TEAMJAM



THE DIVINE SOLDIERS

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Jason & Brandon Wallace. Brandon and Tara continue their ministry to children as the youth directors at their church. Jason and Brandon’s “Holy Hip Hop” group called the Divine Soldiers still produce new songs and perform concerts in neighboring states & Ohio () Their ministry also includes a new venture into ministering to young people suffering from depression. This past year Jason’s 17 yr old niece ended her own life, heightening his awareness of this growing trend among teens. The result is a musical ministry and recording geared toward helping to provide Christs solution for the troubles that cause such a tragic decision.

J-737

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Jeff McIntyre is a hip hop music evangelist. He calls himself J737 because of John 7:37. Jeff is married and performs concerts in Indiana. The McIntyre’s are completely committed to youth ministry. Jeff is originally from Springfield, Illinois. ().

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Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court in Cleveland where John Saucier works.

OTHER STUFF!

John’s involvement in the lives of his own children provide additional opportunities. These include AAU teams, indoor and outdoor girls soccer, middle school track, high school band, Hope Community church’s “Sports Plus” program and the church’s AWANA program.

DAVE SPOHN – Hudson HS

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Dave is a Hudson HS teacher, president of his teachers union, and former coach. Dave has introduced us to the College World Series in Nebraska and the Hudson HS Leadership conference that he leads. Each of the past two years, they have invited John and four students from Streetsboro HS. Five of these students we were already ministering to, as well as some from Hudson’s group.

BRIAN WELLS – INTERN

Each year, nearby Aurora HS encourages graduating seniors to “shadow” professionals in a career of interest for 2-3 weeks in May. This year, John Wells’ son Brian, shadowed John on visits to pro athletes (including Ben Zobrist) middle school track practices, high schools, St. V-St. Mary lunch time devotional mtgs, met with various coaches, learned how to introduce Christ into conversations and impact his own peers. Brian is now a football student/athlete at Grove City College in Pa.

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FLASHBACK!! Ed and Irv Smith, once in John’s NJ youth group and both NFL veterans. Ed now hosts a Christian sports talks show in AZ. Past radio shows can be heard on his website. |SHAWN AND MOLLY LAZARUS

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Shawn has been chaplain of the Akron Aeros (AA, Indians), initiates ministry to the Michigan U. FB team, mentors local HS athletes, initiates speaking opportunities with HS football teams in Michigan, New York, and Pa, leading Rivals Team Up (), and works with Molly in directing Safety City in Canal Fulton.. All this is done while he travels in his private business as an energy performance sub-contractor. His work has taken him to Kansas, Kentucky, Indiana, Mass., Missouri, New York, Oklahoma, and Pa.

Before Shawn travels, he contacts HS football coaches in the area he is visiting and offers to speak to their teams. Sometimes, he just shows up at the practices. Then after practice, and with permission from the HS coach, he shares with team members how Christ changed his life and how to know more about Him. On the front page of this newsletter we already explained the incredible response at Port Huron, L’Anse, North Branch and St. Clair in Michigan. There was also continued ministry among peers, employees, local workers and TEAM JAM athletes he works with during these trips, significantly impacting their spiritual growth.

Shawn was licensed this year as a minister by his home church and performed his first wedding for a pro baseball player he met thru the Akron Aeros chapels. He also ministered to the Trewin family during the long illness that ended the life of 10 yr old Ryan. But even this simple faithfulness to the Trewin family resulted in an unexpected ministry to ex-Cleveland Browns football coach Eric Mangini.

As Shawn and Molly welcome their fourth child into their home (born 12/14/11), the year has been remembered as a fulfilling challenge to follow Christ personally as a marital partner, parent and tent making minister. Some of the more high profile ministry opportunities (Akron Aeros, University of Michigan Football, Cleveland Browns) have been overshadowed by the satisfaction that has come from more consistent intimate contact with people God has arranged for them to quietly work with.  It's pretty exciting to simply following Gods lead (nudges) without any strings attached and see who he leads us to.

“SUCCESS” IS WHEN WE UNSELFISHLY USE ALL OUR RESOURCES TO HONOR GOD AND INVEST IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS.

. PRO BASEBALL

We completed our eighth year as chaplain of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, the rookie minor league team of the Cleveland Indians system. Shawn Lazarus completed his fourth season as chaplain of the Indians AA affiliate, the Akron Aeros. We have access to most all the Indians draft picks and continue relationships thru their rise in the organization. Four players on the Mahoning team began their relationship with Christ this summer.

This long term consistency has allowed us to witness these young men grow spiritually, infiltrate the major leagues, change careers, become coaches, and even better, return to their communities and coach, work, or invest in young people. Some of these are Josh Holden, Joe Ness, Cody Strait, and Wyatt Toregas. Though most of these men are still growing toward spiritual maturity (as any of us are!), there have been significant steps made by all of them. Current and past Cleveland Indians include: Jamey Carroll (now with Minnesota) Trevor Crowe, Tony Sipp, Drew Sutton (now with Atlanta), Josh Tomlin, and Wyatt Toregas (coaching w/ Pittsburgh).

