The Faith of a Team

I am very proud to be a part of the Montreat College men's basketball team. Watch the video below to see members of our team, coaches, and some action photos from games. I've talked alot about integrating faith in my blog and our basketball team strives to do that on a daily basis, in the classroom and on the basketball court. I am so thankful to be a part of this team, to have a God-loving coach, and to be here at Montreat College where I can strengthen my walk with Christ every day. I hope you enjoy the video!

Basketball Student-Athletes on Faith

I recently asked some of our men and women's basketball players in their opinion, how successful is Montreat College in integrating faith into the classroom and on the field of competiton. Here are some of their responses:

• Montreat has been extremely efficient in their efforts of incorporating faith into every aspect of the schooling process; classes, athletics, extracurricular activies, etc.



• I don't think Montreat has been successsful as it should be at integrating faith in the classroom. In some classes it is easier than others.



• I believe Montreat has done a great job integrating faith in the classroom as well as on teh court and in the community.



• We pray before classes and pray after games. Convo and chapel help integrate faith as well.



• In basketball we do daily devotions and prayer.

I also asked what does being a Christian athlete mean to them. Here are some responses.

• For me, it means God first in everything you do, people second, and me last.
• I can show what being a Christian means by howI act on and off the court. Also, when I am struggling with something, God is always there to turn to for help.
• Being a Christian athlete means that I am held at a higher level on the court and constantly need to uphold the reputation of my team.
• It means to put God and my relationship with him first and represent him while being an athlete.
• It is an high honor to represent God in my playing ability.
• It means no matter what I do, I can praise the Lord.
• Being a Christian athlete is a way for me to live out my faith, while growing with my teammates and learning more about the nature of God day to day.

God's Beauty

Charities & Technology

The purpose of this blog was to show a connection with technology and faith. Charities around the world have taken advantage of the benefits of technology by implementing technology within their charitable business to improve operations, donations, and even public relations. I have posted two posts showing how two charities, Salvation Army and invisible children are currently using all sorts of technology to spread the word on their specific causes.

Only one in 10 Americans has complete confidence in charitable organizations because they don't know where their money goes. Technology is the future of that missing link between accountability between charities and donors. This is going to be the new standard for how people give.

In a Computer World article, Heather Havenstein discusses how charities now use "widgets," small, single purpose Web applications to improve their services. The article identified Operation Kids, an organization use now uses widgets to provide streaming video and photos of its New Orleans projects and an explanation of each project's goals. The first widget, which was jointly developed by technology firms MediaForge and Cobalt Communications Group, can be used by viewers to donate to Operation Kids.

Users can also download the widget and embed it in their own Web site or social network to raise money for the charity. I have published a post for the Salvation Army Online Red Kettle program which used a widget to show the progress of donations to my kettle.

Accountablity and efficiency have become important criteria for many charities in light of questions of how donated relief dollars were spent during recent disasters. Rick Larsen, co-founder of Operation Kids says, "We can use the technology both as a donation solicitor and a fully interactive communication process to say, 'Here is where your money went, and here is streaming video or a picture of the people you affected.' People can become their own fundraisers -- they can set a fund-raising goal in their online community."

The organization plans to use the widgets to provide before and after photos of the various projects it has undertaken in New Orleans. They include the repair of a damaged day care center and a decimated playground at a charter school of science and math.

While the organization is using New Orleans as a testbed for the widget, its use of the technology has already gone so well that it already plans to apply it to other projects to help provide accountability craved by donors, Larsen added.

Give A Book Save A Life

On December 9-11, our Montreat College Bookstore is hosting a book drive for the charitable organization Invisible Children. Invisible Children is a non-profit organization created by three young filmmakers to help pring peace to northern Uganda. I really believe it is important during this time of year to remember what is important. What a great way to show the true Christmas spirit, by becoming involved in a worthy charity. Each of us has a heart or passion for something. It may be children, homeless, or even animals. The most important thing is to show your support and become involved. Here is a little more about invisible children.



