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By meeting people where they are, Nelson has clearly shown the need for Christians to build meaningful relationships. Sometimes that requires traveling to the far regions of the earth. But oftentimes, there are local outreach opportunities that have been overlooked.

"When most people think of finding some secret gem, they think it has to be in some obscure place in Africa or Russia," said Nelson. "When we go to Europe, every NBA scout always ends up in Frankfurt—that's the hub of the whole continent."

Only Nelson traveled the one hour from Frankfurt to Wurzburg, however, in order to convince Nowitzki to join the Dallas Mavericks. This year, the five-time NBA All-Star finished third in MVP balloting while leading Dallas to its first NBA finals appearance.

But for all of Nelson's successes—he has also won three bronze medals as an assistant coach for the Lithuanian national team and is the chief advisor for the Chinese national basketball team—he has remained focused on what sports can contribute to society.

"At the end of the day, all that stuff—all the Olympic and international hardware—sits in the sock drawer," Nelson explains. "It's how you impact people, and for some of us who are blessed to be on the NBA stage—our audience is global."

Jason Bailey is a Christianity Today news intern.

Copyright © 2006 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Earlier Play Ball columns include:

Onward Christian Shortstops | The Colorado Rockies make a noble—if problematic—plan for winning. (June 1, 2006)

Incomplete Sentences | Many pro athletes convicted of a crime are sentenced to a lame excuse for "community service." It's time for the legal system to show a little backbone. (May 11, 2006)

Bowling Alone No More | A stealth revolution in attitude may be brewing. (May 4, 2006)

Sports as Soap Opera | Sportswriters seem to have forgotten their godly calling. By Mark Galli (April 27,2006)

'You Trying to Say Jesus Christ Can't Hit a Curveball?' | Fans vent their frustration on struggling slugger who professes religious devotion. By Collin Hansen (Apr., 20, 2006)

Un Problema Grande, No? | What major league baseball reveals about the dangers of immigration. By Mark Galli (Apr. 13, 2006)

WWJWD? | In the wake of UCLA's loss in Monday's NCAA championship game, I couldn't help but wonder: What would John Wooden do? By Mark Moring (April 6, 2006)

There IS Crying in Basketball | If only we all had something so precious to weep about. By Collin Hansen (March 30, 2006)

Pirates vs. Braves | Reforming sports one city at a time. By Mark Galli (March 23, 2006)

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June (Web-only) 2006, Vol. 50