NFL Players are Out to Win Games… and Hearts

When Sunday comes around, there are more Americans worshiping their NFL idols through their television than there are those worshiping God in the church.  But even in the NFL there are Christian athletes who choose to use their talent to reach others with the Gospel are displaying Christ’s love to their fans and teammates alike. 

Starting defensive tackle for the NY Jets, #70 Mike DeVito, testified of the strong network of believers that exists within the NFL.

“Everyone knows the stereotype that there is of NFL players,” said DeVito, “but there’s a community of believers that are really rooted in their faith.” 

He admitted that when he began his NFL career with the NY Jets in 2007, DeVito was nervous.

“I thought there would be no Christian brothers in the NFL,” he said, “but there’s a great network of believers on every team.”

According to DeVito, most within the NFL are not adverse to Christianity.

“In the NFL, there are guys from a lot of different backgrounds, social networks, places and religions,” said DeVito.  “People are always asking about who Jesus is.”

He and his roommate, Matt Mulligan, #82 tight end for the NY Jets, do not let these opportunities go to waste.

“We (he and Mulligan) work as a team,” said DeVito.  “By the grace of God we have guys over and minster to them.  Sometimes you have guys who don’t know anything about Christ, so we are there to plant the seeds.  It’s then up to us to pray for them, that God would work in their hearts.”

DeVito spoke of leaders in the NFL who’ve impacted his own relationship with Christ, highlighting Pastor Adam Burt (chaplain of the NY Jets) and former NY Jets defensive lineman, Kenyon Coleman (currently #99 with the Dallas Cowboys). 

“This guy really walks the walk,” DeVito said of Coleman. “You can see the power and light of God in his life like no other. During my first two years with the Jets, he and Pastor Adam taught me so many things. God works through these men.” 

For the past four years, NY Jets’ chaplain Adam Burt has invested in players and coaches through chapels and one-on-one discipleship and mentoring every week.  Also the pastor of Morning Star Church in Manhattan, Burt is able to connect well with the players since he spent many years as a NHL star. Sports ministry has always been a passion of his. 15 years ago, Burt, along with former NHL player Mike Fischer, spent the summer on Gordon College’s campus with Hockey Ministries International.  They played their tournaments at Endicott College’s hockey arena.

“I knew that I played pro sports and the lord wouldn’t have that and not use it later,” he said.

The Christian community within the NFL is tight-knit.

“All the NFL chaplain are very friendly,” said Burt.  Brett Fuller (chaplain of the Washington Redskins) and Dr. Adam Ybarra (chaplains of the Oakland Raiders) are good friends whom he stays well connected to.

Don Davis, former NE Patriots’ linebacker, is now the NFL program director, chaplain of the NE Patriots and Director of player affairs.  He has seen evangelism within the NFL change throughout the years; he referred to the modern form as “locker room evangelism.”

“This generation is not as forward when it comes to witnessing,” said Davis.  “They do more invitation and fellowship and then the issues come up.  Players are more open to Christianity now because of the Christian figures in the NFL and the prayers that happen after the games.”

Davis sees his role as chaplain to have three main levels.

“Equipping the saints, encouraging those who are struggling and exposing folks to the Truth,” he said. “I’ve found in my own walk, it wasn’t until I saw someone I respected doing things I wanted to do, that I grew.  That’s what my approach is. Being around them and let them see my life. I earn that responsibility to speak into their life.” 

These key personalities in the NFL are devoting their lives to sharing the Gospel through the medium of sports.  Sport is the only universal language of our day.  Each one of these Christ-followers recognizes their position in the sports world to hold an eternal responsibility.

“There’s no bigger platform that draws so many people around one event,” said Davis.  “It (sports) breaks down walls.”

Messiah Soccer Grad Joins the Fighting Scots’ Coaching Staff

Nick Thompson was a successful college player who’d won a spot on a professional soccer team, before deciding there was something else he’d rather be: an assistant men’s coach at Gordon.

Thompson made the roster of the Carolina Railhawks of the North American Soccer League in 2011 after graduating from Messiah College, where his team won three NCAA Division III National Championships in four years.

Though he loved being on the field, he sought his true passion: coaching. He began as a volunteer assistant for North Carolina State in the fall of 2011. He then coached at the U.S. Naval Academy for the spring 2012 season before being hired at Gordon this fall. 

