By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Former Detroit Tiger and Haven High and Wichita State product Andy Dirks will be in South Hutchinson Saturday for an event with Solid Rock Bible Church.
"We're going to meet at Lionette Ball Fields in South Hutch April 17 at 7 p.m.," said Pastor Lee Smith of Solid Rock Bible Church. "Andy's going to speak to us on The Game of Life, his life as a baseball player and his life as a Christian."
Dirks said he began his personal relationship with Christ just a few years ago.
"Raised in Kansas, you just assume you're a Christian," Dirks said. "You assume you have that value system instilled in you and you think you're right with God and you trick yourself, to some degree. For me, it came to a head about four years ago. I said, you know what? I'm really not a good person. I always thought I was pretty good. People liked me. I've been successful in life, by worldly standards. I didn't have a true, meaningful purpose in life. That's what I came to realize. Then, I gave my life to Jesus and the biggest thing for me was to actually do it and to mean it. I say, jump all in, go all in, jump off the cliff and trust Jesus with your life."
Dirks admits that in some respects, living in the Detroit area where he played is better for his faith.
"For me, it's actually easier, because at least people here will admit they don't know God or admit that they don't care about God," Dirks said. "I think the battle we have in Kansas a lot is everybody will say they are a Christian and never analyze their heart. At least here, they say they are an atheist. You know, I respect that more. At least they'll say I don't believe in God."
Lionette Ball Diamonds are located at 101 W. Ave C in South Hutchinson. Bring lawn chairs, the crowd will be sitting in the outfield. Andy will be speaking from the infield. Water, Cracker Jacks and cotton candy will be provided free of charge.