THE INCREASE: An Unexpected Turn - Chris Ridener

The Increase

THE INCREASE: An Unexpected Turn – Chris Ridener

By The Increase Apr 15, 2019

(Photo courtesy of Ian Sane/Creative Commons)

Rugby The Increase

INCREASE STORY: Stepping Out In Faith – Nate Augspurger

By The Increase Dec 28, 2021

Nate Augspurger (Photo by Travis Porter, courtesy of USA Rugby)

Nate Augspurger is a 31-year-old rugby player who competes for the U.S. national team as well as the San Diego Legion of Major League Rugby. He primarily plays standard, 15-a-side rugby, but has also competed for the U.S. in rugby sevens, and was a reserve for the U.S. team at the 2016 Rio Olympics. He picked up the game when he was 11 and went on to play club rugby at the University of Minnesota, where he earned Collegiate All-American honors in sevens. Below, Nate shares about going up against the top rugby team in the world, how he saw God help him overcome injuries, and how he aims to see Christ increase in his life.

On Oct. 23, the USA Rugby team, the Eagles, got the chance to go against the New Zealand All Blacks — known to be the best rugby team in the world. We don’t get this opportunity often; the last time was six years ago. Having competed hard and played every game in the fall, I was going to get the chance to start — which I hadn’t done for the U.S. team since 2018 — against the All Blacks as the scrum-half. This was a moment I had been dreaming about since high school; in college I started consistently putting in extra workouts so that one day I might be able to test myself against the best, and take my rugby career to the highest level possible.

The Monday before the big game in Washington, D.C., I ruptured a tendon in one of my fingers during training. But I wasn’t about to let that stop me from playing later that week, so I taped it up myself without telling anyone and kept playing.

Tuesday was supposed to be a light day of training, but I strained my calf in practice and had to pull myself out. I knew if I kept pushing myself it would get worse, and the next day we were going to have a hard training session. Later that day, despite me not admitting to anyone what my calf felt like, my coaches told me I didn’t have to train at the next day’s practice. I could have the week off until the pregame rehearsal, the day before we compete.

With my finger and calf injured, I wasn’t about to admit to anyone what I was feeling — physically or emotionally. I didn’t want to miss the game for anything, but internally I was struggling. I didn’t want my coaches or teammates to think I was inadequate to compete, nor did I want them to lose confidence in the team, thinking I wasn’t at my best. I was doing all I could to stay in control of my own emotions and bring confidence to the team.

But my mind was so distracted I couldn’t even focus enough to read my Bible. The doubts, fears and thoughts about preparation were crowding my mind. I shot out a few texts to close friends and family to pray for me, but I wasn’t specific about what was happening. Only my wife knew the turmoil I felt in my mind and body. But the prayers and texts I received from my family and friends encouraged me. My pastor, Miles McPherson, who used to play in the NFL, also encouraged me to keep praying and believing.

At that point, the tide started turning for me. I told myself, “Nate, the only way it’s possible for you to play is if God shows up.” I knew I had to surrender everything I thought this game was going to be. All the selfish desires I had and how I thought I wanted it to go, I had to get rid of it all.

Nate Augspurger (Photo by Michael Lee)

“Every day I step onto the pitch, God is with me. He loves to do the miraculous through us. When He does, it strengthens our faith, but in order to get us there, He has to allow some barriers to come up.” — Nate Augspurger

Struggling to focus on Scripture, I turned to worship. Every chance I had for the next few days, I listened to worship music. I started preparing my spirit, believing God could change things. By the time I got to the captain’s run on Friday, I knew I wasn’t 100 percent but I got through the day.

However, by the end of the pregame rehearsal, it felt as if the calf injury had just happened.

That same day, the jersey presentations took place. I anxiously waited to have my name called by our team to stand up and receive my jersey. When I was called, “Eagle 491, Nate Augspurger,” I got up to take my jersey — and immediately noticed I had no pain in my calf. I grabbed the jersey and sat back down — and knew God had His hand of healing on me. It was a moment God knew I needed. Just when I had no idea how I was going to get through, He said, “Just have faith in Me and let Me do it.”

