The power of Christ has come to the Australian basketball field where Jason Smith, the Captain of the Sydney King Team along with other professional sportspeople, will be sharing with fans on how Jesus Christ had transformed his life for the better.
Mr. Smith, who is a gold medalist in the Commonwealth Game, spoke of feeling lonely despite the media attention that was lavished on him after receiving his first 'big break' in entering the Australian National Basketball League (N.B.L.) in 1995.
"Jason … made his big break into the NBL in 1995 with the South East Melbourne Magic, the two-time Olympian, (who) readily admits that basketball was his god … He was seduced by the bright lights and glamour of the big time and the media attention that went with it. But it also had a downside."
"Jason admits he was so focused on basketball that he began to isolate himself from family and friends. 'Basketball was my idol and I worshipped it,' he says. 'I wanted to be the best and I didn't care how I got there'."
The obsession with basketball and being the best at it came to a sudden halt when he sustained a serious knee injury. The injury caused him to re-think the priorities in his life. Through the Word of God and having a relationship with Jesus Christ, he can now attain a balance-lifestyle and make wise decisions in his life.
"Just like the importance of working as a team when playing basketball, I've learnt that the Christian walk is a team effort too. (Understanding) the Word of God (the Bible) helps put things into perspective. My relationship with Jesus keeps me balanced and helps me make wise decisions, not only on the court but off court too."
Mr. Smith thanked his wife, Carla, for teaching him that similar to basketball he also had to undergo training – except in this case it is the training of righteousness.
Last year, 2000 people attended the event. This event, a partnership venture consisting of the Kings, Athletes In Action Australia, and the Bible Society of NSW, will be held at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on the 6th October.