Thompson, a native of Akron, Ohio, came to Gordon knowing many of the Scots men’s players from his hometown.  He played varsity soccer at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy with Gordon graduates, Matt Horth and Alex Sosler, and current starter, Kellen Kasiguran.  While at Messiah, he shared a graduating class and Sports Management major with Pete Owens, who is now the assistant coach for Gordon’s men’s lacrosse team. 

He also left his stamp in the Falcon record book with 54 career goals and 18 assists.

Thompson’s aim is to bring the same excitement and energy to the Scots that made him a successful Division III player.

“I’ve been there.  I know what it takes,” said Thompson.  He admitted that it feels a little strange to play “catch up” with the Scots after playing for the Falcons.  The Scots will have to work very hard to live up to the standard of the Falcons. 

Thompson said he and head coach John Whallon, face the 2012 men’s soccer season with great expectations, and plan to hold the players to a higher and more intense standard of play and conduct. “It starts off with doing the little things right,” he said. “These little things are what bring in more goals, less losses and more wins.”

Andrew Arnold Fights Paralysis and Rejoins the Gordon Swim Team for His Last Season as a Scot

An hour alone, an inviting tree and a little drowsiness combined to change Andrew Arnold's life forever.

Three years ago the sophomore music education major was paralyzed after he fell 40 feet from a tree, where he'd fallen asleep reading his Bible. A student who'd set swimming records for Gordon was told he had a 2 percent chance to walk again.

Today, he's not only walking with a cane, he's back working with the swim team. The remarkable recovery was no surprise to Arnold, who's convinced there's a reason for his accident.

“God didn’t put this in my life,” said Arnold, “but He is going to use it.”

In 2007, Arnold came to Gordon at age 18 from Farmington, Utah.  The accident happened during his sophomore year while camping with his Discovery class in the White Mountains on their required weekend camping trip. 

During his assigned solo hour, Arnold wondered what he could do to keep from getting lost or bored. Then he noticed the tree.

Arnold, an experienced rock climber, didn't think twice. He climbed the tree, found a spot 40 feet above the ground and opened his Bible to read. But soon, he fell asleep. The next thing he knew he was looking up; the top of the tree was fading to the distance.

“I remember thinking, ‘Holy crap, I’m falling!’” he said.

Arnold hit a branch before being knocked out, but he gained consciousness seconds after he hit the ground.

Arnold was trained in first aid after working as a lifeguard for five years and immediately tested his fingers. They wiggled. His toes didn’t.

“I had no fear or nervousness, really.  I just thought to myself, ‘Ok, I broke my back,” he said.  “I knew I had my mind. I knew I had my arms. So I was immediately grateful.”

His friend, Greg Hijeck ’11, was 70 yards away, reading his own Bible when he heard the branches snap. 

“What I remember most distinctly was the loud crack of not just one, but multiple branches cracking as Andrew fell,” Hijeck said. “And of course there was the yell of desperation he let out.”

Hijeck ran to see Arnold laying on rocks, his body half in a stream and able to speak only a labored, "Help me." Hijeck blew his whistle three times to summon help.

Arnold was taken to Littleton Regional Hospital’s Emergency Center in New Hampshire, where he asked the doctor his chances of walking again. Arnold recalled that the doctor coldly looked him in the face and said, “You have a 2 percent chance of walking.”

“I immediately thought, ‘you’re wrong,’” Arnold said. “People tell me that they admire me for my determination, but I was just being stubborn.”

Arnold maintained composure on the phone with his parents and best friend after the accident. However, when he was told that his older sister, Katharine, then a fifth-year senior at Gordon, was on her way to the room, reality hit. He broke down.

The injury looked to have taken not only his legs; it took a huge part of his life. Arnold has been swimming competitively since his sophomore year in high school.  His senior year of high school, he placed fifth in the state in the 50-yard and 100-yard freestyle races and second in the state for the 400-yard freestyle relay. 

His freshman year at Gordon, Arnold set the current record for the 50-yard freestyle race (22.71) and qualified for the New England Championships.

Swim Coach Skip Milne received the devastating phone call about Arnold's injury on the team bus on the way back from a meet.

