People of Purpose
People Making an Impact in their community and abroad.
Interview with Raymond Toilolo of Gridiron Ministries
Filoiann: Welcome, I'm thrilled you were able to do this interview with me. First, please tell us a little about your self?
People Making an Impact in their community and abroad.
Interview with Raymond Toilolo of Gridiron Ministries
Filoiann: Welcome, I'm thrilled you were able to do this interview with me. First, please tell us a little about your self?
Pastor Ray: My name is Raymond Toilolo. I’m an Associate Pastor at Christian Life Center of San Diego, Founder of Gridiron Ministries and in charge of the Freshmen & JV football programs at Helix High School.
I’m happily married to a wonderful and beautiful woman of God Trina, for 23 years. She’s my best friend, my assistant coach, my business partner, and my spiritual partner. She’s been everything to our children and me. God has blessed me with the perfect woman.
My son Ray (23) is married to Faailuga with 1 yr old son Titus. (my Awesome grandson) Ray is going to school for physical therapy in Sports Injuries, Chasity (21) is attending the University of Utah on a track scholarship, studying Sports Science. Levine (16) just recently accepted a football scholarship to Stanford University for 2009 and our youngest daughter Sydni (12), her goal is to attend and play college softball. I am very blessed and proud of our children. They are all Christians who have accepted Christ as their Lord & Savior, what a joy to know we’ll be with our children forever.
Filoiann: How did you become involved in Gridiron Ministries?
Pastor Ray: The Lord led me to form Gridiron Ministries in 2003; I’ve been involved in sports all my life as an athlete and a coach. There is so much you can learn from sports that will assist you later in life. It’s a way to minister to the young athletes. Coaches and Athletes are so influential in today’s society, but the wrong message is given to our young athletes of today, with the many arrests, deaths, drugs and alcohol. the character of an athlete is not positive. My prayers are to change the mindset of our young people, to fulfill their purpose and goals according to God’s will.
Filoiann: Please explain what does Gridiron Ministries do for the community and what it hopes to accomplish?
Pastor Ray: Gridiron Ministries is sports ministry geared towards youth and sports. Football & sports is the platform we utilize that draws young people to workout and participate in specific drills for speed, power and conditioning. It’s a mentorship program to teach our young people character through the Word of God, to improve their academic standards and enhance their God-given athletic abilities to be successful in their chosen sport. We empower the young people to reach their highest potential Spiritually, Academically, and Athletically. (Spirit, Soul and Body)
Filoiann: What words of wisdom or advice would you like to impart to those who are reading this interview in regards to being a person of purpose?
Pastor Ray: I would encourage your readers to really seek God for their purpose in life and obey their calling. I spent 4-5 years trying to fulfill my career desires and goals, and all along, I knew where my heart and passion was, to impact other lives in Christ. The story of Jonah comes to mind when we do not obey God’s calling. A sermon I recently heard was so correct when Pastor Jack Sheets Jr. said; running from God’s assignment doesn’t cancel the assignment. Philippians 1:6 says; being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. In Jeremiah 1, God states before He formed us in the womb, He knew us. The plan for our life is set, we just have to be obedient to the life God has called us too. I have such peace and joy in serving the Lord, and making a difference in the lives of others.
Filoiann: What type of support does your ministry rely on and how can people reach you if they would like to contribute or more info?
Pastor Ray: We solely rely on donations. The numbers of young people we minister to have increased. To continue to provide sufficient workouts, we need to purchase more equipment. We are praying that God will provide our own indoor warehouse workout facility, to conduct bible studies, tutoring, indoor workouts, weight room, computers for education stations and film room for college coaches. Please keep us in prayer. For more info you can visit our website at http://www.gridironministries.info/ or we can be reached at coachrayt@cox.net or gridironsd@yahoo.com
Filoiann: Thank you for allowing me this interview and sharing your time with us. I can testify that my son has personally benefited from Gridiron Ministries and so have many other boys and girls. This ministry is truly a blessing and making an impact. If anyone reading this interview is interested in either supporting their cause or getting involved, please don't hesitate to contact Pastor and Coach Raymond Toilolo.
Pastor Ray: Filoi, thank you for giving us an opportunity to share with your readers. It’s an honor and a privilege to be part of something special you’re doing around the world. You’re touching and changing lives around the globe. I pray continued blessings and success in God’s calling on your life. Your newsletters are very encouraging and a blessing. Keep up the great work, and May the Lord anoint everything you do.
In Christ,
Ray ToiloloGridiron Ministries
People of Purpose is a segment of Filoiann Wiedenhoff's column "How Do We Deal?" that is published on four websites and two international newspapers. Receive our monthly "People of Purpose" interview update by signing-up for her monthly newsletter. Visit her website http://www.filoiannwiedenhoff.com/ or her “People of Purpose” Blog at http://www.peopleofpurpose-fw.blogspot.com/
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