Meadowlark Lemon Ministries

In 1994 Meadowlark and his wife, Dr. Cynthia Lemon, founded Meadowlark Lemon Ministries, a non-profit organization dedicated to “changing lives, to change the world.” In 1986, Meadowlark became an ordained minister, and in 1998, he received a Doctorate of Divinity from Vision International University.  In 1994, Dr. Cynthia Lemon became an ordained minister and they work together as a team with a heart for people and a mission for the world; a team with a message of hope, joy, grace and unmerited favor.

Meadowlark’s life as a basketball celebrity and as one of the world’s most recognizable athletes and entertainers has given him access to millions who might not otherwise hear the “good news” of a loving God who knows them by name and loves them.  Meadowlark’s humorous, dynamic and engaging style of communication makes him a highly sought-after conference speaker, keynote speaker and evangelist.

Meadowlark Lemon Ministries along with Camp Meadowlark  and Meadowlark Lemon’s Harlem All Stars™  uses both conventional and unconventional methods to reach out to young and old alike. Through the means of writing books, preaching, evangelical outreaches, music, basketball, television media and technology, Meadowlark Lemon Ministries presents a life-changing message that brings hope, joy and inspiration to millions — encouraging all to stay focused and “finish strong” in every endeavor.

Meadowlark Lemon Ministries supports and partners with many other existing outreach ministries, charities and foundations that include working with wounded warriors and visiting military hospitals, visiting schools and children’s hospitals, collaborating with many foundations benefiting the health and protection of children, Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, Police and Fireman Charities, Smile of a Child Foundation, Native American outreaches, NBA and NFL guest Chaplin to encourage the young professional athlete. Meadowlark is a motivational and keynote speaker for many leadership conferences for corporations, colleges and military bases across the country including the Pentagon in Washington DC.

Youth Prison Work

Meadowlark Lemon Ministries has a special heart for young people in youth prisons and detention centers across the country. Meadowlark’s focus is to help direct children of all ages in a positive way, to let children know they are not alone, they are uniquely special, and that God has a wonderful plan for their life and most importantly, they are forgiven. The mission is to keep these young people from going to adult prisons by helping them identify the vision and dream God has put in their heart; teach them to never give up and to focus on achieving their dream as they move forward in God’s love, forgiveness, unmerited favor and grace. Meadowlark’s message to these young people is, “Life’s most meaningless statistic is the half-time score, and as far as I’m concerned, it’s always half-time.” Meadowlark encourages them to forgive themselves and forgive others. He shares with them what a loving God says to them, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Meadowlark says:

Success in life is not measured by how fast we sprint away from the starting line. No! Victory is won by running the full race, finishing strong, and crossing the finish line. Make up your mind to finish strong. It has been said that it matters less where you begin in life than where you end up. Life can be likened to a race or a game with a definite beginning, a definite end, and a whole lot of time in the middle where people jockey for position. As long as you are still in the race, there’s a chance you will win. Take yourself out of the game and it’s certain you will lose.

Youth Drug Awareness

Since Meadowlark was appointed as an Ambassador to the White House by Nancy Reagan, as part of her “Just Say No Drug Awareness Program,” he has been actively helping young people avoid the catastrophe of drug abuse. He uses his basketball talents to break down barriers.  Now, Meadowlark Lemon Ministries also incorporates the support of local agencies like M.A.D.D. (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions), P.A.L. ( Peer Assistance Leadership) and D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) teaching  children—from kindergarten through college—that popularity can be found in positive behavior, that belonging need not require them to abandon their values, that self-confidence and self-worth come from asserting themselves and resisting destructive temptations. Meadowlark Lemon Ministries gives young people the skills needed to recognize and resist the subtle and overt pressures that cause them to experiment with drugs and alcohol or become involved in gangs or violent activities including bullying. The mission is to encourage students and their peers to make healthy life decisions by getting involved in youth leadership, mentoring and sports. Our aim is to build trust, understanding and a positive self-image among students, as a fortress against the temptation of alcohol and drug abuse and to live violence-free lives. Meadowlark Lemon Ministries also supports residential treatment programs for youth such as Mercy Ministries and Teen Challenge that work with alcohol and drug addictions, unplanned teen-pregnancies, eating disorders, depression, self-harm, abuse issues and other life-controlling issues.

Meadowlark teaches the importance of keeping a good name: 

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” (Proverbs 22:1)  He conveys that in order to be respected by others; a person must first have respect for themselves and give respect to others.

