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The Meadowlark Lemon Show
The Meadowlark Lemon Show is broadcast nationally and internationally each week on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN). Reaching a potential audience of over 30 million people, Meadowlark talks to successful athletes and entertainers who attribute their success in life to Jesus Christ. The mission of this broadcast, featuring Meadowlark Lemon and others – all considered heroes in the eyes of their fans – is to present the Greatest Hero through the lives and testimony of famous sports and entertainment figures. In each program the viewer has the opportunity to discover the common truth in the lives of these people. These heroes are, in fact, very normal people who may do extraordinary things, yet are made truly heroic by the presence of Jesus Christ in their lives.
Inner City Youth Outreach – Gang Ministry
Meadowlark’s ministry to young people in the inner city, and specifically to gang members and potential gang members, has recently begun in Phoenix, AZ. With planned expansion to cities throughout America, Meadowlark Lemon Ministries, Inc. Inner City youth Outreach targets gang members with the intent of helping them get out of the gang life. “We feed them. Show them how to prepare themselves for the job market. We help them to find jobs. We minister to them in order to enable them to completely turn their lives around and become model citizens.”
Camp Meadowlark Youth Outreach
Camp Meadowlark is a series of basketball camps and clinics for young people held all across the country. Most are held in conjunction with a local church or an organization such as the YMCA. Our mission is to teach the fundamentals of basketball and Godly principles. Meadowlark’s focus is to help direct children in a positive way, to let children know they are special, and that God has a plan for their lives. “Train up a child in the way he should go and he will not depart from it.”
Camp Meadowlark is for boys and girls. It is a complete teaching program to build in youngster’s solid fundamentals and develop specific skills in basketball. Meadowlark also educates the participants on the dangers of substance abuse. At the heart of Meadowlark’s instruction is emphasis of the four major attributes of basketball: spiritual, physical, psychological and social. Meadowlark Lemon Ministries is committed to making sure lack of funds will never prevent a needy child from attending camp.
Youth Prison Work
Meadowlark Lemon Ministries (MLM) has a special heart for young people in prison. We feel that God has anointed us to help these troubled youngster's so that they can see and experience the love of Jesus Christ. Our hope and intention is that they will never reach adult prisons. At a youth prison in Washington where we recently ministered, nearly all of the prisoners gave their hearts to the Lord.
Youth Drug Awareness
Since being appointed an Ambassador to the White House by Nancy Reagan, as part of her “Just Say No Drug Awareness Program,” Meadowlark Lemon Ministries has been actively helping young people avoid the catastrophe of drug abuse. We use our basketball talents to break down barriers, preparing each talk individually wit the guidance of the local school system. We also incorporate the support of local agencies such as D.A.R.E., M.A.D.D., S.A.D.D., and P.A.L. as well as local police agencies. Our aim is to build trust, understanding and a positive self-image among students, as a fortress against the temptation of drug abuse.
Ministry to Athletes
Our ministry to athletes, both professional and amateur, is especially important to us because of the positive example they can be to so many people. Today, many athletes desire to give back to their communities by helping the local youth, and the Meadowlark Lemon Ministries often participates in their activities. For example, we have worked with David Robinson of the San Antonio Spurs, Michael Jordan formerly with the Chicago Bulls and Ervin Fryer now with the Philadelphia Eagles. As well as many more. We believe that God is allowing Christian Athletes to prosper and bring their offering back to the churches. We support Athletes International Ministries (AIM) – of which I am one of the founding fathers – and we seek every opportunity to encourage and bless young athletes.
Native Americans
Other ministries are reaching out to Native Americans. We believe that the Meadowlark name and reputation has allowed us to minister to many groups who might be difficult for others to reach. For example, we have access to several Native American reservations in Arizona and New Mexico. There, we help raise funds with comedic games while bringing the Good News of the Gospel to the people. We are now planning a series of Camp Meadowlark basketball camps for the reservations, which are often very poor in facilities and resources.
Television Ministry
With a potential audience of over 30 million people, our Trinity Broadcasting Network brings the inspiration of Jesus Christ to families not only in the United States, but also in Russia, Italy, Greece, Israel, Africa and other nations. The mission of our broadcast is to present the Greatest Hero through the lives and testimony of sports and entertainment celebrities. Each program includes interview with figures such as Wayman Tisdale, A.C. Green, Kevin Johnson, Reggie White, Irving Fryer, Art Moore, Larry Kerychuk, Elliot Perry and many more. Through these encounters, young people learn from their own heroes how a life in Jesus Christ can lead to fame and success. They discover that heroes are ordinary people like themselves who do extraordinary things, and that the truly heroic life is the one given to Christ.
Health and Fitness
My wife, Cynthia, has a double doctorate in nutrition and is now spearheading our new program focused on health and fitness. People always ask me how I can stay so healthy and play basketball and yet be on the road 80% of the time. Now, with Cynthia, I am planning to market the mineral drink I have used for years under the brand name Meadowlark’s Lemon Aid. There will also be a helpful booklet on diet and nutrition, based on scriptural sources. We believe that, as the body of Christ, we need to see ourselves as just that – a body that requires energy and fitness to be of service. The new product and information will benefit many individuals and also help raise funds for our ministries.
New Projects Planned
At Meadowlark Lemon Ministries, we are constantly expanding the scope of our ministry as we discover new needs and new opportunities to serve. Included in our plans for the coming year are a movie based on my life story, two “Songs of Praise” albums, a book and tape ministry, a new biography currently being written and a bi-monthly newsletter.
The 10,000th Game
This year, I will celebrate my 10,000th basketball game. This is not only a personal milestone, but also a world record. An NBA player would need to play 100 games a year for 100 years to reach this mark! My 10,000th game is scheduled to be played at a major city still to be selected, and we expect a huge crowd. One venue under discussion is Disney World in Orlando, Florida. My vision is to create an all-Christian comedic basketball team. The audience will be invited to stay after the game for a Billy Graham style Crusade – a time to win souls for Christ and heal the sick. Afterwards, I plan to take the newly formed team on a world tour including China, India, The Philippines and Africa. Through this exciting venture, millions of souls could be won for the Lord.
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