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Global Network Partners
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Jonathan Detweiler
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Jonathan Detweiler has been with his ministry, "Athletes in Action - Holland" since 2003. Before that
he was in the United States where he earned his college degree and worked in various minstry positions
for over 10 years.
Included in his prior ministry experience is:
- AIA Holland (2003-present)
- Manger of International Partnerships, CSI staff, CA (2001-2002)
- Director, Christian Athletic Association, CA (1997-2000)
- Recreation Ministry Director, Mendenhall Ministries, MS (1993-1997)
- Youth Leader, Royal Oak Presbyterian Church, VA (1991-1992)
Jonathan holds a degree in Geology from Wheaton College (IL) with a minor in Bible and also earned his Certificate
from CSI/San Jose Christian College Sports Ministry.
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Country Information |
The Netherlands is 41,785 km² in size with 30% of its land below sea level. More then 15 million people live here, including 1
million in Amsterdam and 1 million in Rotterdam. 91% of all people live in cities. 90% of its citizens are Dutch by birth.
The other 10% are mostly from Morocco, Turkey and former colonies Suriname and Indonesia. If you compare The
Netherlands with other countries, our economy is prospering. There is little unemployment and a large social plan for
people who are not able to work. Politically it is also very stable.
There is freedom of speech and religion. Unfortunately there is also freedom to live however you want. This ‘anti-discrimination’
stance sometimes threatens Christian values in the name of tolerance. Because The Netherlands has a great history as a
Christian nation, a lot of people call themselves Christian. Of the 56 % who consider themselves Christian, 22% consider
themselves Protestant and 35% Catholic. Other surveys reveal that only 7% are actually “born-again” and have a personal
relationship with God! Also while the statistic for Islam stands at 5.4%, this information is from the year 2000. Newer
information says this percentage is now closer to 10%.
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Ministry Information |
 Athletes in Action (AIA) was originally founded in the United States in1966 by David Hannah, who
desired to capitalize on society's great love of sports and utilize the platform given to athletes to reach the
world for Jesus Christ. AIA Holland began in 1996 through the vision of Henk Stoorvogel and has sent many
teams to serve in many countries throughout the world over the last ten years.
The primary goal is to partner with local churches to train and equip them in sports ministry by sending teams
that will demonstrate and share this vision practically through games, clinics, recreation activities, seminars,
etc. The last three years have seen Athletes in Action send out over 2000 people, including many on international
teams primarily to two countries, Greece (700 participants) and Israel (300 participants). God has certainly
used these projects in the lives of those who have gone as team members and those who have hosted teams.
These big, focused projects created much enthusiasm and momentum, and many lives were changed as the
gospel went forth. Local churches were also encouraged and challenged to live out the gospel in their own
communities in new ways.
AIA Holland currently has 25-30 full and part-time staff members who are committed to serving God and
reaching out through sports ministry. The departments of AIA include Recruiting, Training, Media and Public
Relations, National Projects, International Projects, Sports Camps, Innovation, and Office/Logistical Support.
All are working together to fulfill the mission of AIA. Additionally handbooks and DVDs are annually published
to equip and train others to join in this vision, and coaching is offered to local churches throughout the Netherlands.
This vision is one that I embrace and work to accomplish daily as I lead AIA Holland’s National and International
Project Teams
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