Bruce & Diane Dishnow: Ann Arbor, Michigan Athletes in Action
ONE WORLD to reach, ONE LANGUAGE of sport, ONE MESSAGE of victory
Since 1966, Athletes in Action (AIA) has been a global pioneer, innovator, and servant leader in sport ministry. AIA exists to change lives by building spiritual movements everywhere through the platform of sport: on the field, in the locker room, and under stadium lights. By speaking the language of sport—a language that breaks barriers, transcends differences, and is understood by virtually all—AIA brings Jesus and His message of victory into the hearts, homes and communities of millions around the world.
As of 2007, AIA has a ministry presence in 75 countries, on nearly 125 U.S. college campuses, and on 35 U.S. professional sports teams. Countless volunteers, thousands of athletes and more than 500 staff members stand together to share one message: Life’s greatest victory is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Athletes in Action is a branch of Campus Crusade for Christ.
I, Bruce, am the director of Athletes in Action at the University of Michigan. My wife, Diane, and I have been in ministry with Campus Crusade for Christ since 1979. I grew up in Iron Mountain, MI. I loved playing sports and was privileged to play varsity basketball at Michigan Technological University. I graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University. At age 19 I became a follower of Christ and ever since then have enjoyed telling others about Him! Diane is from East Grand Forks, MN. She earned a B.S. in Home Economics Education and a minor in music from North Dakota State University. She trusted in Christ at age 11. After college she travelled for a year with a gospel singing team to share the Good News! She taught school for a few years before we were married in 1979. Our ministry focus has always been college students & athletes (University of North Dakota:1976-82; The Ohio State University:1982-86; University of Michigan:1986-present). RECONCILIATION is a one word ministry focus for us. We desire to equip the maximum number of believers in effective communication of the gospel and to demonstrate the love of Christ cross culturally!
Athletes in Action at the University of Michigan is trusting God to change lives and build multi-racial spiritual movements in every athletic department that impact the campus, community and world for Christ! We seek to introduce others to Christ, build them in their faith, and send them to reach others. Activities include: large group meetings, small group discussions, one on one mentoring, leadership camps, retreats, competing tours, community and urban outreaches, and last but not least-home cooked meals . As a result of a team effort, many of these ‘leaders & best’ student-athletes have humbly bent their knee to follow the all time best leader, Jesus Christ! He is using them to touch others worldwide with the love of Christ!!
Praises:
- A new, more strategic meeting place on campus for our weekly AIA meeting!!
- A new partnership with a local African American pastor & his church (New Hope Baptist in Ann Arbor).
- A new female AIA intern (Rebecca Bishop) to help reach out to the female athletes. She recently played softball at & graduated from Bradley University .
Prayer Requests:
- For 3-5 athletes to come with us to the Impact Conference (an African-American CCC Christmas Conference) in Atlanta from December 27-January 1.
- That students would to talk to the Lord, their parents, & their coaches about AIA summer opportunities
- Wisdom for Luke & us in his applications to colleges
- That each member of our family would have a growing thirst for God’s Word & be salt to our neighbors
- Steady business for Heather (hair stylist) & Adam (wedding photographer)
- Wisdom in daily workload for Allison (7th grade English teacher — 1st year)
- Discernment in wedding details for Holly & Mark (June 26)
- Safe travels & life-giving words spoken with family over the upcoming holidays
- That we would listen to the Lord for each day’s adventure
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