Responses from visiting teams are often as great as with our own teams. We continue to develop those relationships, such as with Ben Zobrist of Tampa Bay. Other times we have unique opportunities to have challenging conversations about Christ on a one-time basis, such as when Josh Hamilton began his pro comeback in the minor leagues a couple years ago with Tampa and with young Washington phenom Bryce Harper this past summer.

Because of Baseball Chapel, we now have relationships with over 140 additional players and personnel in several organizations.

AKRON U BASKETBALL

Over ten years ago we met freshman Matt Futch from Akron Buchtel. He was being mentored by Greg Lewis. Matt was raised by his grandmother and had a difficult upbringing, but grew to be a 6’9” 300 lb. star, who also played for and graduated from Akron U. Since then he has worked with at-risk teens and schools in Akron, coached at both St.V-St. Mary and Akron Buchtel, and is now an assistant coach for Akron U. Because of Matt we have significant access with Akron U’s team and his daily presence (and that of another assistant, Charles Thomas) has meant that there is impressive mentoring in place. Matt’s friendship with peers from the Akron area has also been critical to our continued access to area college and pro stars. His continued growth and desire to challenge others to follow Christ is the key to this progress.

ED SMITH’S RADIO SHOW

On Edward_Smith_Jr.html you

can hear the interview done in Nov. by Ed Smith (former pro baseball player AND NFL player w/ Atlanta Falcons) as he hosts conversation regarding the relationship between his father’s testimony of a changed life, himself and John. |MULTIPLICATION

Numerous athletes are replicating our ministry with them. The results are immeasurable. Of those impacting their own circles of influence, the following have been the most impressive: Tony Britt, Tony Stockman, Jeff Hildebrand, Mike DeRienzo, Shawn Lazarus, Jeff McIntosh, Jason and Brandon Wallace.

There are additional men who also continue to impact youth through daily interaction at the school level. Matt Futch (Akron U), Jeff Gough (Hudson), Phil Heyn (Revere), Jared Villars (St. V-St. Mary wrestling), Tron Jenkins (from Barberton HS & Akron U/ now Akron St. V-St. Mary), Stephen Laird (Streetsboro), Willie McGhee (Akron St. V-St. Mary), Charlie McKee (AAU Basketball), Tony Overton (Cleveland Glenville football and track), Ricky Powers (Akron Buchtel Football), Connor Reilly (Hudson HS football), Dan Stricko (Mahoning Valley Baseball), and Josh Timmons (from Kenston HS/ Kenston HS basketball) are all having significant influence on the team and community in which they work. Some focus on athletic and personal development while others are burdened to develop the spiritual lives of the youth they coach.

There are others who are coaching OUTSIDE our area such as: Barry Chamberlain (from Dubois, Pa./basketball in Texas), Eric Lichter (Ohio State FB), Andy McCollum (youth sports in Missouri).

We have also had the privilege to minister to several major college coaches through the recruiting process or as speakers to their pre-game chapel services. Not all are Christians but we have either helped them in their personal life, their relationship with Christ or with solving serious needs of their players. These include:

Brian Bidlingmeir W-Milwaukee ass’t mens basketball coach

Tom Dempsey Rider U. head mens basketball coach

Barclay Radebaugh Charleston Southern U. head basketball

Keith Dambrot Akron U. mens basketball coach

Brady Hoke U. of Michigan head football coach

Jeff Meyer U. of Michigan ass’t mens basketball coach

Gregg Marshall Wichita State U. head basketball coach

Greg Schiano Rutgers U. head football coachz

Jerry Slocum Youngstown State U head basketball coach

Zach Spiker Army (West Point), head mens basketball coach

Charles Thomas Akron U., mens ass’t basketball coach

STREETSBORO BASKETBALL OUTREACH AND FUNDRAISER

Last December 27th we held a fundraiser for the Streetsboro basketball program that John’s son (Johnathan Saucier) and several other TEAM JAM athletes (Ben and Brandon Gency, Jordan Matusik, Dorian Williams) were members. Because the event benefited the school and was “off-site”, the school supported our hosting an evangelistic event for the families and team at Hope Community Church, raising $1500 and involving numerous TEAM JAM guests. Almost 200 people attended even though it wasn’t marketed to churches. The event featured the music ministry of the Divine Soldiers and the testimonies of Wyatt Toregas (Pittsburgh Pirates), Rob Eggers (Indiana U. basketball), Greg Lewis (Pro Basketball), Dante Booker (Pro Football), Robert Wilson (Gannon U.), Carrington Hanna, Cory Lanterman, Alex Gideon (Harvard U. football captain), Gabe Adams, Brian Jones (Akron U decathlete), Jimmy Oliver (ex-NBA), and Shawn and Molly Lazarus.

