Inspire, Summer 2008

Cedarville University 23 American, at the Sprimont Point Chaud basketball club, which competes in the country’s highest division of women’s basketball. While it was an adjustment playing professionally in the international game — and torturous to experience her first-ever losing season — Brittany was most surprised by the spiritual climate of the country. “They had never even heard of the Gospel,” she said. “It was so new to them that I had to start at the beginning with basics that you’d assume people would know. I was shocked to realize that God put me in a place where the Gospel had not reached at all.” Resolute in her mission, Brittany reminded herself that her “main priority in playing professional basketball overseas was to use it as a ministry.” However, there was one hurdle that potentially stood in the way — the language barrier. Belgium is a French-speaking country, and Brittany didn’t know a word of the language. But being who she was, she refused to let it be a deterrent. “If my basketball was good and I was respected on the court, people would listen,” she said. “The important thing is to use the skill and passion the Lord has blessed you with to the fullest.” Brittany used both lifestyle evangelism and street evangelism in sharing Christ with the people she met in Belgium. “I wanted to demonstrate right away that I’m here for Jesus Christ and that He’s the One who gave me the talent to play,” she said. “He died on the cross for my sins, and I have hope in a person and a purpose. I wanted to communicate the truth that even when basketball isn’t going well, it’s not the end of the world.” Brittany depended first and foremost on the Lord to get her through some tough days and to give her the boldness to share Christ. It served as a one-of-a-kind learning experience and brought her closer to God. “You will only live life abundantly if you rely on Christ,” she said. “I could rely on no other person in Belgium if I was to succeed.” She also made a personality choice in deciding not to be shy or embarrassed despite being out of her comfort zone. “It allowed me to enjoy the experience,” she said. It certainly didn’t hurt knowing she had the prayer support of her family and friends back home, as well as the spiritual foundation she gained from her University experience. Her time at Cedarville taught Brittany the importance of knowing what she believes, why she believes it, and where she can find those truths in the Bible. She added, with a laugh, “Maybe I learned more than I thought I did because much of what I learned came back to me.” Brittany was surprised at how willing the people in Belgium were to listen to the Gospel. “I had so many good conversations, and I know seeds were planted,” she said. “The rest I leave up to the Lord because only He can change a person’s heart.” Brittany plans to return to Belgium in the fall to continue with the Sprimont team. As for her future professional career, she’s taking one year at a time. But no matter what the Lord has in store as far as basketball is concerned, Brittany wants ministry to be a part of it. “In everything you do, especially if you want to live a life worthy of Christ, you should use it as an outlet to share Him with others,” said Brittany. “Cedarville was good practice for that.” Hailing from Springfield, Ohio, Brittany Smart ’07 graduated with a degree in sport and exercise studies. As a student, she participated in MIS trips to Brazil, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic with the women’s basketball team. She spent this summer coaching an Amateur Athletic Union girls’ basketball team in Cleveland, Ohio, and training for the upcoming basketball season. You may contact her at bmsmart@alumni.cedarville.edu . Mark Womack ’82 has been the sports information director at Cedarville since he graduated. He was the 2000 recipient of the Clarence “Ike” Pearson Award — the NAIA-SIDA’s highest honor recognizing outstanding achievement in the sports information field. Mark has been a sports announcer for the CDR Radio Network since 1982 and was inducted into the Cedarville University Athletic Hall of Fame in January 2001. He and his wife, Amy (Young) ’80, live in Cedarville, Ohio, and have three daughters. You may contact him at womackm@cedarville.edu . “I wanted to demonstrate right away that I’m here for Jesus Christ and that He’s the One who gave me the talent to play.” i