Miami County Wrestler Answers The Call To Be an ‘Athlete in Action’

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By: Kathleen McDermott Goodman, Editor 

 

“I feel like this is my calling; the thing I am supposed to do.” – Canaan Berry, Milton-Union Wrestler

 

On Saturdays during the wrestling season, you will either find Canaan Berry at a wrestling tournament or Young Spirits practice. “Those who know me know that I work hard to be the best wrestler that I can be,” says Berry. “Two of the most important things in my life have been wrestling and my faith. However, I also work hard at being the best person that I can be and, because of these efforts, I have been presented with a tremendous opportunity.”

 

A sophomore at Milton-Union High School, Berry has the chance to combine two of his loves by competing on a wrestling team sponsored by Athletes in Action (AIA), the athletic ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC). AIA is a faith-based organization that uses athletes to evangelize the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

The team will be competing in Mongolia & will be working with the AIA/CCC in-country staff to help build relationships with athletes, fans, coaches, and officials to help them accelerate their ministries by sharing the life-changing message of Christ through personal conversations and group presentations.

 

“I look forward to this test of my faith and I am excited to see how God will use this experience to advance His kingdom through the work He will do in my life,” says Berry. His personal goals for the summer include deepening his spiritual relationship with Christ, learning how to share his faith more effectively, developing leadership skills, and leading people to their own personal relationship with Christ.

 

“When I get to Heaven, I hope to have a Mongolian with cauliflower ear thank me for sharing the message of Christ with them,” says Rob Bronson. Bronson is the wrestling director for AIA. In December 2012 Berry was at Carr Wrestling Club in Tipp City, owned and operated by Coach Nate Carr, an Olympian and minister. Carr put Berry in touch with Bronson after noticing the T-shirt Berry was wearing which simply said, ‘Bible Smuggler’. Berry got the shirt last summer while on a two-week mission trip with his grandfather in China, where he spread the message of Christianity and passed out bibles.

 

Berry applied to AIA and after making a great impression on Bronson, his drill partner at Carr’s, he was accepted. To prepare for the trip, Berry will be studying freestyle wrestling. He will also be in contact with Steve Barrett, a former US National Champion now living in Mongolia, who will be his AIA in-country contact.

 

Some may say it is no small coincidence that Berry began wrestling in the fourth grade, which puts him in his seventh year, and accepted Christ as his Savior at the age of nine as well. He has remained dedicated and focused on both, which is why it is no surprise to his father, Kevin, that he has the full backing of his family and friends for this important step in his life. “This is a great opportunity for him,” says the senior Berry, “to help him develop his testimony and discover just exactly who he is.”

 

Needless to say, this trip will require a great investment of Berry’s time and energy. But the team is made up of more than just the wrestlers and coaches traveling. They are looking for interested individuals, who are willing to invest in their ministry, and thereby become part of the team as they travel, compete, and minister to others.

 

Each member of the team is asked to raise $3,900, a portion of the team’s goal, which will cover food, lodging, travel, and other team expenses. All funds must be raised by May 15, 2013, in order for the team to report to training camp.

 

Financial support can be given online at  https://give.cru.org/give/GiftDetail  by entering Berry’s account number 0698053 in the “Give A Gift” box. You can also write a check payable to ATHLETES IN ACTION or CAMPUS CRUSADE and return it to MiltonNews DAILY at 511 South Miami Street, West Milton, OH, 45383. PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BERRY’S NAME  IN THE ‘MAKE PAYABLE’ OR ‘MEMO LINE’ OF THE CHECK PER IRS & NCAA GUIDELINES.

 

Donations can be made as a one-time gift, or a monthly gift if preferred. Contributors will receive a receipt for this tax-deductible donation.

 

Berry is also more than willing to talk to any church and/or organization regarding his experience once he gets back. Please feel free to contact him via MiltonNews with your request.

 

Berry is asking for help from the West Milton community as well as churches, businesses and residents in Miami County. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a young man growing up in our small corner of the world to share the love of Jesus Christ to the people of Mongolia. Aside from any financial support, Berry also requests prayers for a successful trip and for the continued efforts of AIA & CCC.

 

If you have any questions regarding Berry or his trip to Mongolia with AIA/CCC, please feel free to contact him via the editor of MiltonNews by emailing her at editor@miltonnewsdaily.com.

For more information on AIA, please visit http://www.athletesinaction.org/ .

 

 

Canaan Berry Wrestling at Sectionals; Photo by Mia Richardson
Canaan Berry Wrestling at Sectionals; Photo by Mia Richardson

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