The Indiana Wesleyan University softball team started off the season praying for the opportunity to make the World Series — not for the chance to win a trophy, but for the platform to share Jesus with other teams. And a platform is exactly what the Lord provided.
The Wildcats found themselves at the NAIA World Series in Georgia at the end of May. At a coaches’ meeting, IWU Softball Head Coach Steve Babinski extended an initial invitation for all ten teams to attend a worship night at the stadium.
Shortly after, the IWU softball team attended an NAIA-hosted social where they were able to dance, laugh and break down competitive walls with the other teams.
“Relationships were forged, leading to the acceptance of the invitation to Saturday’s praise and worship night,” said Babinski. “An invitation, through relationship, that led to the opening of hearts and ears to hear from God.”
The evening started with praise and worship, followed by players and coaches from different teams talking about what God had been teaching them.
Reagen Radke, IWU graduate transfer, also shared her testimony with the group and spoke about how IWU has helped her grow deeper in her faith. In a planned baptism, Babinski gave Radke the opportunity to outwardly and boldly display her love and commitment to Christ.
Babinski then asked if God had been stirring in anyone else’s heart to be baptized. By the time it was 2 a.m., 17 individuals — including players and coaches from five different schools — said “yes” to being baptized.
Two athletes came to know the Lord for the first time that night as well.
“That night was amazing!” said Babinski. “We are still getting emails, texts, and calls of the ripples of that night. God was at work long before the World Series and will be at work long after.”
The bold faith that the IWU softball team exemplified at the World Series is an inspiring example of the humble aim in all that IWU does: to be a disciple-making culture committed to influencing each other to become more like Jesus in every area of life.
The team’s story is also a stirring example of the faithful intentionality that can be interlocked with everyday life—such as a softball tournament.
“I believe God wants to use softball — and all things — to create unity and draw his creation to His throne to become children of God,” said Babinski. “He wants our yes, so He can work through us to increase Heaven's population.”
At IWU, this kind of thinking is embedded in the classroom, residence life, athletics, and so much more.
According to the University’s value-centered statement, The Wildcat Way, there are five primary values that characterize the expectations IWU has for personal and community life on campus: Kindness, Humility, Belonging, Integrity, and Courage.
These values are what the IWU community hopes to embody daily so that students can be
transformed to become more like Jesus, prepared to become leaders in their field, and equipped to uniquely use their gifts and strengths to influence the world for Christ.
To learn more about IWU’s softball team, visit iwuwildcats.com/sports/softball.