Former NFL coach Tony Dungy talks about the purpose of pain in our faith journey. Dungy shares how hardships in the NFL and the personal tragedy of losing his own son have affected his faith. Approximate running time is 15 minutes and the Gospel-centered message makes for an excellent Super Bowl outreach and evangelistic tool.

Tony Dungy’s words and example have intrigued millions of people, particularly following his victory in Super Bowl XLI, the first for an African American coach. How is it possible for a coach—especially a football coach—to win the respect of his players and lead them to the Super Bowl without the screaming histrionics, the profanities, and the demand that the sport come before anything else? How is it possible for anyone to be successful without compromising faith and family?

As a devout follower of Jesus Christ, Dungy has earned widespread respect both on and off the field due to what many see as strong convictions and high personal standards of ethics and behavior, which affect his behavior as both a coach and as a member of his community. He has been active in many community service organizations in the cities in which he has coached. While coaching in Tampa Bay, Dungy worked as a public speaker for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Athletes in Action.

He began a mentoring program for young people called Mentors for Life, and provided Buccaneers’ tickets for the participants. He also supported other charitable programs in the area such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club, the Prison Crusade Ministry, foster parenting organizations, and Family First. His community involvement and care continues in Indianapolis where Tony helped launch the Basket of Hope program which aids patients at the Riley Hospital for Children.

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Teaser video below:

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A Parkour Athlete’s Faith and the Art of Falling Safely

As a child Coach Valley was adopted and gravitated toward crime, gangs, drugs, and violence. He was expelled from school and shipped to a “psych” hospital. After struggling with the meaning of life, he found hope and chased the dream of influencing youth and adults through coaching and the athletic training discipline of Parkour. Learn about Ukemi, and the art of falling safely in Parkour and in life.

Youth Discussion Questions

1. 1. What stands out to you about “Coach Valley’s” story?
   2. Why is it important to have a dream, or inspiration?
   3. Coach Valley shared that when he was growing up, all of his influences were pushing him down the wrong path. He stated that choosing to be around the right people is the most important thing for a person’s success because you become like the people you spend time with. What has been your experience with this?
   4. Can you relate with Coach Valley’s take on feeling like he never fit in anywhere as a child?
   5. Having the understanding that life is like a vapor, Coach Valley pointed to a question that changed the trajectory of his life: “What do I want to be remembered for?” Why do you think that is a worthy question to ask yourself?
   6. Coach Valley had a spiritual experience that shaped his faith as a young person. In what particular ways was that faith challenged?
   7. In Parkour, there is a thing called Ukemi, which is the art of falling safely. How did Coach Valley liken that to falling into the arms of God in our Christian walk?
   8. What might you need to surrender to fall safely into the hands of God today?

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A K-Pop Artist’s Voyage to Purpose

Former K-Pop idol Euna Kim welcomes us into her “Euna-verse” to talk about the ups and downs of her entertainment career, and reveal where she ultimately found meaning to life.

Euna Kim appeared as a contestant on the South Korean survival reality shows Superstar K 3 (2011), Unpretty Rapstar 3 (2016), and The Unit (2017). She made her solo debut in 2014 with the single “Without You Now” featuring Yoon Mi-rae, Tiger JK, and Bizzy, and in 2015, she joined the girl group The Ark.

On May 24, 2021 Kim announced her retirement from the entertainment industry as she began a new chapter in life. This is her story of HOPE and journey of faith

Youth Discussion Questions

1. 1. 1. In what ways can you identify with Euna’s desire for “freedom” in pursuing her dreams, and being free from restrictions that had been put on her?
         
         
      2. Euna talked about making unwise decisions and getting into toxic relationships in pursuit of her freedom. Have you ever made unwise decisions in the name of “freedom”?
         
         
      3. Though Euna was going after her dreams, she drifted further and further away from having anyone she could depend on? Have you ever felt that kind of loneliness or shallowness of relationships?
         
         
      4. Being constantly judged in the entertainment industry led her to think of herself as “trash.” Have you ever struggled with that kind of dignity-loss in your life?
         
