lives
NATHAN McCONNELL
My name is Nathan McConnell and I have been a Christian for the past 4 years. As my father worked in a church, I had always heard about Jesus and what he had done for me, by dying on a cross. However, my goal in life from an early age was not to follow Jesus but to follow a career in football. Football was the number one in my life and everything else came second. From the ages of 9 -16, I played for various youth football teams hoping to become a professional footballer. I finally got the opportunity to fulfil this dream two weeks after my 17 birthday, when I was offered a contract by St Johnstone F.C in Scotland. I left home and proceeded to follow my dream. However, things did not turn out how I had expected. After a serious injury and drop in form I was released and had to return home to play in the Irish league.
Before my debut for an Irish league team two players asked me if I wanted to attend a bible study for sports people. It was at this study where my life changed dramatically. After seeing fellow professionals putting Jesus first and football second I knew that I had got the meaning of life all wrong. From that night I realised that because Jesus had died on the cross for my sin (and everyone else's), I needed to put him first and everything else second. My goal now is not to follow my own desires and plans but to follow God's plan for my life.