What happens when the pressure of the NBA Finals meets a life-changing faith?In this episode of the Christian Athletic Ministry Podcast, we are honored to sit down with Pat Fraher, a veteran NBA official with over 1,400 games and multiple NBA Finals assignments under his belt.Pat opens up about his journey from the elite courts of the NBA to finding his true purpose in Christ. We discuss the challenge of managing the "ego" in a high-profile career, the mission behind Referees Embracing Faith, and how he navigates the intense demands of professional sports with an eternal perspective.In this episode, you’ll hear about:Pat’s Testimony: Coming to faith at age 43 and how it transformed his career.The Battle of the Ego: Why pride is a referee's greatest enemy and how to overcome it.Referees Embracing Faith: The birth of a ministry dedicated to supporting officials.Officiating with Integrity: Applying biblical principles while standing on the NBA hardwood.

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Can you be competitive on the court and still reflect the character of Christ? In this episode, Pastor Jero Carlo Cruz shares his journey from a rebellious youth to a dedicated pastor and coach. We explore the "Sport of Evangelism" and how the basketball court is often the most effective pulpit for reaching the next generation.

• The Court as a Classroom: Sports offer a unique avenue to reach the youth who might never step foot inside a traditional church building.

• The Humanity of Leaders: Pastors are human too—dealing with the same emotions and stresses on the court as anyone else, but called to a higher standard of reaction.

• Character Over Competition: The primary goal of sports ministry isn't the final score; it’s glorifying God and becoming more like Jesus through every play.

• Winning the Referees: Ministry doesn't stop with the players; it extends to the officials and everyone involved in the game.

• [03:55] The turning point: Realizing the difference between a life with God and a life apart.

• [07:31] Reconciling passion for sports with the responsibilities of the ministry.

• [12:12] Real talk: Dealing with conflicts and "court heat" as a man of God.

• [15:28] The origin story and mission of the Inter-denominational Pastor's Basketball League (IPBL).

• [25:45] Shifting the priority from winning the game to glorifying the Creator.

Connect with Pastor Jero Cruz:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jero.carlo 

Connect with Ref Jho:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Refereeministry

Twitter: https://twitter.com/champ_podcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzY6

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Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@champpodcast

Email: [email protected]

Pastor Totie Andes is the National Director of Athletes in Action Philippines. A servant to the Body of Christ and the people in sport. In this episode, he shares his journey in the sports ministry. Tell us about the challenges he faced when he began reaching out to people in sport to share the gospel. He also mentioned that the ministry changed its discipleship course when COVID-19 began. It is evident from listening to him speak that it has been a joy for him to be the Lord's servant, and to see those he touched continue to serve Him!KEY TAKEAWAYS:1. Throwing out the ego and glorifying God for His Providence and not ourselves. "This ministry is not ours, it's His. This podcast is not Jho's, it's His. We are only stewards."2. Being faithful is not a snap; it is a process.3. The art of teaching what you learned from the Bible and not putting it inside the box unshared. It is a spiritual legacy to pass on to the next generation.Listen on to find out more inside this episode. Timestamps:1:29 - How Pastor Totie first got exposed to sports ministries in the Philippines and its concept. 5:06 - How people use sports as a ministry for evangelism. 6:20 - The struggles that Pastor had been through when he started his journey.9:41 - The mission and vision of Athletes in Action Philippines and their discipleship. 14:16 - "Everything is God's work. It's not our ministry, it's God's ministry." 16:16 - How is discipleship being initiated among athletes. 19:02 - How to start serving the Lord in the sports ministry.24:50 - The best memories that Pastor Totie throughout the sports ministry journey. 29:06 - Future plans of Pastor Totie after the pandemic.30:30 - Personal plans to serving Athletes in Action Philippines. 30:48 - Pastor's encouragement to Christians who face challenges as they start their journey in the sports ministry.Let us hear your takeaways too in the links below and give us a follow. Follow us on:Twitter: https://twitter.com/champ_podcastFacebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RefereeministryTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@champpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/christian_athletic_ministryAnchor: https://anchor.fm/jho-naoeYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzY6oXwR8CxNhNLbXthgWxgIf you have any suggestions please email:[email protected]

