Some consider boxing a violent sport, unworthy of Christian participation, but the story of former professional boxer Ebo Elder will prove otherwise at 7 p.m. on December 5th, when the star of the TV reality series "The Contender" will be a guest speaker at Calvary Chapel Old Bridge, 123 White Oak Lane.

The Georgia-based Elder will share how God has worked through his life in and out of the ring. His presentation will include a video of the last round of his 2004 defeat of No. 4-ranked Courtney Burton, also known as the Showtime Fight of the Year and Knockout of the Year.

"In this fight, God... gave me a message for his people," Elder said. "Not only did he speak it, but he showed it in the fight. It is a message that challenges and encourages the new to Christ, as well as the mature believer. This is also probably the only time anyone will ever watch boxing in church."

Elder said his greatest victory was winning back his wife, Amy, after a divorce. That victory would not have been possible with out the help of God, he said.

"I'll be sharing the story of reconciliation with my wife and how God brought us through a divorce and into nearly seven years of marriage the second time," Elder said.

Lloyd Pulley, Calvary Chapel Old Bridge's senior pastor, said he is looking forward to Elder's upcoming appearance.

Based on the number of his Christian fans, Elder obviously has a message for his generation, Pastor Lloyd said.

"Not only does he unashamedly follow Jesus Christ, but his foremost desire is that his life would influence others to come to a relationship with God through Jesus," he said. "Boxing is his platform. Professional boxing is what Ebo Elder does, but who he is clearly goes much deeper."

Elder's motto is: "Serving Jesus Christ is not what we do, but who we are."

In addition to being a disciple for Christ, Elder holds the following distinctions:

• The WBO Intercontinental, NABO and IBA Lightweight Champion with 22 wins, 3 defeats and 16 knockouts
• A silver medalist in the 1998 Goodwill Games
• Six-time Georgia State Golden Gloves Champ

He also is the father of three daughters: Mattie, 7; Abbie, 3 and Gabbie, 6 months.

For more information about his upcoming talk at Calvary Chapel Old Bridge, call 732-679-9222 or visit www.ccob.org. For more about Elder, visit www.ebotribe.net.