Author: Carl Dambman
Located in: Washington State
Submitted: February 01, 2023
Tell us a little about yourself. Christian athlete who competed for the USA Wrestling Team internationally and served as a chaplain at Olympic Games and other major sports events. Our three children were born and grew up in Europe.
What was your motivation behind this project? People for decades encouraged me to write a book about pioneering sports ministry behind the Iron Curtain and into the Soviet Union during the Cold War years. I began praying for the USSR in 1976, travel restrictions during Covid gave me the chance.
What do you hope folks will gain from this project? I hope people will see how God uses ordinary people working together to do special things. Being part of a team, having a loving wife and family that were willing to follo God's lead was amazing.
How were you personally impacted by working on this project? Looking back over decades seeing God's Hand guide each step of the journey was amazing. Reading the regular newsletters my Dad had collected reminded me of God's leading and providing in good times and difficult situations.
Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists? Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ. CCC staff Josh McDowell (author) and Olympic Champ and teammate John Peterson encouraged and influenced me. My Dad and wrestling coaches helped me mature as an athlete and person.
Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know: My wife Noreen desired to serve overseas as a missionary before I did. After 12 years in Europe she was willing to move to Moscow, Russia, from Germany. I am grateful that the Lord gave me such a wonderful partner, married in 1977.
