By HENRY DURAND, The Christian Index
WOODSTOCK, Ga. — It was in a time of disaster that Mark Richt gave his life to Christ.
Whereas an assistant coach at Florida State College, one in every of his gamers was tragically killed, and legendary coach Bobby Bowden, ever the unapologetic Christian, introduced all the workforce collectively and shared the hope that may be present in Christ.
Richt, who led the College of Georgia soccer workforce as head coach, walked into Bowden's workplace the following morning and stated the phrases that modified his life: “I want Jesus.
Richt stated Friday on the College of Georgia Evening of Champions gathering that his life and profession have gone by means of ups and downs since that day in 1986, however that his focus has remained steadfast on Jesus.
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes hosted a Evening of Champions on the First Baptist Church of Woodstock the place present and former gamers and coaches gathered to share their Christian religion.
Present College of Georgia heart Sedrick Van Pran spoke concerning the significance of dwelling a life that pleases Christ.
“I at all times need to attempt to keep humble,” the 311-pound workforce captain stated, “as a result of I by no means need to be humbled by the Lord. While you get out of line, get again to the Phrase, get again to church.”
Bulldogs security Malaki Starks, a finalist for the 2022 Shaun Alexander Freshman of the 12 months Award, instructed the meeting that it's essential to at all times find time for what's most essential — a relationship with God.
Ben Watson, a former College of Georgia participant and NFL tight finish, urged these on the rally to replicate integrity and affect.
Watson stated persons are at all times watching how athletes and Christians reside their lives. A lifetime of integrity, he stated, creates the affect wanted to level others to Christ.
“In all the things you do, carry Christ with you,” he stated.
Watson received the NFL's 2018 Bart Starr Award, which is given to the participant who “finest exemplifies excellent character and management at residence, on the sector and locally.”
Watson urged listeners to consistently “examine in” to verify they’re dwelling with integrity. He described a course of NFL groups name “self-scouting,” through which groups consider themselves weekly to evaluate their present strengths and weaknesses.
“It's not about perfection,” Watson stated, “it's about a normal and being trustworthy with your self if you don't reside as much as it.”
Watson stated the apostle Paul exhorted his younger protégé Timothy to reside a lifetime of integrity so he might affect others for Jesus.
“In the event you don't know Jesus Christ, you don’t have any energy to reside a lifetime of integrity, you don’t have any energy to reside a lifetime of affect,” he stated.
For many who know Jesus, Watson stated, “All of us have affect. What are you doing with yours?”
