Fourteen years ago one teammate’s behavior on the basketball court grabbed the attention of Bob Nicholson. A self-described former “gym rat,” with a background in mortgage lending, Nicholson cannot forget the profound influence of his friend, Toreno Winn, whose example inspired him to follow Christ. Nicholson now views the basketball court as his mission field.

“He struck such an image in the core of my mind,” Nicholson said as he talked about Winn’s example and the value of faith-based outreach in recreational basketball. “Where you can reach people is where they play. Everywhere around the country there are thousands of parks and playgrounds where people meet.”

Nicholson is a big-hearted man with a vision to match. His dream is to establish a sports organization that models Christian behavior on and off the court. It would provide an alternative to the “in-your-face” attitude and profane vocabulary that many in the sports world not only tolerate but also promote. As a single dad, he knows first-hand the struggles parents can face trying to find wholesome activities and a healthy environment for their children.

The Tustin resident is seeking like-minded individuals to share his vision and join him in creating a network of “Athletes for Jesus Christ” teams in Southern California and beyond. For the past several years he has formed teams to play in recreational leagues at LA Fitness at the Block in Orange. He is actively looking for others to help him expand his efforts to other leagues.

“The mission is to win lost souls to Jesus Christ,” Nicholson said.

In addition to the tournament, Nicholson is planning on using the program to generate funding to help the homeless with food, gasoline vouchers, bus passes, shelter, clothing, jobs and shoes.

Nicholson explained that people can get involved with Athletes for Jesus Christ by forming a team and going to the group’s Web site for instructions.   

“They can join our team by e-mailing me with their personal information on basketball skills, or they can start a team in another sport other than basketball,” he said. “It could be bowling, volleyball, baseball—any sport.”

Nicholson is also looking for assistance in helping transition from a dream to an official non-profit, which would allow the group to receive nontaxable contributions from foundations and individuals.

“I’ve been praying that God will send a corporate sponsor or individual that will be willing to put this together,” he said.

Competition and relationships
Toreno Winn remembers meeting Nicholson on the basketball court some 20 years ago. He said the relational dynamics of male sports competition make it a natural avenue for personal evangelism.

“Men are competitive in nature. We want to win. It is a way to gain respect,” Winn said of basketball and other sports. “Once you have earned their respect you actually open up communication paths.”

Ministering to others through sports has been a regular part of Winn’s life. From his own experience, he said that when people see a strong male personality with humility, people take notice. 

“Your best witness is your own life,” he said.

Both men view the basketball court as a place to break through barriers in people’s lives.

“I think what Bob has begun is a great witness,” Winn said of his friend’s fledgling organization.

Two teams under the banner of Athletes for Jesus Christ are slated to participate in a basketball league with play beginning this month at the Block’s LA Fitness, Nicholson said. He hopes that others will catch his vision and that more teams will be added to a variety of sports.

“Getting them at play is where you get a chance to reach them,”  Nicholson said.

For him it is a 14-year-old fact of life that he wants to help others realize.

For more information, visit the Web Site, athletesforjesuschrist.com.