Just when I thought I would be handicapped going against the best team in the world, the opposite happened. I was praying for God to let me play for at least five minutes, yet I got to play for all 80. Stepping out onto the field — full of faith for what God could and would do, instead of listening to the doubt and accusations in my head — I was amazed at what God did.

Though as a team we got absolutely smoked (104-14), I personally couldn’t be more proud of the game. Everyone said they saw me play at a whole new level. No one would have guessed I was injured earlier in the week. Being an American, and one of the smaller players, I’ve always been doubted in this game. But I made more than 10 tackles that day and scored a try right before halftime. It was the first try an American has ever scored against the All Blacks.

Scoring that try was the best moment of my career. Leading up to the game I had prayed that somehow God would be glorified through my performance. Everyone knows I am a follower of Christ; I’ve been very open about that. And when I scored that try, I immediately jumped up and then dropped to my knees and pointed to the sky. Not only did I get to show who I was as a player, I had a chance to give God all glory and appreciation for it. I was humbled to be able to have that stage of 40,000 people to allow others to see Jesus in me. It was incredible.

When you think there’s no way you can make it through, or that only one outcome is possible, think again. When you trust and believe that God is bigger, anything is possible. When you take a step of faith, He’ll be there. It may not result in the best game of your life, but it may. Make it your prayer to glorify God in what you do, no matter what the outcome may be. That day, I got to be one reason the American people were proud of their team. I pray that even non-believers saw a dude like me and said, “There’s something different about what happened out there with him.”

This may have been my version of going up against Goliath or entering into the lion’s den, but every day I step onto the pitch, God is with me. He loves to do the miraculous through us. When He does, it strengthens our faith, but in order to get us there, He has to allow some barriers to come up.

That’s what it means to serve His Kingdom. Surrender yourself and step out in faith to see how He wants to use you to bring Him glory. There’s no greater position to be in.

— Nate Augspurger, USA Rugby player

Created and led by pro athletes, The Increase is a ministry on mission to see all athletes, coaches, fans and people everywhere have an Increase experience with Christ as found in John 3:30. For more resources to help you discover that the best life is found as we die to self and live for Jesus, visit TheIncrease.com.

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Hockey The Increase

INCREASE STORY: Surrendering to Christ – Josh Manson

By The Increase Dec 14, 2021

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Josh Manson. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Josh Manson is a 30-year-old defenseman and alternate captain for the Anaheim Ducks. He’s in his eighth season in the NHL after being a sixth-round draft pick by the team in 2011. His father, Dave, played for 16 years as a defenseman in the NHL after being a first-round draft pick (11th overall) for the Chicago Blackhawks in 1985. Below, Josh shares about growing up around the NHL, how he began to pursue Jesus, and how he aims to see Christ increase in his life.

I always loved when my dad, who was a professional hockey player for 16 years in the NHL, took the ice and skated to the blue line for the national anthem. I always pictured myself standing on the blue line, wearing an NHL sweater. But when I was called up and the day came for me to stand on the blue line, I didn’t even hear the national anthem. I was just looking around at the upper decks and the suites, and then I looked down and saw the NHL logo on my chest and thought, “Wow, you made it. The dream you’ve had for so long is becoming real.”

Once in the NHL, it didn’t take long to realize that the values Jesus taught about — like being kind to your neighbor and all the lifestyle habits you read about in the Bible — are different from what you see in hockey. That’s been a battle I’ve had in my NHL career. When you step onto the ice and somebody does something to get you mad, the only way you know how to respond is to fight. Taking that urge back has been a weird transition for me. I try to watch my mouth first and foremost. If I need to fight, that’s part of the game, but I need to keep my talk as pure as I can.

