The MsM Chaplaincy program- By Chaplain John Adams

The MsM Chaplaincy program:

What is it? Would you like to be a part of it? What makes triathletes tick? Why do they train so much? How do they balance work, family, spiritual life & training? Let’s face it, no one knows triathletes like triathletes. That is why MsM has established its Chaplaincy program.

John Adams, MsM’s National Chaplaincy Director, is a full-time pastor, Sheriff’s chaplain, Dad, husband AND an age group triathlete. Pastor John was recruited by MsM’s founder, Erik Pace Birkholz at Rev3’s Olympic distance triathlon in Knoxville, KY. Pastor John has a desire to build a team of triathlete chaplains who seek to serve and support MsM’s regional chapters with encouragement, spiritual support and prayer whenever needed. A triathlete chaplain knows how to pray for another triathlete.
Might this be a place for you to serve? Could God be tapping you on the shoulder to be a part of this “elite” corps of MsM? If you or someone you know on the MsM team has an interest is this very important part of MsM, please contact Pastor John at john@multisportministries.com. You will be emailed a brief description of the Chaplaincy program and its requirements. Remember, it’s all about serving!

The Best of NING, Highlights by Dan Matheson

As you may know MSM has a site on NING (http://multisportministries.ning.com). If you haven’t joined yet you should as it is a great way to stay in touch with fellow members in your area, ask them for advice and share prayer requests. If you haven’t had a chance to check it out lately some of the recent items follow – check out the site for the details and more information than just the following summaries!

Troy Wong asked – “Does anyone know where I can rent or borrow a wetsuit?”
The answer seems to be www.wetsuitrental.com recommended by both Jason Hatton and Brian George.

Ted Hamilton asked – “Any recommendations on a company to use for race wheel rental?”
Both www.racedaywheels.com and Echappe Equipment were suggested and Jet suggested also trying to demo wheels from a local shop.

Please pray for Nick Beamer who posted the following: “Hey everyone! If you have a moment, please say a little prayer for me these next few weeks. I will be attempting my first HIM (Liberty Triathlon in Independence, MN) this Saturday and my first full marathon (Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, MN) next Saturday. Then I'll be deploying with the Air Force at the end of the month. Needless to say, I'll be learning a lot about myself and what I'm really made of! Thanks Gentlemen!”

Marc Schaffer gave the following advice: “You know, if God held everything we did wrong against us we would never see the sight of Heaven We would all be going to that other place. The thing that really blew my mind, when I came to accept Christ in my life, was that he said "drop that heavy load and walk away from it. I will take care of it for you. You just get on with carrying on the best you can-I have your back." Guys, we will make mistakes-none of us is perfect . Try as we might, we will not have a perfect day every day. All we can do is ask Jesus to help us along the road.”

Brandon Cox recommended reading “The Surrendered Christian Athlete”.

Mark Mulch posted a creed for us all to bear in mind as we race:

I am a Christian first and last.
I am created in the likeness of God Almighty to bring Him glory.
I am a member of Team Jesus Christ.
I wear the colors of the cross.

I am a Competitor now and forever.
I am made to strive, to strain, to stretch
and to succeed in the arena of competition.
I am a Christian Competitor
I face my challenger and as such,
with the face of Christ.

I do not trust in myself.
I do not boast in my abilities or believe in my own strength.
I rely solely on the power of God.
I compete for the pleasure of my Heavenly Father,
the honor of Christ and the reputation of the Holy Spirit.


My attitude on and off the field is above reproach -
my conduct beyond criticism.

Whether I am preparing,
practicing or playing;

I submit to God’s authority
and those He has put over me.

I respect my coaches, officials,
teammates and competitors

out of respect for the Lord.

My body is the temple of Jesus Christ
I protect it from within and without.
Nothing enters my body that does not honor the Living God.
My sweat is an offering to my Master.
My soreness is a sacrifice to my Savior.

I give my all – all of the time.
I do not give up. I do not give in.

I do not give out. I am the Lord’s warrior –
a competitor by conviction
and a disciple of determination.
I am confident beyond reason
because my confidence lies in Christ.
The results of my efforts
must result in His glory.
LET THE COMPETITION BEGIN.
LET THE GLORY BE GOD’S.

MsM members compete in the Ultra 200 Mile Cycling Race.

Multisport Ministries is a Men’s Christian Triathlon team with a purpose and while we do predominantly race triathlons we are also reaching new members through other endurance sports. In May, four Multisport MINISTRIES members (Scott Archibald, Jason Prince, Justin Jarvis and Matt Hollis) competed in the Red Rock 200 Ultra Cycling Race from Saint George to Cedar City back to Saint George, Utah. The relay team of 4 won their division with a new course record for their category (ok, we were the only 4 man team this year). However, we did have a great time and cycling 200 miles with 2 dedicated MsM SAG vehicles does provide for some decent outreach opportunities. We are looking forward to returning next year as the event will be in its 3rd year and expected to grow and soon be comparable to the Hoodoo 500 (which is run by the same organizers).

MsM member Brian Oringderff heading to Kona 2010!

One lucky MsM member struck gold in the Kona lottery for 2010. Brian Oringderff’s Kona lottery entry was selected and Brian has accepted and is now planning to race in Kona wearing the Multisport MINISTRIES uniform. Brian is very excited to be representing MsM and was recently contacted by the Ironman Media/PR dept. about a couple of Media opportunities, one of which was a live on air interview with the Catholic Channel on Sirius Satellite Radio. Brian’s path to Kona has been a tough one and it is an understatement to say that he “has been through a lot in the past year”. After shoulder surgery in August 2009 he had an unusual reaction and developed 6 post surgery blood clots. With two blood clots in his calf and four blood clots in his lungs Brian spent 4 days in a Pulmonary ICU. He then spent the next 6 months on blood thinners.



As Brian was recovering from his rare reactions to his surgery his wife was pregnant with their first child who was born prematurely on January 19, 2010. Their newborn son was going good for 6 days in the Neonatal ICU, but somehow developed a septic blood infection and passed on day 7, January 26, 2010. “Our faith, family and support from our church has been a tremendous lift. It has been a tough time to say the least. I just got clearance to start training again in April. When I learned of the Kona Lottery, I realized how blessed I am and need to use this opportunity to celebrate how great God is. With him, anything is possible.” Amen to that. Follow Brian on his journey at http://www.journeytokona.com/


Brian we are all praying and cheering for you to have a great race in Kona this year as you represent His glory during a very special event.