         
      5. Euna says that people want to be famous to be known and loved. Do you think that being fully known and fully loved has more to do with quantity of relationships or quality of relationships? Explain.
         
         
      6. We live in a world where people’s opinions of us can go from “good to terrible in a matter of minutes,” says Euna. “Being famous means your self worth comes from what people say your self worth is rather than something that’s consistent.” How do you think it would change your life if you amassed your self worth from God alone?
         
         
      7. Though she had thoughts about suicide, Euna had a sister who prayed faithfully for her and constantly reached out to her. Have you known someone like that, who might even annoy you with Bible verses at times, but you know they are in your corner and will be there for you no matter what?
         
         
      8. Euna came to a place where she realized she was living a selfish life. When have you had that kind of revelation about yourself?
         
         
      9. Euna talked about how her life was changed when she surrendered to Christ, and how her “self worth” now comes from God and knowing that she will always be loved in His eyes. Can you think of any Bible promises or passages that reveal the boundless love that God has for you?
         
         
      10. Euna said, “God works with every degree of faith that you may have.” She spoke of a powerful prayer when she said, “Ask God to work with you in your unbelief.” What if you did that right now?

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Fight the Good Fight of Faith

Ralf Santiago is a husband, father, boxing coach, mentor, and business owner. Listen to his story as he talks about being held at gunpoint, overcoming street life and finding new life in Christ, dealing with depression, and how he keeps on fighting the good fight of faith..

The apostle Paul coached young Timothy that he was here for a greater purpose than to just mind the things of this world. His life was a state of warfare as he took on the role of a spiritual fighter, and was not to entangle himself with the things of this life (2 Timothy 2:4) but to occupy himself with a godly vision and worthy mission. It was referred to as fighting the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12).

In 1 Corinthians 9:26-27, Paul said, “So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” The apostle understood the importance of faith, focus, training, and spiritual disciplines in the daily life of a Christ follower.

From Queens, New York, Ralf Santiago was introduced to boxing at 9-years old when his father wanted to protect him from being a target of gangs and other pitfalls for local youths. In 2003, Ralf met martial arts legend, Shidoshi Nathan Ingram, who trained and mentored him and eventually hired him as an assistant trainer. After graduating from Nyack College in New York, he worked with the New York Board of Education and one of his boxing mentors to start the DAS Boxing Center in downtown Manhattan. Later, connections with Lee University led him to Cleveland, Tennessee, where he opened Five Point Boxing.

Ralf’s passion is to give back to a diverse community combining his two loves of helping troubled children and teaching authentic boxing. He trains youngsters, teenagers—even adults—who have never boxed, and introduces them to challenging authentic boxing training. In this “Stories of HOPE” episode, coach Ralf shares his personal testimony of “fighting the good fight of faith.”  