I really didn’t grow up in a religious home. I didn’t have any friends who were Christians; I didn’t know anything about Christianity. When I met my wife in Newport Beach, I came to find out that she was a strong believer and came from a family of strong Christians. She said, “If you want to be with me, this is a part that comes with me. It’s a huge part of my life — loving Jesus.” I was taken aback by it at first because I didn’t know anything about faith, but I knew I loved her. I had never felt that way about any other girl before.

So I had to make a decision, and from there on I started pursuing Jesus and reading more about Him. One of the books I read three and a half years ago was “More Than a Carpenter” by Josh McDowell. Before this, I hadn’t put much thought into Jesus Christ. Then you read these books and you’re given facts about how Jesus was here. Look at all the evidence that lies before you — how can you say the Bible is not real?

“When I held my baby for the first time, I thought, “Wow, this is how Jesus loves me.” If my child ever walked away from me and distanced herself, that would make me so incredibly sad. I would want to bring her closer to me. That realization really brought things into perspective for me because I know my Heavenly Father feels the same way about me.” — Josh Manson

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Josh Manson (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)

Yet, I’m going to be honest with you: Sometimes I struggle to believe all of this is still real. But it is. At the end of McDowell’s book, I made the decision very easily to give my life to Christ.

I wouldn’t say my life was fully changed immediately; my walk has been a slow progression of learning and reading more as I go. I didn’t grow up with any foundation in this, so I take it step-by-step. I’m not in the place I want to be yet; I have a lot of growing I want to do in my faith.

Even before I gave my life to Christ, I believed I was a good person — trying to treat people with respect and be a good neighbor — but when I was around my future in-laws and future wife, I noticed they were different. All the people at their church were so accepting and nice. I realized these were the types of people I wanted to surround myself with. These were the types of people who cared about you and wanted to get to know you. It was a different connection. I knew that was the type of person I wanted to be like, and if Jesus was the answer, that’s the path I wanted to go down.

In hockey, in order to get better you talk to some of the best players and pick their brain. You ask them questions like, “What did you do here? How did you make this play happen?” And that was essentially what I would do to other Christians about faith. People who have been walking with the Lord for 40 years have been through what you’re going through, so we should ask them for advice.

After surrendering to Christ, I needed to make some changes in my life. When you grow up in the locker room and you have that locker room talk, you don’t realize how bad it is because you’re accustomed to it, but it’s bad. Making that change was the easiest thing for me to do — change words that I normally said to be different words. But then I saw other things in my life that needed to change. I needed to change my outlook on a lot of things that look normal in the hockey lifestyle. Guys started to take notice and poke fun, but in the grand scheme of things, I was confident in what I was doing, so it was easy. I had people around me who were in my corner, who believed in me and were walking the life I wanted to walk, which made it easier too.

Then, when I held my baby for the first time, I thought, “Wow, this is how Jesus loves me.” If my child ever walked away from me and distanced herself, that would make me so incredibly sad. I would want to bring her closer to me. That realization really brought things into perspective for me because I know my Heavenly Father feels the same way about me.

— Josh Manson, Anaheim Ducks defenseman

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Football The Increase

INCREASE STORY: Finding True Identity – Nate Solder

By The Increase Nov 23, 2021

New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Nate Solder is a 33-year-old offensive lineman for the New York Giants. He was drafted by the New England Patriots with the 17th overall pick in 2011, and after seven seasons in New England (including two Super Bowl titles after the 2014 and 2016 seasons), he signed with the Giants in 2018. He opted out of the 2020 NFL season due to the COVID-19 pandemic but rejoined the team this past March. Below, Solder shares about Thanksgiving, relationships with teammates, and how he aims to see Christ increase in his life.

With Thanksgiving coming up, I enjoy thinking back on past holidays and remembering what a great time it is to be around loved ones. I have great memories of Thanksgiving. My dad grew up on a farm; for four generations they’ve been on this farm, which is where multiple generations would gather most years at Thanksgiving time. And when I was in college, Thanksgiving was a time when I could finally take a breath from high-level football and school.

