By Megan Young
Editor
CLINTON, Miss. — When Nathan Ball was a freshman in college, he prayed a simple prayer — “God, please provide me with deep Gospel friendships.” That prayer would lead him to his campus Baptist Student Union (BSU), around the world on mission, and back again to serve as the college and missions pastor at First Baptist Church, Clinton.
Knowing that his college summers would be the best time for him to freely follow God and discern His calling on his life, Ball got involved in collegiate summer missions through the BSU. That led him to serve in sports evangelism in East Asia, inner city evangelism in England, and inner city evangelism at a Christian sports camp in the United States.
On these mission trips, Ball got the opportunity to share God’s love with unreached people and the Gospel with those who had never considered it before. Just as importantly, though, the Lord used each successive summer to plant seeds in Ball’s life.
“I learned that while I was on those mission trips, God didn’t just want me to do isolated trips that had nothing to do with the rest of my life,” said Ball, “but He wanted to use those trips to make me more of a disciple of His on a regular daily basis.”
As he entered his senior year, Ball sensed that God was calling him into full-time ministry. Fifteen years later, he has come full circle, discipling college students in search of Gospel friendships and a chance to serve the Lord.
“I’m helping to equip people that are in a very similar place to what I was as a freshman in college,” said Ball, “providing a place of community, providing opportunities to share the Gospel, and giving opportunities to take the good news to unreached peoples around the world.
“These opportunities are made possible in part because people like you give to the Margaret Lackey state offering. Thank you for giving because this helps college students know Jesus in Mississippi and make Jesus known all around the world.”
For more information about the Margaret Lackey State Offering and to watch a video featuring Nathan Ball, visit www.margaretlackey.com.
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