FAITHFUL SUPPORTERS

The core of our ministry support comes from four churches. Their combined support equals $11,000. West Hill Baptist (Akron) has faithfully supported the longest (since 1991). Medina First Baptist has been our most generous supporter, since 1994. Hope Community (Hudson) supports us generously and serves as a ministry partner. Faith Baptist (Streetsboro) frequently allows us to use their church gym for outreach. All these churches play a critical supportive role.

FINANCES

For years I have heard, “Is your goal to raise enough money to someday do ministry with TEAM JAM on a full time basis?” Well, early on it was – but instead of focusing on that financial goal, we focused on ministering on a full time basis anyway and fit a full time occupation in on the “side”, such as my own job as a juvenile corrections officer. Though that wasn’t the ideal plan, in a little over 3 years, I will be able to retire (25 yrs) and TEAM JAM ministry will be my full time focus, funded by government retirement funds. Meanwhile, TEAM JAM’s staff remain uncompensated. Our annual expenses are approximately $25-30,000. Donations are used strictly to help us access and communicate with ministry targets. This year our donation income is presently $8,000 less than normal. – John Saucier

PRO BASKETBALL – Tony Stockman Feature

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Tony is currently playing pro basketball in Mexico. A graduate of both Medina HS in Ohio and Ohio State U., Tony has also played pro ball in France, Israel, and Brazil. He and his wife Brittany are the proud parents of three young boys and together have grown spiritually in spite of tremendous adversity. Tony’s focus in life is to minister to kids.

This past year, Tony was a featured guest speaker who shared his testimony at area churches, at the Alive Festival, Hope Community Church’s sports camp (Hudson, O.) and for Youth for Christ at their Faith Day with the Cleveland Indians. He also worked in the off season at Berea Children’s home.

TONY’S TESTIMONY

Basketball has always ruled my life. Yet, even with success at Medina HS (all time leading scorer, Ohio’s Co-Mr. Basketball in 2000), I was still searching for more. I was making bad decisions, trying to fill this void in my life. After God blessed me with a basketball scholarship at Clemson U., my success continued. When I made the All ACC freshman team, though, something was still missing. My poor decisions to hang out, drink, chase girls, etc ...didn’t fill that void. This led me to decide to transfer to The Ohio State University to be closer to home and family, share my success with them and be happier. My success continued at Ohio State. After leading my team in scoring my jr year, my sr year started even better! But after my girlfriend, Brittany, (wife now) gave birth to our first son, we discovered that he, Tayden, was born with a large cyst on his brain.  Through the stress, confusion and frustration of all the things that were going on with Tayden, it broke me. Basketball was a struggle, as was class, and just getting to the hospital to visit my son. I was at the point where I was asking "Why me?!". But that's when I realized that I wasn't a living a "God-Honoring Life", I was living a "Me-Honoring Life", worrying only about me., and to hear “Good Job Tony”. Having Tayden has helped me understand that everything is NOT all about me.  I started to read the Bible, ask questions, surrendered my life to God, and started my spiritual growth.  As I continue to grow, I see that God has a plan for everyone. I understand that what I was missing earlier was a balance between God, family, and basketball. With my faith, balance, and even life’s challenges, I have peace about my eternity and purpose. I know through Jesus Christ all things are possible. 

ATHLETES IN THE NEWS

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Drew Sutton (Boston) Gency’s, Saucier’s #49 Alex Gideon- captain #61 Bill Nagy

Hope Community Church’s SPORTS PLUS program involved several TEAM JAM athletes including: local HS basketball stars Ben and Brandon Gency (Streetsboro), Johnathan Saucier (WRA), soccer standout Hannah Saucier (Streetsboro), local legends and current college standouts Cory Lanterman and Robert Wilson (Gannon), former Akron U stars Matt Futch and Darryl Peterson, and current pro and former Ohio State Star Tony Stockman. . . . . former Hudson HS and Wisconsin U. football star Bill Nagy is a rookie in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys. After earning a starting role, he suffered a season ending broken ankle. . . . Alex Gideon, (Hudson HS, Harvard), was captain of Harvard’s football team, Ivy League first team, all New England, and returned an interception for a TD on final play of his career against Yale. Harvard won the league championship. . . .Dante Booker’s son, Dante Booker, Jr., was a sophomore defensive end for St.V-St. M. Dante was all-district and is a top prospect in Ohio. . . . .Brandon Gency and Dorian Williams (Streetsboro) were named special mention all-state for football. Dorian is a top prospect at RB and Brandon is a top prospect at linebacker. . . . . Josh Holden (Hudson HS, West Point, Cincinnati Reds) has returned from his military deployment and has completed his military commitment . . . . . . current Michigan U FB coach Brady Hoke is a former position coach of Shawn Lazarus. He had Shawn provide chapel for his team when he was at Ball State, resulting in on going ministry with him personally and the team. . . . Brandon Wallace provided one of Kent State U’s football chapels this season.

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