To this day, there is so much to be thankful for, so why not pause and consider all we have? We are always racing ahead to try to achieve and do a million things, so I love being able to get together with family and friends and just focus on being thankful.

One thing I’m most thankful for is God’s grace. Earlier this year, I described my faith to a small group and compared it to lifting weights. No matter how hard I lift weights, the weight always comes back down. And when you think about God’s grace, we don’t receive His grace because we lifted the weight; it’s because Jesus lifts the weight. He’s the One carrying the burden, and we just get to step into that and enjoy it.

So when I think of giving thanks, I know I don’t deserve a second of this. I really shouldn’t be in this position at all, but because of God’s grace, I’m saved and can have a life that resembles something God would approve of. God’s grace is the Gospel I’m so thankful for.

***

“I had a mantra I kept telling myself: ‘I’m a child of God and God loves me no matter what my performance is.’ I had to tell myself that over and over again because I could quickly fall into a desire to put my identity in my accomplishments.” — Nate Solder

New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

After taking the 2020 season off to be with my family, it was great to rejoin the team this year. I didn’t spend much time studying my playbook last year; football is still football, so once I came back, I felt comfortable on the field.

It was really neat meeting the new players on the team. One day early on we were sitting in the cafeteria eating and one of the new guys, who was from Ghana, said, “In Ghana, we do it this way.” And I realized this is a whole different group of people from when I was last with the team in 2019, and I was so excited to be able to get to know each one of these guys.

Recently, a group of teammates came up to me and said, “Hey, we’d really like to go to church.” I immediately thought, “I’ve been shuffling trying to get people to come to church with me and here these guys are coming to me!” It was just confirmation that Christ is in it. They came and enjoyed it, and then the six guys came over to our house afterward and sat in our backyard while my kids played around us. It was really refreshing.

Relationships are huge, and after the pandemic, everyone came into the season with excitement because we were all ready to be in that relational atmosphere again. Also, when you are around your teammates and they are fighting for what you’re fighting for, you think, “Hey, I can give a little more to this.”

I remember speaking to a small group of people over breakfast once and saying that every year there’s going to be adversity, you just don’t know what it’s going to be. Within weeks of saying that, I got testicular cancer. The next season, my son got sick with kidney cancer. Every year there is serious adversity; every year there are personal crises that happen on every team. But if you put it together and actually win a championship, you realize you’ve gone through a lot. It’s nice to have that group of people to rely on.

Those relationships were a big reason that not playing last year was difficult. I felt like I was letting my teammates down and hurting my career — those were sincere concerns about not playing. But I also think I was addicted to performing, and my identity was wrapped up in who I was as a football player. Taking a step away and realizing the world does not depend on me — the Giants will carry on, the NFL will carry on, lives will not be dramatically impacted by my decision — was helpful. It was a great time to focus on what my priorities are. They get out of whack when you put things before your family, and that’s where mine were. For the first time in my life, I feel like my life is not all about me.

Though I enjoyed watching games during my year off, it was weird that I was no longer viewed as an active football player. I had a mantra I kept telling myself: “I’m a child of God and God loves me no matter what my performance is.” I had to tell myself that over and over again because I could quickly fall into a desire to put my identity in my accomplishments.

But I know this game doesn’t make me who I am. My identity is in Jesus Christ.

— Nate Solder, New York Giants offensive lineman

Created and led by pro athletes, The Increase is a ministry on mission to see all athletes, coaches, fans and people everywhere have an Increase experience with Christ as found in John 3:30. For more stories, videos and resources to help you discover that the best life is found as we die to self and live for Jesus, visit TheIncrease.com.

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Baseball The Increase

INCREASE STORY: Beyond the Boxscore – Nick Ahmed

By The Increase Oct 26, 2021

Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Nick Ahmed. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

Nick Ahmed is a 31-year-old shortstop for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the second round of the 2011 MLB Draft, and traded to Arizona in January 2013. He made his MLB debut in June 2014 and has since become the Diamondbacks’ starting shortstop and a two-time Gold Glove winner. Below, Ahmed shares about dealing with losing in baseball, impacting teammates, and how he aims to see Christ increase in his life.

