Three years ago Daniel Harper took on the Slovakian national basketball team as a high school sophomore.

No, it wasnt the Olympics. This was a mission trip! When their coach organized the journey, Daniel and some teammates decided to let their athletic abilities carry the Gospel overseas.

The guys spent 17 days traveling through Slovakia playing games against towns teams. At halftime, a player would share his testimony through a translator. A lot of the people there are big-time atheists, Daniel says. I was a little disappointed we didnt see a lot accept Christ. But the biggest thing I learned is that Im not called to get people saved; Im called to go out and tell.

Its a lesson hes still applying as an 18-year-old senior at Providence Christian Academy in Lilburn, Ga. Besides being a starting post man for the Stars, Daniel is an accomplished member of the track team. At last years state meet he finished third in high hurdles, and his 4x400 meter relay team took fifth.

Kind of ironic for a guy who says, I used to hate running. When Daniel asked why he had to run the grueling 4x400, his coach answered, The Lord made you fast. Its a sin not to use the talent He gave you. Daniel says, Once I focused and realized its a gift, it became fun.

Daniel loves both sports but has found it easier to be more of a personal witness in track. Last year he began greeting opponents with, God bless you, man. Have a good race. The other runners are usually surprised but have responded with positive comments like, Thats cool. You never hear that anymore.

In basketball, Daniel admits it can be tough to keep a Christlike attitude when guys talk trash or throw an elbow under the hoop. You want to say something and start talkin back, Daniel says, But weve been trying to get better at that. We might slip up and mouth off, but well remind each other. It helps that weve got strong reinforcement. Ive got a whole team praying behind me.

Off the court, Daniel plays acoustic guitar and leads a worship band for school chapel services. Hes involved with his church youth group where he performs skits and helps out with junior high meetings. He is the Student Body President at Providence this year and plans to attend Auburn University after graduation.

God has given Daniel Harper some gifts. From Daniels perspective, hes just trying to be faithful to use them. Of course, the challenges arent any easierand not every game ends with a win. Remember that Slovakian national team? Daniel and the Americans lost that one by about 50. But, hey, those Europeans were huge!

Special thanks to Coach Dan Knudsen for his assistance with this article.

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