All is Calm and Bright in 2020 and Beyond!
Taking the "Calm and Bright" Message to Coaches and Athletes in the Darkness of 2020 and Whatever 2021 Looks Like!
JR here. I've got a thank you and a personal update ...
We never could have predicted 2020.
Yeah — no kidding.
One day, things are normal. The next is quarantine. One day, we have a job. The next we’re hustling for a way to pay the bills. One day, we’re sitting next to a loved one on the couch. The next, we’re sitting next to a loved one on their hospital bed.
2020 is a stark reminder that we never know exactly what’s ahead.
Some of us, however, do know what’s in store. We know who we believe and where we’re headed.
We have hope in the life to come. And we know God is at work in this life even when we don’t see it.
I’d never wish 2020’s trials and pain on anyone. And I mourn with those who’ve experienced significant loss of one kind or another. At the same time, I rejoice in the blessings of 2020.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Romans 12:15
We Rejoice
My family and I look back with wonder at how our year unfolded.
It changed in a big way, and we’re grateful to God and our supporters.
Lockdown in March forced us to step back from normal busyness and reconnect as a family. It was a spiritual reset for me too.
It wasn't all rainbows and unicorns, but it deepened the roots of our peace in Christ.
I camped out in Colossians 2:6-7 for several weeks: Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
These verses put Christian living in perspective: Keep moving ahead, stand fast in the Lord, and glorify him even when the storms are pressing in on us.
For me, that puts Covid-19 fear in its proper place.
And it underpins a major transition for me and my family into full-time vocational ministry.
I am now a missionary with Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
In June, God called me — and threw me! — into Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), a sports ministry that aims to lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and his church.
He made this happen through his gifts to you and your giving back to him. He’s blessed me, my family, and so many others who, though the prayer and financial gifts of our generous support team, produce much thanksgivings to God.
So, praise God. And, if you're one of our supporters, thank you!
On August 1, I stepped away from a 15-year career in financial publishing. Since then, most of my time has been devoted to building a team of supporters who are excited to walk with me and my family in ministry.
I've been on the phone and on the road sharing my journey and vision with supporters. All the while, I've been on my knees asking God to bring an army of supporters around this ministry to make it fruitful.
In short, wow! The team of soldiers is forming in a mighty way. But there is still foundation work to be done.
And, already, God opened the door for me to start three FCA “huddles.”
First came a campus huddle at Sebastian Charter Junior High. For an hour each week, middle-school students grew together in relationship with Jesus and with one another. It is a huge encouragement to watch them pray and play together.
Then, I was privileged to gather with a few Sebastian River High School students for a prayer huddle before school on Mondays. Our discussion and prayer time is paving the way for these students to step into leadership roles on their campus, teams, and church ministries.
Finally, our first sport-specific huddle launched with the Master’s Academy Varsity girls basketball team. This is a solid group of girls growing in their faith and seeking God’s will for them as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Much, much more is in store. I hope you're as excited and encouraged as I am.
As I settle in for Christmas and the New Year, I am humbled by what God has done. And I marvel at the big things he has in store for me, my family, you, and FCA in Indian River county.
All is calm, all is bright.
No, seriously.
The year may go down as tumultuous and dark. And the view into next year is as dim as ever.
But should we expect different from the world?
In Christ, no matter the year, we have eyes to see! All is calm and bright because we have the peace and light of Christ in us.
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
Colossians 1:15-20
I hope you can celebrate this with us. And consider joining this ministry as a financial supporter and prayer partner.
CLICK HERE TO SET UP YOUR SUPPORT GIVING
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Now we live,
JR
NOW WE LIVE
JR Crooks
Indian River County
Area Director
jrcrooks@fca.org