For the second year in a row, we have been criticized for the efforts we make on connecting Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and wrestling. Yet, today Wrestlers For Christ continues to grow and is now stronger than ever due to supporters that have taken roles to further these efforts. Let me be the first to tell you, being criticized for something you truly believe in with all of your heart is amazing. If Wrestlers For Christ were easy to accomplish, there probably would not be a group. However, it is the fact that we live in a world of selfishness, doubt, and continuous sin, from EVERYONE that lives on this Earth, but one. That is the basis behind MY faith.

Many, many scriptures have been used in a way to show that Wrestlers For Christ is used in a negative way. However, I might add that these same tactics were used by the devil against Jesus Christ himself. However, Jesus responds that He is called by other scriptures to do the opposite.

Am I saying that you are the devil and that we are Jesus? Absolutely not! However, I am saying that we all have callings in our lives to glorify God. This just happens to be one of mine.

Matthew 6:5-6 talks about praying in the secret and that those that pray in public in front of other men are hypocrites.

However, later in Matthew gives another message. Matthew 28:19 says “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” He calls a select few to go out and put their faith in action and in word; a bold statement to the entire world.

I look back to the reasons we started Wrestlers For Christ. Brett and I had been leading our individual teams in prayer for years. When we got put together for the same tournament, through our fathers Harry and Doug, we decided to extend an invitation to not only each other, but the entire wrestling community. This is in no way to brag about Brett and I, but to lead a prayer, even in just your own team, is a hard thing to do. For the wrestlers that didn’t have a team leader to do this but still wanted to participate in an act like this, Wrestlers For Christ is their opportunity.

Why do we do it in the center of the mat? Back in the Day used an excellent verse from Matthew 5:14-16. I also look at Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”

There is no disrespect for anyone of other religion or no religion, etc. However, I feel that the center of the mat is the easiest place for those that did not know we were doing the prayer to see us and another reason is, in my views, God should be at the center of everything I do; Wrestlers For Christ is absolutely no different. If you believe strongly in what you believe, I don’t think there will be any peer pressure to a prayer that will be on the mat. However, if you are unsure and feel peer pressure because everyone else is doing, then what is such a bad idea of seeing how a prayer might work?

As to the statements made about other religions having time to make their prayers in the center of the mats? Yes! Yes! Yes! If there are wrestlers who follow that faith who feel that they should pray like Wrestlers For Christ; by all means do it. There has never been anything against it and there will not be if it happens.

I hope those opposed to our prayers at Regionals realize that these prayers have been occurring at every tournament possible for the past two years. Kids, Middle school, Junior Varsity, Varsity, Duals. There has been little to no opposition to any of these tournaments. I simply made the request to anybody interested to contact me. Wrestlers For Christ will never force any athlete to do anything they don’t want; praying or leading a prayer. USAWKS Forums are the easiest way to reach out to high school wrestlers who could be leaders.

I apologize for the length of the reply but I hope to have answered any questions posed. If not, send me a PM and I will answer anything you ask.

Wrestlers For Christ has been a questioned group for almost a year now, and yet we have hundreds of kids gathering each weekend to give praise to God in Heaven. If you do not like this, I am sorry you feel this way. Wrestlers For Christ meets all legal obligations and the leaders feel as though all factors on how we give our God glory is within reason.

Thank You, Good Luck these next two weekends, and God Bless
Co-Founder of Wrestlers For Christ – Michael Vander Linden