Rams players Billy Bajema and Chris Chamberlain visit with FHN’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes to share their stories of faith and how it has affected them on a personal level.
school and college,” Billy said. “Number two, it’s provided an opportunity to use the platform of football as an influence and as I got older, talking to younger FCA groups and telling them how Jesus has been an impact in my life.” Susanna thanks Billy and introduces Chris to the crowd. “... And you guys know that 83 yard interception at the very last second of the game last year? That was Chris.” “I didn’t score a touch down so it didn’t count for anything, not even a big deal,” Chris says. Chris also became involved with FCA at his junior high, Bethany Junior High, in Oklahoma City. Chris opens his bible and reads a verse that has inspired him and Billy to start a Christ based youth football camp. “‘Do not know that in a race, all the runners run but only one gets the prize. Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training, they do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly, I do not fight like a man fighting air, no I beat my body and I make it my slave so that after I’ve preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.’ 1Corinthians 9:24-27 “This verse is telling us, as athletes, that God wants us to go at it with 100 percent, he wants us to give it our best, he wants us to do everything and glorify him. It doesn’t say we have to win, it doesn’t say we need to win, but we need to glorify him with how we play, compete, do our homework. I feel like it’s the same way with our spiritual lives.” Being involved with FCA has encouraged Billy to get up and share his story and hopefully have an impact on students. “I was excited about getting up and sharing my story and give a couple of small tips about standing up for what they believe in,” Billy said. “It made me, looking back on what it has done in my life, want to share with other students about what I know.” Susanna looks up to Billy and Chris, not only as family friends but as role models in being open in sharing her beliefs. “It’s just really cool to hear that we’re not the
Chris Chamberlain
only ones living out our faith,” Susanna said. After Billy’s testimony, Chris and Billy take seats 17 and 19 of row one of the auditorium while a younger guy in a long t-shirt and jeans takes the stage. His name is Shawn Barley and he’s the pastor of Bridge of Faith church. Because he has lost his voice he will be saying the prayer inside through the microphone instead of outside on the field like the original plan. “Maybe some people in this room don’t know you, and Lord I pray right now that in the name of Jesus that you would draw them close to you. Use the testimonies they’ve already heard to speak to their hearts and may they find love and forgiveness... And all gods people said...” “AMEN!” Everyone gathers their belongings and heads towards the field outside. 76 people huddled in a circle, one of them being Billy. “Dear Lord...” “Lord Heavenly Father...” “Please pray for...” 76 different prayers were said out loud or kept inside. Billy’s turn. “Dear Lord, thank you for this evening. Please keep these students in your heart and keep your heart in theirs...” Back to the field, back to the struggles and back to sharing their story with others. Billy and Chris left with that much more faith, not only in God but in the FCA program. “I admired their courage to get up and tell everyone about a struggle in their life and how they overcame it,” Jake said. page by abbey grone
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