New Mercury Guard Shares Story at GCU Faith and Family Night

By David Smith

“Two weeks ago, I got a call that said I was going to Phoenix,” said Phoenix Mercury guard Sidney Spencer.  “So as I was packing my bags, and twelve hours later was on a plane bound for Arizona, I was reminded of Jeremiah 29:11, and that God has a plan for me, and that is to be in Phoenix!”

Those calm comments started out the post-game Faith and Family Night activities Saturday night at the U.S. Airways Center.  The event, sponsored by Grand Canyon University, featured GCU Pastor Tim Griffin’s interview with Spencer, the newest acquisition of the Mercury.  And while the basketball Saturday night was exciting, with the game resulting in a thrilling 87-81 come-from-behind win over San Antonio, Spencer’s calm words of faith put a cap to a fun evening.

In front of several hundred Mercury fans who chose to stay and worship after the game, Griffin moved the discussion between the subject of the evening, basketball, and the subject of life – Spencer’s strong faith in God. 

“God’s thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are not our ways, but everything happens for a purpose, and I’m just glad to be here.”

Asked by Griffin how her faith impacted her ability to play basketball, Spencer replied “The only thing that is consistent in life is God and Jesus Christ.  Life has its ups and downs, there are wins and losses – that’s basketball – but through this whole journey my faith has been my rock and cornerstone that has helped me keep going.”

As the Mercury come down the home stretch, looking for a playoff spot, the calm in the locker room will be enhanced by the quiet faith and determination of their newest player, Sidney Spencer.

David Smith is the director of academic excellence for the College of Education.