Mark Tronson has been reflecting on Athlete Ministry. One of the outstanding evangelistic family units is the 'Lay Witnesses for Christ International' ministry of Dr Sam and Sharon Mings' family ministry, that reaches high schoolers, college students, professional athletes and Olympians.
This ministry has been remarkably blessed with three generations of soul winners.
Mark and Delma Tronson were honoured as a guest of this faith-housed family in 2009, and noted that their passion to see the lost to be won for Jesus Christ was nothing but awe-inspiring.
"It was the first occasion in our many years of association with Sam and Sharon Mings, that my wife Delma and I were invited to hear the private testimonies of the witness to Jesus Christ of several of their family members," Mark Tronson explained.
The Tronson's were in Dallas, Texas and reflecting on what he witnessed. Mark and Delma Tronson received an award (presented by Olympian Carl Lewis) for their then 27 years of Sports and Olympic ministry. The ceremony was part of the Lay Witnesses for Christ International annual awards presentations, so many members of the Mings' family were present over that weekend.
Trevor Alders, the third child of their daughter, Teena and her husband Tim Alders, sought out M V Tronson in private so he could give his testimony of surviving a near-drowning accident as a child in a back yard swimming pool
"I'd heard Sam on numerous occasions speak voluminously of his grandchildren and their passion for Jesus Christ, and like many a hearer, pleasantly nodded to a grand-father's joy, but I began to take some notice after hearing young Trevor's personal testimony," Mark Tronson commented.
Similarly Delma sat next to Amanda Alders, 24, Trevor's older sister, who is now married, and commented how she was bubbling over with the delight of the Lord's love, forgiveness and freedom in her life and in her testimony.
Sam and Sharon Mings other adult children are Tammy and Bo (Samuel). All have families of their own, making a total of 10 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
"What is awe inspiring about this extended family is not only their commitment to repentance and following Jesus Christ, but the manner in which Sam has instructed them all in 'soul winning', which enhances their own intuition and proclivities," Mark Tronson explained.
Sam and Sharon Mings have included, their children and when old enough the grandchildren, on their numerous ministries (including Olympic outreaches) around the world, carefully giving tuition in what to say to bring a repentant heart and a response for Jesus Christ.
"All the Mings' family members have not only been passionate for Jesus Christ, but they have been quick learners in the serious matter of drawing out repentance and then soul winning," Mark Tronson noted.
"They have been taught well that a person's life is at risk in each encounter, and as such should be led gently yet earnestly to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through repentance of sin."
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html