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be the person behind the man with the whistle? While referees face intense pressure on the court, their wives face a different kind of battle at home—from handling social media bashers to supporting their partners after a tough game.In this special episode of the Christian Athletic Ministry Podcast, we sits down with three empowered women who share the "invisible" side of the game:Ms. Joselyn Baldago, wife of PBA referee Joel Baldago.Ms. Annabelle Mariano, wife of PBA referee Jimmy Mariano.Ms. Rosemarie Santos, wife of FIBA licensed referee Harry Santos.Episode Highlights:Teenage Love & Humble Beginnings: Hear the heartwarming stories of how these couples met—from high school sweethearts to provincial disco encounters .Embracing the Passion: How they reacted when their husbands chose a career that often comes with high stress and low public approval .The Hardest Parts: Dealing with physical altercations on court, "death threats," and the emotional toll of a missed call.Winning Against Bullying: Practical advice on how they handle bashers and protect their children from the negative noise of the game.Key Takeaways:"Support is all we can give, whatever path they may take." – Joselyn Baldago "Do not show fear so that the family can show the same." – Annabelle Mariano "Children learn more from us... it’s important to keep our cool and patience." – Rosemarie Santos 📢Their stories are rarely heard but deeply impactful. If this episode touched you, please:Share this episode with a sports fan who needs to see the human side of the game.Follow us for more stories of faith and athletics:Their stories are never heard enough by the many. You can share this and follow us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RefereeministryTwitter: https://twitter.com/champ_podcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzY6Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christian_aTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@champpodcastSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/RefMinGooglepodcast: https://tinyurl.com/CHAMPpodEdify: https://tinyurl.com/EdifypodApple podcast: https://tinyurl.com/RefpodcastIf you have any suggestions please email:[email protected]

Every individual in their heart can be assumed to carry a dream. We can always be the efficacious version of ourselves whenever we desire to be. However, it is difficult and will always require good character, patience, determination, and hard work. Since as we improve in knowledge and capabilities, we become more susceptible to tremendous adversities.

We must realize that God often permits us to face difficulties so that when the time comes where He will give us our battle's victory, we may be able to treasure it. And that we can also be inspired by how brave and confident we are during those heavy days. Therefore, let us not quit reaching for our dreams. Although challenges and weaknesses may come across our path, we must endeavor to work hard and be determined to succeed. And when we reach our goals, we must also seek to help other dreamers find their way up.

Referee Edith Boticario is an empowered woman, athlete, and referee. She is a 35-year-old woman who has spent her life in the field of athletics for almost 18 years. Edith started her journey as a referee in Daet, Camarines Norte, at seventeen as a friend allowed her to try officiating in a barangay league. In her desire to improve, Edith worked hard to learn different rules, mechanics, and signaling required in her chosen field. Her improvement attracted opportunities, so she harvested the fruit of her determination as she became the first and youngest female UAAP deputy commissioner, along with her other accomplishments.

In this special episode with Editha Boticario, we'll learn about the journey of a woman who never allows the waves and billows of her life to immobilize her to succeed. As a referee, she often receives hurtful words and criticisms from people around her, saying she can never prosper. However, instead of quitting, she utilizes her ability and knowledge to endeavor all the more to prove them wrong. Edith believes that to accomplish a goal; we must be determined enough to face every hardship life will throw at us.

"Keep reaching your dreams despite challenges you may encounter in life." - Referee Editha Boticario

Connect with Editha Boticario:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/editha.boticario; https://www.facebook.com/ladyrefs

Connect with Christian Athletic Ministry Podcast:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Refereeministry

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Email: [email protected]

Anchor: https://anchor.fm/jho-naoe

Every child has that special connection to their father, especially daughters. They can feel what their dad is feeling. They even follow in Dad's footsteps. And behind every referee, a daughter or son is proudest in the crowded court whispering, "it's my hero right there blowing that whistle." Even though they hear the bashings and boos, they will never show bitterness. They've grown stronger; accepted the fact that all that “cursing” and booing - just makes their dad strong. And no matter how many boo’s they hear it will never lessen their respect for their Dads. If one day you hear more of their stories, would you change a thing? This episode will touch a part of your heart and open your mind to the psychological baggage they carry and the hopes they hold onto. They grow up in a noisy world, not to mention cruel. But it's a surprise to hear them being fair, understanding, deep, and being "over with it, no biggie." It's a good mindset a parent has embodied right there. If there's someone who could better understand a referee's life, it's their children. They feel hurt. They feel bad. They know how their father strives hard to study, to be fair, to forgive easily, and the value of camaraderie, and patience. You might just need to hear their hearts. Listen to know how they perceive the world having a referee Dad. Episode Highlights *get to know how these kids took their Dad's profession when they were younger *take a guess how they handled the very first moment when they heard someone bashing their Dad (and with their younger sibling) *weigh in mind how their exposure to games helped them become resilient to bad mouths they hear on the court *appreciate what are the influence their Dad's profession has on their life decisions *have a grasp of how they cope with the feeling of homesickness during the pandemic *get to celebrate their proudest moments by having a referee Dad *get a glimpse of their experience being involved in their Dad's activities *come to understand and hear the worst memory they can never forget *know the sentiment of how they felt when their Dad got into trouble *have an understanding of what these kids can tell what their Dad has become to a character, being a referee *consider the advice they can give to kids like them *encompass if they are inclined to or encourage their sons and daughters to be a referee someday *know more about what they want the fans, coaches, and players to know from their shoes as a referee's child *have in mind what their advice to anyone who wants to be a referee Key Takeaways: *It takes a strong personality to build a resilient mindset against a noisy crowd. *Being a referee is a great avenue to promote a healthy lifestyle and a good physique. - Carmela Sembrano *It's a great profession where I see my Dad helping others passionately. - Joana Mariano *It takes an open mind and heart to have a Dad who is a referee. - Carmela Sembrano *A referee is a decent job. - Carmela Sembrano *A referee is a profession, and we can handle things out the professional way, not the foul talks. - Joana Mariano *Forgiveness is the best virtue they wear all throughout their career. They can easily forgive people around them, game after game. *The referees also deserve respect. They have that whistle. They wear uniforms. They have a family. They have kids. Most importantly, they are human. *There is more to understand about being a referee, in their profession, and in their lives. For more inspiring stories on your list, come subscribe to us on Spotify, Google Podcast, Edify podcast, and iTunes.

