busy busy busy
April 20, 2007
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I’m so sorry I have not written recently… I have been putting out fires… and trying to review our wonderful Easter Services… so many people have called and written to express their gratitude… and we’ve even begun working on next year’s Easter service… can you believe that????
It seems like as soon as one big event ends… another begins… something I enjoy about Shepherd is that we are always working to reach as many people as possible.
And then we’ve had the difficult story of the shootings on the college campus of Virgina Tech, and trying to make sense out of all that…. It is just a reflection of our society, where lawlessness and evil rear their ugly heads. It all speaks to our need of reaching as many people as possible for Jesus Christ.
We need to be in prayer for the people whose lives have been devasted by these shootings…. May God grant strength and comfort to those who are hurting.
The picture above is the basketball team that my son, Dallas, plays on during the summer. I was once again asked to coach, and this will be the last summer that I will have this opportunity. We are currently in Pittsburgh, and we won our first game. I truly love coaching, but most importantly, I enjoy the chance to mentor and lead these young men. Many of them will be playing Division I basketball in two years, and I hope that I will be able to instill in them a desire to use their gifts and talents for the Glory of God…
As these young men prepare to step onto college campuses, the pressures and distractions facing young athletes are greater than ever. Between maintaining academic eligibility, handling intense training schedules, and navigating new financial opportunities, they need a strong moral compass. During our team devotions between games in Pittsburgh, we have been talking a lot about stewardship, responsibility, and making wise choices when independence comes.
Navigating college culture today means helping them recognize how easily high-performing athletes can get pulled into risky behaviors off the court. We see so many young people targeted by aggressive digital marketing, whether it is high-risk day trading platforms, offshore sportsbooks, or promotional offers from the best bitcoin casinos that advertise heavily to student sports fans. Giving these players the tools to discern healthy recreation from harmful habits is just as vital as teaching them defense or transition offense.
My heart’s desire as a coach is that when these boys leave our summer program, they carry a deep grounding in faith that anchors them through every trial and distraction. Coaching them on the court is a privilege, but seeing them grow into men of integrity and strong character is the real reward.
We still have a long tournament schedule ahead of us this month across several states, and the competition will only get tougher. But I am grateful for every hour on the road and every bench conversation with Dallas and his teammates.
Please pray for us as we travel and play throughout the summer…
Maranatha!