Athletes in Action - Berkeley: Recent Episodes
Athletes in Action - Berkeley
Our vision is to see a Christ follower on every sports team at UC Berkeley who is equipped to share their testimony and the gospel. We will develop a culture of discipleship: winning athletes over to Christ, building them up in their faith, and sending them out after graduation with a desire to fulfill the Great Commission wherever they are and whatever they are doing. We will affirm the God given gifts that each of us possess while growing in authentic community, hunger for the Word, and love and grace for one another.
Earl Smith is a chaplain at San Quientin Prison, as well as a chaplain for the 49ers and Warriors. He shared stories that talked about struggle, success, and everything in between. Earl encouraged us through all events in life, good, bad and, ugly, to take refuge in the Lord(Psalm 62). He challenged us to listen to the small still voice of God, and called us to "not to be professionals but to be a pro."
Sonya was a Stanford graduate, news anchor, foreign correspondent, and now works in full time ministry. She shared how she didn't fit stereotypical categories that people could put her in. She gave us examples from 1 Peter 3:8-9, and Colossians 3:8-9. She challenged us to follow the truth (God, and Scripture) and point people to Jesus.
Jordyn is a senior on the Cross Country and Track team. Jordyn talked about her experience with AIA over the summer. Jordyn went on a summer project with AIA which started in Michigan at a cross country camp. She was profoundly impacted by the girls she was coaching, and mentoring and is discipling one of them currently! She then travelled to Switzerland to compete with the US team. She had the opportunity to share AIA and the gospel with people. She reminded us to love authentically.
The second half of our night of double trouble! AJ is Daniel's older brother who works in full time campus ministry. He shared his testimony, and explained how we are loved by God no matter what, and how we have the ability to share that with others. We hope he will come back soon!
We had an amazing night this week! Double trouble with the Juarez boys! Daniel played football at Cal before medically retiring, and he also serves on our leadership team. He shared about his experiences through trials, errors, and mistakes, and how God used all of these challenges for His purpose. Daniel talked about how through all of his challenges he came closer to God and trusted God's plan.
Karsen is a junior from Santa Cruz, she rowed at Cal, and is now on the club volleyball team. Karsen shared her story with us. She gave a moving testimony about how she learned to love through Christ and our community with AIA. Thank you for sharing Karsen, we love you!
Doug is the senior pastor at Creekside Church in Alamo. Doug spoke to AIA before, and did such a great job that we invited him back! Doug encouraged us to humble ourselves to our Lord, and in order to find our life we have to lose it. He taught us how to love people like Jesus did, and be in community together.
Matt Josa, during Story of the Soul, shared his testimony. Matt spoke from a place a vulnerability, courage, and love. He spoke about his personal struggles, and his relationship with God and how that has changed over his life. He reminded us that we are never more loved by anyone or anything, nor at any given time, than in this moment by God.
Kevin Knox is a regular speaker each year with AIA. Kevin is a father, pastor, author, and chaplin for the football team. Kevin talked about how we are enough in the eyes of God. We are beloved, and we are created to live in freedom in that knowledge. Give this podcast a listen for some serious truth!
Noelani shared part of her story about growing up, and how God played a role in her life. Noelani is a sophomore on the Lacrosse team, and is on the leadership team with AIA, we were so stoked she was so vulnerable and shared her story with us. Take a listen!
Nick White, senior on the lacrosse team, shared his story. He talked about how he is hungry, angry, lonely, and tired, broken, and lost, and still the Lord desires him and loves him completely.
Caihla Petiprin, senior on the volleyball team, shared how God worked in her life. She used the analogy of a house with rooms she had to let God into and take all of the brokenness and pain and turn it into something beautiful.
Dave Lomas, pastor at Reality SF church, spoke about the apostle Peter, and when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples and they spoke in tongues. He explained Peter's transformation from a very prideful person, to one who gave himself completely to the Lord and humbled himself to God.
Elliott Gentile, who graduated from Cal a year ago, she shared about her experience post grad and finding community at UNC. She explained how community helps her experience God through everyday activities.
Giorgio Tavecchio, kicker for the Oakland Raiders and Cal AIA alum, he talked about his fear of failure, and fear of letting others down. He explained how his field goal percentage was a flashing sign above his head, it was his image. He came to realize that the neon sign above his head was fleeting, and he found solace and comfort in placing his identity in the Lord.
Maddie Ashbrook shared her story and how her relationship with her dad, her self worth, and the opinions of others, and how the Lord worked in her life to show her that she is fully known, fully loved, and fully satisfied.
Nkechi Emeruwa, who works at Reality SF, visited and shared her story with us. She talked about how her pride and her outward appearance drove her life, and how the Lord showed her to look inside and love like He did. She mentioned a book called "Love Walked Among Us," which teaches people how to love like Jesus.
Justin Dunn shares about where he is at in his faith and how God is putting love on his heart. He talked about a quote from "Soul Cravings" which said, "You shouldn't be surprised as you search for love you keep running into God."
Kevin Knox came back and shared about relationships and pointed to 1 Corinthians and showed us how love is patient, and kind, and that love is the most excellent way. He tells us that love never fails, and always wins, and God provides that for us and calls us to love others.
Rachael Lewin shared about her walk in her faith and how she came to know Jesus in the midst of trials and tribulations, as well as, good times. She explained how her identity was shifted from worldly things to the Lord.
Karen talks about what it means to be in relationship with family, friends, and God. She opens up about her experiences with friends, family, and the Lord. Karen speaks deep truths into some very dark places, and shares how she relied on safe people and the Lord.
Jim and Ramie Hinkley came and spoke to us together about realizing our shortcomings and sins God is unbelievably gracious. They explain that we only have to stop running from God and just let God take over our lives and show us his grace. Here is the link to the song they referenced.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ms1uqdX6wXY
Ruthie Kim came all the way from Reality SF and continued our Imago Dei series. She spoke about shame and how God and community can enter into the places we deem unlovable and help us heal. She spoke about her organization Because Justice Matters, if you are interested in volunteering there here is the link. www.becausejusticematters.org/
Brooke Butler picked up where we left off last semester with our theme of Imago Dei. He talked about being renamed by the Father and created us new with the death of His Son Jesus Christ. He talked about recognizing our idols and giving it up to God.
Trent shared about his time here at Cal, and his future endeavors. We will miss you Trent!!!
This episode is our baptisms of Andrew Seliskar and Lauren Hickman! They both shared their stories and why they wanted be baptized!
Elizabeth Swaney spoke about her time here at Cal and her involvement in AIA. She also recounted her reliance on God in times of failure, and success. Jerry Dendinger, the Vice President of Ministry Operations for AIA, also spoke in this episode. He challenged us to live in community in the likeness of God.
Kevin Knox returned this week for his second talk! He highlighted different aspects of Imago Dei including, image, likeness, and breath. Take a listen!
Sam Fielder continued our theme of Imago Dei with a unique perspective. Same spoke about his experience adopting his two sons, and likened it to God adopting all of us before we were born.
Kevin Knox kicked off our guest speaker series on Imago Dei. This is the first of two talks that Kevin gave this semester. On this visit Kevin spoke about image, likeness, and breath.
Emily Howe shared about her time as a gymnast through high school, and here at Cal. She also talked about how God is present in her life, and how AIA's community drew her in.
Chloé Hansel shares about God's greatest truth for her, and Brooke Butler introduces our theme for the semester, Imago Dei.