Article Link mentioned:

https://herviewfromhome.com/living-my-daddy-is-a-referee/

 For suggestions, please email: [email protected]

Some people view sports as a way to have fun. But when one found more reason beyond that, a purpose looms within.

Our guests Jeffrey Ong and Francis Tan are from the Cross Training Ministry.  This is the basketball ministry of the United Evangelical Church of the Philippines. In this episode, we hear them share how their love for basketball led them to join and serve in this ministry that started back in 1998.

Leading a ministry is not easy, but not for these two, because they love basketball.

While there is no achievement that is won easily, one great mark in their heart is seeing people becoming great leaders in the church (and ministry) from being non-churchgoers. It's the purest joy!

Take their advice on how to start a ministry from the ground up, and be inspired as they give us priceless lessons they learned from their journey.

Key Takeaways:

1. Sports and ministry are a very good combination. It's very effective. It's not within the walls or four corners but it's building people together.

2. It's more fun and people will easily come together for the love of sports. It's the easiest avenue to invite the youth.

3. Build a ministry. Stop. Rethink. Restart. Persevere. Commit.

4. The ministry is not limited to any sports, it can also be for kids or for older groups that are into sports.

5. It's a two-way growth. Learn not just the spiritual aspect but to sports aspect as well.

If you are wondering how to start a ministry, this podcast is great for you.

Timestamps:

1:23 -- How the ministry started

2:28 -- The discipleship and struggles

3:36 -- How did the ministry become officially part of the church program

5:02 -- When and how the ministry bloomed

6:45 -- How they reach out to the youth

7:18 -- Mission and Vision of the ministry

8:35 -- How discipleship is done to guests and believers.

11:11 -- Ministry achievements

13:31 -- Women's Basketball Team

14:05 -- The  importance of theology in choosing leaders

15:43 -- How the ministry operated when the pandemic happened

17:40 -- The possible struggle or challenge if the ministry will operate back to normal post-pandemic

30:33 -- How effective is the ministry on a personal level

33:25 -- Mindset tips on how to build a ministry from scratch post-pandemic

25:18 -- What the sports ministry has taught them.

Let us know your takeaways too in the links below and hit follow.

Follow us on:

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Goal Referees Association of the Philippines was founded by a PBA referee Mr. Jimmy Mariano.  He envisioned having more Manileño in the professional world of officiating.  He is driven to develop young referees and give them the opportunity to go into PBA.  In his desire to heighten the referee profession in Manila he formed the group and continues to teach, influence, and inspire more and more aspiring referees. Hear from some members of GOAL how he motivates and takes care of his members. I am blessed to hear how he involves himself in the lives of his referees and also how he convey the method of “Pay it forward.  Listen to the joy of Gilbert Payawal, Sonny Benavidez, and Ricky Cruz in transferring their knowledge in order to help other referees.

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#christianathleticministrypodcast #ministry  #sportsminister #RefereeMinistry #InJesusNameWeServe#GoalRefs#JimmyyMarian#PBARe#PBA20#GilbertPaayawal#SonnyBenavidez#RickyCruz##PayitForward

In this edition of the Christian Athletic Ministry Podcast, we hear from Coach Hans Dee about his story from how he started SCOPH. The challenges and difficulties he experienced. To how God uses the ministry of sports to reach more people for Christ. And the lessons he learned along the way. I have so many takeaways from this conversation.   

Let us know your takeaways too in the links below and hit follow.

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 #HansDee #SCOPH #sportsmovement #sportsministry #sportsminister #christianathleticministrypodcast #InJesusNameWeServe

Coach Mike Tolentino is an experienced referee that has helped new referees get their start in officiating. Now Coach Mike is mentoring referees to not only teach them the skills they need to be successful but also to reach their highest potential in the world of basketball. 

 #SBP #MikeTolentino #FIBARef #FIBACommissioner #sportsministry #sportsminister #christianathleticministrypodcast #InJesusNameWeServe #sportsministry

Let us know your takeaways too in the links below and hit follow.

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