Andy Dirks Speaks at Echo Grove Camp and Retreat Center
On Wednesday, July 24, former Detroit Tiger, Andy Dirks, visited campers at Echo Grove Camp and Retreat Center. Children excitedly gathered in the Mervyn Price Chapel & Performing Arts Center to listen to him speak.
Dirks talked about his rise to fame and experience as a Detroit Tiger, engaging with the campers throughout his talk.
“He relates to these kids on a level that some really can't, he's a local hero too. Having him here gives us the opportunity to show the kids that no matter what they're going through they can overcome it with the power of Christ in their life,” said Major Jonathan Cooper, Divisional Youth and Candidates’ Secretary of The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division.
*Left: Andy Dirks poses with camper, right: Andy Dirks signs autographs
Dirks also talked about the important role his christian faith has played in his life.
“I believe God has a purpose for each one of you in this room that’s unique and specific to you.”
He went on to describe the pivotal moment that led him to God: when he hurt his back and could no longer play with the Tigers.
“I was absolutely devastated,” he said.
“It wasn’t at the pinnacle when everybody loved me. It was when I didn’t know what to do or where to turn. And I said ‘God, you’re going to have to show me, because I’m all out of answers. And in that moment, I felt peace.”
*Andy Dirks and Echo Grove Camp and Retreat Center campers
Afterwards Dirks answered questions from campers, signed autographs, and took photos.
The Detroit Tigers have been a great supporter of The Salvation Army, Dirks’ appearance being only one example. Two weeks prior, they celebrated Christmas in July at Comerica Park where the Salvation Army band was invited to play.
The Salvation Army is grateful for the generous support the Detroit Tigers has given, which will help us feed, shelter, and support Detroit’s most vulnerable, as well as inspiring children at camp.
If you would like to join the Detroit Tigers in supporting these important programs, you can volunteer or donate to The Salvation Army in Metro Detroit.