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From Suicide to Serving in Uganda: A Former MLB Wife Reflects on God’s Guidance

Photo from The Vine Uganda Instagram

From Suicide to Serving in Uganda: A Former MLB Wife Reflects on God’s Guidance

By Movieguide® Contributor

From an MLB wife to serving others in Uganda, Gari Meacham continues to see God’s guidance in every area of her life. 

When Gari met Bobby Meacham in college, she knew nothing about baseball. But Bobby was a first-round draft pick for the St. Louis Cardinals, and after they married, baseball became her world. 

The couple moved nearly 50 times in their first 10 years together as Bobby was traded from the Cardinals to the New York Yankees. From there, he played for the Texas Rangers, Pittsburgh Pirates and Omaha Royals. 

During their time in New York, the couple started a Bible study. Eventually, Bobby retired and began coaching. 

At the same time, Gari felt led to share how God transformed her life after surviving an eating disorder and suicidal thoughts as a young woman. She began speaking anywhere from living rooms to stadiums and wrote a book. 

“You can’t speak what you don’t know,” she said. “For years, God was teaching me.”

God continued to guide her ministry, eventually leading her to a short-term mission trip to Uganda that would change her life. 

Gari eventually helped found The Vine, an organization in Kamuli, Uganda, that focuses on empowering women, educating children and caring for orphans.

As she continues her work there, Gari reflected on how her husband’s baseball career prepared her for her ministry now. 

“I sometimes wish I could go back to certain times and do it again,” she expressed. “I’d probably do it more calmly and with less groaning. I’ve learned almost everything I know about trusting the Lord from baseball.”

“God had us where He had us for a reason,” Gari added. “Even now, we see the fruit of those years. The things we learned about ourselves were invaluable.” 

For those seeking God’s plan for their life, she advised, “You have to commit to praying. Ask God, ‘What do You want me to know? What do You want me to do?’”

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.