Jonathon Barnes

Our 2002 "Coaches Award" winner didn't actually play a single down of football, yet no one doubted that Jonathon Barnes was the perfect choice! Jonathon, a Tree of Life senior, joined Crusaders for what would be his first year of football. Jon played basketball and baseball at Tree, and was eager to give football a try. Unfortunately a broken ankle would never heal enough during the football season to grant Jon medical clearance to play.

"Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." (2 Corinthians 12:9b) As Paul points out, God often uses physical challenges in order to display His power. When you wonder why God would choose to keep Jonathon off the football field with this injury, it would not appear to be for the same reason Paul felt he had his own "thorn in the flesh" which was to humble him (Paul). Jon has a humble spirit and has, in the words of a classmate (Matt Shonkwiler), "the respect of all who know him." So why Jonathon? We may not know all the answers this side of heaven, but we do know the effect Jon's example had on his team. David Schaefer states, "Jonathon kept his hopes up, every day wearing his helmet and shoulder pads. He truly wanted to play and now that I'm faced with a similar situation, I think about his example. Jonathon is a great example of character, integrity and work ethic."

Jonathon lived out the truth of Jesus' words, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9a) "It was encouraging to see him day after day at practice. Especially after it was obvious he wouldn't play at all, yet he kept coming." It's clear this quote by Kellen Hayes reflects the impression Jonathon left behind.

Jonathon is going to Cincinnati Bible College and Seminary where he will study to be a Children's Pastor. Our prayers go with him, and we STILL thank God for Jonathon Barnes!