Native Americans Outreach

Meadowlark Lemon Ministries brings love and hope to the nation’s first people, the Indian Nations on our forgotten lands. Meadowlark Lemon Ministries and Meadowlark Lemon’s Harlem All Stars™ have partnered with Pastors Ray and Ceci Ramos of Festival of Life World Outreach Ministries from the United Auburn Indian Community (Miwok Tribe) in Auburn, California. Pastor Ceci is a beautiful American Indian from the Miwok Tribe, with the gift of giving and bringing joy to others. Pastor Ray has great insight from the Word of God and teaches how to live in prosperity and God’s favor and blessings. Both ministries working together have a mission to provide compassionate, loving, and competent services in the name of Jesus Christ to these beautiful Indian people.

We help raise funds and bring entertainment and encouragement to the reservations with Meadowlark Lemon’s Harlem All Star™ comedic basketball games while sharing the good news of a loving heavenly father and a message of Hope and Joy! We are now planning a series of Camp Meadowlark basketball camps for many of the schools located on reservations.

Evangelism is at the heart of all we do. Our most important mission is to provide spiritual help and life-changing principles by demonstrating Christ’s love through our relief efforts. We are developing programs to provide medicine, toiletries, water, coats, blankets, food and other essential goods. We also promote Native American leadership and training Native American Ministry Leaders.

Meadowlark encourages and motivates young Native American athletes to dream big dreams and focus to excel in education and sports to achieve professional status….

Health and Fitness

Dr. Cynthia Lemon is a Naturopathic Doctor and has a double doctorate in nutritional philosophy. Meadowlark and Dr. Lemon are now spearheading a new program focused on health and fitness.  The ageless Meadowlark is asked many times how he stays so healthy and physically fit.  Fans want to know how he’s been able to have such longevity in his career, especially how he’s still playing basketball today with his team, Meadowlark Lemon’s Harlem All Stars™, at events all over the country and internationally. Meadowlark has always made exercise and taking care of his body a priority.

Making healthy choices daily allows Meadowlark to have the energy to enjoy his family and continue the longevity of a career that he loves doing…

Meadowlark learned at the beginning of his career that health affects everyone physically, mentally, spiritually, financially, socially, and emotionally. He could see that people who were taking care of their bodies by making healthy choices on a daily basis were much happier and more productive in their lives. It was clear for him to see that it’s easier to maintain a healthy body and resist disease than try to fix a health challenge with drugs, surgeries, or many visits to doctors. It was also clear to him that each person needs to care for their own body and if his body broke down —– there is no amount of money or fame that can turn things around.

By continuing to keep the maintenance of his health at the top of his priority list, Meadowlark can do everything he wants to do. He continues to travel to events around the globe 80 % of the year sharing his message hope, joy, grace and unmerited favor.

So, “How does the ageless Meadowlark stay so healthy and fit and how does he know what to do?” His first step was to get the assistance of his MVP, also known as his wife, Dr. Lemon. As a Naturopathic Doctor she focuses on holistic, proactive prevention. Instead of waiting for a disease to emerge, Naturopathic doctors work to head it off before it happens. Dr. Lemon works with patients to improve health through diet, supplementation, exercise and holistic and non-drug remedies. She designed a wellness program that works for Meadowlark and has worked for him since they’ve been together nearly 20 years and counting.

In Meadowlark’s new book, Trust Your Next Shot, you can learn details about Meadowlark’s longevity and common sense approach to health. Meadowlark shares some of the fundamental and basic health choices he does each day including supplements, exercise and food choices. Meadowlark follows what the Bible recommends for great food choices. He also shares in his book the connection between healthy food and exercise, healthy thoughts, forgiveness and obtaining optimum health that is restored daily. Purchase Meadowlark’s new book, Trust Your Next Shot, to learn all of the details of his wellness program and his inner philosophy of being Ageless and living a life of JOY!

Together, Meadowlark and Dr. Lemon are planning to market a new product being developed called Meadowlark’s Lemon Aid™ along with printed information on health and nutrition. The new product and health information will benefit many individuals and also help raise funds for their ministry outreaches. Meadowlark Lemon Ministries also supports other existing foundations and charities that support research and assistance for children with various types of illnesses including down-syndrome, leukemia, cancer and various other diseases including eating disorders and drug addictions. The ministry also supports several foundations doing research and education for people with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders.

Meadowlark says:

One significant difference between life and any other game or race is that in life we only compete against ourselves. Even though others may be involved, each person’s life is judged by no greater criteria than how they did when measured against their own individual potential. Decide right now that you are going to begin a new chapter in your life. Why wait until January 1 to make your resolution? Make your declaration today and finish this day strong, this week strong, this month strong, and this year strong. The common denominator for all mankind is that we all get 24 hours in a day, just like everyone else. What you do with that time is up to you. Choose well…