On a cold day last December, several Lifeword and BMA Global team members served in a very unique way. Theresa Book had asked a group of Pastors Oasis attendees if they would be interested in volunteering to help with a Special Olympics fundraiser being held in Conway, Arkansas, where BMA Global Missions Center is located. Almost everyone at that table said, “Yes.”
I’m ashamed to say that I was not one of them.
Theresa Book is the field rep for northeast and north central Arkansas Special Olympics (SOAR), mom to two grown children, and wife of Prospect BC Pastor Mike Book in Jonesboro. She began working for SOAR in 2014, and says, “It is in more than 170 countries and there are more than twenty different sports played throughout the year. We all desire friends, and a way to grow them is with our athletes and coaching a community team or becoming one of our Fans in the Stands. You could also join a unified team and play along with our athletes. So seek out programs in your area.”
Born in Hernando, Mississippi, Theresa met Mike at Arkansas State University, where she was studying education. She says, “I attended church my entire life, but not until I was sixteen and my best friend asked about my relationship with the Lord did I see the need for salvation. Fortunately God put people in my life through my late college years who encouraged me to get back to church.”
She graduated with a BSE degree in elementary and special education in 1989, a year after she and Mike married, then spent 21 years teaching before God opened the door for other work opportunities. “God truly opens doors when we seek his will and allow him to work in our lives. I have the gift of service. I see needs and work to fill them whether it’s my job or ministry with Mike. Whenever God uses you, just be the example he has taught in Scripture and follow your heart in service.”
The sport they were playing on that cloudy day was softball, but you would have thought these competitors had just won the Super Bowl with all the smiles and hugs they gave and received. Theresa says that Special Olympics athletes give way more than she can give back, love unconditionally, encourage team members, share all they have, and faithfully pray for others. Truly, they are a picture of Jesus.
Next time, I promise I will say, “Yes.”
If you’re interested in serving through Special Olympics, Theresa says it’s easy to find programs in your area, but I know she wouldn’t mind if you contacted her directly as well: Theresa@specialolympicsarkansas.org
Excellent job Holly! Theresa was made for this role with Special Olympics. Her love for Christ shines as she celebrates each of these athletes.
And… We will put you down for the team! They will be so excited! And we will be so sore, again!