Post by faith88 on Jul 19, 2007 5:11:25 GMT -5
I have asked for prayers for this man before. He is a friend of ours who is a semi-professional footballer (was fully professional for 10 years) He is also a Theological student. His ambition was to enter the Ministry of the Church, he wanted to do that from being a boy, but the football talents took over.
Now- with a year to go before completing his studies, he seems to be at a crossroads. He thinks that going in for teaching may be better for his family. They need security. Also, it would be hard for his wife to be the wife of a Minister when she is not at the same point with her faith, (though she quite often goes to church with him- has bought him Christian books for Christmas and his birthday, and joins him in wanting to bring their children up as Christians.)
He is applying to be accepted on a graduate teaching programme part-time so he can also continue with the Football. He is also taking coaching exams and coaches boys at a Football Club's Academy. He is hoping to teach R.E. and also help coach the school football teams of course!
What I find special about him is that he attaches as much importance to a play well in a staff against school team, when he was on teaching experience, as he does to when he played for a Championship Football team as a 19 year-old. He thinks it is always important to give your best- for God and for others.
As a Christian footballer, who really loves Jesus and is very upfront about his faith, even though he has been mocked by team-mates, he gets a lot of invitations to speak to young people in schools and at Football events for youth.
I am sensing now that he doesn't know quite which direction to take. He is playing again after being out injured for most of last season, but he knows his playing days are limited, as they are for all football players.
I am praying for guidance for him. He asks for advice- as he asks other friends. Most other friends think he should either teach P.E. or stay in Football as a coach or manager.Yet he has a huge hunger for studying, especially the Bible.
I don't know what to say because only God knows where He wants him to be. God may need him in Football to reach out to people where they are. Football is so popular but has a tarnished image and can lead young lads into bad ways as they imitate the excesses of some of their heroes.
By contrast, our friend goes and speaks about his love for God, and stresses the importance of living a life that honours God. He tells about his early marriage and the way he and his wife have grown closer and work as a team to give their daughters love and Christian values.
He has a natural warmth and love for people and a delightful personality, with a gentle sense of humour that young people can relate to. His wife is also charming and "bubbly"- I pray she will grow in faith asthey make agreat "team" together!
I myself can only pray that God will make his way ahead clear.That God should shut some doors and open others so that he knows excactly where to go.
I feel a great need to pray for our friend, as I feel young people, especially boys who so often do not have fathers around, need the influence of a strong male role model they can respect, and yet who makes God real to them, and models for them a life that honours God. Please join me in praying for him. Thank you!
Now- with a year to go before completing his studies, he seems to be at a crossroads. He thinks that going in for teaching may be better for his family. They need security. Also, it would be hard for his wife to be the wife of a Minister when she is not at the same point with her faith, (though she quite often goes to church with him- has bought him Christian books for Christmas and his birthday, and joins him in wanting to bring their children up as Christians.)
He is applying to be accepted on a graduate teaching programme part-time so he can also continue with the Football. He is also taking coaching exams and coaches boys at a Football Club's Academy. He is hoping to teach R.E. and also help coach the school football teams of course!
What I find special about him is that he attaches as much importance to a play well in a staff against school team, when he was on teaching experience, as he does to when he played for a Championship Football team as a 19 year-old. He thinks it is always important to give your best- for God and for others.
As a Christian footballer, who really loves Jesus and is very upfront about his faith, even though he has been mocked by team-mates, he gets a lot of invitations to speak to young people in schools and at Football events for youth.
I am sensing now that he doesn't know quite which direction to take. He is playing again after being out injured for most of last season, but he knows his playing days are limited, as they are for all football players.
I am praying for guidance for him. He asks for advice- as he asks other friends. Most other friends think he should either teach P.E. or stay in Football as a coach or manager.Yet he has a huge hunger for studying, especially the Bible.
I don't know what to say because only God knows where He wants him to be. God may need him in Football to reach out to people where they are. Football is so popular but has a tarnished image and can lead young lads into bad ways as they imitate the excesses of some of their heroes.
By contrast, our friend goes and speaks about his love for God, and stresses the importance of living a life that honours God. He tells about his early marriage and the way he and his wife have grown closer and work as a team to give their daughters love and Christian values.
He has a natural warmth and love for people and a delightful personality, with a gentle sense of humour that young people can relate to. His wife is also charming and "bubbly"- I pray she will grow in faith asthey make agreat "team" together!
I myself can only pray that God will make his way ahead clear.That God should shut some doors and open others so that he knows excactly where to go.
I feel a great need to pray for our friend, as I feel young people, especially boys who so often do not have fathers around, need the influence of a strong male role model they can respect, and yet who makes God real to them, and models for them a life that honours God. Please join me in praying for him. Thank you!
