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LaPhonso
Ellis: God's Ambassador to the Miami Heat Shares the Gospel TTM- Did you always want to play in the NBA? LaPhonso- I grew up in a place called East St Louis,
Illinois, and I had dreams of playing in the NBA; however, I really wanted to be
a state trooper. There are two members of my family who are private detectives,
so I thought it would be awesome to step out into the world and patrol the
highways of Illinois. But God had different plans! TTM- What was your life like before you came to know
Christ? LaPhonso- Now that I have been enlightened (he says
while laughing), I see that I was very self- and me-oriented, just looking out
for my career and me. God designed me as a very nice, caring and loving person;
yet when I existed without acknowledging Jesus— this in itself can be very
prideful. I was really wrapped up in that. I was really self-absorb, and it
reflected in the way I was treating the people in my family. They were not my
number one priority. My career was the number one thing in my life, and anytime
my former team, which was the Denver Nuggets, called, I was gone. After my
second year in the league, I wanted a change in direction and began searching. TTM- How did you come to Christ? Laphonso-
I really felt the Holy Spirit tugging on me during my rookie year in the league.
I had a very dynamic chaplain named Bo Mitchell in Denver, and there was
something about him...and I began to go to the chapel every home game.
I really felt the Holy Spirit was pulling my heartstrings, and I didn’t
quite understand what it was about. But, finally, I felt like the Lord said whom
are you going to serve—you or Me. So I chose Him, and really my decision began
to change my relationship with my wife. I hadn’t been committed to her or
taking the responsibility of my household. The Lord laid it on my heart to go
share with my wife all of my short comings, and when I did that the Lord began a
process of turning some things that were awful and certainly turned them for my
good. The Lord works all things for good to those who love Him only when they
are obedient to do what the Lord says to do. (Romans 8:28). TTM-
How long have you been married? And how many kids do you have? LaPhonso-We
have been together for thirteen years; however, we are in our tenth year of
marriage. My wife’s name is Jennifer, and we have three children, Alexis (10),
LaPhonso, Jr. (7), and Walter (2). TTM-
Did you grow
up going to church? LaPhonso-
It’s interesting that as a child I attended church, and the other kids teased
me about what I was wearing-- second hand clothes from my uncles and such.
Coming from a poor family, that was all we could afford. So after that
experience, I began to look at church as a fashion show during which people
aren’t really seeking God. They are just going to be seen and to talk about
others who didn’t have... So I stayed away from church for a long time and
that was my reasoning for it. Now, I know as an adult I shouldn’t have allowed
that to keep me from church, but as a kid that was devastating to me. TTM-
What is Jesus doing in your life? LaPhonso-Well
you have just struck a cord now…He’s my healer, I have had four
career-ending injuries; my career really should have been over after my second
year, and then three times after that. The Lord has continued to be faithful in
wanting me to be a witness for Him. He’s my heart healer. After sharing
with my wife all of my shortcomings and being real with my friends and family, I
have seen Him heal their hearts as well. I’m so thankful for all that he has
done. He’s my provider. A year ago, after averaging 14 points and 8
rebounds over an eight-year career, I didn’t receive one single telephone
call. My wife and I were in prayer and we just trusted God with the outcome. We
saw Him open up an opportunity in Minnesota. There, I got to witness for Him and
play well, which was preparing the way for me to come here to Miami. So whether
you call Him El Shadai or Jehovah Rapha, I finally know what it is to say He’s
my all in all. TTM-How
is your faith having an impact on your teammates? LaPhonso-
It’s funny. I used to get caught up in saying to the Lord, I’ve given
these guys scripture verses and this and that, and God, I’m not seeing any
changes in their lives. What’s the deal here? And God hit me with the
scripture verse that says Some are waters and some are planters. But only God
gives the increase. (1Cor 3:7-8) So God has shown me that I only get a
chance to see the fruit of what he has done with my teammates after I leave.
It’s only after I had left the three teams that I played for that guys have
come up to me (to tell me their lives have changed), and all I can say is
“Glory to God”! TTM-
What advice would you give to young teenagers seeking to make it in the NBA? LaPhonso-
That’s a tough one because God has not called everyone to play in the NBA. But
the Bible teaches us to be ready in and out of season. In context, the Bible is
talking about witnessing, but I think you can apply it to the young people who
are developing their skills in whatever it is that God is calling them to do. So
work especially at the academics and also at your particular sport. Then be
ready when God calls. TTM-
What advice would you give to our readers? LaPhonso-
After having the opportunity to go to a Catholic university and having the
opportunity to see the Holy Spirit is working in the Catholic church, I would
really encourage people to pick the scriptures up and meet Jesus for themselves.
Don’t take my advice or anyone else’s advice. Just open the scriptures and
meet Jesus. He’s real and alive and wants to have a personal relationship with
each and every person. Use the stories in this magazine as positive influences
to help point people to the Messiah. TTM-What
church are you currently involved in? LaPhonso-
Right now, we have been visiting seven different churches just trying to find a
church home. We haven’t settled in yet— my schedule is really crazy so right
now we are attending the Saturday night service at University Baptist church. We
are really enjoying that; however, we are still open right now. TTM-
How do you see yourself getting involved with the community at large? Laphonso-
Well, right now my wife and I are still praying and fasting about that. So far,
God has really had on our hearts to get involved with inner city ministry, which
is what we do back home and in the cities in which I have played. My biggest
downfall in the last three years is getting ahead of the Lord, so right now we
will wait on Him to give us direction in that area. I just want an open heart
and be in position to be used by Him. TTM-
What is God laying on your heart for the church at large? LaPhonso-
I really feel that God is calling us to break down all the barriers that we have
placed up in the form of denominations; it’s time for the whole body to come
together in unity. The Bible talks about how wonderful it is for brothers to be
gathered together in unity. I believe God is really calling for the church
throughout the world to drop our traditions that keep us apart and come together
in Jesus name. Can you imagine what it would be like if the whole body of Christ
would come together? We would truly
have a revival that would shake this nation and the world. So let’s come to
the table and dialogue with one another and get back to the Word, which was made
flesh and dwelt among us. He’s praying for unity among those who know Him. TTM-Do
you have any final thoughts? LaPhonso-
Well, as my favorite scripture says without faith it is impossible to please
God because the one who comes to Him must believe that he exist, and that he
rewards those who earnestly seek him (Heb 11:6).
So my final thought would be just to seek Him with all your heart, and He
will reward you. But this must be done by faith. TTM-
Coach Riley had a few words about LaPhonso. Pat
Riley- I
really have been happy with him as a player.
I think he’s given us everything that we have wanted and expected,
probably more so. He fits in with us extremely well at the three and four spot
(small forward and power forward). As a man, he is above and beyond reproach.
He’s got great character on and off the court. He’s a great leader and a
number one class individual who’s really helped our team and our young guys. January - February 02 Table of Contents
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