Brentwood, Tennessee

Brentwood, Tennessee, USA

Dave and Mandy DeRocher

Dave playing volleyball for USC

All these things pointed me to a relationship with Jesus.  When I accepted Jesus I felt that my true life had just begun. I was overwhelmed with the love of Christ and I wanted to tell everyone about the greatness of Jesus.  As I approached graduation, I realized that the most important thing was to tell others about how much God loves them. That began my service in campus ministry.  Immediately after graduation, I began to build a support team and I saw God provide for me in miraculous ways.  Now, 14 years and 4 kids later, I am still living on full support and thanking God for His amazing faithfulness.


What creative strategies do you use to effectively reach out to athletes?

I work as a chaplain to the volleyball team for Tennessee State University and my job is to constantly bring encouragement and to promote unity among the team.  It is not always easy but, through prayer and patience, it really pays off.  Last year the team surprised everyone by winning their first conference championship.  

I also teach volleyball clinics to high school and junior high students, many of whom have been deeply affected by our time.  We always talk about the importance of loving God and loving others.  It works so well because sports really help people understand God's principles.

I love to use sports metaphors to help people understand faith in Christ. I use volleyball terms as a way to explain living for God.  Athletes tend to have a short attention span so I always have to keep things moving fast.

The DeRocher kids

What keeps you motivated and passionate to win athletes for Christ? 

The thing that motivates me most is how God rescued me from my lowest point in life and lifted me to heights I never thought possible. When I imagine Him on the cross dying for my sins, I get blown away. That perspective keeps me going strong when times get tough.  My wonderful family also keeps me motivated and encouraged.

What are the biggest challenges you face as a missionary?

This may sound funny but my biggest challenge is myself.  I tend to question the things that God places in my heart and I find myself doubting a lot – I hate to admit it because I want to sound like I am so strong in the Lord. I did not choose to do ministry but God chose me and therefore I need to get out of His way and let Him guide me.  It is deeply comforting to see how God always leads me to victory in every area of life.

What encouragement and advice can you give to campus missionaries?

Never fear to undertake a task that the Lord has placed in your heart no matter how hard. One quote from missionary Jim Elliott that gives me and my wife great encouragement is: "A man is no fool to give what he can't keep to gain what he can never lose." I pray all of us can learn how to give our lives to help others come to know Jesus.  It really is the greatest adventure on the planet!