Camille LeNoir certainly does not lead a typical, ordinary life for Christ. Her passion for the game of basketball started at a young age, and God continues to give her platforms to share her faith through the avenue of sports all around the world.
Camille played four years of basketball for the University of Southern California and graduated from USC with a B.A in Sociology. She was then drafted into the WNBA. She now plays professional basketball in Thessaloniki, Greece. God is also opening doors for her to play basketball in Serbia and Turkey, as well. This past summer, she was able to go to the Pacific Rim with an ISF team to help a missionary build relationships with college students using the tool of basketball.
LeNoir explains, “I was inspired to go on a mission project after reading through a book called Revolution in World Missions. After studying how to witness and share my faith, I realized that I have to use my basketball talent to take the Gospel to all nations.”
One cool thing about mission projects is that God always uses these to grow the volunteer’s relationship with Him. Mission projects are not just about how you can serve others. Often times God wants to use these projects as a spiritual marker in your own life. When asked what God taught her this summer, Camille gave an honest answer. “After going on this trip I learned that I wasn’t radical enough for Jesus. This trip showed me that I don’t sacrifice enough money, time, and sleep for the sake of telling people about what Jesus did for us on the cross.”
Read on as Camille explains the highlight of her time in the Pacific Rim. “The highlight of my trip was when C gave his life to Christ inside of a Buddhist temple. I was told at training camp that on previous trips they were not able to see the fruit of their labor. They never had the privilege of seeing someone give their life to Christ; so, I prayed for God to at least touch and save one life. He answered that prayer! It was a beautiful thing to see C make a decision in a temple where he and his family has most likely praised and worshipped Buddha. That taught me that we must constantly intercede and pray for the lost. We under-estimate the power of prayer.”
In every area of her life, Camille clings to Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” When asked what advice Camille would give someone who is considering going on a mission project, she was pretty emphatic. “Go! You must go. Christ commands us to go in Matthew 28. We must leave the comfort of our homes and
commanded. There are people who have never heard of Jesus Christ. How will they hear unless we go? Go!”
Perhaps God is calling you to GO and serve Him this summer! There are many opportunities available for anyone who is interested in sports/recreation ministry. Regardless of skill level, there is a place for you to serve!
Awesome testimony to the glory of God!