The multinational aspects of this holiday.  The 'Christ' in the word Christmas.  And the simplicity of the holiday.

I wanted to write a message that would portray all aspects of my feelings towards this holiday and at the same time have a message for tennis players.  I think I found it in the following story. I hope that you enjoy it and my family wishes you and your family a lovely and blessed Christmas.

For the New Year holiday and to encourage you for the New Year of 2000, I will be sending you testimonies of current and former top touring tennis professionals.  As they have come to realize that Christmas takes place everyday for Christians, once we accept Christ as our Savior and make Him the King of our heart.  On January 1st, you will be touched by the story of Grand Slam winner, Betsy Nagelson McCormack, as she relates how Christ put all aspects of life including fame, money, health and family into the proper perspective.

Christmas Story
What do used tennis balls; giving and Christmas have in common?  In a poverty stricken country where almost 59% of the population is 15 years and younger--a lot! When several churches asked what they could do to help the ministry of Rev. Karl Whiteman who lives in Majuro, Marshall Islands, he looked beyond the textbook needs and saw a way to offer "the kingdom" to children who often have no real childhood. He asked these churches to send used tennis balls, which is a favorite toy of the Marshallese children. They are used for stickball, juggling, catch, and many other games--they are prize possessions. Now when Karl drives down the street in Majuro, children shout out to him in glee! He often has a box of balls in the back seat and happily tosses them out--all that is required is that the kids say "Thank-you".

The tennis ball is but a very small gift and tool of that ministry which they share in Majuro and throughout Micronesia. "Unless you become as a little child..." Jesus said. "When a smile is put on the face of a child who has none, it makes ministry worthwhile!", says Karl. This Christmas share the love and presence of Christ with others that you play tennis with--along with tennis balls!

(Republic of the Marshall Islands is located in the Pacific Ocean. Ebeye is the 2nd most populated island in the Marshall's and has a total of about 10,000 people living on an area of just under 1 mile long and is approximately 200 yards wide. There are food shortages, power outages and water problems most every day.  A US Army base is also located in the Marshall Islands, with all the luxuries of life, including tennis courts.)

Blessings,
Rev. Bob Kraft

 Copyright Tennis Ambassadors Christian Ministry 1999
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