Power Up-The Sports Ministry Podcast

When you hear words like commitment, sacrifice, courage and consistency, you may think of another word…excellence! That has been the journey of Sophia Young-Malcolm. From national basketball champion to a career in the WNBA, Sophia has been striving for excellence. But she also desire to live a life of excellence off the court…in her relationship with Christ and with others. Find out why this is important as we Power Up together on this podcast conversation. 

 

Guest Bio:

Sophia Young-Malcolm helped lead the Baylor Lady Bears to their first ever national basketball championship in 2005. She was selected as the number-4 pick in the 2006 WNBA Draft by the San Antonio Silver Stars. She played nine WNBA seasons earning all-star honors three times. She now serves as the assistant AD for player development at Baylor. 

 

Links/Books/Resources mentioned in the show:

• The Heart of an Athlete 30-Day Devotional PDF: https://file.ac/UvlI0UtgjKE/
• Join Power Up Family here on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/powerupsports/
• Uncommon Sports Group @ uncommonsg.org
• Sports Ministry Certificate Program through Our Daily Bread University @ odbu.org/sports

 

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Sports ministry is being used by God to change lives and grow His kingdom in many ways and many places. One of those places is through the local church. Tim Sparrow heads up the sports ministry program at Townsend Church in Delaware. You’ll hear how the Lord is transforming hearts and lives through Tim’s leadership and the partnership they enjoy with Upward Sports. 

 

Guest Bio:

Pastor Tim has a passion for reaching people for the sake of Christ through sport. His love for the Lord and his love for sports collided almost 15 years ago when he was blessed with the opportunity to facilitate a program at his church.

Tim and his wife Brandie currently have 4 children and 2 grandchildren. They reside in central Delaware in a town called Smyrna where he serves at Townsend Church as an Associate Pastor. He thoroughly enjoys his roles as pastor where he oversees church ministries including infants through young adults, and as League Director for their Upward Sports Ministry. 

Pastor Tim enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, playing and watching sports, attending mission trips and serving in any capacity.  His favorite verse is Hebrews 12:1-2 and he does his best to run the race Jesus has set before him each and every day.

 

Links/Books/Resources mentioned in the show:

• The Heart of an Athlete 30-Day Devotional PDF: https://file.ac/UvlI0UtgjKE/
• Join Power Up Family here on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/powerupsports/
• Register for Power Up Tuesdays Webinars in October  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/our-daily-bread-ministries-power-up-tuesdays-tickets-406874571797
• Upward Sports @ upward.org
• Townsend Church (DE) https://www.tfwb.org/
• Sports Ministry Certificate Program through Our Daily Bread University @ odbu.org/sports

 

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Her son is a pretty famous star from his days in the NBA but Lucille O’Neal wants others to know her as more than just Shaq’s mom…but a woman who loves Jesus and loves others. Her story will inspire you to trust God when times are difficult. Her journey is one that will encourage you to Power Up for Christ.  

 

Guest Bio:

The Scripture Proverbs 3:5-6 says: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” This has been a personal creed for Lucille throughout her life that she faithfully passes on to those she encounters, her friends and her family. As an active mother of four adult children and a grandmother of fifteen, she takes her role of parenting and grand-parenting very seriously.

Her past and present involvement in numerous youth-oriented and community projects has proved that she is sincere and passionate about helping others who are less fortunate. While being a caring and serene person, her commitment and devotion to volunteer projects is reflected in her connections with many organizations such as: the Southeast Director of The Odessa Chambliss Quality of Life Fund, the Odessa Chambliss Center for Health Equity and nursing scholarships; Pastor associated with New Life Evangelistic Center of Orlando, The Orlando Chapter of the United Negro College Fund, and the former President of Mothers of Professional Basketball Players Association Inc., just to name a handful.

After 30 years of raising two sons and two daughters, Lucille resumed her studies in an Adult Education Program at Bethune-Cookman University, where she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration in June 2003. In March 2005, she completed her graduate program, Master of Arts in Organizational Management, at the University of Phoenix. Lucille later went on to be honored with the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters in May 2016 from Bethune-Cookman University.

Lucille shares her life story candidly—and often humorously in her book, “Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go,” as well as in her keynotes. Lucille will always remind you that: GOD HAS THE MASTER Plan. 

