Athletes in Action - Berkeley

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!