'Slip Disc' used as evangelism tool: Tossing to share the gospel

BEEBE – Looking for a new and innovative way to share the gospel? Consider getting in the game by using a ‘Slip Disc.’

From beach outreach to vacation Bible school, The Slip Disc offers a great way to tell others about Christ in a nonthreatening way, said Jackie Gibbs, founder of Slip Disc Ministries along with his wife, Geri. The Gibbses reside in Beebe and are members of First Baptist Church, Cabot.

Whatever the activity, the discs provide a connection point, allowing people to “earn the right to be heard,” said Gibbs.

The idea for The Slip Disc came from Gibbs’ struggle to share his faith in Christ as a youth pastor just out of seminary.

“I was good at throwing a Frisbee, but not so good at sharing my faith,” he said.

So, he hit upon the concept of combining his love for the sport and the need to share Christ, and The Slip Disc was born.

This year marks the 21st anniversary for Slip Disc Ministries.

In that time, more than 500,000 flying discs have been distributed literally all over the world, in at least 73 countries.

Four different evangelistic messages are available for placement on the discs, including one for children. Some messages have been translated into 10 languages, including English, Spanish, Russian, Romanian, Portuguese, French, Welsh, Swahili, Czech, Haitian Creole and Turkish.

Gibbs said currently there is a need for someone to translate the message of the children’s disc into the Haitian Creole language.

Tough economic times have had an impact on the ministry.

“This past year has been the hardest,” said Geri Gibbs, who manages the ministry’s bookkeeping and helps with making and distributing the discs. “For the first time, we haven’t been able to pay for our product.”

Thankfully, the company that makes the discs is lenient, allowing the Gibbses an entire year to pay for the products they order.

Through the struggle, the couple says one thing is certain – God will continue to provide.

“The Lord just keeps us going,” said Gibbs.

The Gibbses have had a variety of part-time jobs to help support the ministry, including teaching guitar lessons, substitute teaching, supply preaching, delivering phone books and even collecting garbage.

They both currently work part-time at Fort Thompson, a sporting goods store in Sherwood.

Additionally, Gibbs installs disc golf courses at camps and parks across the United States.

Over the years, Gibbs has considered going back to work in a full-time church staff position, but he said God has made it clear He wants the couple right where they are. Gibbs noted that every time God has provided for them, often in a “dramatic” fashion.

The last five years have taught the couple to trust God, even when it looks bleak financially.

“We have truly seen God do unbelievable things financially,” said Geri Gibbs, noting being a part of the ministry has allowed them the opportunity to witness God at work.

What keeps them going are the stories they hear from people all over the world who have used their discs to share the gospel with others. Even the Duggars, stars of the reality TV show, “19 Kids and Counting,” who live in Northwest Arkansas, used Slip Discs on a mission trip to El Salvador.

Through the reach of Slip Disc Ministries, the Gibbses feel they are “partners in ministry” with those who use their discs to share the love of Christ.

Slip Discs are available in a variety of colors. Customized discs are available for churches and ministries looking for a creative way to share the gospel and promote activities to their target audiences.

Day camp materials utilizing the children’s message on The Slip Disc are available.

For more information, contact Slip Disc Ministries at www.slipdiscministries.com.

Contact Lisa Watson at lisa@arkansasbaptist.org.