boys superstar Deion Sanders isn't joking about his newly found Christian faith," says Bishop T.D. Jakes, a nationally televised evangelist, "But don't expect him to be perfect" (Jones). There are many that have expressed skepticism about Sanders professing his faith. This is normal, but Jakes said many Christian athletes have been effective in reaching young people and others with the Christian message (Jones).Every professional athlete should consider himself or herself a role model. All around the world there are kids that grow up watching these athletes. They get caught up in the talent and image of that person; so much that it influences decisions they make in life. Today society is so built up on image and money that we tend to forget about the example that we are setting. Kids are growing up thinking that they can do whatever they want and then one day accept Jesus. Phil Jackson, former Bulls head coach says, "I was missing spiritual direction. The unfulfilled legacy of my devout childhood had left an emptiness, a yearning to reconnect with the deeper mysteries of life" (Jackson 32). He grew up in a Christian home, but still lacked a positive role model outside of the home (Jackson). Luckily, there are organizations like FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) that present young kids with professional athletes that are Christians. At FCA conventions a particular athlete will come up and share his/her testimony and show how God used them in their field. FCA provides students with information to start ministry groups for athletes at their schools called "Huddles". There are more than 7,400 "Huddles" with an estimated 500,000 students involved worldwide. This is a great start, but so much more can still be done. Just think of all the times that we see professional athletes on our evening news getting arrested for drug use, thrown in jail for violating probation, abusing their wife, or driving while under the influence ...
