In Finland, Camille Zimmerman, Columbia ’18, Continues to Lead in Prayer
Columbia University refers to her as its “Best-Ever Basketball Player.” Camille Zimmerman ’18 is “the highest scoring basketball player ever in Columbia Athletics history.” She was also, up until graduation last spring, considered a leader at Columbia in more ways than one.
Camille led by example on and off the court, earning the profound admiration of teammates and the athletic department. She was also a spiritual leader, as Christian Union ministry fellow Ava Ligh can attest.
As a student-athlete, Camille supported Ava as an assistant leader in a Christian Union Bible course that was tailored to Columbia’s female basketball players. Camille’s influence drove up attendance among the players, who also took part in pre-game devotionals. “For me, basketball is a way to glorify God,” Camille once shared, and she was also eager to glorify God by sharing Christ with her teammates.
And where is Camille today? Less than a year later, Camille plays professionally for the leading club team in Finland. Ava notes candidly that, in this work of developing Christian leaders among college students, as you send graduates out into the world, “you never know” how they will continue to develop. She was deeply heartened to receive this update from Camille last week by way of text:
“Had to share...So before every game we have to go for a 10 minute walk outside. [I don't know] why but every sports team in Finland does it to get the blood flowing I guess. I asked my 2 teammates if they wanted to pray before games so a few games ago we held back after the walk and prayed. And the next game there was a teammate lingering so I asked if she wanted to join. And the same with two new girls for the next two games. One girl that joined had no idea what a prayer was and was just like what is this. But stayed and then was like ‘namaste.’
Then yesterday I was just like I might as well ask everyone and they all stayed and prayed with us. We beat the top team in the league 104-82. They said they are going to pray before every game now!”
Praise God for how He is using Camille’s faithfulness to Himself, and especially her willingness to invite others to meet God in prayer. Join us in asking the Lord to expand her influence for Christ on her team, within the nation of Finland, and far beyond.
As a student-athlete, Camille supported Ava as an assistant leader in a Christian Union Bible course that was tailored to Columbia’s female basketball players. Camille’s influence drove up attendance among the players, who also took part in pre-game devotionals. “For me, basketball is a way to glorify God,” Camille once shared, and she was also eager to glorify God by sharing Christ with her teammates.
And where is Camille today? Less than a year later, Camille plays professionally for the leading club team in Finland. Ava notes candidly that, in this work of developing Christian leaders among college students, as you send graduates out into the world, “you never know” how they will continue to develop. She was deeply heartened to receive this update from Camille last week by way of text:
“Had to share...So before every game we have to go for a 10 minute walk outside. [I don't know] why but every sports team in Finland does it to get the blood flowing I guess. I asked my 2 teammates if they wanted to pray before games so a few games ago we held back after the walk and prayed. And the next game there was a teammate lingering so I asked if she wanted to join. And the same with two new girls for the next two games. One girl that joined had no idea what a prayer was and was just like what is this. But stayed and then was like ‘namaste.’
Then yesterday I was just like I might as well ask everyone and they all stayed and prayed with us. We beat the top team in the league 104-82. They said they are going to pray before every game now!”
Praise God for how He is using Camille’s faithfulness to Himself, and especially her willingness to invite others to meet God in prayer. Join us in asking the Lord to expand her influence for Christ on her team, within the nation of Finland, and far beyond.
