Tom Randall was having lunch in the clubhouse after golf when he suddenly heard the sweet sound of Tagalog somewhere in the crowded room of golfers.
It was not difficult for him to quickly locate the four Filipino golfers, so he just strolled over and sat at their table.
Their surprised and somewhat annoyed looks at his uninvited presence suddenly turned into huge smiles and laughter as Tom began asking their names in Tagalog. They talked until closing time about their home provinces, families, jobs, basketball, golf and finally, Jesus.
Tom Randall’s Unexpected Reunion with Filipino Friends at a Golf Tournament
They insisted that Tom join them to play in their All-Filipino Golf Tournament and speak to the other 100 Filipinos playing at the Orlando Disney course. He agreed.
Tom Randall arrived at the tournament to find 100 Filipino men of his age group, many who had watched him play basketball in the Philippines. Ray Lazaro played with Tom in the professional league, Jun Montayo was a referee, Mel was a coach, and Santi Melon was a bookie who naturally was a friend of Jun the referee!
Of course!
Afterwards Mel, Ric, and Gilbert prayed with Tom to complete a perfect day. It reminded him of leading Filipinos to Christ after basketball games in the Philippines. It turns out there are five equally large Filipino golf associations, Tampa, Jacksonville, Miami, Naples, and Orlando! Tom committed to play and speak at all five before Christmas.
Tom Randall Commits to Engaging with Filipino Golf Associations Across Florida
It is hard for him to explain the love and compatibility he always feel with Filipinos. But it started in 1976 while playing in Taiwan with Sports Ambassadors and meeting an old leper named Mr. Tsai. This godly man full of His Spirit told me God was calling Tom to be a missionary ambassador for Christ. Two of Tom teammates suggested the same.
Six months later he was playing basketball in the Philippines and fell in love with the country and its people. Maybe it was because they loved basketball, or because of the common Catholic background, but Tom was drawn irresistibly to these fascinating people and their crazy culture and language.
“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” II Corinthians 5:20
A great missionary mentor used to tell him to develop the qualities that make a good ambassador. Adaptability, improvising, possessing a positive attitude, skilled at communication and conversation,
willing to talk to strangers, being able to think on your feet, take Godly risks and remember the message of your King.
Tom is still working on these qualities and more but after 48 years of being privileged to be an ambassador for the King of Kings and carry the King’s message of peace, joy, and redemption the fire still burns.
Because of Christ,
Tom Randall and Karen Randall
