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BASS Angler-of-the-Year Race
The Season Finale in Montgomery, AL
05/07/2003 - What an exciting year end finish we have coming up! I have my first shot at winning the BASS Angler of the Year title, as I'm currently in 2nd palce just 1 point behind the leader Alton Jones. It is really a win-win deal for me because if I don't win, one of my best friends on the Tour probably will. Alton Jones and Mark Davis are two of my best friends in the world, and either will do a fine job in glorifying God and using their platform to share the love of Jesus Christ.
The christian bass fans must really be loving the Angler of Year race this year. 4 of the top 5 guys are very strong and outspoken in their faith (the 5th being Shaw Grigsby). I dont know Roger Boler that well, but he seems like a fine gentleman and I'm sure he'd be a great champion as well. Im a big sports fan, and I always root for the outspoken believers in other sports, so I know this is an exciting year for some bass fans.
One thing is for sure, God will have the final say in who the winner is. And to Him be the glory! If I dont win, my prayer is that I wont let any envy or selfishness into my heart. I want to be free to rejoice with the winner. That is what Jesus would do.
As far as the Busch Angler of the Year program goes, I am really excited about the plan of action God has shown me to take. As I said in my letter at the beginning of the season, I have no interest in promoting alcohol. That is a personal conviction, and one I am going to stand by.
I said in my previous letter that "I will decline the money" if I win. If Busch attempts to force me to do marketing I am uncomfortable with, I will simply walk away and let them keep the $100,000 prize. However, Busch has recently shown indications that they dont desire to put the AOY in any promotional situation he is uncomfortable with. I hope they keep this policy.
If they do, God has shown me a wonderful plan for the money. I will still "decline" it personally, in that not a penny of my winnings will be for my personal use. But I will accept the prize money Busch offers. I now see an awesome way to use it for charitable purposes and for promoting the Gospel. I wish I could share my plans now, but I must wait until the end of the Tour season to do so. I can't wait to share my plan for using the prize money, so be sure to check back to jayyelas.com to find out. I plan to give away any Busch AOY prize money I win, whether I finish 1st or 10th.
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