In the spring of 2003, three young filmmakers traveled to Africa in search of a story. What started out as a filmmaking adventure transformed into much more when these boys from Southern California discovered a tragedy that disgusted and inspired them, a tragedy where children are both the weapons and the victims.

After returning to the States, they created the documentary "Invisible Children: Rough Cut," a film that exposes the tragic realities of northern Uganda.s night commuters and child soldiers.

The film was originally shown to friends and family, but has now been seen by millions of people. The overwhelming response has been, "How can I help?" To answer this question, the non-profit Invisible Children, Inc. was created, giving compassionate individuals an effective way to respond to the situation.

Who We Are
We are storytellers. We are visionaries, humanitarians, artists, and entrepreneurs. We are individuals part of a generation eager for change and willing to pursue it.

As a non-profit we work to transform apathy into activism. By documenting the lives of those living in regions of conflict and injustice, we hope to educate and inspire individuals in the Western world to use their unique voice for change. Our media creates an opportunity for people to become part of a grassroots movement that intelligently responds to what.s happening in the world.

But our work extends beyond our borders. In war-affected regions we focus on long-term development, working directly with individuals and institutions that are eager to realize their full potential. Through education and innovative economic opportunities, we partner with affected communities and strive to improve the quality of life for individuals living in conflict and post-conflict regions.

How We Make a Difference
Our approach to humanitarian work is founded in the strength and intelligence of the Ugandan community. We learned early on it was not only important but essential to heed the wisdom of people that had not only lived in the war, but were surviving it. People who would know better than anyone what the greatest needs were and the best ways to meet them. What we came to find is that while there have been many efforts to address the issues that stem from living and fighting in such a long-lasting war, the people of Uganda are asking for a future beyond the conflict.

Their pleas have become our development strategy.

All of our programming is a partnership between those of us at Invisible Children and those in the Ugandan community. We focus on long-term goals that enable children to take responsibility for their future and the future of their country. Our programs are carefully researched and developed initiatives that address the need for quality education, mentorships, the redevelopment of schools, resettlement from the camps, and financial stability.

Ringing the Virtual Bell

You see the red kettles on the streets, now Salvation Army has created a way for people to give online with the Online Red Kettle. This a great way of charitable organizations using technology to help spread their faith and their purpose.

So, I have created my own online red kettle for others to give. So, I challenge each of you to give a little to help a great cause. I have it set up as a gadget over on the right hand side of my blog. Why not make Christmas a little brighter for those less fortunate.

Salvation Army was founded as an evangelical organization dedicated to bringing people into a meaningful relationship with God through Christ. Its doctrinal basis is that of the Wesleyan-Arminian tradition. It is composed of persons who are united by the love of God and man, and who share the common purpose of bringing others to Jesus Christ. The word salvation indicates the overall purpose of the organization—to motivate all people to embrace the salvation provided to them in Christ.

Ministry versus Integration

After reading Culbertson's article "A New Rallying Cry" I would have to disagree with some of his points. In any field, even education, marketing is very important. I can't help to think Culbertson's "call" is more of a marketing strategy. I believe if integration to faith and learning has failed, it is due to professors AND students. For many students, myself included, they need to be ENGAGED in the classroom by the professor and KNOW how to integrate faith and learning. When I came to Montreat College, the idea of integrating faith and learning was new to me. I will admit I probably wouldn't call myself a Christian scholar as Culbertson points out, but I feel like I am on my way in understanding this concept better.

Culbertson is a professor of missions at Southern Nazarene, which is "why" he probably puts the emphasis on "ministry" in his new slogan idea. He sees that the integration of faith and learning doesn't go far enough. Missions and hands-on experience needs to be a part of the integration. You can read more about Culbertson's mission work at http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/.

My second point, is that it seems that Culbertson's call for Ministry Across Curriculum related more with professors than students. In all of his points, he emphasizes the role of the professors instead of the student. Where does the student's role in this "new cry" fit? I like the idea of integrating faith and learning because it puts the responsibility on the professor and the student.

