Most ministers cringe at the thought of asking people for donations, especially when it comes to raising funds for buildings or missions projects. That's why Perry Dissmore, pastor of Bear Creek Assembly of God in Panama City, Fla., opted to rely on another talent to generate income: his sharpshooting skills on the basketball court.
A former All-American for a Division III college in Minneapolis, the 6-foot-5-inch Dissmore sank an astounding 1,926 free throws within a single hour to obliterate a previous Guinness world record by more than 250 shots. His ultimate goal, however, was for a higher purpose of raising money for Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge (BGMC), the Assemblies of God (AG) missions arm that reaches children in need around the world through its missionaries.
Earlier this year, Dissmore approached a West Florida AG district official about using his attempt to break the record as a fundraising opportunity for BGMC. AG leaders loved the idea and established a goal of raising $50,000 for three specific ministries in Bulgaria, Kenya and Pakistan. After weeks of promoting the event to churches and pastors throughout the region, Dissmore set out break the record on Oct. 9 at a small college gymnasium in front of almost 300 people and rolling cameras.
After 60 minutes, the 38-year-old Dissmore had attempted 2,300 shots, making 1,926 to wind up at a "solid" 84 percent. Yet when put into perspective, the remarkable feat required Dissmore to shoot a free throw every 1.57 seconds—and make one every 1.87 seconds! As the hoops machine sank his final shot, the crowd stormed the court and mobbed the AG pastor.
"I was surrounded by people—the kids were everywhere," Dissmore recalls. "It was very humbling when they asked for my autograph, so I spent some time doing that and talking with the kids. … It became a neat celebration as we rejoiced in what God did that night."
BGMC leaders were just as excited—and humbled—by Dissmore's accomplishment. "When I spoke to Perry, I just sensed a heart of compassion for the lost," says Marshall Bruner, Compassion Ministries coordinator for BGMC. "Sacrifice from people such as Perry and others—all raising money for BGMC—speaks volumes to their commitment to seeing people throughout the world come to know Christ as their personal Savior." [Assemblies of God News, 10/23/09]
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