P RAISE FOR A RISE
At Fellowship of Christian Athletes, our core values are integrity, teamwork, excellence and serving. As athletes and people who care for others, Clayton and Ellen have risen to the challenge and live out these values. Their story shows they are champions whom young people can follow.
D AN B RITTON
Senior Vice President of Fellowship of Christian Athletes
I believe that the more clearly we see God, the more joyfully we serve others for the sake of the gospel. Clayton and Ellen have clearly seen God in the person and work of Jesus, and they are joyfully serving others as a result. Clayton and Ellens humility is evident in the way they treat others, the way they invest their time, and the way they serve. Clayton and Ellen have taken the teachings of Jesus to heart, and theyre making a difference. Read their story and find out how you can as well.
B RANDON C ASH
Pastor of Oceanside Christian Fellowship, El Segundo, California
Chaplain of the Los Angeles Dodgers
Clayton Kershaw has moved from good to great, both on and off the field. He and his wife, Ellen, have just scratched the surface of what they can become, and they challenge us to also reach much higher limits in our own lives.
O REL H ERSHISER
1988 NL Cy Young Award Winner and World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers Pitcher
I have been inspired by the passion that Ellen and Clayton share for Zambia. The children and the bleak living conditions have left a lasting impression on them, and it is incredible to notice the Lord stirring in their hearts to make a difference. Partnering with the Kershaws is a joy. Ive seen their love for Africa grow, and I thank God for the privilege of working together to impact the children that Arise Africa strives to help.
A LISSA H OLLIMON
President and Co-founder of Arise Africa
Sure, Clayton led the National League in wins last year and even won the pitching triple crown, and thats all great but whats greater still are the thousands of life-changing wins he and his wife, Ellen, get to enjoy every day through their work with Arise Africa. Weve got to grow more Clayton Kershawsnot just for the future of baseball, but also for the future of the world. God bless them!
F RANK P ASTORE
KKLA Radio Show Host, Author and Retired Major League Pitcher
Clayton and Ellen Kershaw are the kind of young people that our world needs to see. This book gives unique insight into their lives of baseball and impact in Africa. It invites the readers into their world through stories of growing up and finding satisfaction in the things they love the most. The greatest contribution a ballplayer can make isnt on the field; its in the lives of those he meetsalthough it does add to his appeal if he also leads the league in strikeouts. That kind of performance allows me the best seat in the house.
V IN S CULLY
Hall of Fame Sportscaster and the Legendary Voice of the Dodgers
Clayton and Ellen Kershaws heart for God and for children is truly inspirational. I love seeing people who are extraordinarily gifted use their platform for good especially when they are giving glory to God while doing so. Clayton and Ellen are such individuals! Prepare to be inspired.
R EBECCA S T. J AMES
Singer, Author and Actress
Clayton and Ellen Kershaw are two young people who see that life is not about paychecks and status, but rather lifes greatest joy is found in relationships with Jesus Christ and people. As the Cy Young Award-winning pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Clayton could just live his life focused on his career and all the perks that come with it, but instead he is committed to using his influence to help others. In this honest and easy-to-read book, you will be inspired, encouraged and motivated to give every aspect of your life to honor God.
P HILIP AND H OLLY W AGNER
Pastors of Oasis Church Los Angeles and Authors
Clayton and Ellen Kershaw have given us a powerful gift with Arise. Their journey of faith is so hopeful and inspiring. But Arise does more than just inspire; it sets the table for us to live beyond ourselves and pursue Gods calling in our lives. This is a much needed call to a life of authentic faith for our time!
J UD W ILHITE
Author of Torn and Senior Pastor of Central Christian Church, Las Vegas, Nevada
2011 Clayton and Ellen Kershaw
Published by Bethany House Publishers
11400 Hampshire Avenue South
Bloomington, Minnesota 55438
www.bethanyhouse.com
Bethany House Publishers is a division of
Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
www.bakerpublishinggroup.com
Bethany House Publishers edition published 2014
ISBN 978-1-4412-6649-1
Previously published by Regal Books
Ebook edition originally created 2011
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
Other version used is ESVScripture taken from the English Standard Version, Copyright 2001. The ESV and English Standard Version are trademarks of Good News Publishers.
All photos 2011 the Kershaw family library, except photo #7, by Gail and Laura Schultz; photos #21, #22, #23 and #26, by Juan Ocampo, Los Angeles Dodgers; photo #25, by John SooHoo, Los Angeles Dodgers; and photos #30 and #31 by Edmonson Photography. Used with permission.
D EDICATION
Written with love and gratitude for our family and friends. This is your story, too, and it wouldnt be the same without you. We love you.
To Hope, and the children who share a story that is similar to hers. You have inspired our lives more than you will ever know.
And to young readers who have big dreams that are worth chasing. We are on that journey with you.
C ONTENTS
F OREWORD
By A.J. Ellis, Catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
PROVERBS 27:17
The day after Clayton starts a game, long before the gates open and fans enter the stadium, hes already at work preparing for the next start. The fact that hes out there, ready to go the day, after isnt uniquemost starting pitchers have a routine between starts. Weight lifting, conditioning and a throwing schedule are the norm. In fact, because most starters strictly follow this routine, they are considered stubborn, detailed and even superstitious. The ones who take it to the extreme are called crazy. Clayton is downright insane.
I know this firsthand, because I try to keep up with him the day after he starts. Meeting on the field, we run together, from foul pole to foul pole, at various intervals, lengths and speeds. We challenge and push each other, but honestly, Im just trying to keep up with him. Because of who Kersh is, both on and off the field, he unintentionally sets the bar so high that my goal of simply keeping up is admirable. I know that if I can keep up with him, Ill improveand more than just getting better at baseball.
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