I do like the author's point about not treating faith and learning as equal parts. Sometimes I think if viewed my learning as important as my faith I would do better in the classroom! Many people to put faith as their center, which don't get me wrong is good. But, can you imagine if students valued their education as much as their faith what impact that would have on their engagement in class, academic faithfulness, and their GPA!

I do like the word "ministry" and what it could mean for students. I think we should see our education as part of a ministry. One of Culbertson's questions is "What would it look like?" I don't know how students would "live" out the curriculum part. Using the word curriculum almost seems tied to the classroom, while integrating faith and learning could be applied to the classroom, the community, athletics, and other extracurricular activities. Using the word curriculum almost seems smaller in perspective. Even though I like the word ministry, it may need to be described more in detail for those students who are not deep in their faith.

I like what Robert Harris said in his article related to integration of faith and learning. "Christians must be intentional about making the connections between their faith and the knowledge claims they encounter and careful to keep the Biblical framework in the foreground as the structuring principle of truth. Finally, why even make this change? I don't think changing the "slogan" is going to change anything. To make any slogan or idea work you have to have the people behind it believe in it. Why would professors do anything different with this new slogan? Yeah, Culbertson makes some good points, but the bottom line is there has to be a change in professors and students' hearts and minds about making this ministry and integration a priority. If you don't do that, no fancy slogan will make a difference.

A Coach's Integration of Faith

There is a lot of discussion of how professors integrate faith into learning, but what about college athletics? In the sports world, you hear a lot about scandal, low GPA, and how athletics is more important than school. What about Montreat? How well do our coaches integrate faith into their sport. I asked my head basketball coach, Bill Robinson to give his testimony on how he integrates faith onto the basketball court and why it is important for him to take this action.

There are many ways to integrate your faith into an athletic team. We do daily devotions, quotes or scriptures of the day. Team devotions or specific times to go to church together are also an option. One concept I really like is to be able to tithe practice time. If you have 120 minute practice, take 10% (12 min) and have discussions, prayer or a devotional to focus things. The big thing for me is to be ‘real’. I want my players to know that I am human and that I struggle with the same things that they do. I am in no way better than they are but I’ve made a commitment to be a Christ-follower and that it is a daily walk.

Athletics presents “teachable” moments where you can use real life situations to teach the lessons that are important.

Give Thanks

"In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God ..."(1 Thessalonians 5:18)

As I go home for Thanksgiving break, it is easy to miss the meaning of this important holiday. With Christmas decorations, carols, and retail mania already happening, many people forget or maybe just bypass the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

We are commanded by God to "give thanks." Why, is it important for us to give thanks? For many of us, me including, we get wrapped in our everyday "stuff" and sometimes forget to thank God for what we do have. As stated in the previous articles, it is important to acknowledge God in the good times as well as when our prayers are not answered. In reading those points, it is important to also be thankful in those moments as well.

Reflection on 3rd Article

My third reflection is on another article written by Robert Harris on integrating faith and learning. Most important is his point of reading and understanding the Bible. Doing this will allow one to "connect knowledge" as Harris points out and to also do the faith and integration assumptions listed on page three of the article. Without understanding the Bible and understanding your own worldview, your convictions, morals, values...what you believe in, one cannot understand that all truth is God's truth and to help make differences with secular and Christian education. The hard part in understanding the Bible is all the different interpretations there are...hence all the denominations that we have today. So, my question is what interpretation is correct? What denominations speaks the Biblical "truth"? For example, the Biblical truth on alcohol or the truth on interracial dating?

Little About Me

Yeah...I know I have a profile, but I thought you might enjoy knowing a little more about me...Brian.

I was born in Gastonia, NC on November 23, 1983 to Randy and Gloria Adams. I have two brothers, Randy and Chucky. I have a little niece who thinks she is "hot stuff"... Sanaa.

I love basketball!! You can check out more about me on my Cavalier bio page at http://www.montreatcavaliers.com/.

