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Ministry Pictures
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 I
loved the music of Geoff Moore in the mid 80's and I'm still loving
it! Perhaps you're familiar with Geoff's more recent hits like "Home
Run" or his duet with Steven Curtis Champan (who just happens to be Geoff's
best buddy!). But my favorite is still the old Geoff Moore and the
Distance classic, "Why Should The Devil Have All The Good Music" which
he performed acoustically at the 2001 WV Youth Evangelism Conference.
Geoff also led our praise and worship portion of YEC 2001. Geoff's songs
always display his deep commitment to the Lord and I praise God for all the
times that He has spoken to me through Geoff's music.
If you've ever heard of West Virginia University, it's equally sure that you've
heard the name Don Nehlen. Coach Nehlen's accomplishments at WVU
are legendary. Two hundred plus wins, two National Championship
appearances and a multitude of professional NFL players has made Don Nehlen's
name synonymous with college football. Accomplishments aside, Don Nehlen
is regarded throughout the college football world as a man of character, trust
and a friend of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Coach Nehlen retired
at the end of the 2000-01 football season, but not before winning his last bowl
game in a convincing fashion.
 Most
likely, you've heard the name Bobby Bowden. But unless you hail
from the mountain state, you probably didn't know that Coach Bowden spent some
of his early years coaching at West Virginia University. While at WVU and
Florida State, Bobby Bowden has recorded sixteen bowl wins through the end of
2000-01 season (only Joe Paterno, with 19, has more). His bowl appearances
include a record eleven consecutive bowl victories and fourteen straight bowl
trips without a loss. Know nationally as a champion, Bobby sees his job as
more than coaching - he's a leader for his players both on and off the
field. A man of integrity, Bobby Bowden's players know of his deep faith
in Christ and his desire for them to have that same faith.
 Fellow writer and well known speaker at Promise Keepers gatherings,
Steve Farrar has had a great influence on myself and my family. I had the great
privilege of spending a day with him in November 1998. His book
"Point Man" is a must read for all men who desire to be the husband and father
that God wants them to be.
Tom Osborne is a winner. Whether he's coaching on the sidelines or speaking
for FCA, he's a winner in every since of the word. Tom's NCCA Division I
coaching records will stand for some time. Most of all, he's left a legacy
with many young athletes through his many years of coaching the Nebraska
Cornhuskers. Today, Tom spends much of his time donated to speaking for
FCA and other Christian organizations.
Coach
Bob Pruit and I share one thing in common - we're both from Beckley, WV. I
must be honest and upfront here - I'm not exactly a Marshall Thundering Herd
fan, but Bob Pruit is a guy you can't help but like. He's got more
personality than he knows what to do with. And it doesn't stop there - Bob
has coached Marshall University to multiple NCCA Division II championships in
football. And he didn't stop when Marshall jumped to Division I a few
years ago winning the MAC championship and playing in bowl games each
year. Most impressive is Bob's willingness to share his testimony and get involved
with young people around the state. He's a guy willing to take a chance on
young people - just ask all-pro NFL player Randy Moss. Bob has also sent
players to the NFL like Byron Leftwich and Chad Pennington.
 Jeff Hostletler is a former West Virginia University quarterback.
Jeff went on to start as a quarterback in the NFL. He has spent most of his career
as quarterback for the Oakland Raiders and most recently for the Washington
Redskins. Perhaps his greatest athletic accomplishment was leading the New York
Giants to a Super Bowl victory and being named the Super Bowl MVP. Jeff has a
wonderful witness for the Lord and serves Him in many ways. The above pic was taken
at an FCA Home Team Banquet where Jeff was our key note speaker.
 Bobby Richardson is one of the all time great professional baseball
players. Many of his baseball records still stand today. Playing with such
greats as Mickey Mantle, Bobby's faith in God has been a mighty influence on those around
him. He shared his love of Christ to all his team mates while playing pro
ball. During Mantle's last day's, Bobby had the opportunity to share, once
more, the gospel
message of Jesus Christ with him. Mickey accepted Christ just days before he passed
away.
Clay Crosse is not only a talent, but he uses his
talent to bring an honest, from the heart message to people everywhere.
Clay's music is featured in the recent movie "Left Behind." The
thing that most impressed me with Clay was not his music, but his transparent
testimony and he confessed his failings before the crowd at a recent
concert. Just proves once again that we all fall short of the glory of
God, yet God's mercy and grace are still sufficient.
ZoeGirl is the latest pop-girl group to top the CCM
charts. Reaching a new generation of young people, these three young
ladies are not ashamed to call Jesus their Lord. Delivering a message of
purity and devotion to God, their music does more than just provide a new sound-
it provides a new song.. (My daughter especially like these gals!)
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