________________________________________________________________________

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA FCA NEWSLETTER September 4, 2002

JOHN CROYLE, ORPHAN HOME FOUNDER & FORMER TIDE STAR,

IS TONIGHT’S FCA SPEAKER AT 9 O’CLOCK

He is tall at 6-5. More so, he stands tall in the eyes of men and of God. When you have taken in 1500 orphaned and abused children over the past 28 years and given them a chance, you have fulfilled a divine calling.

That’s what John accepted while playing football for Alabama and Coach Paul Bryant in the early ‘70’s. While sitting in Paul Bryant Hall athletic dormitory, John would tell his teammates that he was going to start an orphan’s home for boys when he graduated. Some laughed and doubted the dream that God had implanted in his heart.

Twenty-eight years later, 1500 unwanted children have found a home at John’s Big Oak Ranch for boys and a separate ranch for girls formed several years ago. His story has been told in Reader’s Digest, Sports Illustrated, People Magazine and all the network morning shows from New York and numerous other media outlets.

Each year at FCA, our students are captivated by his stories, quick wit, humor and heartwarming but directly challenging words. John is a straight shooter. He wastes no time in front of an audience and his words always encourage and inspire.

If you are looking for a role model and one who can give good advice and direction, come hear John tonight. FCA meets at 9 at the College Annex, one block from Bryant-Denny Stadium, across from the Calvary Baptist Church.

THOUGHTS

“Everybody should have a dream”…Jesse Owens, Olympic champion

“When you want something you have never had, you have got to do something you have never done”…Honor Books

“In this world of give and take, there are not enough people willing to give what it takes”…Marine lieutenant Clebe McClary

“In this world no matter where or when, it always comes down to one thing…How much does it cost? Money, time, sacrifice, commitment”…Ben Haden

“The whole idea is to somehow get an edge. Sometimes it takes just a little extra something to get that edge, but you have to have it”…Don Shula, former NFL coach

“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all the strategies and tricks of the Devil”…Ephesians 6:11