Youth Discussion Questions

1. 1. Ralf used the word “war” to describe his upbringing? In what ways can you relate to his story?
   2. Ralf was exposed to drugs, street life, and criminal activity early on in his childhood, but spoke affectionately about how his mother constantly “fought” to influence him with the Gospel. Have you had anyone like that in your life?
   3. In what ways has the Gospel proven to be more powerful than the negative things you grew up around?
   4. Like Ralf, perhaps you have tried to prove yourself to others in different ways. For him, that process led to fear. What has trying to prove yourself to others produced in you at times?
   5. After getting involved with illegal drug activity, which nearly cost him his life, Ralf had an epiphany about the value of his life. “Am I just worth $350?” What comes to mind when you think about the value of your life? How do you measure the worth of your life?
   6. Have you ever prayed a prayer like Ralf prayed? “If you save me from this, I will stop living like this and I’ll try to do better.” Did that yield anything fruitful in your life?
   7. Ralf’s journey from street life to new life in Christ and serving in ministry leadership was a step-by-step process that he described as an orchestrated “mystery.” In what ways has God mysteriously worked in your life through simple steps of faith that you have taken?
   8. Speaking about the grace of God, Ralf said, “I didn’t deserve it. I didn’t do anything good to impress God to save me, but He did.” He described it as God taking a bunch of messy “ingredients” and working His “Chef magic” in it all. How would you describe God’s grace in your life?
   9. Seeing the “fruit of God’s goodness” is something Ralf has experienced through family, being a husband, a father, a coach, a business owner, and a part of God’s family—the church. Are there fingerprints of God’s goodness in your life that you haven’t necessarily taken time to pause and reflect on?
   10. He confessed that he “used to think that anyone dealing with depression was selfish themselves,” but now speaks of depression as a real fight for people with real faith. The way he chooses to fight that battle is by being in community with other believers. Why do you think that is important?
   11. “God continues to love me and continues to bring me closer to him even though sometimes I feel so far,” he said. Are you able to have trust in God’s faithfulness even when happy feelings are not present? Explain.
   12. Coach Ralf shared that our society has embraced the idea of quitting and starting over, because dealing with the old isn’t worth it. But a life lesson he has learned through the sport of boxing is that if you quit you can’t be a champion. “As a fighter there comes the time when you can get hurt. You feel like you’re tired and you can’t continue anymore,” he said. In what ways has God sustained you in moments of weakness, discouragement, or exhaustion with life?

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Chad Buckner’s story is one of redemption, healing, and restoration. Abuse. Abandonment. Suicide. Cancer. Divorce. Loneliness. Despair. Watch this video to hear how God’s faithfulness redeemed Chad’s story and gave him a new hope and a “second chance” at life. This is a fitting video resource with discussion questions for youth and young adult ministries, small groups, mentors and leaders, juvenile center and prison chaplains, domestic violence support groups, and many other ministry and outreach contexts.  

Youth Discussion Questions

1. Chad prayed for his story to be used for the glory of God. Why do you think that is important?
2. Chad said that he grew up in a “functioning dysfunctional family,” where anger, abuse, and domestic violence had an effect on his upbringing. In what ways are you a product of your upbringing?
3. The spiritual leader in Chad’s home was his mother. She modeled faith for him in distressing circumstances. Do you know someone like this?
4. When Chad lost his father to suicide, he said that trying to work through pain got him “sideways” with his faith, and confessed to making bad choices as a result. Have you ever struggled in this way?
5. During the biggest crisis of his life, Chad felt like the people who should’ve been there for him were not. Can you relate to this tension?
6. When diagnosed with cancer, he likened it to a death sentence, in which fear tormented him. When has fear or anxiety hijacked your life to such an extent that it felt like a death sentence?
7. While going through radiation treatment, someone handed Chad a piece of paper with the Bible verse Isaiah 41:10. It read “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” What promise is attached to this scripture that can encourage us when going through a crisis?
8. Though being healed of cancer, Chad still went through a painful divorce. How did God give him a “second chance” and show Himself faithful and good in Chad’s life?
9. In what ways do you think God wants to take your “mess and turn it into a message,” like Chad suggested?
10. In what ways do you sense that God wants to meet you right in the middle of your mess? How can you respond to His love and kindness in this moment?

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“I can’t say I remember a certain time when things changed,” says Patrick. “Some people say you are a product of your environment. To an extent, I agree with that. But I think a lot of things contributed to my downfall – my father leaving the five of us, the abuse, the desire as a kid for acceptance but never receiving it. I never would’ve imagined one day I would be facing 45 years in prison for aggravated robbery with a gun, and five counts of kidnapping.”

Teaser video below:

As he sat in his jail cell awaiting trial, Patrick had much to think about. He pondered the time he and his friends broke into the wrong car only to see a guy come out with a 9mm in his hand. He thought about his overdose on L.S.D. and being comatose for three days. His mind raced to the time he was pushing crack on an opponent’s turf when a rival dealer chased him off and ran his car off the road with Patrick being thrust through the windshield.

“It seemed like at one point there were so many people who wanted to kill me, I didn’t know how much longer I would live,” he confessed. “Sleeping with a gun, the paranoid feelings followed me everywhere.”

