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OUR STORY
GEORGIA GROUP GETS A GRIP ON GOD, GOLF, AND OUTREACH
from the Links Letter, August/September 2000
A planned community with six golf courses for members to choose from is just about every golfer's dream. Add to that mild Georgia winters, and you
have the makings of a coastal paradise.
But Marolyn Overton and the members of the Skidaway Island Links Fellowship know that there is no true heaven on earth. So they do all they can to
use golf to tell people about the heaven to come for those who know Jesus Christ.
The Skidaway Island group began with eight members in 1997, as a part of the Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church. The group sponsors monthly
meetings and golf rounds, as well as an annual banquet and tournament each November. And by simple word-of-mouth invitation, the group now regularly reaches more than 200 golfers in many area churches.
"We are facing problems because we have wandered away from God," Overton says. "We need to join hands. One church can't do it
alone."
With a great desire to bring followers of Christ together, the group has adopted the theme of God and golf. The parallels are many (see box for
some examples), and Overton says they are important in reaching out to those who might otherwise be hesitant to get involved with God.
"A lot of men are scared to talk about their feelings," Overton says. "But by seeing some of the professional players who have
spoken openly about their faith, these men say, 'Maybe that is OK.' And they come out."
MONTHLY GATHERINGS
With the growing involvement, Skidaway Island Links is able to conduct a monthly Saturday gathering, with lunch, devotions, and golf. About 60
players make it each month. The devotions are led by members of the group, and Overton creates a monthly scripture reading list for the members.
Then the golfers head for the course. "Each month we want one golf course where we take over the course for God," Overton says.
The group has grown best by simple conversation. "You do have to invite people," Overton says. "Newspaper ads or bulletin
announcements get a few people, but you have to talk to people. People talking to people is what causes it to grow."
And Overton knows just what to tell people to get them to join the group. "I tell them we need more focus on God," she says. "When
you truly have Christ at the core of your life, the peace that exists is wonderful."
And if the people to whom she speaks are not so eager?
"I tell them to give it a try," Overton explains. "Almost always, if they come once, they come back."
REACHING OUT
But the Skidaway Island group is not only about feeding its own. Each year, the group raises money for two international causes: Faith in Practice
and the God Child Project.
Faith in Practice is a medical outreach to the community of Los Gatos, Guatemala. For as much as nine months of the year, doctors serve in
short-term teams, bringing the Guatemalan people critical medical care and health education.
The God Child Project allows believers to "adopt" children in Los Gatos, supporting them with basic needs, such as food and clothing.
Skidaway Island Links raises much of its support for these missions through its annual November tournament. In 1999, the group sold a special golf
chamois, featuring the group's motto, "Getting a Grip on God and Golf." Additionally, tournament sponsors purchased tee markers with various Bible verses displayed on them.
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