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Key Bible Verse: We sent Timothy … to strengthen and encourage you in your faith (1 Thessalonians 3:2). Bonus Reading: Acts 16:1-3; 1 Timothy 4:11-16

As a Detroit Tigers pitcher (1985-93), left-hander Frank Tanana won 96 games. Cocky at the outset of his career, his fastball made him the No. 1 pick in the 1971 draft, and American League Rookie Pitcher of the Year in '73. Then, 10 years later, he committed his life to Jesus Christ. "That," he says, "was when I honestly humbled myself for the first time and asked for forgiveness."

Whether leading Tigers Bible studies, organizing chapels, or discipling teammates, Frank's goal was now to tell others how they too could have a personal relationship with God.

After the 1993 season, Tanana hung up his cleats and tossed his rosin bag in his locker (this time in the Yankees' clubhouse) for the last time.

Now, a lot of Frank's time is spent in discipling other men. "In my 15 years of being a Christian," he explains, "I've seen a shallowness and lack of depth in the lives of many Christian guys. Sadly there's not a lot going on—even with guys who've been believers for a long time." So Frank started two discipleship groups that focus on prayer, memorizing Scripture, and teaching men how to spend personal time studying the Bible.

—Gwen Diaz in Sports Spectrum

• How can you share Christ with those around you?

Thought to Apply: We need someone on whom our character may mold itself: you'll never make the crooked straight without a ruler.

—SENECA (Roman statesman, 1st century)

Credits: Adapted from— Friday: Boyhood Daze (Bethany, 1999)

Copyright © 2000 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity. For reprint information click here.

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