In February, our Tennessee Sports Reach Softball Prison Ministry Team kicked off our 29th year of ministry by traveling to Gainesville, Florida, to play softball and share the Gospel in four prisons. We visited Marion, Putnam, Madison, and Hamilton facilities.

As we began the trip, we emphasized the importance of being clean, pure vessels—useful utensils in the Master’s hands. Without a doubt, God used every man on our team, both players and walkers, to spread the seed of the Gospel. We took 19 men from the Knoxville area and Alabama to represent Jesus Christ behind the razor wire.

The weather was fantastic all week, which opened many doors for ministry. We reunited with old friends, made new ones, and had many great spiritual conversations throughout the week. We were able to share the Gospel with about 550 men. Praise the Lord—To God be the Glory—by the end of the weekend, we saw 76 men say an everlasting “yes” to Jesus Christ. God is so good, faithful, and true.

We had many people praying for us, and we truly appreciated every prayer—we definitely felt them. God answered in a big way. It is so humbling to be used by Him in such an incredible way, as we play the game we love and talk about the One we love. It truly is softball with a purpose.

Everyone—from the administration to the inmates—was a blessing. We had a great trip and are looking forward to heading to Kentucky in April.

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