James Reimer

Goalie (Toronto Maple Leafs)

My hockey career till now has really been a miracle. I faced my fare share of “wind” and “waves” just as Peter did. When I was 19, I started the year off poorly and almost lost my starting job to a younger goalie. I was so frustrated with how I was playing and questioned my future in hockey. Will I ever play? Will the Maple Leafs sign me? Am I done hockey? I made one major mistake just like Peter and got distracted with the waves and hard times rather than focusing on Christ. I took some quiet time with Jesus and told Him my career was in His Hands. Through Him I was able to let go of the fear and frustration and focus on hockey with Him at my side. A few weeks later I earned the goalie of week honours in all of Major Jr. When I look back on my hockey career I realize that there were many times, had I not had Jesus, I would have sunk. The “waves” seemed too big, too scary, and too impossible, but with Jesus and His power to lift me out and calm the storm, I am where I am today. I am so blessed and I praise Him every day.

Gary Elliott

Driver, Elliott Racing Team  (view website)

"But thanks be to God, He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" 1 Corinthians 15:57.
    I drifted from any desire to go church in my teens and wound up in tons of trouble as a young adult. That's when I met Nonie. We married after 2 years and within 3 years had 2 children, David and Shirley. I wanted nothing to do with church, but because Nonie’s mom was a Christian we said grace for meals and went to church twice a year, she went frequently.
    There were many people who witnessed to me, some during my childhood, and later in my life when God sent others, Nonie's mom Deborah, her Uncle Art and my insurance agent who was a missionary. A co worker, Frank, told me that Jesus was God, and when I heard that I was through searching, no more for me.  I thought that Frank and the others were being ridiculous to assume or make the case that Jesus was God, and I could not be a part of that.
    Yet I knew I was a sinner, believed in a God, and hoped there was a place called Heaven. The Holy Spirit was speaking to me in my lost and rebellious state. He gently let me know that only God could do the things that Jesus did; only God could rise from the dead, only God could forgive me. I was left with a choice, do I want to live or die. I surrendered to Jesus on April 2nd 1988. It was an amazing moment of deliverance and freedom.
    When I race I do so in a way that shows others that Jesus is my Lord. I don’t hit or bang into other racers in order to pass them. I don’t leave Jesus in the pits. I try to race knowing that the most important aspect of racing is the people. No matter what my competitors do to me, I’m reminded that God loves them and Jesus died for them.  
    When we win a race the fans cheer. When one person walks out of darkness the Bible tells us the “Angels in Heaven rejoice” Luke 15:10.  Also, when we win a race the checker flag must be returned. When we receive Jesus in our hearts, we get another checker flag, it’s called eternal life - only it’s forever. "But thanks be to God, He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" 1 Corinthians 15:57.

Gary is available to speak at events in southern Ontario.  To invite him and his car to your event contact SU.
   

Willie Pile

Linebacker (Toronto Argonauts)

The words of 1 Corinthians 2:9 encapsulate the highs and lows of my professional football experience. On the day I was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2003, I felt that all my prayers and hard work had paid off.  Being in the NFL would allow me to make a nice living, buy all the material things I wanted, and provide a better life for my family.  I bought a new truck; spent hours in my playbook preparing to make the team; and even began to hang out and seek approval from my veteran teammates so that I could fit in.  I drifted further and further away from God’s Word and His plans for my life, which included using the NFL as a platform to share His love for everyone.
    When the Chiefs released me with the final cuts before the regular season, my world came crashing down.  I went back home and a week later, totaled my truck in a single car accident.  With no NFL, no steady income, and no car, I sensed God was sending me a message saying, “Don’t forget where all of these blessings came from!” He revealed to me that I had put more hope and faith in “the shield” (the NFL logo), than in the One who shields me from hurt, harm, and danger.  I had spent more time studying my NFL playbook, than studying God’s playbook, the Bible.  I had wasted time trying to figure a way to provide for those around me, instead of seeking a deeper relationship with the God who provides for all our needs according to His riches in glory.  
    That time away from football allowed me to draw closer to God and seek His guidance.  Later that season, I joined the Chiefs’ practice squad and made their roster a year later, which led to 3 seasons in the NFL and now my 5th season in the CFL.  
    I’ve learned that God will allow trials to happen in your life so that only by His grace and mercy can the situation be turned around.  Now I’m blessed with several platforms to share how God has richly blessed my life and how, through a commitment of your heart, thoughts, and actions, He can do the same for you.  Amen

SU friends have enjoyed meeting James and Willie at SU Family Days in 2011.