Our season was challenging. We had a lot of losing, a lot of injuries, and a lot of us not performing to the standard we are capable of. Losing a lot of games has been tough in a lot of ways, challenging our mental resolve and willingness to persevere every day to do our jobs with a good attitude and to the best of our ability.

At the same time, this season was really encouraging because of all the young guys on our team who are trying to make it in the league. I had more opportunities to share what I have learned along the way — stuff on the field as well as off. Guys have gone through a lot in the last year with COVID, family situations, losing games and injuries. Many are really looking to grow spiritually; they are searching for God. Because of all we went through this past season, I had many great conversations that could make an impact.

One of the biggest aspects of the game I’ve been encouraging our roster with is the importance of understanding how to prepare, not just chasing results, and learning how to take care of your body. Your body is your best asset. If you’re injured, you can’t go out and help your team or yourself.

I’ve been able to self-reflect and think about all of the different struggles and successes I’ve been through personally, and what helped me along the way. Did I really succeed or fail? This is a different stance than evaluating yourself by the boxscore. You can be 0-for-4 but know you did everything really well, which will translate well in the future. You can also be 3-for-4 but know you got really lucky. That doesn’t translate to future success. It’s important to self-evaluate well so you can attack your weaknesses and improve your strengths.

I still love the game more than anybody (in my opinion). I get excited to step out onto the field every day, able to play the game I have been ever since I was a kid. Even with this year’s losing streak — our team setting records for how many games we lost in a row — we kept reminding each other that it’s a privilege to do what we do. There aren’t many people in the world who get paid to play a sport they love. Every opportunity we get to step on the field, we should be grateful for.

***

Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Nick Ahmed. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

“Many of my teammates may feel as if their identity is challenged. Having always seen themselves as a successful athlete and then having that suddenly taken away when they don’t perform well, they don’t know where to turn. That’s when I get to step in and encourage them to turn to Jesus.” — Nick Ahmed

Whether we are playing a high-stakes game or just another in a series, I try to view every game the same. I try to win every game, competing for God every single moment. Whether we are winning by 10 or losing by 10, nothing should change. I had a coach way back who said that the first game of the season and the final game of the World Series should be played the same way — you’re always playing for God. I take that outlook into every game.

I am fully aware that many of my teammates may feel as if their identity is challenged. Having always seen themselves as a successful athlete and then having that suddenly taken away when they don’t perform well, they don’t know where to turn. That’s when I get to step in and encourage them to turn to Jesus.

Recently, I had a teammate who was traded to a different team. This teammate was a really mature Christ-follower who was strong in his faith. He and I were like iron sharpening iron for each other in the way we did life together. Since he’s been traded and most of the guys on our roster are very young in their career and their faith — still learning about God and who He is — I’ve been able to influence many of them to grow closer to Him.

But this change in community has made me realize how crucial it is to have someone who is ahead of me in their faith or in a similar stage as I am so that we can push each other in our walks with God. I need someone to hold me accountable and challenge me. I would encourage everyone to have that person or group who can sharpen them, encouraging them to move closer to Jesus every day.

Lately, God has been showing me the importance of being present in each moment. We need to understand that this moment is all we have. We have to keep rejoicing in all that God has made for today, not getting caught up in the past. Neither can we look to the future too much, worrying about whether or not we will succeed or fail. Being stuck in the past or future can steal from the present moment; it can take away the joy in each and every moment God has gifted us.

— Nick Ahmed, Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop

Created and led by pro athletes, The Increase is a ministry on mission to see all athletes, coaches, fans and people everywhere have an Increase experience with Christ as found in John 3:30. For more stories, videos and resources to help you discover that the best life is found as we die to self and live for Jesus, visit TheIncrease.com.