Suddenly, the sound of a key in his cell door brought him back to reality. It was a C.O. (Corrections Officer or Guard), “Patrick, I’ve got some bad news for you. Your brother, Larry, was stabbed to death last night in downtown Cleveland.” The news didn’t seem real. As hard as it was for Patrick to accept, his brother, Larry, was gone forever.

Immediately, he went into an animalistic rage, throwing chairs all over the room. It took about ten guards to get him back into his cell. He spent the next month in solitary confinement without having the opportunity to attend his brother’s funeral.

What happened next is something that Patrick says he would never have expected. He had an intimate encounter with the Creator of the Universe. After crying out to God in utter desperation, “Jesus Christ revealed Himself to me in a way I never dreamed was possible. It was purely supernatural. From that moment I was forever changed, and miraculous things started happening almost immediately.”

He began to study the Bible and cultivated a personal relationship with God. He began writing to relieve stress while in prison – a therapy that would ultimately lead to his artistic destiny. “I never had a dream to be a musician. It was therapeutic to me, like a release. I never would’ve believed that only 10 years from the day my brother died, I would be writing this and things would be the way they are now.”

After serving three years in a youth prison, Patrick left the Department of Corrections with a new vision for life. In the last few years, he and his wife Jackie have had the privilege of traveling all over the United States and other countries performing their music and sharing what Christ has done in their lives.

Patrick’s core passion is for people who are where he once was – “the broken, the lost, the outcasts, the rejected and forgotten, the imprisoned, the addicts. Who would’ve thought that one day someone in the United Kingdom would buy my record, or someone in Sri Lanka would be inspired by one of my songs. Or that Australia would welcome me to do a month long tour. Who was I? Just a kid from the streets of Cleveland that society had written off as a lost cause.”

Who is Patrick Davis?

In his words, “I am the rose that grew from concrete. I am a survivor of the cruel streets of southeast Cleveland. I am someone who has shattered statistics, broken the curse, lived through death. I am a warrior who triumphed over my enemies, I beat the odds, I walked through darkness, only to find the light. I’ve engaged in a battle that’s been raging since the beginning of time. I’ve overcome my past, my pain and my struggles. I should’ve died, overdosed, been hit by bullets, been sentenced to life, I should’ve went back to jail, I should’ve stayed in the streets, fulfilled statistics, stayed hooked on drugs, became what they said I would be… nothing. But I became something. He had a plan, a future, a destiny that He placed inside of me since the creation of the world. No bullet could stop it, no drug could sedate it, no person could steal it, no prison could bind it, no demon could hinder it, because greater is He that is in me than he that is in this world.”

Patrick sums up his musical aspirations with these words: “My music is reality, not entertainment. So when the lights go out, you will still hear my voice. The trends will die, the images pass, but His word will continue through the corridor of your mind and soul. It pierces and divides, it rips through lies. It brings men to their knees, the proud resist it, but the humble receive it. Amazing grace how sweet the sound… that saved a criminal like me. I once was lost, but now I’m found. Was blind but now I see.”

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Regi has experienced the highs and lows of life. Raised in a Christian home, Regi learned values, morals and a biblical faith. Though he grew up in the church, it wasn’t enough to keep him from the luring temptations common to most college campuses.

Regi was a standout athlete at North Marion High School in Ocala, Florida, where he earned a basketball scholarship to Sam Houston State University in Texas. Going from his small Florida town to the big city of Houston was an enormous culture shock to the young athlete.

Teaser video below:

Basketball Ministry Resource

Though he had never touched drugs or alcohol before his college days, the peer pressure to experiment with them became a powerful enticement. Deeming it a harmless social drug, Regi started smoking marijuana at college parties and other get-togethers. But his quest for an occasional “high” didn’t stop there.

While at Sam Houston, Regi earned All-Conference and All-America honors his sophomore year. His aspirations of playing professional basketball took a sharp turn when he injured his knee during a pick-up game.