“When we heard the news, we were all shocked,” said Milne. “Swimming was the last thing on my mind.  On the bus, as a team, we went right into prayer.”

The injury was a fracture dislocation in his spine, leaving Arnold paralyzed from the waist down.  He also had a blood clot on the site of the fracture, which was blocking his nerve flow.  Arnold was soon transferred to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, where surgery was immediate. Arnold had two titanium bars set along either side of his spine with four stabilizing hooks.

"Being paralyzed is a strange feeling," Arnold said.

“It feels like there’s an elephant on your legs,” he said. “Nothing moves.” 

But progress during his recovery was quick. Only a week after the accident, Arnold began to gain light sensation in his body. He was then transferred to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston.  Two and a half weeks after the accident, he wiggled his big toe. 

After five weeks at Spaulding, Arnold continued outpatient rehab at Neuroworx, a center specialized in spinal cord injury recovery in Utah.  Arnold watched many older patients who, after accidents like his, had grown bitter and angry.  From the first day of rehab, Arnold made a conscious effort to have fun.

One of the first things Arnold asked his doctor was when he could get back into the pool. 

It took a while, but with the new year, Arnold’s first return to the pool, this time with a back brace.  He was unable to kick his feet, rotate his hips or tread water at all.

“It was really weird; not enjoyable at all,” he said.

Arnold, though still very limited in fine motor control of his lower half, is now able to walk with a cane and drive without aid.

His plans might have changed since 2008, but he has not lost his determination.

Since the accident, Arnold has competed in a wheel chair in two Ragnar Relays.  He’s also completed a Thanksgiving Day 10K race and Beverly’s 5k Reindeer Run.  He plans to compete in an Iron Man and a triathalon in the future.  Arnold wants to compete in paraplegic athletic events as well.  His goal is to qualify for the 2016 Paralympic swim team. 

“I’m working my handicap into my life,” said Arnold, “I’m not working my life into my handicap.”

This season, though he’s not competing, Arnold is back on the swim team.  He considers the social benefits equal to the physical ones.

“I’m doing it because it’s the closest thing I can do to what I’ve done before,” he said.

Kristen Entwistle ’12, a Chemistry/Biology major, swam on the Gordon team with Arnold her freshman year.    

“It's been awesome to see Andrew get back in the pool and swim with the team,” she said. “He's brought a new leadership and has pushed many of us to work harder.”

Milne said Arnold's return has been nothing but positive.

“Once a member of the swim team, always a member,” he said.

Looking back on the past four years, there were times in his recovery when Arnold felt angry or depressed, but he never doubted God’s sovereignty.

Arnold has been surprised at the level of support from the Gordon community.  Before his accident, he struggled to socialize with others. He was introverted, and some people found that intimidating. The accident caused him to be more open with others.

“It’s been really humbling to have people I don’t know walk up to me and tell me how encouraged they are by me walking,” said Arnold.  “I don’t know how to respond.”

“People tell me, ‘I could never handle that like you can.’ I laugh,” he said. “No one can say that unless they’re in a situation that is difficult.”

A Minute Before Friday

Jonna Lightfoot MacLaughlin is a great character to follow.  She inspired me to be a journalist for all the right reasons.  She was a great reporter because she pursued all the details of her stories, seeking every source that she could. She did not give up when her sources turned her down and refused to talk, instead, she continued to seek the truth.  This not only transferred into her work but also into her spiritual walk with God and her relationships with her family and friends.

On the downside, Lightfoot let her emotions get the best of her.  As she became vulnerable with David and began to be attracted to him as the “nice guy” that he was, she was led to believe things that were not true because of her emotional connection and self-doubt about relationships.  She became stubborn to those whom she trusted because someone whom she did not know (Secretary Sharon) put the wrong assumptions in her head.  This created barriers for Lightfoot in her reporting and relationships.  Although this did make for a great twist in the plot and conflict for the characters!

All The President's Men

This film affected me more than I had anticipated. The passion and patriotism that is expressed by the reporter, Bob Woodward, is inspirational.  Watching this film, I was enthused to become an influential and persuasive reporter, sharing stories that are critical for communities to know and act upon.  It’s evident throughout this film that facts and evidence may be concealed very thoroughly but are always able to be dug up and brought into light by those who zealously seek the truth.  After visiting the Newseum and seeing All The President’s Men, I am fueled with a new patriotism and respect for those who have put their life and reputation on the line to unveil necessary truths to the American people.  

