What began years ago as two fathers watching their sons play basketball has grown into a full-time ministry at Praire Lakes Church.
Ken Trautmann, PLC chaplain, met Tim Boettger from Orchard Hill Church, who had been leading chapel for UNI football players.
“We got to know the entire Boettger family when our sons played on the same AAU basketball team in the fourth- or fifth-grade. I helped coach the team with another dad and we would speak to the boys before each game, about character, and include verses and events from the Bible,” Ken said. “Knowing my interest in sports, Tim invited me to come with him to chapel. I started doing Friday chapels with some of the players before Saturday games. A few years after that we began a Bible study during the season. For many years, we hovered about four to six players and only met during the season. As Tim felt the Lord leading him to different ministry, he asked me to take over, which I gladly accepted.”
A few years ago, Scott Frost, now UNI's co-defensive coordinator, joined the coaching staff as linebackers coach and encouraged the players to attend the study. The group has evolved from a season-only study to a year-round study, averaging 25 people.
“Scott also helped begin a Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter and other athletes beside football players became involved. We have seen many young men and women trust Christ as their Savior,” Ken said. “We have done topical Bible studies, book studies, and gone verse-by-verse, through various books of the Bible.”
Now PLC hosts an FCA meeting two Mondays a month, and on the other Mondays, Ken and his wife, Lynn, host a co-ed Bible study for anyone interested. Lynn also leads a Thursday night study with girlfriends of the football players. About 10 women attend the study, which meets year-round.
“We are excited about what God is doing on the athletic teams and are thrilled to be part of it,” Ken said. “This ministry has drawn me closer to Jesus by challenging me to live by faith. The work God has allowed us to share has become, for Lynn and me, the passion of our lives. We rejoice because we are privileged to see lives changed. Our two children at home also get to know these students and interact with them, which has been an extra blessing. God is good.”
Comments