Having staked his entire future on his athletic abilities, his sudden setbacks led him into a state of depression. It was during this time that Regi turned to cocaine which eventually progressed into a deadly crack addiction. On a path to self-destruction, the hardwood superstar found himself on the wrong side of the law trying to support his habit. This ultimately landed him in a Florida state prison.

While incarcerated, Regi began to understand that his “biggest problem wasn’t a drug problem, it was a sin problem.” Being an avid church member growing up with perfect Sunday School attendance, he could see where his rebellion began long before his experimentation with drugs in college, it started as a kid when he made basketball his god, describing it as a form of idolatry.

During his prison term, Regi dedicated his life to Christ and made his priorities twofold; cultivating an intimate relationship with God and contributing to the advancement of His kingdom. Ten years after being released from prison, Regi says his life-mission is all about showing kids a way out of a troubled past and into a relationship with Christ.

Regi’s story is a perfect outreach resource for juvenile detention centers, urban youth ministry, and a stunning reminder for any Christian young person the progressive repercussions of giving in to peer pressure. A must have resource for every church youth group and Christian student going off to college!

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Teaser video below:

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In 2001, he began creating his artistic, extreme ATV customs. Today, he has earned the respect as a top designer and builder in the ATV industry having his custom quads showcased in magazines, events, and television shows all over the globe.

Perhaps his finest work was the Indianapolis Colts Suzuki LT-R450 that he built to commemorate the Colts’ Super Bowl win in 2006. That quad was unveiled at the Indy Dealer Expo in 2007 and later purchased by Lucas Oil and is a permanent fixture at Lucas Oil Stadium for every Colts home game.

But Quinn’s passion runs deeper than merely building and racing quads. His real passion is all about reaching people with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. Quinn is a part of the Breakaway Outreach ministry reaching troubled teens in juvenile detention centers through high-energy ATV stunt shows. He also ministers at Nascar events and other outreach venues all over the country.

The Outta Control DVD features Quinn’s personal faith-journey mixed with thrilling race footage, mind-blowing ATV stunts, and a riveting message of the hope that God offers every person through the redemption of Jesus Christ.

Former NFL coach Tony Dungy also makes a cameo on the DVD.

Teaser video below:

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Teaser video below:

Howard led the NBA in rebounding from 2007 to 2010, and again from 2012 to 2013. Howard’s rebounding is in part facilitated by his extraordinary athleticism; his running vertical leap was tested at 39.5 inches in 2011, rare for a player of his size (6’11”). He demonstrated this skill in the 2007 Slam Dunk Contest, where he completed an alley oop dunk from teammate Jameer Nelson while slapping a sticker onto the backboard at 12 ft 6 in (3.81 m) high. The sticker showed an image of his own smiling face with a handwritten “All things through Christ Phil: 4:13,” a paraphrase of Philippians 4:13. Howard’s leaping reach of 12 ft 6 in (3.81 m) is the highest documented in NBA history, 1 inch (2.5 cm) higher than Shaquille O’Neal’s previous record of 12 ft 5 in (3.78 m). As of April 2013, Howard’s career average of 12.9 rebounds per game (in the regular season) ranked 12th in NBA history.

Howard’s abilities and powerful physique have drawn attention from fellow NBA All-Stars. Tim Duncan once remarked in 2007: “[Howard] is so developed… He has so much promise and I am glad that I will be out of the league when he is peaking.” Kevin Garnett echoed those sentiments: “[Howard] is a freak of nature, man… I was nowhere near that physically talented. I wasn’t that gifted, as far as body and physical presence.” Subsequent to a game in the 2009 NBA Playoffs, Philadelphia 76ers swingman Andre Iguodala said: “It’s like he can guard two guys at once. He can guard his guy and the guy coming off the pick-and-roll, which is almost impossible to do… If he gets any more athletic or jumps any higher, they’re going to have to change the rules.” As early as December 2007, ESPN writer David Thorpe declared Howard to be the most dominant center in the NBA.

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