Gelato and Espresso on the North Shore

Whether you are looking for a spot to sit and study or hang with friends while sipping coffee or spooning Italian gelato, Jaho Coffee & Tea is a local favorite for those who want to experience authentic locals in downtown Salem. 

When you enter the cozy café, soft jazz music is playing and a combination scent of sweets and espresso can be smelled.  This is not always a quiet place.  On the weekends and afternoons Jaho may be full of people: young, old, studious and those lounging about. 

Seating options vary from dining chairs and café tables to lounge chairs with pillows.  Décor features art from locals as well as European paintings and vintage American records. It’s a hodge-podge collection, odd but somehow appropriate.   They are proud to done the titles of 2009’s “Best of the North Shore” and winner of 2007’s “Golden Cup Award” on their walls. 

Baristas match the eclectic style of the café, some with dread locks, multiple piercings and tattoos, some with heavy European accents. Despite appearances, the staff always seems genuinely friendly and accommodating to their customers, offering suggestions and service whether requested or not. 

The menu carries the unique theme through with drink options including a PB&J Latte, a Banana Pancake Latte and their seasonal Apple Streusel Latte.  These espresso drinks are served in large colorful mugs, encircling a unique foam design specially made by each barista.  Drinks are brought by the barista who greets each guest by name. 

Prices are not cheap but not outrageous.  Drink costs are equivalent to Starbucks and desserts, sandwiches and gelato match other local cafes.  The overall ambiance is way more diversified than what you might find at other coffee shops. If you are looking for a laid-back environment, open to all types of people, Jaho is a great find.  

Global Ed Students are Challenged with Technology While Abroad

Students’ opinions were mixed as they shared their global experiences last week during the From the Four Corner’s Forum.  Did technology enhance or hinder their immersion experience?

Staying in touch with family and friends is easier now than ever.  This has proven to be both a hindrance and help for students who study abroad.  Tuesday, November 1^st, nine students talked about their global education experiences at the 4^th annual From the Four Corner’s Forum, held in Jenks 406.  The panel had opposing opinions on the subject.

Lauren Owen ’12, an English and Secondary Education major, spent last spring semester abroad with Gordon IN Orvieto.  Encountering an American professor at the theatre in Italy, Owen mentioned his concern for the future of students’ cultural immersion while tied to modern technology. 

“It’s so sad that American students go abroad, sit in a café and spend all day on Skype, Facebook or Twitter,” said the professor.

David Botticello ’12, a History and Pike major studied in both the Middle East and the Scholar’s Semester in Oxford last spring.  While he appreciated the ability to stay in touch while overseas, he recognized that technology held him back from full cultural immersion.

“Technology was both a blessing and a curse,” said Botticello.  “People (in the States) expected me to constantly stay connected with them.”

Amy Holcombe ’12, a Linguistics and Combined Languages major, expressed her thankfulness for technology during her time in Aix, France and Buenos Aires, Argentina last spring.

“Staying connected with people back home and seeing photos of them makes you feel like you are still there,” said Holcombe.

But is this Gordon’s goal of studying abroad?  According to the Global Education mission statement, the purpose of global education is, “To promote responsible living in modern world, enhance understanding of cultural differences, communicate across cultural boundaries, and work for peace and justice among people and nations.”  Without traveling outside one’s comfort zone, nothing will change.

Mallory Moench ’14, an English major from Scotland, went to India with Gordon’s summer missions’ team last summer.  She intentionally made an effort to put aside any connection with home or Gordon during her visit.  After two weeks, she booted up the Internet and logged onto Facebook.

“It was good to take a break for a time,” said Moench, “but then it was really nice to be in touch again and tell my family and friends about my experiences.”

Global Understanding is now a core requirement for all Gordon students.  Is our global understanding inhibited by technology?  The intention of the global understanding core is described to, “Equip students to reflect purposefully upon the theory and praxis of what it means to be citizen-sojourners rather than passive onlookers or blithe consumers of ‘culture’.”