 

Links/Books/Resources mentioned in the show:

• Lucille O’Neal Author, author of Walk Like you have Somewhere to Go
• Join Power Up You Tube Channel here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo84-tdih-z0PcqAh7lvbZQ
• The Heart of an Athlete 30-Day Devotional PDF: https://file.ac/UvlI0UtgjKE/
• Join Power Up Family here on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/powerupsports/
• Register for Power Up Tuesdays in October  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/our-daily-bread-ministries-power-up-tuesdays-tickets-406874571797

 

 

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The Power Up Sports Ministry Podcast offers timely conversation for those who love playing sports, watching sports, and those who serve in sports ministry. Follow for two new episodes every month with hosts Bill Houston and former LPGA Pro, Tracy Hanson. Go one-on-one with athletes, coaches, and sports ministry leaders who will challenge, encourage, and offer fresh insight that helps you “power up” for Christ.   Links:

• Join Power Up You Tube Channel here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo84-tdih-z0PcqAh7lvbZQ
• Join Power Up Family here on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/powerupsports/
• The Heart of an Athlete 30-Day Devotional PDF: https://file.ac/UvlI0UtgjKE/

 

 

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A highly recruited running back and a number one pick in the NFL Draft but yet, Sammie Smith would face intense difficulties and set back. How would he react? It truly was a new road for Sammie Smith. His journey shows that even in the most adverse circumstances, God can be trusted to help us Power Up for His Glory.  

 

Guest Bio:

God called me to serve with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in 2012. I was blessed to see the lives of coaches and athletes transformed by the power of God through the vehicle of sports in Florida. In 2016, God clearly called my wife and I to move to Oxford Mississippi, to walk alongside coaches and athletes at the University of Mississippi.

We have witnessed God’s power, as many doors have opened for us to host Sunday Worship Services, Coaches bible studies, team bible studies, Pregame chapels, 1 on 1 mentoring, Campus huddles, and Community small groups. 

 

Links/Books/Resources mentioned in the show:

• Sammie Smith:  https://my.fca.org/sammiesmith
• Join Power Up You Tube Channel here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo84-tdih-z0PcqAh7lvbZQ
• The Heart of an Athlete 30-Day Devotional PDF: https://file.ac/UvlI0UtgjKE/
• Join Power Up Family here on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/powerupsports/

 

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A dozen different jobs over a 20 year career could prove trying for anyone but for Joshua Eargle, it’s been a mission of impacting athletes for Christ. The new Tight Ends coach at Florida International University desires to help his team perform well on the football field but his greatest desire is to help young men learn what it means to Power Up for Christ. 

 

Guest Bio:

Joshua Eargle, who is entering his 20th season in coaching, was slotted as the Panthers' tight end coach in 2022.  Eargle arrived in Miami after serving as the senior offensive consultant at the University of Memphis and the tight end coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Kansas.

The Texas native started his coaching career at the University of Southern Mississippi in 2003. 

Eargle was named head football coach at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, Texas in 2013. He turned around a struggling program to win the American Southwest Conference Championship in his third season. 

 Eargle played college football at Memphis and won the inaugural Top Tiger Award, presented to the player who battled back from adversity or overcame difficult circumstances to return to the field. He earned his Master’s in sports administration from Southern Miss in 2004.

The Eargles founded the Ruler of Hope foundation, whose mission is to provide support and research to medically fragile children. Following the 2018 season, Eargle won the Rare Disease Champion Award presented by Uplifting Athletes for his work in raising awareness for his young daughter Landrey’s fight against life-threatening illnesses.

His wife, Kristen, founded and hosts a national podcast, Coach’s Wife Life. The Eargles have three children—Kourtney, Landrey and Stallings.

 

Links/Books/Resources mentioned in the show:

• Join Power Up You Tube Channel here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo84-tdih-z0PcqAh7lvbZQ
• The Heart of an Athlete 30-Day Devotional PDF: https://file.ac/UvlI0UtgjKE/
• Join Power Up Family here on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/powerupsports/
• Register for Power Up Tuesdays in October  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/our-daily-bread-ministries-power-up-tuesdays-tickets-406874571797

 

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A 162-game schedule…it begins late March, early April and runs until early November. It’s Major League Baseball-a game where players and coaches spend a great deal of time together. Relationships are built, trades are made, games are won and lost and if a player chooses, they can draw closer to God by attending Bible studies and pre-game chapels. On this edition of Power Up, we visit with two men who have been around the game for many years and know the importance of building relationships. Jeff Totten and Mickey Weston are team chaplains, and today they help us Power Up during the Dog Days of Summer. 

