Face to Face
     Where sports can truly make a difference

September 2024    | Print |

Friends,

Centre College in Danville, Kentucky is called the “Harvard of the South.”

Until recently, I didn’t know much about it, but when three former members of the Columbus North football team went there to continue their football careers, I became more interested in the school. I had promised these three young men that I would come down sometime to visit them. Then in a completely unrelated turn of events, I received a call from a friend in Wheaton, Illinois who suggested that I should do an interview for the Face to Face podcast with Rick Fox, currently the offensive coordinator at…Centre College. That led me to believe that God was truly at work here.

In early August I drove down to Danville. I had the chance to get to know Rick and do the interview. We connected right away and committed to get together again in the future. I also met with Tyler, Damon, and Luke, the three North players, and had the opportunity to pray with them and encourage them. As I have said so many times, the ministry of Face to Face is built on relationships.

With the arrival of Fall, football is definitely in the air. I am back at South Decatur High School as their chaplain for the 22nd year. Every Thursday afternoon during the season, I speak to the team and give them a spiritual talk in the locker room before they head out to practice. There are only about 30 players on the team, so I am trying to learn names and get to know them a little better.

Then I go back to Columbus and meet with the Columbus North football team. I spend time at their weekly team meal, and then they have the chance to attend a voluntary chapel across the hall. For this, we bring in former athletes and local pastors to share a solid message from the Bible. North has about 85 players and our chapel attendance is usually about 25-30.

Another aspect of the Face to Face ministry is on Friday night when I do the broadcasts on radio of not only Columbus North football but also Columbus East. We alternate schools from week to week. This is my 33Rd year doing this and I value the relationships that I have made with players and coaches during this time. After each broadcast, we bring players and coaches up to the booth and talk to them about the game. It is one more way to establish a relationship.

I see God’s hand at work in so many ways. Recently, Centre opened their season at Hanover College, about an hour from Columbus, so I had the opportunity to see my three guys play. Before the game, I was standing outside the stadium, and I noticed the Centre College team preparing not in the locker room but in the grass next to the stadium. One of the guys, Damon, saw me and came over. He was excited that I had come and said, “Hey, do you want to pray for me.” I of course, obliged. Before the day was over, after Centre had gotten the win, I met with all the guys on the field and their parents. It was a great time of ministry and fellowship.

The Face to Face ministry continues to evolve in so many ways. Thank you for your prayers and donations that have made this ministry so successful. I feel personally blessed in so many ways and I want to thank you and share with you how God is working in this way. Feel free to check out our podcast at www.facetofaceradio.com. If you like, feel free to contact me personally. I would love to hear from you.

God Bless,

Sincerely,

Tom Rust