Islam is one of the world's fastest growing religions.  Islam is America's fastest growing religion.  In the news, almost on a weekly basis, we hear of radical Islamic teens and young adults who are so completely passionate for their faith that they are willing to strap plastic explosives around their bodies and ignite themselves and everything and everyone around them.  

Why?  They do this in the name of God, and to guarantee their place in heaven. 

How, to them, does this earn a place in heaven?  Simply by dying while killing an infidel in a Holy War, Jihad, will guarantee a place with God in heaven, they believe.  Who is an infidel?  Anyone who does not believe in Islam as they do.  Me... you... my family... your family.  When I first heard this spoken by a theological seminary president, I was numbed.

Their passion, while totally misguided, leaves me speechless and in total awe at how devoted they are to what they believe, and how scary religion can be.

Personally, a recent conversation and an email have stirred long withheld emotions deep inside.  God has used both to fuel a deeper calling to my life.  A calling so loud that my current ministry work as President of International Christian Tennis Association, the ministry I founded and have poured my life into for 10 years!, is beginning to seem somewhat foolish.

How... why?

Basically,  Islamic teens in the Middle East are willing to end their lives in violent deaths for their God, while the vast majority of American Christian teens seem terrified to offend their neighbor by simply sharing their faith in and love for Jesus. 

Our youth seemingly so lost and passionless....

I realize martyrdom in America is basically non-existent as compared to hotbeds of Christian growth, such as China, but can't we at least  teach our kids to put down the IPOD's and video games, and go try to reach the neighbor for Jesus? 

The coach in me, the preacher in me, the friend in me...  clearly sees a need for American Christian teens to break free of the oppression holding them back and reach out to Islamic teens worldwide, and others.

Jesus is clear in Mathew 28: 16-20,

"Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." NIV

My calling is clear.  Does this verse stir anything in you?  If not, question your faith in Christ. 

My current ministry, the International Christian Tennis Association, ICTA, has been my first major step into ministry.  These 9+ years have been blessed.  My friends and my enemies, I love them all.  God has used each of you to shape and mold me, to forge me into a preacher who strives to worship Jesus through all aspects of my life.

From a ridiculous 5+ year bashing I have personally taken from persons set against ministry in tennis... to the years of love and friendship from authentic Christian ministers and ministries who passionately want to help my ministry succeed,... from attacks from pedophiles posing as tennis pros and pastors working to shut me up as I shine light on their dark evils... to the love and friendship of so many of my current and former students and their families.  From hate-filled voice messages on my cell phone given by Godless men...  to the love and friendship of men who sing God's praise.  I am blessed.

In a tiny, baby-steps way God has been preparing me for a calling.  A battle cry into the hearts and souls of today's Christian teens.  A loud, bold challenge to today's pastors and youth pastors.  A wake-up call for Christians who have fallen asleep in their faith. 

The Bible teaches we are at war.  I guess I'm really starting to see it. 

This war is happening in America.  It might not be promoted on American Idol, but it's real.     Islamic churches & schools are being built at a record pace nationwide,  family values are being changed, the suicide rate among tennis is the highest ever.   Christians are being stuffed into a closet.  Sharing your faith in Jesus is becoming illegal. 

What's the answer?  Share your faith in Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. 

Teens,  this war is your war.  This battle is for your generation.  My generation made a lot of mistakes that you guys have to clean up.  My generation became so self-absorbed we forgot how to worship Christ and instead worshiped ourselves.  Christians far from Christ attack other Christians who bring conviction through prayer, words, and deeds. 

My generation has welcomed current world views to bring order to our Churches.  Wrong has become right.  For this, for our mistakes, for my generations ridiculous antics... you find yourself in the war of all wars and this war will not simply go away with whoever has the biggest bomb.

What is the answer?  Share your faith in Christ. 

As for me, my life is to reach you. 

To grasp the hearts and imaginations of today's youth, to lead them to know Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, to disciple them in Christ's commands, and to forge them into passionate pastors who are prepared to follow boldly the Great Commission; while constantly equipping  them to handle the spiritual battles to come.

Can today's America youth be reached?  Yes. 

Passionate Godly men and women can rise up to share their faith, time, and wisdom with today's lost generation. 

Sports is a vehicle that can be used and passionate sports ministries, such as the International Christian Tennis Association, can redirect their focus and resources towards completely and totally following the Great Commission relentlessly.

This article is a reflection of the direction my life is taking as my ministry calling here on earth brings me into direct confrontation with world views harming our youth.