Mission
Sportspersons Ministries International serves God by helping Christian churches, organizations, and individuals start and nurture thriving outdoor ministries. We are committed to reaching the outdoors person with the message of Christ, nurturing them in the faith, and enjoying with them the wonders of God’s creation.
Vision We envision an international network of ministry, which shares resources and encourages each other to reach and nurture non-Christian and Christian outdoor people with the message of Christ.
Values Shooting Straight We want to be blameless, honest, and forthright in all we do.
  Sharing the Story Our activities and partnerships will be motivated by the message of Jesus, as set forth in the Bible.
  Enjoying the Outdoors We encourage and facilitate the enjoyment of outdoor activities.
  Relishing Adventure We desire to live and lead others into a life that involves taking risks, trying new things, and being unafraid to fail as God leads.
  Fostering “Deer Camp”Relationships We wish to connect with and value outdoor people at a “deer camp” level of warmth and hospitality.
  Keeping Tight Lines We measure our success solely by how effectively we foster the growth
of outdoor ministries.
  Traveling Light We build only those policies, systems, and structures that are needed to
accomplish our mission.
Strategy    
  1. Motivate and train people and groups to start Sportspersons ministries that fit their settings through conferences, coaching, consultations and publications.
  2. Build a network of Sportspersons Ministries for mutual support, learning and joint ministries.
  3. Offer ministry-focused hunting and fishing trips, especially for people whose life situations make it difficult for them to hear the Good News and to fellowship with other Christians.
  4. Experiment with new forms of outdoor ministry through the Sportspersons Club of Kelloggsville Christian Reformed Church.
Governance    
Sportspersons Ministries International (SMI) is a State of Michigan non-profit corporation for religious purposes, organized to help churches and para-church organizations establish sports clubs that pursue evangelistic programs. SMI is a charitable organization, designated as a 501 (c) (3) corporation by the Internal Revenue Service. A self-perpetuating board of directors is comprised of the following persons:
 

Daniel Ackerman, Secretary
Gary J. Bekker, Vice President
Allen Bomers
Jeff Helms

Rick Heuvelman, President
Mark Niewiadomski
Calvin Vander Wal
Thomas Van Laan, Treasurer
Adminstration    
Rev. Maury De Young, a minister of the Christian Reformed Church, serves as Executive Director.
Pastor De Young
  In the past several years, Pastor Maury DeYoung, the founder of Kelloggsville Church Sportspersons Club, has helped 100 churches from 10 different denominations develop their own outdoor ministries. Interest has been so strong that in 2004, Sportspersons Ministry International was founded for the purpose of "assisting churches, groups, and individuals to design ministries to expose outdoor people to the Good News."
He is among the many who crave the fellowship, tranquility, and inner peace that being intimate with nature and the outdoor sports provides. He is also a practicing pastor who has helped countless individuals better understand the word of God. An avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting deer with a bow and firearm, chasing upland birds with pointers, waterfowling, rabbit hunting, bird watching and a wealth of other outdoor pursuits, Maury De Young has found a unique way to share his love of the outdoors and his love of God with all who will listen.

   
     
  God has worked in amazing ways through this type of ministry. Here are a few examples: .A young woman attended a Hunter's Safety class, then a few club seminars. A few weeks later while sitting in her tree stand, "it all made sense" and she put her trust in Jesus. Now she, her husband, and her kids are Christians, and lead a ministry in their local church.

A rugged outdoorsman and former Vietnam Marine Sergeant began attending club seminars with his foster boys. Gradually, barriers started to crumble. It took 8 years, but one day he shared how he had put his trust in Jesus. His life was so changed that his wife renewed her commitment to Christ, and within a year all of their children had as well.

A man who came to Sunday worship, but always made a beeline for the door as soon as the service ended, started attending some Sportspersons activities. He is now actively involved in leadership in both the club and the church, because someone took the time to get to know him. Now his wife can't get him to quit talking of church after Sunday services are done!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
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