Great testimony from Coach Lloyd, a committed volunteer for FCA and head football Coach at Smyrna HS. Coach has been the Huddle Leader at SHS for several years and now offers team specific ministry on campus through the local church. His testimony demonstrates the winning relationship Jesus can provide for the church & community through a Coach's heart and sports ministry. Coach and his wife, Kristi, continue to be a wonderful blessing to our ministry. Enjoy today's post from Coach Lloyd (picture with team above).
Who would've know that it would start with a simple question?
In August of 2007, I was asked by Randy to speak at the FCA camp at Polytech HS. I was very excited about the opportunity. Like most things in life when you think that you are serving for another person, you actually are the one who is receiving the blessing.
After the camp on my way out of the door Randy congratulated me on getting the Head coaching position and asked what could FCA do to serve SHS Football? I told him that I was hoping to have a preseason picnic with the players and parents to kick-off the season. He said no problem, I will contact some churches and see what we can do.
With the help of FCA they contacted some local churches including Trinity Church of Smyrna (www.trinitysmyrna.org), a new church start up. At the picnic I was introduced to the two pastors, Mike Osborne and Dan Lerro. I thanked them and then they asked what else they could do for the team. I discussed the idea of holding a chapel for the team and possibly feeding the team before home games.
Three years later, we have been able to hold a voluntary team chapel for the varsity football team before every game home and away. This chapel is lead by Pastor Mike voluntarily enabling players and coaches to attend. After the chapel is over the entire team has dinner together provided by Trinity Church of Smyrna families or Chick-Fil-A Dover Mall, thank you to Mary and Chris Johnson.
This is an unbelievable opportunity provided by our Lord. The visible blessings are evident when you have players in chapel or the faces of the players when the meal is provided. The blessings that will later be realized are unknown, but through this experience God's Glory will shine.
The presence of God in our program has been tremendous and encouraging. At times when I think things are tough in regards to football I will get an email from Randy or the daily devotional from FCA (fca.org) and those words are so encouraging and uplifting. It is helpful to be reminded that God has a plan for me and right now his plan is for me to lead this program as Christ would and I know I have the support of FCA, Randy and Trinity Church of Smyrna.
Coach Clay Lloyd
Head Football Coach Smyrna HS
Posted on
Sun, December 27, 2009