Nelson Cook who established Coaches of Influence 25 years ago in LA writes a monthly letter to the many coaches at professional, college and high school levels and the current correspondence touches the spot.
It has been my privilege since 1984 to have been hosted innumerable times by Nelson Cook in my years in sport ministry, the most recent was in 2009 where I addressed coaches over breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
This is Nelson Cook's recent letter:
A "spur-of-the-moment robbery" took place when Waylon Prendergast, 37, of Tampa, Florida, was on his way home from a late-night drinking session. Very drunk, he forced his way into a house through an upstairs window, filling a suitcase with cash and valuables before setting the living room on fire to cover his tracks.
He then made his escape through the back door and headed home. He went around the block and in his drunken stupor, he turned the corner into his own street.
He sobered up somewhat as he discovered three fire trucks outside his house, and moreover he realised that in his drunkenness, he had, in fact, robbed and ignited his own property.
His comment was, "I had no idea I had so many valuable possessions."
Christian Coaches
Christian coaches know they are entrusted with not only valuable, but eternal, lives every day. They get to work God's love into the lives of kids who are hungry for His reality.
The culture in America today has its roots in the Hellenized culture that Alexander the Great was impressing on the world: That man is the measure and the highest of all things.
Why do we see all the 'cheap rubbish' in grocery checkout lines? We are being bombarded with suggestions or out right statements that we're not pretty enough, buff enough, cool enough, etc.
It's because our society (which includes the church) has become compromised, and we've absorbed the demonic beliefs that we need longer hair, less fat, tanned bodies, etc. There is a word for that kind of cultural belief ¼ it's called Gehenna (Hell).
Testimonials
COIN – Coaches of Influence serve coaches who have a higher calling: To use the influence they have to cause an eternal change in lives. To show everyone has value.
Paul Renfrow, Huntington Beach, Huntington Beach CF said this:
"My desire is to be a solid Christian coach in a highly competitive world by being an example to my players and all those around me. Keeping my emotions in check was a constant challenge. I realised the greatest coaching book in the world is God's Word.
"In 1999 I was introduced to the COIN ministry and we started a Huntington Beach Coaches' Fellowship. It has been a blessing as we share His Word, pray for and encourage one another so we can have a greater impact on those (athletes) we come in contact with daily."
Matt Morse started a new Troy High School Coaches' Fellowship. Their athletic director, Mike Silzer, gave us a great word of support as shared at The Orange County Athletic Director Executive Committee Luncheon. He stated the positive impact COIN is having with his coaches, and encouraged A.D.s to start one too. (Praise the Lord)!
We are nearing the end of a year year and ask God to put upon your heart our COIN ministry in that those who hear of it might duplicate it encouraging our coaches who influence so many of our youth. Equally may this wisdom touch your life and ministry.
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He mentors young writers and has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children. Dr Tronson writes a daily article for Christian Today Australia (since 2008) and in November 2016 established Christian Today New Zealand.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html