Aug 27, 2007
Some of you know that I spent six years at Virginia Tech starting a ministry there with varsity athletes, a large portion of which were on the Hokie football team. I have been asked several questions over the years about Mike and have been somewhat hesitant to speak. For one, I do know Mike and spent some time with him at Tech before he went big time. Second, when someone has that much spotlight on him, is given that much money it is a little tough to know what affect that has on a person.
Some of you may have seen the press conference where Vick issued his apology. If not it is available here.
I guess the most frequently asked questions I have been asked about Mike are: 1) Do you think he did it (recently this has been asked over and over) 2) What do you think he thinks about God? The second question is of more interest to me. You see, I do pray for Mike and have since 1998 when I first met him. As he is likely to go off to jail in the near future my prayer remains what it was after our discussions about Jesus on the VT campus.
- That he would learn the gospel of grace proclaimed in the New Testament.
- That someone would have both the time and opportunity to teach him about life and godliness. Our few times were cut short by too much fame, way too quick.
Comments
I did read today that Vick claims to have found religion over this incident. I am excited to hear that he has had somewhat of a back ground with a Christian minister at the very least. I too will join Reid in praying for Michael Vick that he would find Christ and not just "religion".
Posted by: Terry Delaney | August 27, 2007 10:06 PM
Forgive my cynicism, but Mike Vick has found Jesus about as much as I have (which is to say, not at all). The display of religiosity is part and parcel to the public "apology" and an appeal to the Christian ideal of forgiveness. It's a cynical ploy designed to get him back into the NFL, if at all, as quickly as possible.
Posted by: John Jenkins | August 27, 2007 10:44 PM
John, no need to forgive your cynicism. It is warranted. The final line of my post express a little bit of agnosticism about his true religious outlook. He really didn't know jack of Christianity when I was hanging with him. Hence my hope that 18 months in jail will find some real teaching in his life. But when friends of mine do stupid things - I want to hope for the best. Not in a Pollyana fashion - but redemptively. I would do the same for you if you did something dumb in your practice. Heck, I still hope you "find Jesus" or rather he finds you.
Is Mike spinning so to position his own self-interest? Very possible, very probable. Is there a possibility that this whole deal might really change him. Very possible as well.
Good to hear from you John - I pray you are doing well.
Posted by: Reid Monaghan | August 28, 2007 07:47 AM