 

Guest Bios:

Jeff Totten: Chapel leader to the Detroit Tigers since 1991. He has also served as a team chaplain in the Arena Football League and Indoor Soccer League. Jeff has also served as a chaplain during the Olympic Games in Salt Lake City.

Mickey Weston:  Mickey was a pitcher for parts of five seasons with the Orioles, Blue Jays, Phillies and Mets. Mickey has been with the baseball ministry Unlimited Potential, Inc since 1996 and now serves as the Executive Director. He is also the chapel leader to the Chicago White Sox.   

 

Links/Books/Resources mentioned in the show:

• Home Plate Detroit:  http://www.homeplatedetroit.org
• Unlimited Potential, Inc  https://www.upi.org
• Join Power Up You Tube Channel here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo84-tdih-z0PcqAh7lvbZQ
• The Heart of an Athlete 30-Day Devotional PDF: https://file.ac/UvlI0UtgjKE/
• Join Power Up Family here on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/powerupsports/

 

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A large paycheck and a new car…but still an empty heart. Devon McDonald shares his journey from a stellar football career at Notre Dame to signing his first NFL contract. Regardless of the number of tackles made, the number of accolades received or the amount of an NFL paycheck, he knew something was still missing. You’ll be encouraged to hear how God pursued him and is now using him to help others Power Up in the Training Camp Moments of life.  

 

Guest Bio:

Devon McDonald played linebacker at Kennedy High School in Patterson, NJ and went on to play for legendary head coach, Lou Holtz at the university of Notre Dame. He would be named co-MVP at the 1993 Cotton Bowl. McDonald was a 4th Round Draft Pick of the Indianapolis Colts in the 93’ NFL Draft. He would later play with the Arizona Cardinals in 1996 for one season. Devon McDonald now serves as Chief of Staff to NFL Chaplains with Athletes in Action. McDonald lives with his wife, Shereasher, and 2 daughters. He is an ordained minister. 

 

Links/Books/Resources mentioned in the show:

• Athletes in Action: athletesinaction.org
• Join Power Up Family here on Facebook!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/powerupsports/
• Join Power Up You Tube Channel here:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo84-tdih-z0PcqAh7lvbZQ
• The Heart of an Athlete 30-Day Devotional PDF:  https://file.ac/UvlI0UtgjKE/

 

 

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Picture the day of the big race…you toe the line, the starter’s shot is fired and off you go. Running the Race at the track and field event carries with it lots of pressure and expectation. Running the race of life is much the same way. The expectations in life, however, carry even greater pressure. Dave Klassen knows the pressure and he thought he had it all figured out…but he didn’t. His story is one of searching for the finish line in many different places. 

 

Guest Bio:

Dave Klassen has faithfully served with AIA for over 25 years and has a long history of leading Campus Ministries, directing AIA Sport Camps and more recently has held the role of Director of Pro Sports Ministry. Serving as the chaplain for the BC Lions and Vancouver Canucks, Dave is dedicated to encouraging professional athletes to passionately follow Christ, love and lead their families and use their lives to make a difference in their communities. Outside of sports ministry, Dave is an author and, along with his wife Rushia, is a public speaker with Family Life Canada.

 

Links/Books/Resources mentioned in the show:

• Athletes in Action-Canada  https://athletesinaction.ca
• Join Power Up Family here on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/powerupsports/
• Join Power Up You Tube Channel here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo84-tdih-z0PcqAh7lvbZQ
• The Heart of an Athlete 30-Day Devotional PDF: https://file.ac/UvlI0UtgjKE/

 

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Think about the many ways and the many opportunities you have had to make a lasting difference. Our guest has enjoyed many such moments as well…and he has taken advantage of many of them in unique ways. Teal Bunbury has made an impact across Major League Soccer, but he has also influenced the communities in which he has played. You will be encouraged by his story and maybe challenged to Power Up with the opportunities God places before you. 

 

Guest Bio:

Teal Bunbury grew up in an athletic environment and played collegiately at the University of Akron. He was drafted in 2010 by the Kansas City Wizards. In February of 2014, Teal was traded to New England and in December of 2021, he was traded to Nashville. Teal and wife Kaity have two daughters and desire to serve God in any way possible.

 

Links/Books/Resources mentioned in the show:

• Join Power Up Family here on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/powerupsports/
• Join Power Up You Tube Channel here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo84-tdih-z0PcqAh7lvbZQ
• The Heart of an Athlete 30-Day Devotional PDF: https://file.ac/UvlI0UtgjKE/

 

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