Athletes In Christ


Phoenix 2002
Praise the Lord for a powerful Athletes International Ministries (AIM) 18th Annual Conference and Awards Banquet. The conference and banquet were held at the Radisson Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona over the weekend of June 27-30, 2002. Barry Batson, Executive Director of Athletes in Christ(AIC) and Jesse Curtis, Board of Directors AIC, were in attendance as special guests of Joe Jackson, ex-NFL player and Pro-Director of AIM. Special thanks go to AIM, Joe Jackson and to Hide-Away Storage for their special donations. Awards Banquet The Annual AIM banquet can be considered the Grammies of Christian Athletics. Many stars were in attendance for a special evening to honor the 2002 Athletes of the Year. Over the past 18 years, more than 7000 athletes have attended the banquet and conference. Past Awards recipients include: Tom Landry, Bill McCartney, Barry Sanders, Reggie White, A.C. Green, Deion Sanders, Charlie Ward, Evander Holyfield, Napolean Kaufman, Ted Di Biase, and Superstar Billy Graham. The 2002 Athletes of the Year who were honored at the banquet are: Chuck Norris Lifetime Achievement Award Aaron Norris Hall of Faith Award Derrick Harris NFL Man of the Year (San Diego Chargers) Mike Davis Mens Coach of the Year (Indiana University) Jim Marshall Hall of Faith Award (Minnesota Vikings) Rope Myers Rodeo Athlete of the Year Charli-Turner Thorne Womens Coach of the Year (Arizona State University) Conference A diverse group of athletes and their families representing the NFL, CFL, NBA, MBL, NHL, NCAA Sports, Olympic Sports, Rodeo, Auto Racing, and the WWF were in attendance for this years conference. God really worked in the lives of those who attended through the life changing messages that were spoken by some of Americas most gifted ministers of the gospel. Powerful, life-changing sessions were lead by Bishop Carlos Malone (Miami, FL), Allen and Cheryl Rice (Houston, TX), Bishop Jack Wallace (Detroit World Outreach), and Jentezen Franklin (Free Chapel Worship Center). Many 1st time commitments to Christ were made as well as Baptisms in the Holy Spirit. On the last night, a water baptism was held in the pool at the Radisson Resort. Marriages were strengthened and many lives were changed. The final event of the conference was an Athletes Service at the 7000 seat sanctuary of Phoenix 1st Assembly of God. This church is one of AIMs partner churches along with the support of Pastor Tommy Barnett. The Omega Force Strength Team performed and athletes gave their testimonies in a powerful Sunday morning service. One of the highlights of the conference was the athlete outreach trip to the Adobe Mountain and Black Canyon Detention Centers. Over 175 young men and women gave their lives to Christ as the WWF Wrestlers and Omega Force Strength Team shared their testimonies. The Road Warriors, Sean Michaels, Sting, and Nikita Kollov were able to tell these kids how Jesus loves them, wherever they are and in spite of what they have done. Praise the Lord that this group of men have been blessed with the platform they have in order to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Some of the Athletes that attended the conference and banquet include: NFL Joe Jackson Jets,Vikings Mike Jackson Browns Jim Marshall Vikings ML Harris Bengals John Mackie Colts (Hall of Fame) Mark Gastineau Jets Napolean Kaufman Raiders Nick Lowry Cardinals Derrick Harris Chargers Michael Banks Cardinals WWF Superstar Billy Graham Ted DiBiase Nikita Kollov Road Warriors Sean Michaels Sting Others Chuck Norris Charli Turner-Thorne Arizona State University Womens Basketball Coach Rope Myers Rodeo Champion Madiline Manning-Mimms Olympic Runner and Gold Medalist Eric Ogletree Univ.of Kentucky Football Rick Baldwin New York Mets More News 08/16/10 - Bullington tops Yanks for first career win 12/08/09 - Carnes Accepts The Conboy Trophy 08/23/08 - Sports writer remembered for devotion to kids 08/19/08 - JR House called up to Astros 12/19/07 - 2008 Major League Believer Baseball Clinic 06/19/07 - TRUE VICTORY FOOTBALL CAMP 10/03/06 - Chris Sharek 07/18/06 - Duncan and Hendricks Launch Holy Fires Website 02/19/06 - Kelley Releases CD 09/07/05 - Please Help Our Brothers at Desire Street 06/23/05 - Gators and LaPorta Advance 01/28/05 - Baseball with a Vision 01/13/05 - 2nd Annual Baseball with a Vision Baseball Camp 12/14/04 - Bring A Gift Baseball Camp 05/24/04 - J.R. House Named PCL Batter-of-the-Week 12/18/03 - Golden Hurricane in Bowl Game 04/09/03 - John Wasdin Tosses Perfect Game for AAA Nashville 11/14/02 - Dunaway to Instruct Pirates 10/21/02 - Athletes In Christ and the Sarasota Red Sox Host Concert and Baseball Clinic 04/24/02 - Mission Possible! 04/08/02 - Rix Leads FSU in Garnet and Gold Game 03/16/02 - Barnett Pitches First Perfect Game