I hope you are enjoying my blog and are looking forward to more posts! Let me know what you think and check out my poll!

Basketball Upsets Milligan at Home

Last Wednesday, the men's basketball team had their first conference game of the year. Coming in to the game, the Cavs knew it was an important game against Milligan, one that could potentially decide AAC Champs.

The game was a close battle all the way through. With less than two minutes left in the game, with the game tied, a missed shot from MJ Njoku led to a tip in my Seth Moore, for the Cavs to go up by two. Then a steal by Terrell Mosley aka "Smooth" on a Milligan in bounds led to a quick two. Montreat led by four with about a minute left. Montreat would hold to the lead for a 84-79 win.

Don't Put Faith In A Box

Robert Harris' article on The Integration of Faith and Learning is a good read along with Dockery's previous article. They both explain the importance of integrating your faith with your learning. Harris' article deals more with practical, day-to-day information. The information in the article strengthened what I know and undertand regarding faith integration and challenged my faith and daily walk with God.

Some points that spoke to me were:

1. "The more solidly rational and educated is the support for the faith, the stronger the faith will be and the more powerful the witness will be to an increasingly educated, skeptical, seeking, needy world. "

Harris points out the true reality we live in every day. There are non-believers and skeptics even here on Montreat's campus. It is important to understand why I believe what I believe and be able to communicate this truth with others.

2. "Without integration, the students will risk compartmentalizing their faith, putting it in a box separate from their intellectual and working life. At the worst, the faith will become merely an emotional outlet, with God becoming a vending machine: put in a prayer and get out a blessing."

This is definitely true for me. When God answers my prayers, all is good and it's joy, joy, joy. When God doesn't answer my prayers, I feel like he doesn't care and I turn my back.

3. "Lifelong Integration...Integration is a process, that must take place every day, because we are presented with new claims, new facts, new interpretations every day."

It is not always easy to work at something every day, but Harris points out that faith integration is worth it. This article influenced me in a positive way. Harris points of emphasis are great examples of practical daily things I can do to strenghen my faith and walk with Christ. I need to integrate my faith in my education so I can be a better disciple. I need to be grateful for my answered and unanswered prayers, and that all this is not going to happen overnight, but it will take time. As a believer, I have to make that commitment.

Reflection on Dr. Dockery's Article

Dr. Dockery's article titled "Integrating Faith & Learning in Higher Education" describes the history of colleges and universities and how over time the integration of faith and learning has become separated from the curriculum of many of American colleges and universities.

Montreat College is a Christ-centered, liberal arts college. For me, Montreat is my first experience in a Christian atmosphere. I never realized how important injecting faith into my every aspect of my daily life is important, not only for me personally, but to grow my relationship with Christ.

Dockery discusses the importance of a Christian worldview. Creating a worldview with a Christian perspective was totally new to me when I arrived on campus. But, with each class I understand how important it is to look at the world with a Christian heart, mind, and soul. I know my worldview is not perfect, but I only hope it is growing towards a Christian perspective everyday. The decisions I make everyday does affect my worldview in a positive or negative way. The important thing is for to realize the decisions I make in light of my worldview.

Dockery speaks of a famous statement by Bernard of Clairveaux. In that statement, he describes why students seek knowledge. In other words, why go to school, why go to college? His first two reasons are primarily for self-purpose. However, the third reason is specifically to seek knowledge to serve others. Montreat, through it's faith integration in the classroom, works to help us, including me to understand why I am here at Montreat. Part of my education is of course to get a job, a career, a vocation. However, it is important to also seek knowledge and a vocation where I am serving others. My hope is that with my major in Human Services, I will be prepared to go out and use my knowledge, my worldview, and Montreat experience to help others.

Being a part of the basketball team has only encouraged the development of my Christian worldview. Coach Robinson has been a great influence on me in helping me grow as a man, a student, and most of all a Christian.

Dockery's article is a great, easy read to help students reflect on why a Christian education is very important. His section on the history of universities is helpful in understanding how we got to the point we are in today's society with education.