At age 13, I knew I wanted to be a football coach. From then through the present, I’ve never doubted, never wavered in that desire.
All my coaches, in all sports, from junior high to college have had a positive influence on me, both in the teaching of carryover values (ex.: excellence in preparation, organization and planning, hard work, stewardship of gifts and talents, personal relationships, respect for the dignity of others, teamwork, etc., etc.). Soon after becoming a student assistant football coach at DePauw University, and later as a graduate assistant football coach at Oklahoma State University, I began to realize more fully the opportunity God gives coaches for generational transfer (passing on the purposes and ways of God to future generations).
However, after 23 years of serving as a full-time football coach in Texas public schools, the last 17 as both an Athletic Director and Head Football Coach, God called me to become a full-time missionary as the Head Football Coach in the Sports Division of Christian Outreach International (COI). The job description was made in heaven just for me. I have ministered to coaches and players in North America as I recruit them to participate in our ministry. Then for many summers we shared Jesus with many people in many foreign countries as our COI sports teams competed against secular teams in those same countries. Relationships developed on mission trips with COI coaches and players give me many on-going opportunities for generational transfer after we return to the U.S.
August 1, 2013, was my 19th anniversary as a full-time missionary with COI, serving in the Sports Division and the last 5 years in the Disaster Relief Division. In future blogs I will share highlights from some of our COI mission trips. Experience for yourself the many blessings of furthering The Kingdom of God through a COI mission trip. You will not regret it as we both continue to serve . . .
Trent Detamore