I was introduced to the game of football at the age of nine. Despite being
picked third from last at youth football tryouts, I immediately fell in
love with the game. I had found my passion in life. The physical and
aggressive nature of football was very appealing to me and as a young boy.
I began working very hard to achieve success on the field. During this
time, I attended school and church among many other activities but football
dominated my life. All I could think about was the next practice and the
next game.
This all changed my freshman year of high school when I started
attending a Bible study. After a few weeks, something significant took
place inside of me. I became excited to sing the praise songs; I became
excited to read the bible because it seemed as though each word was written
directly to me. I began looking forward to this Bible study more than my
football games.
During this time, I became convinced that Jesus Christ is
real. He really lived, He really died on the cross, and He really rose
again. I found out through experience that Jesus is not just some person
who lived 2000 years ago, or someone in a distant heaven. I came to know
Jesus Christ just as I knew my parents and my siblings. Jesus Christ
became my best friend.
Today I have been given forgiveness, direction and
satisfaction through my personal relationship with Jesus. He offers the
same to you.
Join the TEAM,
Joel Penton
