Football player for the Edmonton Eskimos James Franklin will visit Sylvan Lake April 8-10.
During his visit he will speak on Friday at 7 p.m. to youth in Grades 7 to 12.
On Saturday, James will speak at a men’s breakfast starting at 8:30 a.m. After breakfast there will be a chance for the audience to ask him questions.
Both events will be held at the Gospel Chapel. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the church.
Saturday afternoon a football clinic and meet and greet will be held at H.J. Cody School from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. for football players ages eight and over. People are asked to bring a donation for the food bank.
These events will give men in the community the chance to socialize and mingle with each other.
“It’s an opportunity for men in the town to be celebrated because sometimes they get over looked,” said Gospel Chapel youth pastor Jules Fletcher.
Football is a beloved sport. Bringing in a football player who is a solid and down to earth guy with a strong love for the Lord is a perfect idea he explained.
Fletcher said the football player grew up as a pastor’s son and understands what believing in Christ is all about.
“James loves health, fitness and Jesus,” Fletcher said. “It’s a practical way to reach anybody.”
James is someone who the men can look up to as their role models.
Fletcher said James is a professional athlete who has the ability to say he has a relationship with Christ.
“He is brave enough to say ‘I have a real relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ’,” Fletcher said.
The best part of this event might be the fact that James has taken time out of his busy schedule to visit Sylvan Lake, especially during training season.
“He is willing to take three days which is unheard of to come to a little town in Alberta and speak and encourage people in Grade 7 to grown men, that willingness is huge,” Fletcher said.
For more information contact Fletcher at (403) 887-2004.
reporter@sylvanlakenews.com