Sydney Kings captain Jason Smith will give his testimony in front of hundreds of young basketball fans at the Sydney Entertainment Centre this Saturday night.
The 194 cm tall "small forward', who is also captain of the national basketball team, the Boomers, will share journey of faith in Jesus at the conclusion of the NBL game between the Sydney Kings and the South Dragons.
Jason says he excited to have the opportunity to share his faith with so many people in a public forum.
"I thought it was a good platform to get my story out there and a chance to reach some people with my faith," he says.
"I will talk about how I became a Christian, what my faith in Jesus has done in my life and how it affects my sporting career, then I will give others on opportunity to participate in making the same decision for themselves."
The unprecedented event is the result of 18 months of planning and negotiations between Bible Society NSW, Campus Crusade for Christ sports ministry " Athletes in Action and Sydney Kings management.
Bible Society NSW Youth and Children's worker Mark Brown says Sydney Kings' management has been very supportive of the event.
"The Kings see the worth in what we are doing," Mr Brown says.
"They know Jason is a Christian and they respect what he stands for."
This event is part of a long term strategy of Bible Society NSW that is equipping sports stars to share their faith in the media.
"We have run several training days for elite Christian athletes to help them share their faith and witness openly in the media," Mr Brown says.
Jason says he values these training days.
"The first one had about 20 people, this year we had 40 and we are still hearing about other Christians in the sporting arena. It's a great resource for learning about sharing your faith and we hope it continues to grow."
"As a professional athlete I have the responsibility of being a role model and as Christian I have a responsibility to spread the good news of the gospel," Jason says.
Jason is also hoping to organize a pre-season game between Athletes in Action and the Sydney Kings next year.
"I want to use the whole game as a Christian event with a gospel presentation."
The Sydney Kings versus South Dragons game tips off at 7:30pm this Saturday night at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. Jason Smith will share his testimony with fans on the court at the conclusion of the contest followed by a session of autograph signings.
Schools and churches are being offered discount ticket rates of $10 each for group bookings.
Any group which sells 70 or more tickets will receive a visit from some of the Sydney Kings who will run a Free Sydney Kings Basketball Training Clinic at their venue.
To get involved contact Mark Brown from Bible Society NSW on 0417 467 076 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
