I started this post last week and never finished... I'm glad now!
Last Thursday night I was exhausted and had almost talked myself out of going to Fields of Faith. I really wanted to, but I think the devil was telling me to just stay home...it was for students...not really adults. Christie called and asked me to take pictures, so I decided I needed to go... and it was a blessing... to say the least. The crowd of believers who showed up at our football field were shown the love of Christ and how important it is to lean on Him when you need it.
It warms my heart to see the age range and variety of people who love to come and hear a few verses of scripture, testimonies, and music.
We never know when our light will shine... this wasn't an event that was mandatory... it was those who truly wanted to come and be blessed.
Parents, students, faculty, and Lincolnton / Washington citizens who wanted to see what "Fields of Faith" was all about.
It was also a special time for parents to be with their children... and watch them sing, pray, and hear their faith...
The praise band was made of sweet, sweet boys! I love that they don't think that it is weird to sing for Jesus... to love Him... and to use their musical talents to touch others.
This one here did a great job! He gets his musical talent honestly!
Coach Campbell came out for the event too. It was a special night for many reasons, but he was kind to come hear one of his fellow coaches give his testimony.
Our emcee of the night... I would let her come and live with me. She is sweet, kind, and smart...all packaged into one!
His story was perfect... of Peter having to trust in Jesus to walk on the water. I'm sure at 15 this child knows more than I'll ever know... but his smarts include the knowledge of Jesus Christ... and that is the most important message that can ever be given. His honesty, his message of us all going through storms, and his truth that all we have to do is stick our hand out~ like Peter~ and Jesus will save us is worth more than ever knowing those physics formulas!
The man of the night... Coach Ellis... I was introduced to him at my house. He and Daddy were the best of friends. They played golf together, they went to Georgia games together, and more than once... they would sit in our den and watch movies. He was a part of our family. As I grew older I had him as a PE teacher. He would listen to our problems, solve our problems, and he helped us through those middle school years of being crazy!
I loved her message too. She talked about being so busy... and yes, we are... but we have to rely on God to take us out of that whirlwind and pull us through whatever we are planning! It's His plan... not ours.
I love this boy! He is funny, kind, and was so openly honest with his message. Keep following the Lord, young one.... you will go far!
Part of "Fields of Faith" is to have student athletes speak. This young man talked about all the trials he has been through and his main message was to "just pray"... and he is so right. Ask God for anything and it can be done. As he walked off the field last night, I wanted to give him a big hug... he has played a fine game of football for LC this year... he should hold his head up!
Coach Ellis gave the main message and brought me to tears many times. I never knew his story, but I knew he was special. I think the most important statement of the night was when he discussed being a part of 13 state championship games and winning 9 of them... he said the joy of those winnings can't even touch that of seeing young men come to know the "Lawd"! And that... is why I love this man so much. He doesn't yell at our football players, he doesn't call them names, he doesn't yank them around... He uses his kind voice, He lets the Light of Jesus shine through him as he teaches and models to these young men how to act, how to play, and how to win and lose. He is a true blessing to our program. I watched as every player and coach looked to him last night and he kindly spoke to them during a difficult situation. My prayer is that he will still be here to coach when Ben steps on that field. I find comfort in knowing that if Ben never plays a down of football, he will have a Godly man standing on the sidelines to be a role model and mentor... and to be a part a team with him coaching will be all he will ever need... Thank you Coach Ellis for your heart...
Sweet, sweet boy.... I know this morning is hard for you. You remember the message of last Thursday night... you remember that no one blames you.... football is a team sport and win or lose... we should do that as a team. You are a phenomenal athlete... and while last night didn't go in our favor... the town of Lincolnton loves you... you take this storm... and hold out your hand... Jesus will help you through it! I appreciate your character... your love of Jesus... and I'm proud to say that I would love my little boy to be just like you one day....
To end the night, the band played as the audience came onto the field...
Thanks to all those who came to make the Fields of Faith a success...
I'm so glad I decided to get off the couch and go... It was a special night... I can't wait to be there next year.
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