By Jolene FarleyFour local men traveled around the world to share their convictions with others. Scott Harnack, Tom Goehle, Chris Fransman and Andrew Kellenberger signed up for a trip through a non-denominational Christian organization from Colorado Springs, Colo. "We went with a group called Sports Ambassadors," team member Scott Harnack said. "They take Christian sports teams to different countries every year."Sports Ambassadors uses sporting events as the stage for testimonials from team members about their faith. The group didn’t know for certain what their destination would be when they signed up, but they soon learned they would travel to India on their mission trip. Goehle previously took a trip to Singapore with the organization and was instrumental in organizing this summer’s trip to India.The four men left home Monday, July 26, for Colorado Springs, where they stayed for a couple of days before departing on the second leg of their journey. "They told us about Sports Ambassadors and what their goal was," Harnack said. "They prepared us a little for India and what we would see over there." The group also met the last member of their basketball team, Jon Cain from Michigan, and organizer Robin Cook, who also traveled with the group. Cain signed up for a Sports Ambassador trip online and was matched with Harnack, Goehle, Fransman and Kellenberger. After 50 hours of travel, the basketball team arrived in Chenai, India. They boarded a train to Coimbatore and took a van up a mountain to Coonoor, a village of 100,000 residents. "There are just so many people in India," Harnack said. "That’s considered a small village."After arriving in Coonoor, the team began offering basketball clinics and sharing their faith with the locals. "It’s an easy way to get people gathered," Harnack said. "We got a great opportunity to talk to them about Jesus."The five men talked at schools during morning services and at breaks during games. They shared Bible stories with the children."We talked to them about Jesus and what he’s done in our lives," Harnack said. The group stayed in Coonoor for five days before traveling back to Coimbatore where they played again. "We played eight basketball games, and then shared testimonials at half-time," Harnack said "We also did basketball clinics at the YMCA and a college." Before a recent change in government, open Christian worship wasn’t allowed in the predominantly Hindu and Islamic country. Until now India wouldn’t have been a travel option for a Christian mission trip. "We were lucky enough to be one of the first groups to go over," Harnack said. "Two months ago, we wouldn’t have been able to do this." While talking during the opening ceremonies at the schools telling their stories, the group often heard Hindu chants originating from shrines in the background. The men were well-received, according to Harnack. "They love to see Americans. They were open to whatever we wanted to talk about."The group shared their faith with more than 4,000 people during their time in India. Harnack said they hope to travel again next year with Sports Ambassadors, this time inviting a group of high school athletes along.