The platform speakers were especially inspiring and motivational. NASCAR Driver William Blakely and evangelist Sandy Boyd spoke at McFadden Ranch, and USC football star and current NFL free agent Dominic Miller and “I Am Second” representative Karen Green spoke at Willoughby House. The Men’s Biker Bible Study and the Women of Valor from the First General Baptist Church of Irving were the teammates at McFadden Ranch. In addition to their message, they shared a pizza lunch with all of the youth.
Blakely and the Bikers roared into McFadden Ranch early Saturday morning with motors revving and burning rubber, as they put on a mini NASCAR road show for the youth. Blakely performed "donuts" and even let JCO V Roberson sit behind the wheel of his official NASCAR car. Blakely’s National Guard #16 NASCAR racing car was the camera car in the filming of the movie Talladega Nights and it won the Homestead, Florida race in 2005. Blakely shared his story which included him being part of the club scene in Houston, working as a bouncer, managing clubs and dealing methamphetamines to support his habits. He shared that his faith and finding Jesus changed his life for the better.
Sandy Boyd, a Dallas-area evangelist, talked about growing up in a family deeply involved in witchcraft and Satanism before becoming a prostitute in an effort to survive. She described how at her lowest she was attempting suicide, sitting in her car, when she felt a Bible she had never seen before and had no idea how it got there. She opened it to the “Sinners’ Prayer.” She said that Bible and that prayer saved her life. Today she ministers to others as the first lady of a church in Garland, is happily married, and has children.
The men and women from the Irving Baptist Church met one-on-one in small groups with the youth and shared their faith,prayed, and read scripture. The youth were very impressed and have asked that they come back soon.
Dominic Miller and Karen Green were at Willoughby House where they shared their stories. Miller is a 6-foot-3-inch, 290-pound NFL free agent who was a standout defensive lineman for the University of Houston. He proudly wears the NCAA Bowl Championship ring that he won while on the same college football team as Cam Newton. Miller encouraged the Willoughby youth to look at life like a football game: their first half may have been difficult, but the second half could be better if they dream big. He demonstrated having big dreams by doing push-ups with men standing on his back. He also broke a wooden bat. But more important than his physical prowess was his message of growing up with his father in prison and being raised by his religious grandmother to become a star college athlete who is being considered by several NFL teams. He said Jesus is his strength.
Karen Green shared how she overcame a life of prostitution to become a motivational speaker and one of the “I Am Second” campaign representatives. Green’s story includes a prison stint in Huntsville, life on the streets as a prostitute, and the incest, sexual, physical, and substance abuse she experienced. Today she is a role model and motivational speaker, working closely with the Dallas Police Department and the Sheriff’s Department to help women escape prostitution. As the founder and director of The Haven of Love, she shares the practical teaching of God’s Word with others. She is married and has two children and three grandchildren.
It was an exciting, fun and productive day as many of the youth renewed their faith and gained a fresh vision of a hopeful future. Jan Wray, one of the organizers of the event said they look forward to returning in the fall and hope to include Cottrell House in the event.