 Knicks' Charlie Ward is short for NBA, but he's a pillar of faith Religion Today Friday, September 15, 2000
Ward, 29, was raised in a Christian home. He is the grandson of a minister and became a Christian at age 12. His athletic skills have taken him a long way from his hometown of Thomasville, Ga., and the 6'-2", 190-pound six-year NBA veteran has kept his faith strong. Heisman Trophy winner His abilities took him to Tallahassee, Fla., where he played quarterback for the Florida State football team and led the Seminoles to a national championship in 1993. The same year he won the Heisman Trophy, awarded for the most outstanding player in college football. He chose professional basketball over football, and in 1994 was drafted in the first round by the Knicks. Ward was not enthused at first about being in New York, feeling it was too big, loud, and crowded, he said. He struggled to become a starter, and in the 1997-98 season broke through – and began to see that God had a plan to minister to his teammates. "I've learned that wherever I am, the Lord has blessed me to be there," Ward told Religion Today. "I didn't ask to be where I am but God put me here for a reason. He gave me a platform to talk about him." Speaks to students, coaches Ward used that platform to speak to several hundred students, administrators, and pastors at a back-to-school prayer gathering in Cary, N.C., Sept. 10, one of many speeches he makes to Christian groups. He also spoke at a church gathering of 20 high school athletes and coaches. "Whatever you do, you have an influence whether for good or for evil," Ward told the high school assembly. He encouraged his listeners to pray and memorize verses from the Bible, then act boldly for Christ. Memorizing a Scripture on Sunday night and relying on the verse throughout the week helps Christians overcome temptation and present a strong testimony, he said. "God has a plan for everyone's life, but Satan will try to block it," and a person's preparation for spiritual challenges determines the outcome, Ward said. "It's the same as if you had a test in school: If you don't prepare for that test, then you aren't expecting a very good outcome." Cross provides perspective Ward has taken some knocks for his Christian testimony, but continues to reach out to teammates and other NBA players. He handles criticism by remembering what Jesus suffered during His trial and crucifixion, he said. "Looking at the cross puts your life in perspective. If He went through [persecution], then you have to go through it." Difficult initial years in New York helped Ward grow into a spiritual leader, he said. Other Christians joined the team, "but they were all cut or traded, and that left me," he said. Acting on advice from Reggie White, a National Football League player known for his Christian testimony, Ward started a weekly Bible study for the team. Members pray after games with Christians from other teams, asking that God make them good witnesses for the faith and that injured players will be healed, Ward said. Ward approaches others on the team in a quiet way. He finds out what kind of music they like and buys them Christian CDs, passes out devotional books, and gives away copies of inspirational books that he thinks will be helpful. Players sometimes reject the gifts, "but at least I've done my part," he said. The best way to minister to people is to live a good life, Ward said. "If you treat people right, as you would want to be treated, then they can't say much against you." Putting aside pride and admitting mistakes is important, he said. "None of us is perfect, and acknowledging when you're wrong, getting rid of your pride – that is being an example" of a Christian. |
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