Tom Zobrist - The Zobrist Family: Look What God Can Do

I have known Tom and Cindi for many years and have had the privilege of working closely with all of their children as a former high school teacher and coach. What I appreciate about the Zobrist family is that each of their kids is so unique from each other, yet their family bond of being united in Christ is so evident.

Bob Gold

BENS HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL COACH, NOW SUPERINTENDENT OF BIG HOLLOW SCHOOL DISTRICT 38 IN INGLESIDE, ILLINOIS

The amazing story of a small-town family that has lived a storybook life by believing in the power of God. Their story of raising a World Series MVP will amaze you...but the message of trusting in Gods plan while raising five children will inspire you. While baseball fans will love the underdog story of Ben Zobrist, all will admire the parenting story of Tom and Cindi Zobrist.

Jim Mattson

WHOI-WEEK SPORTS, 96.5 ESPN RADIO

When Tom headed to basic training with the Air Force his sister Linda called to see if I could connect him to the Navigators in hopes of helping him in his new walk with Christ. I became a link in the chain and had no idea of what that would lead to. This is a remarkable story of a remarkable family made possible by a remarkable God. For me the main takeaway is the providential leading of God in every aspect of our livesGods sovereignty demonstrated through the life of a family committed to living for Gods glory.

Bob Sheffield

ROBERT AND NANCY SHEFFIELD, THE NAVIGATORS REGIONAL REPS: CANADA & THE CARIBBEAN

Bens World Series MVP trophy pales in comparison to the exploits of several generations of Zobrists. The Zobrist family raises the bar and sets the standard for what Christian family life ought to beand the fact that their journey includes an historic curse-crushing jaunt to the 2016 World Series championship is just a bonus! If baseball is your game, and Jesus is your life, youll be captivated by what God canand what He has donewith the Zobrist family.

Dukes Knutson

PRESS-BOX MANAGER FOR THE TAMPA BAY RAYS

This book isnt really about Ben Zobrist and baseball. This book is about a family and their relationships with God. If you have questions and decisions to make in life, and you are ready for a closer relationship with God, this is a must-read book.

Craig Gerdes

BENS MIDDLE SCHOOL COACH, RETIRED EUREKA SCHOOL TEACHER

Tom Zobrist, my friend in ministry and life for over 30 years, is a blessed man. He has raised five children who walk with the Lord, has been married to his high-school sweetheart for over 40 years, has pastored for almost three decades a solid, vibrant, and Christ- honoring church, and much more. The book records highlights from Toms life and some of the story concerning his most well-known son, Ben. Baseball fans will enjoy this behind-the-scenes look, and hopefully all readers will recognize the Lords hand at every turn in the Zobrist family.

Gary Gilley

SENIOR PASTOR OF SOUTHERN VIEW CHAPEL IN SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS; AUTHOR AND SPEAKER

A fun and inspirational behind-the-scenes read on how a young couple from central Illinois raised a family that would produce the player who helped end a 108-year championship drought and become World Series MVP. Look what God can do! Immeasurably more than we ask or imagine.

Kurt Pegler

WMBD-TV SPORTS DIRECTOR

This is a heartwarming, inspirational book about a mans devotion to his family and even more his zeal in serving the Lord, leading and living Gods way. Whether youre a sports fan or not, you will enjoy reading it.

Tim Johnson

VP OF FIELD MINISTRY, FCA MIDWEST REGION

Tom Zobrist has a powerful life-changing message to share. His humor and matter of fact approach disarms you as he talks about the importance of family and the joys and failures of being a Christian as a son, husband, and dad. Tom writes,... that when we desire Gods will, he changes our hearts to want what He wants for us. When we pray, God changes us! Gods dreams for our lives are bigger, deeper and richer than our own.

Tom Bennett

ILLINOIS STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 106

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The Zobrist Family: Look What God Can Do

Copyright 2017 Tom Zobrist. All rights reserved.

Previously published in 2017 as The Zobrist Family: Look What God Can Do under ISBN 978-0-9994240-0-1.

First printing by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., in 2018.

Cover photograph copyright Stephen Green. All rights reserved.

Photos have been provided by the author and other members of the Zobrist family and are used by permission of the Chicago Cubs, Stephen Green, and Sarah Fleck Photography, among others for this e-book edition. All rights reserved.

Designed by Converse Marketing, Peoria, Illinois; www.conversemarketing.com

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version, copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible, copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

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ISBN 978-1-4964-3411-1

ISBN 978-1-4964-3413-5 (ePub); ISBN 978-1-4964-3412-8 (Kindle); ISBN 978-1-4964-3414-2 (Apple)

Build: 2017-11-30 13:40:11

To Cindi and all our children and grandchildren and...

When my dad first told me he was approached to write a book about parenting me and his experience through the World Series, I was extremely skeptical. Dont get me wrong, my dad has tons of wisdom to impart to everyone through his experiences; but I personally did not want to be the subject of conversation in this book, and I absolutely did not want people to put our family on a pedestal because of winning the World Series.

I knew Dad was enjoying being a parent of the World Series MVP and was taking speaking gigs as a result, but I was cautiously reminding him that the message better not be Look what we did. After reading it, I am happy to say that this book reflects a much more appropriate message of humility and perspective through the story. Look What God Can Do is a great title, because it puts the focus back on faith in Gods sovereign plan for our lives rather than our own grit and determination.

Youll see that my dad did trysometimes admittedly too hardto teach me toughness and determination, but above all of that was a belief in walking with and trusting the God who can do anything. God works despite our best efforts and failures. He always knows best and always has a plan for our lives.