Football and Orphans

John Dutton has a distinction of having two things few people have: a Wikipedia page and his image on the cover of an Xbox game.  A quarterback for the Cleveland Gladiators in the Arena Football League has John starting another season, beginning with practice this month.  In 2005, he led the Colorado Crush to the Arena Bowl title and he continues to use his skills as a quarterback now for Cleveland.

Now if you know me, you might be curious why I would have any interest in John, because I have little interest in football, and it might surprise you I even know that Arena Football exists.  However, I have an immense interest in John, even though I've never watched a single Arena Football game.

My focus comes into play for two reasons.  First, John is part of our church.  When he is available his towering presence sits on the west side of the room, along with his family.  Second, John's family are missionaries sponsored by our church, running a ministry to orphans in Ethiopia.  You don't see John much at church, because he is either running plays on a football field or he is working with parentless children on another continent.  Heavenly Hope Ministries offers an amazing chance for children to know the love of caring people.  John uses his skills at football to make his life count for the Kingdom of God.  Recently, he even spent the night with children and bugs in the streets, to get to know their life.

John, I probably won't ever play Arena Football on the Xbox, I just might watch an Arena Football game if there is a chance, because I know you.  But know I follow your career because for me you are hero because you model a life lived for the Kingdom of God.