Dear Scotty,

It’s with pleasure and honor that I share with you the changes God has made in my life since I came to train with you at your Christian tennis program. I don’t really know where to start but I’ll try.

It was August 29th, 2006, when I was picked up from the Orlando airport after traveling for 24 hours from my home in Samoa.

The minute I stepped into the house, I was reminded of my own home because of the warm and hospitable welcome you showed me.

From that very first day, I knew God had placed me exactly where He wanted me to be. Everyday I felt more and more close to Him than ever before with all the discipleship trainings and fellowship we had.

It wasn’t only my faith in Christ that improved, but together with my tennis skills.

Though I was called the best female junior in my country, I came here so unskilled compared to your other students and you made me see it and then raised a new bar for me to climb.

Surprisingly, I stepped up my game to a totally new level and it is still rising. I really did not think I could improve further as I had not done so for a time but now I see I have a long way to still yet go.

The improvement I saw in certain ways was phenomenal and it built me up physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. I saw the changes happen right before my eyes and was astounded by it. (Shantel 2nd from left with ICTA Pro Tennis Team)

Then I gained my WTA ranking and the prime minister spoke of me at the dedication of Samoa’s new tennis facility built for the South Pacific games. My parents were so proud.

Offcourt, you guided me to start reading books that really helped me through all the experiences I’ve had and to pinpoint where I stand.

Going on large ICTA mission trips or playing pro tournaments with my ICTA Pro Tennis Team teammates gave us the chance to minister to others about Christ.

During those times, I always had the thought in my head that I have a purpose in life. I was led here according to God’s plan and He put you in my life for a great reason.

You also helped me see what I lacked in and gave me advice on how to improve it.

After being with you in the academy program for a little over 3 months, I went home for Christmas holiday a totally new person. I was confident, motivated, stronger in my faith and happier than ever before.

My family saw the changes that I had seen. Changes in my behavior, character, personality, attitude, moods and everything they could point out that wasn’t there before I came to train with you in Florida.

Moreover, I shared with my Mom and Dad, and my family, about the leadership conferences where you took me and all the other students you coach, and other exciting events we attended, and how I got to listen to and meet some of the top speakers in the nation namely David Nasser and (name withheld), including the live performance by Third Day at Universal Studio down in Orlando.

I was so excited when I told them all about this. In fact, I was even more excited when I told them one of the most exciting news, Ana accepting Christ. But apart from Ana accepting Jesus as her Lord and Savior and renewing my relationship with Christ, it was earning my points to get a WTA professional ranking and inevitably, they were ecstatic.

I told them much more about the wonders God has placed in my life while in attendance in your Christian tennis academy program. I also got the chance to share the news to my pastor and others and they were grateful for the work you did and continue to do.

My holiday started off with joy, laughter, sharing, fun and positive aspects… but ended in turmoil. It wasn’t really clear to me what happened, but when I returned to Florida after Christmas break, I was not who I was before I left.

I came back with a negative attitude, low self-esteem, confused mind and other negative aspects.

Furthermore, I came back arrogant, prideful, intolerant and insensitive towards everyone in the academy especially Mel and Rach. As everyone knows I can become rebellious, I didn’t like being told what to do and so I acted insanely irresponsible with my actions, particularly on our mission trip to Mexico. Little did I know, I was hurting those who cared for me and those who sacrificed so much for my sake.

Although was excited from earning my WTA professional ranking in February 2007, I felt empty inside. It wasn’t a nice feeling at all knowing that I achieved something so rare in my country and at the same time lose one of the most important aspects of life and of being a Christian.

Then you opened my eyes once again and made me see what a stranger I’ve turned out to be!

So the decision was up to me, accept or reject.

I accepted and started appreciating everything you all did for me!

The impact you had on me made me feel, once again, encouraged, cared for, blessed and loved.

Being on this journey with you and everyone in the ICTA has greatly blessed me and it has brought me new meaning to fully live for God.

To conclude, I would like to convey my sincere gratitude to you, Scotty, and your hard work, your time, your effort, your words of encouragement, your positive influence, your patience and your love that you have shown me.

May the good Lord abound you with His blessings and continue to use you for His work.

Lastly, I want to share to everyone out there, that no matter what you’re going through, no matter how far you are from God, no matter who puts you down and discourages you, no matter how difficult it is to turn away from your struggles and despairs, whatever you think is not worth your life, let me tell you someone that I have come to lay my burdens on, put my trust in and look to for answers, “Jesus”. He is the solution to every problem you could ever think of.

Luke 11:9 “Ask and it will be given to you: seek and you will find: knock and the door will be opened to you.”

With great passion and love for Christ, I dedicate this testimony to those who are lost and seeking answers to their problems, to turn to Jesus. He will guide your every step and will deliver you from all your struggles. God has His purposes for you and all you got to do is believe in Him.

I leave you with one of my favorite bible verses:

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”Shantel Tavita
WTA Ranked Pro Tour Player
Member ICTA Women’s Pro Tennis Team