The Record Online

Fall 2001

GC Student Justin Bennett “Shoots” for Ministry in Czech. Republic

May 23 through June 3rd was a special time for Greenville College student athlete, Justin Bennett, and men’s Panther basketball coach, George Barber. As reported in the Spring/Summer 2001 issue of THE RECORD, Coach Barber was named as coach for the NCCAA Europe All-Star Basketball team planning to tour the Czech Republic. The team, which included Bennett, conducted clinics and played games against teams from that country.

“It was the first time I had been on an airplane, and I went overseas!” said Bennett. The trip, sponsored by the National Christian College Athletic Association and Christian Outreach International chose Bennett to represent the organizations on the missions sports tour team.


Bennett, who is also member of the GC Track and Field squad, almost didn’t get to go because of a conflict in events scheduling. At the last minute, Bennett’s schedule opened up and he was able to secure a passport and make the flight in a matter of days.

While in Europe, Bennet was a popular member of the all-star team, providing friendly advice and performing dazzling dunks during clinics with the Czech youth. The team went 3-2 against city and professional teams in the country. Both Barber and Bennett shared their testimonies during halftimes of the games with the use of an interpreter to a listening and eager audience.

“The central focus was on Christian outreach through the medium of sport,” said Barber.

Last updated: November 1, 2001